155+ Really Hard Riddles with Answers – For Adults & Kids

Prepare to flex your brain muscles with these hard riddles!

You’ve had it with funny riddles and easy riddles and are ready to dig deeper and really test your problem solving skills with harder riddles.

Riddles are like brain puzzles that encourage you to think deeply, and hard riddles are the toughest of them all. Imagine tinkering your brain and solving word plays! We’ll explore some tricky riddles and their cool answers. It’s like solving a mystery and having a blast at the same time.

So, get your thinking caps on, because we’re about to dive into the exciting world of hard riddles!

You know what else is great for mental clarity? Don’t worry, we’ll give you the answer to this one–yoga! Check out some of our yoga guides:

• 33 Best Yoga Channels on YouTube in 2024
• 15 Best Yoga Shoes in 2024
• 16 Best Yoga Mats in 2024
• 16 Best Men’s Yoga Pants in 2024

Hard Riddles for Kids

1. I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?
2. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
3. I have keys but open no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter, but you can’t go outside. What am I?
4. I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. What am I?
5. I’m taken from a mine and shut up in a wooden case, from which I’m never released, and yet I’m used by almost every person. What am I?
6. I’m not alive, but I can grow; I don’t have lungs, but I need air; I don’t have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?

7. I have cities but no houses, forests but no trees, and rivers but no water. What am I?
8. I’m black and white and loved all over the world. What am I?
9. I fly without wings, I cry without eyes. Whenever I go, darkness follows me. What am I?
10. I’m light as a feather, yet the strongest person can’t hold me for much longer than a minute. What am I?
11. Riddle: I’m round as a dishpan, deep as a tub, and still the oceans couldn’t fill me up. What am I?
12. I have a heart that doesn’t beat, a bed but never sleeps, and a mouth that never eats. What am I?
13. What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?
14. I can be cracked, made, told, and played. What am I?
15. I’m alive without breath, and cold as death. I’m never thirsty, but always drinking. What am I?

16. I have a head, a tail, but no body. What am I?
17. I’m a box that holds keys without locks, yet my keys can unlock your deepest thoughts. What am I?
18. I’m round, I spin, and I can fly without wings. What am I?
19. I’m yellow and you can peel me, but I’m not a banana. What am I?
20. I have a neck but no head, and I wear a cap. What am I?

Hard ‘What am I’ Riddles for Kids

21. I’m a bundle of facts and wisdom galore,

Yet I’m not a book, nor a library’s core.

Students turn pages to unlock my treasure,

In the realm of knowledge, I’m a source of pleasure.

What am I?

22. I’m like a puzzle, a mystery to crack,

Teachers use me to test what you lack.

With questions and problems, I challenge your brain,

In the classroom, I cause both joy and strain.

What am I?

23. I’m a magical door to places unknown,

A portal to worlds where adventures are sown.

You open me up and step through with glee,

Learning new things is the key to me.

What am I?

24. I’m not a friend, yet I’m always near,

Filled with notes and lessons to peer.

You listen and learn from the words that I say,

In a classroom, I guide you through the day.

What am I?

25. I’m like a journey, a quest for the mind,

With challenges to conquer, solutions to find.

You sit at a desk, with pencil and rule,

Solving the problems that I let you duel.

What am I?

26. I’m a silent observer, a sentinel true,

In the realm of learning, I’m watching you.

You sit in my presence, words on the board,

In the pursuit of knowledge, I’m never ignored.

What am I?

27. I’m not a clock, yet I teach you to count,

With numbers and equations, I’m paramount.

In a classroom, you work to decipher my code,

Solving math puzzles is the challenge I load.

What am I?

28. I’m a place where you sit and learn,

With a desk and a chair, it’s your turn.

Teachers impart wisdom within my walls,

In the pursuit of knowledge, the whole class crawls.

What am I?

29. I’m filled with ink, I’m used to write,

Your thoughts and ideas take flight.

With curves and loops, I form your hand,

Helping you communicate, understand.

What am I?

30. I’m small and square, with numbers aligned,

A tool for math, where solutions are mined.

Addition, subtraction, and more I hold,

Solving equations, both simple and bold.

What am I?

31. I’m like a backpack, but slimmer and thin,

Carrying documents, notes, reports within.

I keep your papers organized with care,

A professional touch when presentations you bear.

What am I?

32. I’m a puzzle of letters, a wordy game,

You arrange me right, fame you claim.

With clues and hints, you solve my maze,

Expanding your vocabulary in countless ways.

What am I?

33. I’m a tool for measuring time’s flow,

With hands that move, as seconds go.

In classrooms I hang, ticking away,

Guiding schedules, lesson plans, each day.

What am I?

34. I’m digital, I click and type,

A screen and keyboard, day and night.

Research and projects, at your fingertips,

With access to knowledge, the world equips.

What am I?

35. I’m a shield for your eyes, a reading aid,

Clearing up letters that might seem fade.

I make words sharper, lines so neat,

A helpful tool when reading’s your feat.

What am I?

36. I’m a sheet with questions in a row,

You write your answers, your knowledge to show.

With bubbling circles and a pencil’s touch,

Standardized tests, I can be quite much.

What am I?

37. I’m a colorful tool for artistic delight,

With strokes of hues, your creativity takes flight.

In art class you use me, brushes dance,

Painting your visions, giving them a chance.

What am I?

Hard ‘Who am I’ Riddles for Kids

38. I’m made of strings, yet I’m not a puppet’s act,

Strumming my chords, melodies we enact.

Fingers dance upon me, music takes flight,

I bring joy and rhythm both day and night.

Who am I?

39. With blocks and bricks, I build and create,

Castles and cities, a world of our fate.

Imagination soars as we play and design,

Together we build, layer by layer, line by line.

Who am I?

40. I’m a metal marvel that spins and rolls,

Performing tricks, flips, and stunts that enthrall.

On ramps and rails, in the park I shine,

Mastering my moves, you’ll have a grand time.

Who am I?

41. I’m plush and soft, a cuddly friend,

Through thick and thin, my love won’t bend.

Hugs and secrets, we share it all,

When you’re feeling down, I’m your comfort call.

Who am I?

42. With wings and strings, I dance in the sky,

Soaring and twirling, up so high.

Control me well, and with friends we’ll play,

In open fields, on sunny days.

Who am I?

43. I’m a board and pieces, strategy’s grace,

Movements calculated, each player’s embrace.

Opponents strategize, plan each move’s chance,

In a battle of wits, we advance.

Who am I?

44. I’m a sphere of color, bouncing and leaping,

A playground delight, children’s laughter sweeping.

Catch me if you can, a game of chase,

Friends gather ’round in a lively space.

Who am I?

45. I’m a tiny device, a virtual pet’s glee,

Nurturing and feeding, my world’s a spree.

Buttons to press, care you must provide,

With attention and love, together we’ll ride.

Who am I?

46. I’m a card in hand, part of a deck,

Tricks and games, fun with every check.

With suits and values, numbers and signs,

We play and compete, a game that entwines.

Who am I?

47. I’m a puzzle of words, riddles and clues,

Brain-teasing challenges that you’ll peruse.

Letters and language, in my realm you’ll roam,

Solving enigmas, turning your thoughts to foam.

Who am I?

48. I’m a vehicle that speeds down slopes,

With wheels and a form that endlessly copes.

On tracks or freewheeling, adventure we seek,

Racing with friends, adrenaline’s peak.

Who am I?

49, I’m a game of rhythm and beats,

Dancing to tunes with synchronized feats.

Arrows to follow, in time with the song,

Together we dance, moving along.

Who am I?

50. I’m a sphere of magic, colors so bright,

Shifting and twisting, an endless delight.

With logic and patience, we’ll solve my disguise,

Aligning the shades under watchful skies.

Who am I?

51. I’m a wooden wonder that leaps and swings,

Climbing and balancing, exploring all things.

On playgrounds I’m found, an adventure to share,

Upside down, side to side, without a care.

Who am I?

52. I’m a game of movement and song,

With a mat and directions, we all play along.

Left and right, twist and turn, following the beat,

In hilarious positions, we take a seat.

Who am I?

53. I’m a card game with numbers and rows,

Match and strategize, it’s how it goes.

With friends around, we’ll count and sum,

Victory and defeat, excitement’s drum.

Who am I?

54. I’m a playful friend that lights up the night,

Glowing in darkness, a comforting sight.

Squeeze me tight, then watch me glow,

A companion in the dark where shadows grow.

Who am I?

55. I’m a trail of colors left behind,

On sidewalks and driveways, a canvas to find.

Chalk in hand, imagination’s wide,

Drawing and sharing with friends side by side.

Who am I?

56. I’m a toy with strings and tricks to deploy,

Spinning, looping, a source of joy.

Master my moves, watch me ascend,

A skillful playmate, with each spin’s trend.

Who am I?

57. I’m a piece of sports equipment, precise and true,

Smashing and volleying, a game for a few.

On courts and beaches, we spike and serve,

With teamwork and laughter, the fun we preserve.

Who am I?

You might also like these 240 Funny jokes for kids.

Hard Math Riddles for Kids

58. I am an odd number. Add another, and you get the sum of 200. What number am I?
59. I have four times the number of legs as you do. If you have six legs, how many legs do I have?
60. I am a three-digit number. My tens digit is five more than my ones digit, and my hundreds digit is eight less than my tens digit. What number am I?
61. I am thinking of a number. If you multiply me by 5 and then subtract 17, you’ll get 58. What number am I?
62. I am a prime number. If you double me and then subtract 7, you’ll get 19. What number am I?
63. I am thinking of a number. If you divide me by 2 and then add 7, you’ll get 23. What number am I?

64. I am a three-digit number. My hundreds digit is 7 more than my ones digit, and my tens digit is 3 less than my hundreds digit. What number am I?
65. I am thinking of a number. If you square me and then subtract 36, you’ll get 324. What number am I?
66. I’m a number between 20 and 30. If you add my digits, you’ll get 9. What number am I?
67. I am a multiple of 8. If you add up my digits, the sum is 10. What number am I?
68. I’m thinking of a number. If you double me and then subtract 10, you’ll get the same result as if you add 15 to me. What number am I?
69. I’m an even number. If you subtract 5 from me and then double the result, you’ll get 26. What number am I?
70. I am a three-digit number. My tens digit is half of my hundreds digit, and my ones digit is half of my tens digit. What number am I?

71. I’m a number. If you add 7 to me and then multiply the result by 3, you’ll get 72. What number am I?
72. I am a square number between 20 and 30. What number am I?
73. I’m a two-digit number. If you subtract 15 from me and then multiply the result by 3, you’ll get 33. What number am I?

Funny Hard Riddles for Kids

74. What goes up and down but never moves?
75. What has many teeth but can’t bite?
76. I’m not a cat, but I purr. I’m not a snake, but I can hiss. What am I?
77. I’m round, yet not always a perfect circle. I’m flat, but I’m not a pancake. What am I?
78. I’m a type of castle you can’t enter. What am I?
79. I’m not a fruit, but you can peel my skin. I’m not alive, but I grow; I don’t have legs, but I might travel. What am I?
80. I’m shiny and round, but I’m not a coin. You can bounce me, roll me, and throw me. What am I?
81. I’m not a bed, but you can sleep on me. I’m not a table, but you can eat on me. What am I?

82. I’m a type of fruit, but I’m also a berry. I’m small, round, and can be green or red. What am I?
83. What can you catch but never throw?
84. I’m not a cat, but I purr; I’m not a dog, but I can wag my tail. What am I?
85. What has a thumb and four fingers but isn’t alive?
86. What gets wetter as it dries?
87. What can you hold in your right hand but not in your left?
88. I’m not a box, but I’m often filled with toys. What am I?
89. I’m not alive, but I can grow. I don’t have lungs, but I need air. What am I?
90. What has keys but can’t open locks and is used to play music?

91. I have keys but can’t open locks, and I have black and white squares. What am I?

Bonus: Super Hard Riddles for Kids

92. I’m tossed in the air and caught with glee,

Bouncing and spinning, so hard to foresee.

With hands or paddles, I’m in your command,

A game of quick reflexes, what am I, so grand?

93. I’m a game of kings on squares so black and white,

Strategy’s the key to victory in every fight.

Knights, rooks, and pawns all take their stand,

What’s this ancient contest, so thoughtfully planned?

94. I’m filled with words, yet I’m not a book,

Teachers write on me, a closer look.

Solve equations, and stories unfold,

What am I, found in classrooms so bold?

95. I’m a bond so strong, between me and you,

Through thick and thin, I’ll always be true.

Not family by blood, but family in heart,

What’s this precious connection, right from the start?

96. We giggle and share secrets, side by side,

In joy and sadness, together we’ll ride.

Who’s the one who knows you through and through?

This special companion, who’s always true?

97. I come in pieces, a world you can build,

Houses, cars, and castles fulfilled.

Plastic blocks connecting, imagination takes flight,

What am I, bringing dreams to light?

98. I’m a furry companion, both soft and plush,

In your arms, I offer comfort with a hush.

Button eyes and stitched nose, a cuddly joy,

What’s this treasured toy, a childhood envoy?

99. I’m struck with a stick, I make a sound so sweet,

You tap me rhythmically to keep a steady beat.

What am I that adds music to play,

In bands and orchestras, throughout the day?

100. I’m a sport with a net and shuttle that flies,

Back and forth it goes, reaching for the skies.

A singles match or doubles in a team,

What’s this racquet game that’s full of steam?

101. I’m a treasure trove of tales untold,

You open me up and stories unfold.

Adventure, mystery, or facts so true,

What am I that’s waiting for you?

102. I’m a number cruncher, a math whiz’s delight,

Add, subtract, multiply, divide – I do it right.

Buttons and digits, a screen’s glowing hue,

What’s this calculating gadget for you?

103. I’m a gesture of friendship, a colorful band,

Worn on your wrist or held in your hand.

Braided with threads, our bond is strong,

What am I that’s cherished all along?

104. I’m a game of pretend where you take the stage,

Dressing up and acting, no matter your age.

Pirate or princess, superhero so brave,

What’s this imaginative adventure you crave?

105. I’m a vehicle of fun, rolling on four,

You push me along, I’ll explore more and more.

Zooming down sidewalks, a joyous ride,

What am I that’s always by your side?

106. I’m a puzzle of pieces, a challenge to solve,

Shapes and colors, problems to involve.

Patience and strategy, it’s more than a ploy,

What’s this brain-teasing bundle of joy?

Hard Riddles for Adults

107. What word in the English language does the following: The first two letters signify a male, the first three letters signify a female, the first four letters signify a great person, while the entire world signifies a great woman. What is the word? 
108. What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
109. I’m more real than reality but only come to life in your mind. I can be a source of inspiration or your deepest fears combined. What am I?
110. George, Helen, and Steve are drinking coffee. Bert, Karen, and Dave are drinking Pepsi. Following this pattern, is Elizabeth drinking coffee or soda?
111. I hold your thoughts, secrets, and desires within my pages. You trust me with your innermost musings, yet I’m never spoken in the ages. What am I?
112. You’re in a dark room with a candle, a wood stove, and a gas lamp. You only have one match, so what do you light first?
113. A woman was born in 1975 and died in 1975. At the age of her death, she was 22 years old. How is this possible?
114. I reflect everything you are, but I’m not you. I reveal your outer self, yet I remain true. What am I?
115. You measure my life in hours and I serve you by expiring. I’m quick when I’m thin and slow when I’m fat. The wind is my enemy.
116. You see a boat filled with people. It has not sunk, but when you look again you don’t see a single person on the boat. Why?
117. A woman shoots her husband, then holds him underwater for five minutes. Next, she hangs him. Right after, they enjoy a lovely dinner. Explain.
118. I push you forward and hold you back, all at the same time. You can’t see me, but you know I’m there in your prime. What am I?
119. How much dirt is in a hole that measures four feet by four feet by five feet?
120. I’m a concept that fascinates and baffles, a hypothetical journey. People dream of me, but I remain an unattainable climb. What am I?
121. A girl has as many brothers as sisters, but each brother has only half as many brothers as sisters. How many brothers and sisters are there in the family?
122. What disappears as soon as you say its name?
123. I’ve seen the world change over decades, yet I remain motionless. People confide in me, share their joys and regrets, but I can’t express. What am I?
124. How can the number four be half of five?
125. I seek knowledge and understanding, always in pursuit. I’m never satisfied, constantly on the route. What am I?
126. How many letters are in the alphabet?
127. What is it that no one wants, but no one wants to lose?
128. A is the brother of B. B is the brother of C. C is the father of D. So how is D related to A?
129. The more there is, the less you see. What am I?
130. How do eight eights add up to one thousand?
131. I’m full of holes but strong as steel. What am I?
132. What are the next three letters in this combination? OTTFFSS.
133. First, think of the color of the clouds. Next, think of the color of snow. Now, think of the color of a bright full moon. Now answer quickly what do cows drink?
134.  If all Wibbles are Criggles, all Borkins are Kwumblins, no Hoggles are Borkins, and all Criggles are Borkins, is it true that all Borkins are Criggles?
135. How is seven different from the rest of the numbers between one and ten?
136. First you eat me, then you get eaten. What am I?
137. Which word in the dictionary is always spelled incorrectly?
138. How can you physically stand behind your father while he is standing behind you?
139. Three different doctors said that Paul is their brother yet Paul claims he has no brothers. Who is lying?
140. Without a bridle or a saddle, across a thing I ride a-straddle. And those I ride, by help of me, though almost blind, are made to see. What am I?

Hard Math Riddles for Adults

141. What is the next number in this sequence: 2, 12, 1112, 3112, …?
142. I am a perfect square. If you take the square root of me, you get a whole number. What number am I?
143. When Billy’s asked how old he is, he replies, “In two years I will be twice as old as I was five years ago.” How old is he?
144. I am an even number. If you subtract 5 from me, you get a number that is divisible by 3. What number am I?
145. What is the missing number in this sequence: 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, …?
146. Two girls were born to the same mother, on the same day, at the same time, in the same month, and in the same year—but they’re not twins. How is this possible
147. I am a number that, when multiplied by itself, equals 256. What number am I?
148. I add six to eleven, and get five. Why is this correct?
149. I am a fraction. My numerator and denominator add up to the same number, and I am less than one. What fraction am I?
150. I am a three-digit number. My digits add up to 18, and I am divisible by 9. What number am I?
151. I am a prime number that is the sum of the first four odd numbers. What number am I?

152. I am a fraction that is equivalent to 75%. What fraction am I?
153. I am a four-digit number. If you read me backward, I’m the same as reading me forward. What number am I?
154. I am a number. If you add me to half of me, the result is 30. What number am I?
155. I am a fraction. My denominator is one less than my numerator, and I am less than one. What fraction am I?
156. If a hen and a half lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many eggs will half a dozen hens lay in half a dozen days?
157. I am a whole number that, when divided by 7, leaves a remainder of 3. What number am I?
158. What is the smallest number that increases by 12 when it is flipped and turned upside down?
159. I am a number that is the square of a prime number greater than 5. What number am I?

Riddle Answers

1. An Echo.
2. Footsteps.
3. A Keyboard.
4. A Candle.
5. Pencil Lead (Graphite).
6. Fire.
7. A Map.
8. The Panda.
9. A Cloud.
10. Breath.
11. A Sieve.
12. A Ship.
13. The letter “m”.
14. A Joke.
15. Fish
16. A coin.
17. A book.
18. A Frisbee.
19. A lemon.
20. A bottle.
21. Textbook
22. Test or Quiz
23. Book
24. Teacher or Lecture
25. Homework or Assignment
26. Blackboard or Whiteboard
27. Math Problem or Equation
28. Classroom
29. Pen or Pencil
30. Calculator
31. Briefcase
32. Crossword Puzzle
33. Clock
34. Computer or Laptop
35. Magnifying Glass
36. Answer Sheet
37. Paintbrush
38. Guitar
39. Lego
40. Skateboard
41. Teddy Bear
42. Kite
43. Chess
44. Ball
45. Tamagotchi
46. Playing Card
47. Crossword Puzzle
48. Roller Coaster
49. Dance Dance Revolution
50. Rubik’s Cube
51. Monkey Bars
52. Twister
53. Uno
54. Glow Stick
55. Sidewalk Chalk
56. Yo-Yo
57. Volleyball
58. 99 or 101 (99+101=200)
59. 24 legs
60. 194. Assign a letter to each number, xyz. x=y-8 (y can only be 9, which results in x=9-8=1), z=y-5 (we know that y is 9, which results in z=9-5=4).  xyz=194
61. 15. Let’s work backwards: 58+17= 75/5= 15
62. 13. Let’s work backwards: 19+7= 26/2 =13
63. 39. Let’s work backwards: 23-7= 16*2 =32
64. There are two possibilites. 851 and 962
65. 18
66. 27
67. 64
68. 25. 2x-10=x+15 (move x and -10 over the equality sign). 2x-x=15+10 becomes x=25.  (2*25)-10= 40 and 25+15=40
69. 18. 2x-10= 26 ; 2x=36 ; x=36/2 ; x=18
70. 842
71. 17
72. 25
73. 26
74. A staircase!
75. A comb!
76. A teapot!
77. A pizza!
78. A sandcastle!
79. A potato!
80. A ball!
81. A blanket!
82. A grape!
83. A cold!
84. A kitten!
85. A glove!
86. A towel!
87. Your left hand!
88. A playroom!
89. A balloon!
90. A guitar!
91. A chessboard!
92. A ball (e.g., basketball, soccer ball, ping pong ball).
93. Chess.
94. A chalkboard or whiteboard.
95. A friend.
96. A best friend.
97. Building blocks (e.g., LEGO).
98. A stuffed animal or plush toy.
99. Drum.
100. Badminton.
101. Book.
102. Calculator.
103. Friendship bracelet.
104. Pretend play.
105. Scooter.
106. Jigsaw puzzle.
107. Heroine.
108. The letter ‘R’.
109. Imagination or a dream.
110. Coffee, just like all the other names with two e’s. (Those with one “e” drank Pepsi.).
111. A diary or journal.
112. The Match.
113. 1975 refers to the hospital room number, not the year.
114. A mirror.
115. A Candle.
116. All the people are married.
117. She took a picture of him and developed it in her darkroom.
118. Gravity.
119. None.
120. Time travel.
121. Four sisters and three brothers.
122. Silence.
123. A statue or sculpture.
124. IV, the Roman numeral for four, which is “half” (two letters) of the word five.
125. Curiosity.
126. There are 11 letters in the words “the alphabet.”
127. A lawsuit.
128. A is D’s uncle.
129. Darkness
130.  888 + 88 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 1000.
131. A chain.
132. E N T (Each letter represents the first letter in the written numbers: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, etc.).
133. Water (most people will say milk because they are thinking of the color white).
134. Nope.
135. Seven has two syllables and the other numbers only have one syllable.
136. A fishhook.
137. “Incorrectly.”
138. You are standing back-to-back with your father.
139. No one is lying because the three doctors are Paul’s sisters.
140. Eyeglasses.
141. 132112 (Each number describes the previous one: “One 2, then two 1s, then one 2”).
142. 16 (Square root of 16 is 4).
143. He’s 12 years old.
144. 14 (14 – 5 = 9, which is divisible by 3).
145. 16 (Each number is one more than the previous number added to the next consecutive integer).
146. The girls are triplets.
147. 16 (16 x 16 = 256).
148. When it’s 11 o’clock adding 6 hours makes it 5.
149. 2/3 (2 + 3 = 5).
150. 693 (6 + 9 + 3 = 18, and 693 is divisible by 9).
151. 17 (1 + 3 + 5 + 8 = 17).
152. 3/4 (75% is the same as 3/4).
153. 1221.
154. 20 (20 + 10 = 30).
155. 2/3 (2 divided by 3 is 2/3).
156. Two dozen. If you increase both the number of hens and the amount of time available four-fold (i.e., 1.5 * 4 = 6), the number of eggs increases 16 times. 16 x 1.5 = 24.
157. 10 (10 ÷ 7 = 1 remainder 3).
158. The answer is 86. When it is turned upside down and flipped, it becomes 98, which is 12 more than 86.
159. 49 (7 x 7 = 49).

You’ve just had a taste of the exciting world of hard riddles and their awesome solutions. As you keep having fun with these brain-busters, you’ll become super good at solving them and have a blast along the way. Don’t forget to share these cool riddles with your friends and challenge them too! The more you practice, the better you’ll get. So, keep your curiosity alive, keep puzzling, and who knows, you might become a riddle genius someday!

Keep having fun with your hard riddles!