Learning how to draw insects for kids has never been cuter — or more fun! This cheerful spring drawing activity is packed with bugs, giggles, and confidence-building steps for young artists.
Learning how to draw insects will make your kids light up
If your kids love bugs — or just love drawing — this one’s for them.
These bug and insect directed draws are playful, cheerful, and built just for little hands.
Each step is simple enough for preschoolers to follow and magical enough to spark squeals of “Look at my ant!”
It’s insect art for kids that actually makes them feel like real artists (because they are!).
🦋 We LOVE bug and insect activities! Check out some of these faves:
Why we start with Sharpies (not pencils!)
Wait…no pencils?!
We skip pencils and go straight for Sharpies when we’re doing these directed drawing prompts — and here’s why:
When kids use a pencil, they usually get stuck trying to make everything perfect. Erase. Redo. Erase again. Suddenly their drawing turns into a perfection spiral.
Starting with marker takes the pressure way off.
They learn to go with the flow, keep drawing, and feel proud of what they’ve made — even if their beetle has seven legs and a wonky eyeball.
It’s all about building confidence, not chasing perfection.
Materials
Friends Art Lab is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
- Bug & Insect Directed Drawings for Kids
- White paper
- ANY of your favorite art supplies – ex: paint, markers, crayons, tempera sticks, watercolors, colored pencils, twist crayons, etc.
How to draw insects
- Print the Bug & Insect Directed Drawings for Kids pack.
- Choose a bug — ladybug, bee, dragonfly, ant, beetle, and more!
- Follow the step-by-step illustrations to draw your insect.
- Trace your lines in marker, then color them in however you’d like.
- Tape to the wall, hang on the fridge, or start your own bug gallery!
What kids are learning when learning how to draw insects
This isn’t just cute insect art for kids (though, yes, it’s VERY cute).
They’re building fine motor skills every time they follow a line or trace a shape.
They’re practicing sequencing as they follow steps from start to finish — a big-time kindergarten readiness skill.
And they’re growing in confidence each time they finish a drawing and say, “I did that!”
Extension ideas for extra fun
🖍️ Make it into a mixed media project by adding collage wings or tissue paper backgrounds.
🎨 Try painting over the drawings with watercolor for a resist effect — it works beautifully over traced marker lines.
📚 Create an “Insect Fact Book” by pairing the drawings with simple bug facts written (or dictated) by your little artists.
Conversation starters while drawing
- “What do you think this bug eats?”
- “If you could have any insect as a pet, which one would you pick?”
- “What would your bug’s superpower be?”
- “Which part was the trickiest to draw?”
- “Do you think this bug makes a sound? What kind?”
These questions turn a simple preschool drawing activity into a whole bug-themed exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
These drawings are designed for kids ages 4–9, but we’ve seen plenty of older siblings (and grown-ups!) join in, too.
There are eight original insect drawing prompts included. Each one comes with a clear, step-by-step breakdown made just for kids.
Using a permanent marker builds confidence and keeps kids from over-editing. When we let go of perfection, we open up more room for joy and creativity.
LEAVE A COMMENT