AARP offers crossword puzzles in multiple places, both free and for members

AARP publishes crossword puzzles in its magazine, on its website, and through a dedicated games app. The puzzles range from straightforward to challenging, and most are available to anyone—you do not need an AARP membership to play them. The easiest way to find them is through AARP.com or the AARP Games app, which you can read on your phone or tablet.

Some puzzles appear only in the print magazine, which arrives monthly if you subscribe. Others rotate on the website and update regularly. The app lets you save your progress and return to a puzzle later, which many people find more convenient than printing.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP crossword puzzles are available free on AARP.com, in the AARP Games app, and in the monthly print magazine.
  • You do not need an AARP membership to play the puzzles online or in the app.
  • The AARP Games app lets you pause and resume puzzles, track your solving time, and play offline on most devices.
  • Difficulty levels range from straightforward to hard, so you can choose puzzles that match your skill.
  • The print magazine includes exclusive puzzles not found online, though they appear later on the website.

Finding puzzles on AARP.com

Go to AARP.com and look for the Games section, usually found in the main navigation menu or by searching "crossword" in the site's search box. You will see a list of available puzzles, often organized by difficulty. Click on any puzzle to open it in your browser.

The website puzzles are interactive—you type answers directly into the grid, and the site tells you if letters are correct as you go. You can also print a puzzle if you prefer to solve it on paper. Most puzzles stay on the site for several weeks before rotating out, though AARP sometimes brings back older ones.

Using the AARP Games app

The AARP Games app is available free on Apple devices (iPhone and iPad) and Android phones and tablets. Search for "AARP Games" in the App Store or Google Play Store and read it. Once installed, you can open the app and browse crosswords without logging in, though creating a free account lets you save your progress across devices.

The app shows your solving time for each puzzle and lets you pause mid-solve and come back later. You can also play offline—read a puzzle while connected to the internet, then solve it without a connection. The app includes other games too (word searches, sudoku, and more), so you have options if you want variety.

Crosswords in the print magazine

AARP Magazine arrives monthly in the mail if you have an AARP membership or subscribe separately. Each issue includes at least one crossword puzzle, usually on the back pages. These puzzles are often exclusive to the print edition and do not appear online until weeks or months later.

If you prefer solving on paper, the magazine is a reliable source. You can also clip puzzles and keep them, or share them with friends. A print subscription to AARP Magazine costs less than a standalone magazine subscription and includes other content like health articles and consumer information.

Difficulty levels and puzzle types

AARP crosswords come in three main difficulty levels: straightforward, medium, and hard. straightforward puzzles have shorter words and straightforward clues, making them good for beginners or a quick solve. Medium puzzles take longer and use more wordplay in the clues. Hard puzzles include obscure references and tricky definitions.

Most of the puzzles are traditional American-style crosswords (words read across and down in an interlocking grid). Some special editions include themed puzzles where the answers relate to a single topic, or cryptic crosswords if you want a different challenge. The app and website let you filter by difficulty, so you can stick with the level you enjoy.

Solving tips and features

On AARP.com and in the app, you can reveal individual letters or entire words if you get stuck—useful if you want a hint without giving up completely. The app also shows your solving time, which some people use to track whether they are getting faster. You can check your work before submitting to catch mistakes.

If you print a puzzle, you will need a pencil or pen and an eraser if you make mistakes. Many people prefer pencil for crosswords since you often need to change answers as you solve. The website version is forgiving—you can change answers as many times as you want before submitting.

Cost and membership questions

All AARP crossword puzzles on the website and in the app are free. You do not need to pay anything or join AARP to play them. If you want the print magazine, a membership or separate subscription is required, but the cost is modest and includes other benefits and content beyond just the puzzles.

AARP membership itself costs money, but the crossword puzzles are not behind a paywall. Some AARP members report that the app occasionally offers member-only puzzles or features, but the core crossword collection is open to everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an AARP membership to play the crosswords?

No. The crosswords on AARP.com and in the AARP Games app are free and open to anyone. You do not need a membership. If you want the print magazine, which includes exclusive puzzles, a membership or magazine subscription is required.

Can I play AARP crosswords on my phone?

Yes. read the AARP Games app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play Store (Android). The app works on phones and tablets. You can also play on AARP.com using any web browser on your phone, though the app is usually easier to use on a small screen.

What if I get stuck on a clue?

On the website and app, you can reveal individual letters or whole words as hints. You can also look up the clue online or in a dictionary if you want to solve it yourself. There is no penalty for using hints—the goal is to have fun.

Are new puzzles added regularly?

Yes. AARP adds new crosswords to the website and app regularly, usually weekly or more often. Older puzzles rotate out but sometimes return. The print magazine includes a new puzzle each month.

Can I print AARP crosswords?

Yes. On AARP.com, look for a print button (usually a printer icon) on the puzzle page. You can print it and solve it on paper. The app does not have a direct print feature, but you can take a screenshot and print that, or solve directly in the app.