24 Disney Animal Coloring Pages

Have you ever found yourself staring at your kid’s coloring book and thinking, “Man, I could really use some of that zen right about now”? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me last week. I sat down with my cup of coffee, determined to have a productive morning, when I caught a glimpse of a half-colored Simba peeking out from under the couch.

Next thing I knew, I had crayons in hand, and three hours later—yes, three hours—I was deep into a masterpiece of rainbow zebras and polka-dotted lions.

You know what they say, Disney magic isn’t just for kids!

Turns out, Disney animal coloring pages are the most unexpectedly soothing (and let’s be honest, hilarious) way to unwind. If you haven’t lived the pure joy of giving Dumbo purple polka dots or turning Baloo into a neon green bear, you’re seriously missing out.

I’ll walk you through my colorful adventure with Disney’s beloved animal characters, and maybe you’ll be inspired to grab some crayons and join me in the magical, stress-busting world of coloring!

Disney Animal Coloring Pages

Things To Keep in Mind While Coloring Disney Animal Pages

1. Pick the Right Tools – Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers?

First things first, let’s talk about your weapon of choice. Coloring can be a lot like cooking: choosing the right tool can make or break the dish—erm, the picture.

Crayons: Great for the kiddos, or if you want that classic coloring book look. But let’s be real: crayons aren’t exactly precision instruments. If you’re going for smooth blends or fine detail on Simba’s fur, crayon might give you more of a “lion after a thunderstorm” vibe.
Colored Pencils: Now we’re talking. These are the unsung heroes of the coloring world. With the right colored pencils, you can layer shades, add depth, and even highlight details like Bambi’s delicate spots. Pro-tip: Sharpen those bad boys often! There’s nothing worse than trying to color with a blunt tip. It’s like trying to paint with a sponge.
Markers: Bold, bright, and unapologetic. Markers give you that vibrant, eye-popping color that can make your Disney animals look like they leapt off the screen. But beware: markers can be a bit unforgiving. One wrong swoop and you might find yourself wondering why Baloo suddenly has a massive green stripe across his belly.

2. Know Your Disney Animals – Stick to the Classics or Get Creative?

Here’s the thing about Disney animals: they’re iconic. We all know what Simba, Dumbo, and Bambi are supposed to look like. But does that mean you have to stick to tradition? Not necessarily!

Stick to the Classic Colors: If you’re a purist (or your child is keeping a sharp eye on your work), it might be worth sticking to the tried-and-true color schemes. Simba’s got that golden fur, Bambi’s a gentle brown, and let’s not even think about making Dumbo any color but gray.
Get Creative: On the other hand, maybe you’re feeling adventurous. Maybe you want to see what Simba would look like with blue fur or imagine a psychedelic Dumbo. The beauty of coloring pages is that they’re yours. You can turn any character into a new, colorful version of themselves. Who knows? Maybe a neon-green Timon would totally work. Just be ready to explain to any concerned onlookers that, yes, you meant to do that.

3. Shading and Blending – Bring Your Characters to Life

Now, if you’re feeling a bit more ambitious (or just really want to show off to your fellow coloring enthusiasts), it’s time to dive into the world of shading and blending. It’s the difference between a flat, one-dimensional Bambi and a Bambi that looks like he could walk off the page and onto the forest floor.

Start Light and Build Up: If you’re using colored pencils, you’ll want to start with a light touch. It’s easier to add more layers of color than it is to erase too much pressure (trust me, I’ve tried… it wasn’t pretty). Start with a base layer, and then gradually build up the intensity for shadowed areas—like the underside of Dumbo’s ears or the shadows on Simba’s mane.
Blending Tools: Did you know you can blend colored pencils? Grab a blending pencil or use a Q-tip to soften the edges between colors. It gives a more polished look, almost like you knew what you were doing the whole time!
Markers with a Plan: Markers can be tricky to blend, but it’s not impossible. Try layering different shades or using the lighter colors to blend out the darker ones. And for goodness’ sake, don’t try to blend with your fingers unless you want to look like you’ve just done battle with an inky squid.

4. Stay in the Lines… or Don’t?

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: staying in the lines isn’t always the goal. Yeah, I said it. Sure, for some of us perfectionists, there’s nothing more satisfying than filling in that last bit of color without even a hint of overlap. But sometimes, going outside the lines can add character! (Okay, or maybe that’s just what I tell myself after my fifth coffee.)

Precision for the Win: If you’re aiming for a crisp, clean look, take your time. Sharpen those pencils, slow down, and use small strokes. I like to do the edges first in a darker color and then fill in with lighter shades—that way, even if I slip, it’s not as obvious.
Color Outside the Lines: On the flip side, maybe you’re embracing a more abstract approach. Who says all coloring has to be perfectly neat? Sometimes those little slips can turn into happy accidents that make the image even more fun and dynamic. Just maybe don’t go too wild if you’re coloring with a toddler who’s watching you like a hawk.

5. Pay Attention to Detail – Small Accents Make a Big Difference

One thing I’ve noticed while coloring Disney animals is that it’s the little details that make the biggest difference. You know those tiny lines inside Simba’s ears? Or the little glimmers of light on Dumbo’s eyes? Those are the things that can make your colored masterpiece pop.

Tiny Highlights: Adding small white highlights to the eyes, noses, or even fur can bring an animal to life. You can use a white gel pen or a colored pencil to add these tiny accents once you’re done with the rest of the coloring.
Textures Matter: Want to make Simba’s fur look fluffy? Use quick, short strokes in different shades of brown and gold. If you’re coloring Baloo, give him that scruffy bear look by varying your pressure on different sections. You’ll be amazed at how much dimension this adds.

6. Mix Up the Backgrounds – Make Them Just as Fun as the Characters

Coloring the Disney animals is great, but don’t forget about the backgrounds! If your Simba is sitting in front of a blank, white void, it’s going to feel a little… incomplete.

Create Simple Backgrounds: Even if the coloring page doesn’t give you much to work with in terms of a background, you can always improvise. Draw some simple clouds, trees, or even a sunset behind Simba. Or maybe Dumbo is flying through a sky full of glittering stars. The background doesn’t have to be complicated to add a lot of charm to your page.
Be Bold with Color Choices: Don’t be afraid to go bold with your backgrounds, either. Bright, complementary colors can make your Disney animals pop. Imagine Bambi in front of a vibrant green forest or Timon and Pumbaa lounging in front of a tropical sunset.

7. Have Fun – Seriously, It’s Just Coloring!

Last but not least, remember to have fun. It’s so easy to get caught up in making sure every little detail is perfect, but at the end of the day, coloring is about relaxing, being creative, and enjoying yourself. If your version of Simba ends up with rainbow stripes or if Dumbo’s ears are the wrong shade of gray, who cares? You’re bringing these characters to life in your own unique way.

Coloring Disney animal pages can be a nostalgic, fun, and even therapeutic activity—whether you’re revisiting childhood favorites or sharing the magic with the next generation. So grab your favorite coloring tools, put on your favorite Disney movie in the background, and let your imagination run wild. Because in the world of coloring, there’s no such thing as a wrong color choice… except maybe neon purple for Simba. Just don’t do it, okay?