Things to Draw for Kids: Easy and Fun Drawing Ideas

Drawing can be a fun way for kids to explore ideas, tell stories, and make things up. The best subject is often one that feels familiar or sparks a question: What would a dinosaur’s house look like? Could a fish drive a car?

These drawing ideas are suitable starting points for children with different levels of drawing experience. They can be simplified, decorated, or changed in any way the young artist likes.

Easy animals to draw

Animals are a good place to begin because many can be sketched using circles, ovals, and a few simple lines.

• A cat sitting by a window
• A dog chasing a ball
• A fish swimming among bubbles
• A butterfly with patterned wings
• A turtle carrying a tiny backpack
• A rabbit eating a carrot
• A bird sitting on a branch
• A friendly dinosaur
• A whale jumping out of the water
• A snail carrying a colorful shell

Try drawing the main body shape first. Then add the features that make the animal recognizable, such as ears, fins, wings, or a tail.

Things around the house

Everyday objects can become drawing subjects without requiring a trip outside.

• Your favorite toy
• A bowl of fruit
• A pair of shoes
• A colorful kite
• A cozy bed with lots of pillows
• A birthday cake
• A house with unusual windows
• A garden full of flowers
• A backpack ready for an adventure
• A robot made from household objects

Children can also draw an object from memory and then look at the real object to notice details they missed.

Imagination drawing ideas

There are no fixed rules for imaginary subjects. Encourage kids to combine familiar things in surprising ways.

• A dinosaur who loves baking
• A castle on the back of a giant turtle
• A rocket traveling to a candy planet
• A school for friendly monsters
• An underwater city
• A treehouse for fairies
• A train that travels through the clouds
• An alien pet with three eyes
• A playground on the moon
• A submarine shaped like a giant fish

Ask a question about the subject before drawing. Who lives there? What does it do? What might be hiding inside? The answers can become details in the picture.

Three simple drawing games

The mystery shape

One person draws a random shape or squiggle. The other person turns it into a picture. Compare the different ideas that come from the same starting shape.

Draw it in five steps

Choose a subject and draw it using only five major shapes or steps. This encourages children to focus on the most recognizable parts.

Add to the picture

Take turns adding one object to a shared scene. Start with a house, then add a tree, an animal, a vehicle, or something completely unexpected.

Make drawing time your own

A drawing doesn’t need to look like a photograph to be successful. Let kids experiment with colors, proportions, and imaginative details. There is no single correct version of a friendly dinosaur or a house on the moon.

For another easy starting point, try the Things to Draw generator. Older children who enjoy more elaborate challenges can explore the Drawing Prompt Generator for ideas involving characters, settings, and art styles.