Free Insect Memory Game Printable

This insect memory game is one of those printables that’s easy to set up but keeps kids engaged longer than you’d expect.

We first tried it during a bug unit when my son was in preschool, and it quickly became a go-to quiet time activity.

Matching the insects helped him learn the names, and spot the differences between bees, wasps, and butterflies that all looked the same to him at first.

It’s great for ages 3 and up, whether you’re using it at the kitchen table or tossing it in a bag for on-the-go play. Just print, cut, and you’re ready to play.

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Insect Matching Game

This memory game printable is free for personal and classroom use. You’ll find the PDF at the bottom of this post, just scroll down to get started.

The game includes two sets of 12 insect images:

One set with just pictures
One set with matching images and simple descriptions underneath

This gives kids a fun challenge and helps reinforce insect vocabulary while they play.

What You’ll Need

Color printer – The game works best in full color so kids can clearly tell each insect apart.
White cardstock or heavier paper – Regular paper can work, but cardstock holds up better for repeated play.
Scissors or paper cutter – For cutting each card to the same size (accuracy helps with fairness).
Laminator (optional) – Great if you plan to reuse the cards often or use them in a classroom. You can also use clear packing tape for a quick DIY option.

How to Set It Up

Print both sets of cards, one with images only, the other with images and descriptions.

As an extra activity, we colored the backs of our cards with crayons and markers before cutting them out. It gave my son a bit more creative input and made the game feel more personal.

Cut the cards into equal sizes. Laminating first makes them easier to reuse.

Shuffle all cards together and lay them face-down in a grid (e.g., 4×6 layout works well).

Insects included:

3 Spiders
1 Ant
1 Ladybug with 10 spots
1 Ladybug with 9 spots
1 Queen Bee
1 Bumble Bee
1 Flying Bumble Bee
1 Wasp
2 Red Butterflies
2 Blue Butterflies
2 Yellow Butterflies

cutting out the insect matching game cards

How to Play

Players take turns flipping two cards at a time.

The goal is to find the matching pair: one card with just the image and one with the image + description.

If they match, the player keeps the pair and goes again.

If not, flip them back over and continue to the next turn.

Play until all matches are found. The player with the most pairs wins.

Make It Educational

After a match is found, pause to read the description out loud. It’s a simple way to reinforce bug names and details like wing color, spot count, or role (e.g. queen bee vs worker bee).

This printable turns a classic memory game into a light science lesson, perfect for preschoolers or early elementary kids learning about insects in a hands-on way.

A colorful matching card game featuring swirly pattern backs in teal, yellow, and pink. Some cards are flipped to reveal illustrations: a cartoon bumblebee with the label "1 bumble bee," and red butterflies with the label "2 red butterflies." The game appears to be designed for young children, likely to help with counting or matching.

More Fun Insect Worksheets

If your kids enjoyed this memory game, here are a few more insect worksheets that build on the learning:

Insect color by number – A fun way to work on fine motor skills and number recognition while staying in the bug theme.
Insect alphabet worksheets – Great for preschool and kindergarten, these pages help kids connect letters with familiar insects.
Insect word search – A simple vocabulary builder that works well for quiet time or early finishers.
Insect word scramble – Ideal for early readers who enjoy a challenge. It’s a light brain workout with a bug twist.
Insect crafts for kids – These hands-on ideas are perfect for combining art with science, from paper ladybugs to pipe cleaner ants.
Parts of an insect worksheet – Use this after the game to introduce insect anatomy in a way that’s visual and age-appropriate.

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Last Updated on 2 July 2025 by Clare Brown