Why Animal Coloring Pages Are Perfect for Kids
Mike jumped in last week, insisting on coloring a tiger instead of a Hello Kitty-themed cat as Lisa and I were coloring one. It brought back the great love children have for animals. Not only entertaining but also coloring pages with gorgeous animals, including pandas, dogs, and cats, are
Boost relaxation because after a busy school day, coloring helps kids unwind. Enhance focus by following the lines and choosing colors, improving concentration. Spark creativity by letting them imagine a purple giraffe or a rainbow dolphin.
What You’ll Find in This Collection
On our website, you’ll discover a huge variety of printable animal coloring pages, including:
Elephant, perfect for kids who love big, gentle animals. Kangaroo, a fun challenge with its hopping pose. Dolphin, great for kids who love the ocean. Giraffe, tall and graceful, a favorite of Lisa’s. Tiger, Mike’s top pick since he loves coloring it in bold green and red. Koala, cute, fluffy, and fun to color. Lion, the king of the jungle and always a hit. Panda, a classic, easy choice for younger kids.
And many more adorable animals to explore. We update our pages regularly, so check back often for new ones.
Safety Tips for Coloring with Kids
As a parent, I always make sure coloring is both fun and safe for my kids. Here are some quick tips:
Use non-toxic crayons and markers since kids sometimes put them in their mouths. Print on thick paper to prevent bleeding when using markers. Set up a comfy space because a well-lit, quiet area makes all the difference.
Genius Hack: The “Story Coloring” Trick
One fun trick I use with Mike is story coloring, where we create a mini-adventure while coloring. Last month, we colored a lion and imagined he was on a journey to find his lost crown. It kept Mike engaged and made the activity even more fun. Try it with your kids to turn coloring time into storytelling time. Enjoy coloring, and don’t forget that you can download all these cute animal coloring pages for free right below.
Download Free Coloring Pages:
8 Crafts for Kids Using Animal Coloring Pages
Last week, my son Mike and I sat down with a bunch of animal coloring pages I had printed. He loves lions (no surprise there!), and we decided to make something creative with his finished coloring sheets. That’s when I thought, why not share some amazing craft ideas for kids using animal coloring pages? Before we dive in, don’t forget that I’ve published 20 free printable animal coloring pages in PDF format right above this article! You can download and print them to start these crafts right away.
1. Animal Puppets
Materials Needed:
Colored animal coloring pages (printed from the free PDF above) Craft sticks or straws Scissors Glue or tape Googly eyes (optional)
Steps: If you’re looking for additional inspiration and expert tips on creating engaging and educational puppets with your little ones, I highly recommend checking out the valuable resources at PBS Kids Crafts. Safety Tip: Always use child-safe scissors, and supervise young kids while cutting. If your child is too young, you can pre-cut the shapes for them. Genius Hack: Use transparent tape over the colored paper to make the puppets more durable! Mike’s lion puppet lasted weeks because of this trick.
2. Animal-Themed Greeting Cards
Materials Needed:
Animal coloring pages Colored paper or cardstock Scissors Glue Markers or stickers (optional)
Steps: Helpful Idea: Lisa made one of these for her grandma last month, and she loved it! She even put it on her fridge.
3. DIY Animal Puzzles
Materials Needed:
Printed and colored animal coloring pages Thick paper or cardboard Scissors Glue
Steps: Pro Tip: Store the puzzle pieces in a small Ziploc bag so they don’t get lost!
4. Animal Window Decorations
Materials Needed:
Transparent plastic sheets or lamination paper Animal coloring pages Markers Glue or tape
Steps: Fun Tip: Use glow-in-the-dark markers so the decorations shine at night!
5. Animal-Themed Bookmarks
Materials Needed:
Printed and colored animal pages Scissors Laminating sheets or clear tape Hole punch Ribbon
Steps:
Pro Tip: Add their name to the bookmark with stickers or glitter glue for a personalized touch.
6. Animal Party Hats
Materials Needed:
Colored animal coloring pages Cardstock Glue or tape String or elastic band
Steps: Fun Tip: Add pom-poms or glitter to the hats to make them extra festive!
7. Animal Wall Art
Materials Needed:
Printed and colored animal pages Picture frame or cardboard Glue Scissors
Steps: Pro Tip: Create a gallery wall with multiple animal pictures for a fun and colorful room!
8. Animal-Themed Mobile
Materials Needed:
Colored animal pages String Stick or embroidery hoop Tape or glue
Steps: Fun Tip: Add bells or beads between the animals to make the mobile musical! These crafts are a great way to encourage creativity while making good use of coloring pages. Plus, they help develop fine motor skills and bring families together. Don’t forget to download the free printable animal coloring pages in PDF above to get started. Which craft did you try with your children? Please share your experience in the comments section.
