40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging
Drawing is a fantastic way to express yourself, improve your hand-eye coordination, and honestly, just have a whole lot of fun!
Now, I know sometimes the hardest part is figuring out what to draw.
A blank page can be a little intimidating!
That’s why I have come up with some awesome drawing ideas to jumpstart your next art adventure.
We’ll have a mix of simple doodles for when you want to chill out and relax, plus some trickier challenges to help you level up those drawing superpowers!
Simple Ones
1. Draw Your Dream Home
Let’s start by building a cozy house!
You can start with a basic square or rectangle shape for the main part of the house. Then, add a triangle on top for a pointy roof.
Now for the fun part – add windows and a door.
You can even draw a little chimney with smoke curling out of it!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging painting of a house](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-218.png?v=1715009032)
2. Bright and Shiny Sun
Start by drawing a big circle – that’s your super sunny center.
Now add lots of lines around the circle, like rays of sunshine beaming out.
If you want, give your sun a big happy smile!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging painting of the sun](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-217.png?v=1715008989)
3. Tall and Leafy Tree
Time to draw a mighty tree!
Start with a line for the trunk, making it thick and strong.
Then, add some branches reaching up like arms. Finally, create a big, fluffy cloud of leaves on top. Your tree can be as big and leafy as you like!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging painting of a tree](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-219.png?v=1715014000)
4. Bursts of Color in a Flower
First, draw a circle in the middle – that’s the flower’s heart.
Now draw petals all around the circle. You can make them pointy, round, or any shape you like!
Finally, add a long, thin stem and maybe even one or two leaves.
Get creative with colorful petals!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging painting of a colorful petal](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-220.png?v=1715014045)
5. Cars that are Ready to Roll
Let’s draw a car that’s ready to go on an adventure!
Start with a long rectangle shape for the car’s body.
Don’t forget to add wheels – big circles for a sturdy car!
Then add smaller rectangles for windows, and maybe even a driver peeking through!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging painting of a red car](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-221.png?v=1715014263)
6. Fish Swimming in the Sea
Start with a simple oval shape for the fish’s body.
Now add fins – some on top and some on the sides.
Give your fish a tail too, to help it swish through the water.
Get creative and add colorful scales all over. Your fish can have stripes, spots, or all sorts of patterns!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging painting of a fish](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-222.png?v=1715014331)
7. A Beautiful Butterfly
Start with a small oval for the body and then draw two big wings on each side.
You can make the wings any shape you like – round, pointy, and maybe even with patterns!
Finally, add two long, thin antennae on top of the butterfly’s head.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging drawing of a butterfly](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-224.png?v=1715014408)
8. Purrfect and Playful Cats
Start with a circle for the head and a bigger circle for the body.
Add pointy triangle ears on top of the head, long whiskers on the face, and a swishy tail.
Your kitty can be sitting, laying down, or even ready to pounce!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging painting of a cat](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-225.png?v=1715014450)
9. Dog – One’s Best Friend
Start with a circle for the head and a bigger circle for the body – just like the cat. Now, your dog needs some ears!
They can be floppy or pointy, depending on what kind of dog you want to draw. Of course, every dog needs a wagging tail!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging drawing of a dog](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-226.png?v=1715014480)
10. Birds Chirping in the Sky
Start with an oval shape for the bird’s body.
Now draw wings on each side – they can be outstretched for flying, or tucked in if the bird is resting. Then add a small beak and tiny stick legs for perching on a branch.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging painting of birds in the sky](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-227.png?v=1715014511)
11. Rainbows Showcasing a Solid Arc of Color
Start with a big curved line, like a smile in the sky. Then draw more curved lines right under it, each one a different color of the rainbow.
You can add fluffy white clouds at the ends of your rainbow, or even a little pot of gold!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging drawing of a rainbow](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-228.png?v=1715014548)
12. Ice Cream Cones
Time to make a yummy ice cream cone!
Start by drawing a big triangle with the pointy side facing downwards – that’s your waffle cone. Now for the best part – add one, two, or even three big scoops of ice cream right on top!
Pick your favorite flavors and add colorful sprinkles if you like.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging two ice cream cones](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-229.png?v=1715014582)
13. A Robot Friend
Start with boxes and rectangles for the body and head. Your robot can be tall or short, wide or thin.
Now the fun part – add antennas on top of the head, flashing lights for eyes, and maybe even buttons, gears, or wires all over its body.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging image of a robot](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-230.png?v=1715014614)
14. Handprints
Let’s get those hands messy and make some art!
Dip your hand in paint and carefully press it down on a piece of paper. Now use your imagination!
Your handprint can turn into a turkey with colorful feathers, a friendly fish, or even a spiky dinosaur.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging drawing of a handprint](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-231.png?v=1715014653)
15. Googly-Eyed Monsters
There are no rules when it comes to monsters!
Get silly and creative, and let those imaginations run wild. Your monster can have a fuzzy body, mismatched horns, googly eyes, or a long droopy tongue.
The funnier it looks, the better!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging image of a googly eyed monster](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-232.png?v=1715014726)
16. The First Letter of your Name or Your Whole Name
Let’s practice writing your name in a super cool way!
Write your name in big letters and then decorate them with colors, patterns, stickers, and anything you like. You can turn your name into a work of art!
Or you can just try the same with a single letter.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging drawing of the letter t](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-233.png?v=1715014766)
17. Portrait of anything
Let’s start with a picture of YOU!
Start with a simple circle for your head and then add your own special features.
Draw your eyes, your nose, your mouth, and your awesome hair. Don’t forget to add a big smile!
And incase you don’t want to draw yourself – try drawing any random portrait of anyone – be it a person or a bird or a random character.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging portrait of a bald eagle](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-234.png?v=1715014848)
18. Stick figures
Stick figures might look simple, but they can go on amazing adventures!
Draw a whole stick figure family or a group of stick figure friends.
Now give them a story – are they playing at the park, going to a party, or exploring a secret cave?
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging photo of a stick figure family](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-235.png?v=1715014900)
19. Favorite cartoon character
Who’s your favorite cartoon character?
Let’s try to draw them!
Think carefully about their shapes – do they have a round head, big eyes, or a special outfit?
Study a picture of them and try to recreate your favorite hero on paper.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging portrait of a cartoon](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-236.png?v=1715014998)
20. A scene from a book
Do you have a favorite storybook?
Choose a special scene from it and imagine how it would look if you drew it.
Is there a scary monster, a magical castle, or a brave adventurer?
Let your imagination guide you as you bring that story scene to life.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging cartoon image of a mountain](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-237.png?v=1715015109)
Challenging Ones
21. A cityscape
Time to be Bob The Builder and build a whole city!
Start with tall rectangles and squares for the buildings – some short, some super tall.
Make sure they have lots of windows and doors!
To make it extra realistic, think about how things far away look smaller. Have some roads winding between the buildings, disappearing off into the distance.
This is called pure perspective!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging sketch of a cityscape](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-238.png?v=1715015162)
22. A winding road
Time for a road trip – on paper ofcourse!
Start with a line curving all the way across your page – that’s your road disappearing off into the distance.
Add trees lining your road, getting tinier the further away they are.
You can even include hills, mountains, or a little house tucked far away!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color drawing of a winding road](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-239.png?v=1715015198)
23. Your Special Space i.e. Your Room
Let’s be architects and draw your very own room!
Pick a spot to draw from – maybe in front of your bed or sitting at your desk.
See how your furniture changes shape depending on where you’re looking from.
Things further away look smaller, so pay close attention and get those details right!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging water painting of a room](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-240.png?v=1715015266)
24. A Still Life Capturing Light and Shadow
Let’s set up a still life and draw what we see!
Grab some simple objects– fruit, a vase, or some toys.
Arrange them on a table and shine a light on them to see how the shadows fall.
Now try to recreate their shapes and the way light and shadows make them look three-dimensional, almost like you could reach out and touch them.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color sketch of an apple](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-241.png?v=1715015350)
25. 3D Shapes
Let’s learn to draw shapes that pop out of the page!
Start with a simple cube – it’s all about straight lines and getting those angles right.
Then try a sphere, like a ball, focusing on making it round and smooth. Pyramids are super fun too – think of the pyramids in Egypt!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging a color sketch of a random 3d shape](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-242.png?v=1715015389)
26. A Bird in Flight
Study pictures of birds to see the different shapes their wings make when they’re flying.
Start with the body and then add the outstretched wings – are they wide and flat, or curved in like a swooping hawk?
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color sketch of a flying bird](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-243.png?v=1715015427)
27. A Running Horse
Time to draw a majestic horse in action!
Focus on those powerful muscles in the legs and shoulders. Think about the way its legs move when it runs full speed – some stretched forward, others pushing it along.
Try to capture that feeling of power and movement.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color sketch of a horse](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-244.png?v=1715015464)
28. Animals Interacting With Each Other
Let’s draw a playful scene with animals!
Imagine two kittens batting at a ball of yarn, or a squirrel being chased by a dog up a tree.
Try to show their movements – one kitten might be pouncing, while the other is swiping its paw.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color sketch of a tiger and tigress talking with each other](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-245.png?v=1715015533)
29. Mythical Creatures
Let’s imagine a magical world!
Think of a dragon with big, scaly wings and sharp claws.
Or maybe a unicorn with a long, flowing mane and a sparkly horn.
Focus on the details that make your creature extra special.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color sketch of a dragon](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-246.png?v=1715015609)
30. Closeup of an Insect
Time to zoom in for a closer look at the insect world!
Pick a ladybug with its polka-dotted wings, or a butterfly with colorful patterns.
Focus on the tiny details – how many legs it has, the shape of the head, the delicate patterns on its wings.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color sketch of the closeup of an bee's face](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-247.png?v=1715015649)
31. A Tiger’s Face With a Solid Expression
Let’s see if you can draw emotions that a tiger embodies!
Go beyond a simple happy or sad face. What does someone look like when they’re really angry – furrowed eyebrows, wide eyes?
Try drawing a surprise – maybe with raised eyebrows and an open mouth!
Or what about concentration-focused eyes and a pursed mouth?
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color sketch of a tiger's face](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-248.png?v=1715015721)
32. Hands In Different Positions
Hands can be tricky, but practice makes perfect!
Let’s start with a simple fist. Then try an open hand with fingers spread out.
Can you draw a hand holding a pencil, or giving a thumbs up?
Think about how the shape of the hand changes with each different position.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color sketch of random hands](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-249.png?v=1715015827)
33. A Person Dancing To The Rhythm
Let’s draw a dancer in full swing! Pick a pose that shows lots of energy.
Maybe they’re leaping across the page with arms outstretched or spinning with a big smile.
Try to capture the feeling of movement and joy!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging rough sketch of 2 people dancing](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-250.png?v=1715015893)
34. Portraits of a Forest on Fire
Let’s try drawing a tragedy.
Pick a place, most preferably a secluded one. Let’s say a forest.
Study the place carefully – the shape, the warmth and the silence.
Draw the fire engulfing the forest slowly.
Start with light pencil lines and slowly build up the features to capture a realistic painting in your mind.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color sketch of a forest fire](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-251.png?v=1715016028)
35. A Solid Time Travel Adventure
Imagine yourself dressed up as a brave knight with shiny armor, or a princess in a flowing gown.
Maybe you’re a space pilot with a cool helmet and futuristic outfit!
Draw yourself in a different time, imagining all the exciting details.
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging drawing of a space pilot with a cool helmet and futuristic outfit!](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-252.png?v=1715016085)
36. Design Your Own Superhero
Time to unleash your inner superhero!
What special powers would you have – flying, super strength, talking to animals?
Now design a costume – a cool cape, a special symbol, maybe even a mask! And don’t forget your superhero name!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color sketch of a space pilot with a black mask and a cape](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-253.png?v=1715016171)
37. An Optical Illusion
Let’s play some tricks with shapes and lines!
You can draw a simple checkerboard pattern that makes your eyes see wobbles, or lines that seem to curve when they’re really straight.
There are lots of fun ways to make optical illusions!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging color sketch of an optical illusion](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-254.png?v=1715016220)
38. Draw Something With Your Eyes Closed
This one is a fun challenge!
Close your eyes and try drawing a simple shape, like a house or a tree.
Don’t worry about it being perfect, just feel the movement of your hand and the shapes you’re making.
The result might surprise you!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging painting of a mix of colors and patterns](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-255.png?v=1715016263)
39. Let the Sound Be Your Guide
Turn on some music and let it inspire your drawing!
Does the music make you want to draw fast and wiggly lines or slow, smooth circles?
Do the colors change depending on if the song is cheerful or mysterious?
Let the music be your guide!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging sketch of a forest](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-256.png?v=1715020135)
40. One-line Drawing
Ready for a super challenge?
Try drawing something without lifting your pen from the paper!
It forces you to focus on the overall shape and how everything connects.
It might look a bit messy at first, but that’s part of the fun!
![40 Drawing Ideas for Kids | Simple + Challenging Painting of a random illustration](https://digitalphrases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-257.png?v=1715020217)