50 Fun Things for Kids to Draw (That Keep Them Busy and Happy)
If you ever find yourself looking for a quick, screen-free activity that keeps your kids busy for more than five minutes, drawing is one of the simplest things that works every time. And the best part? Kids don’t need fancy supplies. A pencil, some paper, and a little inspiration is all it takes to spark their creativity.
If your child ever sits at the table staring at a blank page, you’re not alone. Most kids want to draw, they just don’t always know what to draw. That’s why having a list of easy, fun ideas can make art time feel relaxed instead of chaotic.
Here are 50 fun things for kids to draw, with simple prompts that encourage imagination, confidence, and creativity. These ideas work for toddlers, preschoolers, big kids, and even tweens who need a little nudge. Let your child choose a few each time, or turn it into a daily drawing challenge. Whatever you choose, these prompts make art time feel calm, structured, and actually fun.
1. Their dream house
Kids love imagining the kind of home they’d design if anything were possible. Encourage them to add silly rooms like a trampoline room or a candy kitchen.
2. A robot that helps them with chores
This one always brings out funny ideas. Suggest buttons, tools, and superpowers.
3. Their favorite animal doing something silly
Think: a giraffe roller skating or a lion brushing its mane.
4. A self-portrait
Kids enjoy drawing themselves at different ages, today, as a baby, or even as a grown-up.
5. A giant ice cream cone
Challenge them to stack as many flavors as they can think of.
6. A jungle full of animals
Trees, vines, monkeys, tigers, let them fill the page.
7. A magical treehouse
Kids can add slides, ladders, secret hideouts, or even flying parts.
8. A superhero version of themselves
Simple costume, simple powers, nothing complicated.
9. A family portrait
This always makes a sweet keepsake. They can include pets or grandparents too.
10. A silly monster
Encourage imagination: How many eyes? How many legs? Stripes or spots?
11. A rainbow city
Buildings in rainbow colors help spark creativity without perfection.
12. Their favorite food
Pizza, noodles, fruit bowls—simple shapes kids can easily draw.
13. A picnic scene
Blankets, sandwiches, juice boxes, ants… kids love details.
14. A spaceship
Let them add buttons, windows, and planets around it.
15. Their favorite outdoor playground
Slides, swings, or even a made-up playground.
16. A dragon
Friendly, cute, or fierce, kids choose!
17. A farm scene
Cows, chickens, barns, tractors, lots to draw without being overwhelming.
18. A treasure map
This one always keeps them busy longer because they can add trails, lakes, caves, and hidden clues.
19. A unicorn
Simple shapes. Encourage them to design the mane.
20. A beach day
Waves, sandcastles, umbrellas, seashells.
21. Their favorite cartoon character
This helps build confidence, even if it’s very simple.
22. A cozy bedroom
Beds, pillows, lights, toys, so many fun details.
23. A big bouquet of flowers
Kids can mix shapes and colors without worrying about perfection.
24. A train with as many cars as they want
Long drawings help keep them focused and calm.
25. Their pet (or dream pet)
Whether real or imaginary, kids love drawing animals.
26. A simple comic strip
Even three boxes can inspire storytelling.
27. A castle
Turrets don’t need to be perfect. Kids can make it whimsical and fun.
28. A big birthday cake
Layers, candles, sprinkles, this is always a favorite.
29. A zoo
Let them pick their favorite animals and place them in habitats.
30. A race car
Simple shapes, and they can add flames or designs.
31. Their favorite book character
They might surprise you with the details they remember.
32. A magical garden
Butterflies, fairies, giant flowers, whatever makes them smile.
33. A snowman
Easy circles and accessories like hats or scarves.
34. A hot air balloon
Patterns and colors make it extra fun.
35. A pirate ship
Add flags, a wheel, ropes, and treasure chests.
36. A playground for animals
Imagine a slide made for turtles or a swing for a bear.
37. A friendly ghost
Cute, simple charm, especially around Halloween.
38. A fruit basket
Great for practicing shapes: circles, ovals, and curves.
39. A silly face with exaggerated features
Big eyes, tiny nose, huge smile, kids love this one.
40. A peaceful nature scene
Mountains, a sun, clouds, maybe a tiny river.
41. A decorated Christmas tree
Or any holiday decoration, they can pick.
42. A fairy
Wings, sparkles, and gentle shapes.
43. A race between animals
Who’s fastest? A cheetah? A rabbit? Let them choose.
44. A simple mandala
Circles and patterns help keep kids calm and focused.
45. A carnival or amusement park
Ferris wheel, cotton candy, games, lots of fun ideas.
46. A group of dinosaurs
Kids can mix friendly and fierce ones.
47. A bakery display
Cupcakes, cookies, donuts, easy shapes and lots of decorating.
48. A weather scene
Sunny, rainy, stormy, whatever they choose.
49. A sports scene
Soccer, basketball, or swimming, simple action drawings.
50. A picture of “the happiest day”
This one encourages kids to think about joyful memories.
Simple Tips to Help Kids Enjoy Drawing Even More
Drawing doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Most kids enjoy it more when it feels relaxed and low-pressure. If you want art time to feel calm and easy, here are a few things that help most families:
Keep supplies simple
A handful of pencils, crayons, and markers is enough. You don’t need special paper.
Encourage, don’t correct
Kids grow more confident when you comment on effort, colors, or creativity instead of pointing out mistakes.
Try saying:
- “I love how you added all those details.”
- “You worked really hard on this.”
- “Tell me about your drawing!”
Let them choose their favorite ideas
This gives kids a sense of independence and keeps them engaged longer.
Keep a little “art basket” ready
When everything is in one place, it’s much easier to say “yes” to screen-free time.
Display their drawings occasionally
You don’t need a full gallery wall. A fridge space or a clip board is enough to make them feel proud.
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to create more quiet, happy moments at home, drawing is one of the easiest ways to get there. It keeps kids focused, boosts creativity, and gives them a healthy break from screens.
Most parents don’t realize how many ideas kids need before the creativity starts flowing, but once you offer a list like this, you’ll see them light up and dive right in.
Feel free to save this list, print it, or turn it into a weekly drawing challenge. It’s a simple routine that adds calm to your days, and a whole lot of joy to your child’s creativity.
