Gameplay: Solve This Year’s April Fools’ Day Puzzles
Plus, another special puzzle for Gameplay
Gameplay
April 1, 2026

Solve This Year’s April Fools’ Day Puzzles

The New York Times has a long history of celebrating April Fools’ Day with special puzzles, going back to the 1960s. As we’ve added games over the last few years, there have been more opportunities for our editors to come up with new ways to bamboozle solvers. All of today’s special offerings are below. Also, Sam Ezersky, a puzzle editor, has graciously collected some of our most devious examples from years past.

An illustration of a crossword-patterned field with rabbits jumping in and out of the black squares of the puzzle.

Madeleine LeBrun

Inside the Crossword’s Greatest April Fools’ Tricks

From playful and clever to truly diabolical, these puzzle themes aim to delight.

By Sam Ezersky

Brain Tickler