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Drawing ideas for kids

Fun, simple things for kids to draw at home or in class. Tap the picker below for a random idea from this list, or let your child choose a favorite.

66 ideas. Tap any idea to load it into the picker above.

Animals

Trucks, cars and things that go

Silly ideas

Seasons and weather

Me, my family and my home

How to help kids start drawing

Young kids draw best when the subject is simple and the pressure is low. Let them pick from the list, or use the picker as a game: whoever rolls it draws the idea.

  • Ages 3 to 5: big shapes and bright colors. A sun, a fish or a snowman is plenty.
  • Ages 6 to 8: add one silly detail, like a hat or a funny face.
  • Ages 9 and up: try small scenes with a background and a little story.

Ideas for teachers and parents

Ask questions instead of correcting. "What is the dinosaur thinking?" gets more drawing than "the legs are too short." Keep crayons, markers and a stack of scrap paper within reach, and display finished drawings on the fridge or a classroom wall.

For a group, turn the list into a drawing game, or try a week-long drawing challenge with one idea per day.

Keep going

Questions

What should kids draw?

Kids enjoy drawing animals, vehicles, their family and silly mash-ups like a shark brushing its teeth. Simple subjects with one funny detail work best.

What is the easiest thing for a child to draw?

A sun, a smiley face, a fish or a snowman. Each one is built from circles and lines, so young kids can draw them on their own.

How do I encourage my child to draw?

Draw together, praise effort over results and ask about the story in the picture. Keeping paper and markers out where kids can reach them helps a lot.

At what age do kids start drawing recognizable things?

Most children start drawing simple people and objects between ages 3 and 5, beginning with circles and lines. Every child moves at their own pace.