What’s better than a road trip? A road trip in spring! I prefer having a road trip in spring than summer or winter as the weather is often milder. Not to mention, I can enjoy the views as everything is starting to bloom and come alive. However, are you worried about restless passengers during your trip? Fear not, as the best crossword puzzles for spring are here to keep everyone entertained mile after mile. These crossword puzzles are a nice way to relax and test the knowledge of the passenger princesses and princes. From themed puzzles to brain-boosting challenges for all ages, the following are my favorite. So, buckle up, grab your pencil, and let the wordplay begin!
While we’re at it, you may also want to read our specially curated lists of the best coolers and snacks for road trips.
Table of contents
- Cozy Sunday Crosswords by Stanley Newman
- 101 Fun Crossword Puzzles for Kids by Jennifer L. Trace
- Simon & Schuster Mega Crossword Puzzle Book #23
- 3-in-1 Crossword Puzzles Book by Puzzle Time Publisher
- Funster Crossword Puzzle Book for Adults: 101 Large-Print Easy Puzzles
- Pocket Posh New Crosswords 1 by The Puzzle Society
- Ultimate Crossword Puzzles for Adults by Madison Fashoni
- Hard as a Rock Crosswords: Super Hard by Stanley Newman
- Senior Activity Book RV ROAD TRIP Vol. 1 by Word Jaunt
- The New York Times Greatest Hits of Monday Crossword Puzzles: 100 Easy Puzzles
- Brain Games – Large Print Crossword Puzzles
- USA Today Crossword: 200 Puzzles Vol.2
- Weekend Road Trip Crosswords by Stanley Newman
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Crossword Puzzles
- How do crossword puzzles help with learning?
- Do crossword puzzles help memory?
- How do you improve your crossword skills?
Cozy Sunday Crosswords by Stanley Newman
13
Kicking off this list is the Cozy Sunday Crosswords by Stanley Newman. This book offers a delightful collection of themed Sunday-size crosswords perfect for puzzlers of all skill levels. After trying out some puzzles, I can say that they’re challenging enough to keep things fun but not overly difficult that you want to rip the book. It’s the perfect pick for a leisurely Sunday morning solve. Plus, the themes are varied and interesting, keeping things fresh.
Since the crossword puzzles are edited by Stanley Newman, you don’t have to question the quality. Plus, the book offers a mix of easy, medium, and hard puzzles, so there’s something for everyone. Knowing its content and quality, I thought the book was on the pricier side. Thankfully, I was wrong. It’s less than 10 USD and offers endless fun for road trips.
Pros
- The large format makes the solving experience more enjoyable.
- The crosswords are available in three different levels.
- Reasonably priced, it’s a great value for the money.
Cons
- The black-and-white format might be boring for some people.
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101 Fun Crossword Puzzles for Kids by Jennifer L. Trace
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Best for Kids. Taking your kid on a spring road trip can be fun. However, letting them watch YouTube for hours isn’t the solution to keeping them still while you’re driving. Enter 101 Fun Crossword Puzzles for Kids by Jennifer L. Trace. With 101 puzzles categorized into three difficulty levels, this engaging book will spark your child’s curiosity and improve their spelling skills, all while providing endless fun.
When I first saw this book, I knew it was going to be a hit among kids because of its visually appealing design. After reading the content, I really saluted the author as they used age-appropriate vocabulary. Best of all, the bonus challenges at the end add an extra layer of excitement for those little puzzle masters. With its engaging content and kid-friendly format, this book will surely become a favorite for kids and parents. But if you have older kids, you may want to check these classic books for teens to read.
Pros
- This book is created by native English writers.
- There are three different levels to choose from, which include easy, medium, and hard.
- Suitable for kids ages 6 to 10.
Cons
- Some kids may find the puzzles too easy.
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Simon & Schuster Mega Crossword Puzzle Book #23
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Another option that I want to recommend is the Simon & Schuster Mega Crossword Puzzle Book #23. If what you want is a hefty dose of exciting crossword puzzles with different difficulties, this may be your cup of tea. With 300 puzzles, this book can easily keep road trippers busy for hours. I’m a crossword novice, but even so, I was able to enjoy the hard puzzles. I wasn’t able to solve all of them, but the trivia-based questions were all interesting.
What’s more, this book is designed with convenience in mind. The perforated pages let you tear out individual puzzles, making them perfect for taking with you on commutes or wherever your day takes you. Furthermore, the large print grids ensure comfortable solving. Since I have a less-than-perfect vision, I found this book to be easy on my eyes. Learn more about this book on its official page!
Pros
- The book is edited by renowned puzzle master John M. Samson.
- It’s a nice choice for both novice and expert crossword enthusiasts.
- It has 300 interesting crossword puzzles to solve.
Cons
- It lacks themed puzzles.
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3-in-1 Crossword Puzzles Book by Puzzle Time Publisher
10
Who is the 3-in-1 Crossword Puzzles Book by Puzzle Time Publisher for? Well, the answer is everyone. Divided into three difficulty levels, the book boasts a total of 120 crossword puzzles, providing ample challenge for both beginners and seasoned puzzlers. Each puzzle features over 74 clues, and they helped me a lot when I tried to solve some difficult puzzles.
Another thing worth mentioning is its extra large print format and clear layout. With this design, I was able to enjoy solving the puzzles without any confusion. Of course, I had to peek at the answers at the back of the book for the harder ones. Plus, with 279 pages, this book offers more than enough content for road trip enthusiasts, making it a great value for the price.
Pros
- There are 40 puzzles each for easy, medium, and hard difficulty.
- There are a total of 120 puzzles to keep you busy.
- The questions are non-repetitive.
Cons
- If you enjoy thematic puzzles, this might not be for you.
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Funster Crossword Puzzle Book for Adults: 101 Large-Print Easy Puzzles
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For a gentle way to keep your mind sharp and have some fun while on the road, check out the Funster Crossword Puzzle Book for Adults: 101 Large-Print Easy Puzzles. This 101-crossword book offers a satisfying challenge without the frustration of overly difficult clues. This is the perfect option for someone looking for a laid-back experience like me. Plus, with large-print grids and clear fonts, I was able to fill in my answers easily.
Speaking of which, no more cramming letters into tiny squares. My handwriting is huge, so I appreciated the generous size of the grid. Moreover, the book includes free downloadable word searches and sudoku puzzles, too, offering extra variety and keeping the fun going even after you’ve conquered the crosswords. Don’t worry; it doesn’t cost you a lot.
Pros
- It’s written by a best-selling puzzle book author.
- The crosswords are easy enough to solve by beginners.
- The oversized grids make it easy to write the answers.
Cons
- It may not be challenging enough for some people.
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Pocket Posh New Crosswords 1 by The Puzzle Society
8
Best Digital. If you have Kindle Scribe, this should be your go-to crossword. With the Pocket Posh New Crosswords 1 by The Puzzle Society, you don’t have to deal with papers anymore. It’s the perfect choice for experienced puzzlers seeking a portable challenge. The puzzles have a good balance between being accessible and engaging, suitable for experienced solvers. With over 50 puzzles, this crossword collection offers enough content for hours of entertainment.
Though the puzzles aren’t as hard as NY Times Sunday crosswords, they’re still tough. When I tried solving some of the puzzles, I found myself scratching my head a few times. Don’t worry, though, as they’re still doable. Plus, there’s an answer key. So, if you’re stuck and need to solve a puzzle that badly, you can always check out the answer. For more things digital, check out these best audiobooks for road trips.
Pros
- This digital puzzle collection is great for travel.
- It’s part of a bestselling series.
- It’s a nice option for those who prefer something more challenging.
Cons
- The puzzles may be a bit too difficult for beginners.
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Ultimate Crossword Puzzles for Adults by Madison Fashoni
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The Ultimate Crossword Puzzles for Adults by Madison Fashoni is another crossword puzzle about spring that caters to different skill levels. This book features separate sections for both easy and hard puzzles, offering a challenge for everyone. I found the easy puzzles to be beginner-friendly, and the hard ones, indeed, are challenging but still enjoyable. It’s a win-win for everyone!
No more squinting your eyes. Thanks to the large 8.5×11-inch print format, this book is both clear and easy to read. Plus, with 100 puzzles included, it’ll provide hours of engaging entertainment while you’re on the road. Also, can we talk about the clues? Since the clue mentions the answer’s word length, they helped me to solve some of the harder puzzles.
Pros
- This is a nice crossword book for people of all skill levels.
- You can find the answer key at the back of the book.
- The large print format is easier on the eyes.
Cons
- With 100 puzzles, there’s a chance some clues or answers might be reused.
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Hard as a Rock Crosswords: Super Hard by Stanley Newman
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Best for Experienced Solvers. The Hard as a Rock Crosswords: Super Hard by Stanley Newman is the perfect option for puzzle enthusiasts with nerves of steel. This isn’t your typical crossword collection. It’s a gauntlet thrown down by some of the country’s top puzzle makers, designed to test the limits of your wordplay prowess. I tried solving some of the puzzles, and they were extremely hard. They made me question my brain!
All of the 72 themeless 15×15 grids are fiendishly tricky. Even the clues are masters of disguise, having you second-guessing yourself at every turn. But that’s where the fun lies. This puzzle helps to push you to your limits while still being immensely enjoyable. Each solved clue is a mini-victory, a testament to your vocabulary and puzzle-solving skills. For more information about this book, click here!
Pros
- There’s an answer key at the back if you need help.
- It’s a challenging and fun option for seasoned puzzlers.
- This crossword book is cheap.
Cons
- It’s not for beginners.
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Senior Activity Book RV ROAD TRIP Vol. 1 by Word Jaunt
5
Best for Senior Travelers. Calling all senior roadtrippers and adventurers! The Senior Activity Book RV ROAD TRIP Vol. 1 by Word Jaunt is your ticket to a fun-filled journey across America, all from the comfort of your car. Unlike some crossword puzzles, this book doesn’t only offer crossword. When I first found out about this book, I was amazed. Yep, this book offers a diverse selection of brain-teasing games, including word searches, Sudoku, and many more.
With over 200 pages, this book offers something for everyone. Difficulty levels range from easy to challenging, ensuring you’re never bored. What’s more, the activities cleverly link together, requiring you to recall information from previous sections, keeping your mind engaged. Most importantly, I found no blurry fonts or typos in the book. It boasts a large print on thick, quality paper.
Pros
- The answer key is conveniently located at the back, making it easy to check your work.
- It’s a great choice for seniors looking for mentally stimulating activities.
- It helps keep your brain sharp by testing your memory.
Cons
- Some of the puzzles may be too easy.
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The New York Times Greatest Hits of Monday Crossword Puzzles: 100 Easy Puzzles
4
Best for Beginners. Not everyone loves super hard challenges. If you’re someone like me who loves a relaxing challenge, then this book is for you. The New York Times Greatest Hits of Monday Crossword Puzzles: 100 Easy Puzzles is a nice choice for beginner crossword lovers. When trying the puzzles, I appreciated the straightforward clues. They were really helpful, and the vocabulary was common, too.
“This crossword book was everything I could’ve wished for and more. They were easy enough for me to solve but were far from boring.”
WOW Travel
Even though they’re easy, the puzzles still offered me enough diversity in themes and clues to keep things interesting. I didn’t find myself feeling repetitive as I progressed through the book. Plus, having the curation of Will Shortz, a renowned crossword editor, ensures the puzzles are really well-constructed and enjoyable to solve.
Pros
- The paperback format makes it perfect for road trips.
- There are 100 puzzles, which should be enough for most.
- Perfect for beginners.
Cons
- Limited challenge for experienced solvers.
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Brain Games – Large Print Crossword Puzzles
3
If you’re searching for crossword puzzles for spring road trips that won’t strain your eyes, the Brain Games – Large Print Crossword Puzzles may be the perfect match. Packed with over 80 puzzles, this spiral-bound book offers a variety of topics to keep you engaged. When I tried solving the puzzles, I noticed there were many interesting references. From pop culture to historical references, there are so many compelling facts to learn.
New to the world of crossword? Don’t worry! With varying difficulty levels, the puzzles are designed to cater to both seasoned puzzlers and crossword newbies. Hit a wall on a clue? A handy answer key in the back lets you peek without spoiling the entire puzzle. This book kept me hooked for quite some time, and I’m sure you’ll have fun with it on your upcoming road trip.
Pros
- With a large print, you don’t have to squint anymore.
- It’s convenient and portable to bring around.
- There are many different difficulty levels.
Cons
- Avid crossword solvers may find the puzzles too easy.
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USA Today Crossword: 200 Puzzles Vol.2
2
If you’re a fan of USA Today newspaper and love its crossword puzzles, then this book is for you. The USA Today Crossword: 200 Puzzles Vol.2 is a compilation of the newspaper’s crosswords. It offers a brain-stimulating challenge for puzzle enthusiasts of all skill levels. I tried solving some of the crosswords, and they were truly fun. With 200 puzzles, I’m sure there’s enough content to keep you busy on your road trip.
Additionally, most of the puzzles feature around 60 clues, so you can always look for help when you need one. Not to mention, each puzzle has a unique theme, adding an extra layer of interest. I have to admit, though this may not be a big deal for some, the themes managed to spark my curiosity on diverse topics. Best of all, it’s insanely cheap.
Pros
- It’s great for crossword enthusiasts of all levels.
- It’s easy to take with you wherever you go.
- Coming from a reputable newspaper, the puzzles are engaging.
Cons
- There’s no answer key.
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Weekend Road Trip Crosswords by Stanley Newman
1
Best Value for Money. The Weekend Road Trip Crosswords by Stanley Newman promises a mini-mental vacation, and it surely delivers. This book is packed with 72 medium-difficulty Sunday-sized puzzles, all themed around the joys and adventures of a road trip. I’m no smarty pants. Thus, I found the clues to be really helpful. The clues are clever and engaging, offering a nice mix of wordplay, trivia, and pop culture references. I found this book to be challenging enough to keep me on my toes without being too frustrating.
However, its thematic richness sets the book apart from its competitors. During testing, each puzzle took me on a different leg of my imaginary road trip. The clues and answers are peppered with fun facts and trivia about these destinations, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for travel enthusiasts. You can always rely on this book for hours of entertainment on the road!
Pros
- The book’s author is Stanley Newman, a known crossword creator.
- The medium difficulty caters to a broad range of crossword enthusiasts.
- The answer section includes fun facts related to the clues, adding more information beyond just solutions.
Cons
- Avid solvers might find themselves wanting more after completing the book.
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Our Verdict!
Choosing which book to get may be just as hard as solving the puzzles. So, why don’t you take a look at the following list? They’re the standout in their respective categories.
- Best Value for Money: Weekend Road Trip Crosswords by Stanley Newman
- Best for Beginners: The New York Times Greatest Hits of Monday Crossword Puzzles: 100 Easy Puzzles
- Best for Senior Travelers: Senior Activity Book RV ROAD TRIP Vol. 1 by Word Jaunt
- Best for Experienced Solvers: Hard as a Rock Crosswords: Super Hard by Stanley Newman
- Best Digital: Pocket Posh New Crosswords 1 by The Puzzle Society
- Best for Kids: 101 Fun Crossword Puzzles for Kids by Jennifer L. Trace
How To Choose The Best Crossword Puzzles
Choosing the right crossword puzzles about spring road trips can make all the difference between a satisfying brain workout and a frustrating struggle. For some people, they’re a must-have accessory for the ultimate road trip. So, here are some key factors to consider:
Skill level
Different puzzles are designed for different skill levels. If you’re a beginner, look for beginner-friendly crossword puzzles with “Monday” or “Easy” difficulty levels. If you’re an intermediate, choose “Tuesday” or “Medium” puzzles. But if you’re a pro, feel free to challenge the “Wednesday” or “Hard” ones.
Theme and interest
Some crossword puzzles have a specific theme. So, choose a theme that you enjoy, such as history, literature, movies, or even science. This can make solving the crosswords more engaging and leverage your existing knowledge.
Clue
If you’re a perfectionist who wants everything to be solved, you may want to opt for puzzles with clues. You should also consider the clue style, as some offer straightforward clues while others have a more challenging cryptic wordplay.
How do crossword puzzles help with learning?
Crossword puzzles can help boost your vocabulary, enhance your cognitive skills, and make learning new words more fun and engaging.
Do crossword puzzles help memory?
It definitely does. Since solving clues requires accessing stored information and bringing it back to mind, it can strengthen your memory.
How do you improve your crossword skills?
There are countless ways to improve your crossword skills, such as practicing daily, playing word games, expanding your knowledge, and analyzing the clues. But most importantly, believe in yourself!