Rubik's Cube for Kids: How to Start
Last updated: October 2026
A child can start learning the Rubik's Cube once they can follow a short sequence of steps and turn the cube's layers comfortably with both hands. Most beginners learn the layer-by-layer method, solving the cube one layer at a time, and practise each stage separately before putting the whole solve together.
What age can a child learn the Rubik's Cube?
There is no fixed starting age. What matters more is whether your child can hold the cube steadily, turn one layer at a time, and follow a few moves in order without losing their place.
A quick readiness check:
They can turn the top, bottom and side layers without the cube slipping.
They can follow a short picture or written sequence, such as "turn the right side up, then the top to the left".
They can stay with a small puzzle for several minutes, even when it gets muddled.
They are curious about it. A child who asks to learn will usually keep going when a step is tricky.
Younger children often enjoy simply learning to make one face a single colour. That is a real first step, not a lesser version of solving.
What is the usual first method?
The usual first method is the beginner layer-by-layer method. The cube is solved in three layers — top, middle and bottom — using a small number of short move sequences, often called algorithms.
A common version of the method runs in these stages:
Make a cross on the first face. Most beginner guides start with the white face, lining up the edge pieces with the centre colours on the sides.
Finish the first layer. Put the four corner pieces of that face into place.
Solve the middle layer. Move the four middle-layer edge pieces into position.
Make a cross on the last face. Turn the cube over and form a cross on the opposite face, usually yellow.
Complete the last face. Twist the last-layer corners so the whole face is one colour.
Put the last pieces in place. Move the last-layer corners and edges to their correct positions to finish the cube.
Along the way, children learn cube notation: letters such as R, L, U, D, F and B stand for turning the right, left, up, down, front and back faces, and a small mark after a letter means turning the other way. Once notation makes sense, written guides become much easier to follow.
How long does it take to learn?
It varies a great deal from child to child, so it is more useful to look for milestones than a deadline. Each stage of the method can be practised on its own, and children usually move on once a stage feels reliable.
Milestone | What it looks like |
First face | Your child can make one face a single colour |
First layer | The first face is solved and the side colours line up |
Two layers | The first and middle layers are solved together |
Full solve with a guide | They can finish the cube while looking at notes |
Full solve from memory | They can solve the cube without notes |
Short, regular practice tends to work well, much like any other skill. A few minutes at a time is often enough, and it is fine to stop when a child gets frustrated and come back to it later.
How can I help at home if I can't solve it myself?
You do not need to be able to solve the cube to help. Your role is mainly encouragement and patience.
Keep a written guide or diagram handy, so your child is not relying on memory while still learning.
Praise progress on each stage, not only a full solve.
Let them scramble and retry. Mixing the cube up and solving one stage again is good practice.
Keep sessions short. A tired child makes more mistakes and enjoys it less.
What comes after the basics?
After a child can solve the cube from memory, the usual next steps are speedsolving and then more advanced methods and puzzles. At this point the focus shifts from "can I solve it?" to "can I solve it more smoothly?".
In general cubing, speedsolving involves learning more efficient methods and additional algorithms, turning the cube with the fingers rather than the whole hand, and looking ahead to the next pieces while still turning. A widely used speedsolving method is known as CFOP. Some children then go on to more advanced algorithm sets, timed practice, or other twisty puzzles such as larger cubes.
At Trainstein, Rubik's Cube classes follow the same broad path, across three levels:
Trainstein cube level | Focus |
Basics | Learning to solve the cube |
Speedsolving | Solving more efficiently and quickly |
Advanced | Moving on to more advanced cubing |
Where can kids learn the cube in Chatswood?
Trainstein Chess College in Chatswood runs Rubik's Cube classes led by head cube coach Alec Scappa, across three levels: basics, speedsolving and advanced. The cube is also part of the Chess + Braincraft holiday camp option, together with Go and board games.
Option at Trainstein | Details |
Rubik's Cube classes | Head cube coach Alec Scappa; three levels: basics, speedsolving, advanced |
Holiday camp | Chess + Braincraft option includes Rubik's Cube and Go; full day 9:30 am–3:30 pm; from $119/day (3+ days price) |
Location | Level 1, 308 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood NSW 2067 |
For current cube class days, ages and fees, please call 0415 228 088 or email trainsteinchess@gmail.com. You can also see our holiday program, check the upcoming holiday camp, or browse our chess classes.
Frequently asked questions
What age can a child start learning the Rubik's Cube? There is no fixed starting age. What matters more is whether your child can hold the cube steadily, turn one layer at a time, and follow a few moves in order.
What is the easiest way for a beginner to solve the cube? Most beginners learn the layer-by-layer method, which solves the cube one layer at a time using a small number of short move sequences.
What comes after learning to solve the cube? The usual next steps are speedsolving and then more advanced methods and puzzles. Trainstein's cube classes have three levels: basics, speedsolving and advanced.
Who teaches the Rubik's Cube classes at Trainstein? Rubik's Cube classes are led by head cube coach Alec Scappa.
Can my child try the cube in the school holidays? Yes. The Chess + Braincraft holiday camp option includes Rubik's Cube and Go, and you can call 0415 228 088 or email trainsteinchess@gmail.com to ask about term classes.
Next step
If you would like to ask about Rubik's Cube classes or which level suits your child, call 0415 228 088, email trainsteinchess@gmail.com, or visit our contact page. Let us know whether your child can already solve any part of the cube.
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