Every living thing has a cycle
A life CYCLE is the journey from the start of life through to a grown-up that can make new life, and this puzzle gathers the STAGES. You'll be finding the classic insect cycle — the EGG, the LARVA, the PUPA in its COCOON or CHRYSALIS, and the ADULT BUTTERFLY that emerges.
Because every new puzzle reshuffles the cycle, no two life cycles word searches are the same. One round a backwards CHRYSALIS hides in a corner; the next a diagonal FROGSPAWN appears across the middle.
Frogs, plants and beyond
Different living things have different cycles, and the words are here. A frog starts as FROGSPAWN, then a TADPOLE, before it grows up; some insects pass through a NYMPH stage. Plants begin as a SEED that needs to GERMINATE and SPROUT into a SEEDLING. Eggs HATCH, young GROW and MATURE, and every adult will REPRODUCE to make OFFSPRING — sometimes starting as a tiny EMBRYO.
It's a great fit for a science topic on living things. Tracking down C-H-R-Y-S-A-L-I-S turns spelling practice into a biology lesson.
How to play
Drag across a word, or click its first and last letter — both work. Each word you spot locks in with its own colour and ticks off the list, so you always know what's left to find.
Want a real challenge? Switch to Medium or Hard for a bigger grid with diagonals and reverse words. Stuck on one? Tap Hint for a nudge, or Solve to reveal them all at once.
Print a life cycles word search pack
Tap Download for a printable PDF of fresh life cycles puzzles, with optional answer keys. Choose how many you want and how many per page — perfect for a science topic, a classroom, or a quiet afternoon.
Teachers love these for science lessons on living things. Add a name-and-date line and you've got ready-to-print worksheets in seconds, free and account-free.
Frequently asked questions
What's in the life cycles word search?
The stages of life — egg, larva, pupa and adult, plus the tadpole and frogspawn, and seeds that germinate and sprout. Each puzzle uses a fresh mix.
Is the life cycles word search free to print?
Yes. Play free online or download a printable PDF pack with optional answer keys — no sign-up required.
Is it suitable for kids?
Absolutely. Easy mode keeps the grid small with no diagonals or reverse words, perfect for a science lesson and young learners.