How to Draw a Turtle: Easy Step-by-Step for Kids

Draw a friendly turtle with a round head, a patterned domed shell, four little feet, and a pointed tail.

Follow 28 guided strokes, one body part or detail at a time. Tap "Draw it live" to follow each line on screen, or use the steps below on paper.

How to draw a turtle, step by step

1. 1Draw the turtle's round head

   Draw the turtle's round head.

2. 2Draw the large domed shell

   Draw the large domed shell.

3. 3Draw the bottom edge of the shell

   Draw the bottom edge of the shell.

4. 4Draw the underside of the neck

   Draw the underside of the neck.

5. 5Draw the rounded shell rim

   Draw the rounded shell rim.

6. 6Draw the top and right of the middle shell panel

   Draw the top and right of the middle shell panel.

7. 7Draw the left of the middle shell panel

   Draw the left of the middle shell panel.

8. 8Join the first top shell panel

   Join the first top shell panel.

9. 9Join the second top shell panel

   Join the second top shell panel.

10. 10Join the left shell panel

    Join the left shell panel.

11. 11Draw the right shell panel

    Draw the right shell panel.

12. 12Finish the lower right shell panel

    Finish the lower right shell panel.

13. 13Draw the far front leg and foot

    Draw the far front leg and foot.

14. 14Draw the near front leg and foot

    Draw the near front leg and foot.

15. 15Draw the far back leg and foot

    Draw the far back leg and foot.

16. 16Draw the near back leg and foot

    Draw the near back leg and foot.

17. 17Draw the little pointed tail

    Draw the little pointed tail.

18. 18Add the first far front toe

    Add the first far front toe.

19. 19Add the second far front toe

    Add the second far front toe.

20. 20Add the first near front toe

    Add the first near front toe.

21. 21Add the second near front toe

    Add the second near front toe.

22. 22Add the first far back toe

    Add the first far back toe.

23. 23Add the second far back toe

    Add the second far back toe.

24. 24Add the first near back toe

    Add the first near back toe.

25. 25Add the second near back toe

    Add the second near back toe.

26. 26Draw one round eye

    Draw one round eye.

27. 27Draw the other round eye

    Draw the other round eye.

28. 28Add a happy smile

    Add a happy smile.

Frequently asked questions

How do you draw this turtle?

Draw a friendly turtle with a round head, a patterned domed shell, four little feet, and a pointed tail. The 28 steps separate the outline, body parts, and small details so you can follow one line at a time.

Can children take a break between steps?

Yes. Work at your own pace and pause whenever you need to. For longer curves, follow the guide slowly from the starting point to the end.

What colors can I use for the turtle?

Try a green shell, a pale green head and legs, and a cream shell rim. Color the shell panels different shades of green. You can also choose your own colors.

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