Moon Phases Crossword Puzzle (Free Printable)

The moon phases crossword puzzle is one of my favorite ways to make the lunar cycle stick.

When my son was first learning the phases, he often mixed up waxing and waning, but working through the clues helped him sort them out.

Instead of just memorizing a chart, he had to connect each description to the right phase, which made the learning much more meaningful.

This moon phases worksheet is a simple but effective option for both homeschool and classroom settings.

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Phases of the Moon Crossword Puzzle

This free printable crossword puzzle gives kids a fun way to review each stage of the lunar cycle while practicing science vocabulary.

The printable includes clear clues for every phase, from the bright full moon to the thin crescent, and comes with an answer sheet for quick checking.

Across clues

• The phase when the entire face of the moon is visible (Full moon)
• The phase when the moon is not visible from Earth (New moon)
• What occurs when the Earth’s shadow falls on the moon (Lunar eclipse)
• The phase when more than half of the moon is visible but not yet full (Waxing gibbous)
• The phase when half of the moon is visible; there are two of these each cycle (Quarter moon)

Down clues

• The term used when the visible part of the moon is shrinking (Waning)
• The phase that comes after the new moon, when the right half is visible (First quarter)
• The term used when the visible part of the moon is growing (Waxing)
• The phase when a small sliver of the moon is visible (Crescent moon)

This crossword works well as a review activity, homework assignment, or science center task, giving students a hands-on way to connect definitions with the visual moon phases.

Educational Benefits of the Moon Crossword Puzzle

When my son first worked through this moon phases crossword, I noticed how much easier it was for him to remember the tricky terms. Activities like this don’t just feel like a game, they build real science skills too:

• Boosts Scientific Vocabulary: Words such as “waxing,” “waning,” and “gibbous” become more familiar because kids have to use them in context, not just memorize them.
• Encourages Critical Thinking: Matching clues with the correct phase pushes students to recall information and apply what they’ve learned.
• Supports Visual Learning: Linking each word to the stages of the lunar cycle helps kids picture the phases instead of only reading definitions.
• Works for Different Learning Styles: Whether children enjoy writing, reading, or hands-on puzzles, this activity fits multiple approaches.

More Solar System Worksheets

If your kids enjoyed the moon phases crossword puzzle, you can keep the space theme going with a few more solar system worksheets. Each printable adds a different layer to their understanding of space, helping them connect what they see in the night sky to fun, hands-on activities.

• Moon Phases Word Search: A fun follow-up to the crossword that reinforces the same vocabulary in a low-pressure way. My son always liked racing to see how quickly he could spot each term.
• If I Were an Astronaut Writing Activity: This one sparks creativity as kids imagine what life in space might be like. It blends science with storytelling, which makes it a great writing prompt.
• Planet Coloring Pages: Perfect for younger learners, these pages let children color each planet while learning its name and unique features. It’s an easy way to combine art with science.

Get Your Free Moon Crossword Printable Here!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free crossword puzzle.

Last Updated on 29 September 2025 by Clare Brown