Animals · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a Cute Dinosaur for Kids
A long neck, chunky little legs and a row of bright back plates. Meet a dinosaur made for big imaginations.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 4 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
This friendly cartoon dinosaur has a long upright neck, a rounded back and sturdy little feet. A curved tail balances the neck, while bright plates along the back add a playful detail. It is an imaginary dinosaur design, so children can enjoy the shapes without matching a particular species.
Four selected images move from the first large curves to a finished green-and-yellow drawing. There are smaller drawing steps between these pictures. Plan the full silhouette first: leave room for the neck above the back, the tail to one side and the feet below. LittlePaper provides the complete guided sequence.
A few things to start with
Paper, a pencil, green and yellow crayons, and orange or red for the back plates. Use light pencil marks for the big curves before darkening the outline. For digital drawing, use LittlePaper on iPad or iPhone.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 4
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
Start with the big back curve
A broad arch suggests the back while another curve begins the upright neck. These are only the first parts of the outline. Keep the lines light and leave blank space below the arch for the belly and legs.
Start with the big back curve · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Give the body a sturdy leg
A rounded leg begins to anchor the body. Notice how it grows from the underside rather than hanging from a thin line. The outline is still developing, so leave room for the other feet and the curved tail.
Give the body a sturdy leg · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Look at the complete outline
The later outline brings together a small smiling head, four chunky legs, a curved tail and rounded plates along the back. Compare the whole shape before adding tiny toe marks. The complete lesson breaks these additions into smaller drawing moments.
Look at the complete outline · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Green, yellow and a little orange
The colored example uses green for the body, yellow along the front and belly, and warm orange-red plates. Leave the eye highlights clear. Uneven overlapping crayon strokes make the dinosaur feel lively without needing smooth digital shading.
Green, yellow and a little orange · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
Let the neck rise clearly above the back. If both curves end at the same height, the head can feel crowded against the body.
Keep the legs broad and the toe marks short. Several tiny lines on each foot can make the drawing busier than it needs to be.
Use one color family for the body and a contrasting color for the plates. Short green crayon strokes can follow the rounded body, with yellow saved for the chest and belly.
A few drawing questions
What kind of dinosaur is this?
It is a friendly imaginary cartoon with a long neck and decorative back plates, rather than an accurate illustration of one dinosaur species. Children can change the details to invent their own.
How can I fit the dinosaur on my page?
Plan the neck, back and tail together before adding feet or facial details. Leave a generous blank area above the back and a little space beyond the tail.
Are these four pictures every drawing step?
No. They are selected stages that show the overall progression. Find the complete dinosaur drawing sequence and follow-along tools inside LittlePaper.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open this drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
