Pick a color.
Then pick your tool.

You don’t need a big art kit for a good coloring afternoon. A small selection of supplies gives kids a place to begin without making setup complicated.

Crayons for broad, playful color

Crayons are a friendly choice for filling large shapes and making textured marks. Put a few colors in a cup rather than spreading out the whole box. Invite your child to try using the side of a crayon for a soft patch of color, then its tip for a smaller detail.

Colored pencils for the little details

Pencils make it easier to color small spaces on a busier page. Keep a sharpener nearby and encourage a light first layer: another color can go over the top. There is no need to teach shading before a child is ready to experiment.

Markers for bold colors—with a little preparation

Test markers on a spare sheet first. Even with a blank reverse, ink can pass through paper and reach the next drawing or the table. Put a protective sheet behind the page. Let the picture dry before closing a book or stacking other pages on top.

Match the page to the moment

Our dinosaur bike page has a large central character, while the cloud cafe offers more little details to explore. Let the child choose a page and decide whether to color one character or the whole world. Finishing every space is optional.

Keep a small coloring basket ready

Try three sheets, a handful of crayons or pencils, a protective sheet, and a plain folder for finished art. A tray or placemat can help define the space on a shared table. Choose supplies labeled for the child’s age and use scissors or other craft tools with an adult when needed.

One easy way to start

Ask, “What color would this world be if you could choose anything?” Then give them time to answer with the picture. A blue dinosaur or a purple moon is a perfectly good place to begin.

Find a starting page in our free printable collection, or explore three Christmas coloring activities for a seasonal twist.