How to draw a turtle for kids

A simple turtle drawing in 5 easy steps, made for children aged 4 to 10. Each step adds just one or two lines, so little artists always know what to draw next. The new line in each step is shown in pink.

Draw along in the app

Step-by-step turtle drawing

You need a pencil, paper and some crayons or markers. Pause on each step and draw along.

1Step 1Draw a big dome for the shell.
2Step 2Draw a pattern on the shell.
3Step 3Add a round head with a smile.
4Step 4Draw two stubby legs.
5Step 5Add a tiny pointy tail.

Tips for grown-ups

Read each step out loud and let your child draw one line at a time.
Wobbly lines are fine. Every turtle looks a little different, and that's part of the fun.
Finish by coloring it in. Ask what colors your child imagines.
Draw it twice: once following the steps, then once from memory.

Draw it with read-aloud steps and a tracing guide

In the Doodle Steps app each line draws itself, steps are read out loud for children who can't read yet, and a faint tracing guide sits under the canvas. There are 30 lessons, printable trace sheets, no ads and no pop-ups. The cat lesson is free; all lessons unlock for $19 once.

See Doodle Steps

More easy drawings for kids

How to draw a cat5 steps How to draw a puppy5 steps How to draw a fish6 steps How to draw a birdie6 steps How to draw a bunny6 steps How to draw a piggy5 steps