Easy animal drawing • Ages 5–8

How to Draw a Lion for Kids

Learn how to draw a proud little lion with a fluffy mane in four visual steps. A satisfying, screen-free drawing activity for artists ages 4–8.

Difficulty: Easy Age guide: 5–8 Time: 10 minutes 4 visual steps
Finished lion drawing
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This lion starts from a plain circle for the face, then the scalloped mane is drawn around it like a wreath. That bumpy ring is the heart of the drawing and it is very forgiving. Follow the panels together and let your child decide how wild the mane should be.

Make it your own

Add a golden savannah with tall grass, a rock to sit on, or a crown for a king of the jungle. A big open roar with a few sound lines makes the drawing come alive.

Draw a lion in four steps

Step 1: Draw one circle in the middle of the page for the lion’s face.
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Step 1

Draw one circle in the middle of the page for the lion’s face.

Step 2: Draw a bumpy, scalloped ring of mane all the way around the circle and add two small ears peeking out at the top.
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Step 2

Draw a bumpy, scalloped ring of mane all the way around the circle and add two small ears peeking out at the top.

Step 3: Draw a sitting body below the mane with two front legs and paws, adding small toe lines to each.
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Step 3

Draw a sitting body below the mane with two front legs and paws, adding small toe lines to each.

Step 4: Finish with two round eyes, a small nose and mouth, and a thin tail with a tuft curling out at the back.
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Step 4

Finish with two round eyes, a small nose and mouth, and a thin tail with a tuft curling out at the back.

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