20 Elephant Coloring Pages (Download Free Printable PDF)

Hi there, coloring enthusiasts! I’m James, and I’m thrilled to welcome you back to our cozy corner of creativity. Today, we’re diving into a special and exclusive collection of elephant coloring pages—and as always, they’re completely free, available in printable PDF sheets just below.

A World of Elephant Adventures to Color

Elephants are such amazing creatures, and I’ve put together a variety of fun designs for you. You’ll find an elephant splashing playfully in water, another strolling through nature, and even one having fun with a ball. Lisa, my daughter, especially loved the one with the baby elephant holding a flower—she thought it was “super adorable!” You can explore all these charming designs on this page and pick your favorites to print and enjoy.

Why Coloring is More Than Just Fun

Last week, I sat down with Mike to color some of these elephant pages. He had a blast picking his favorite reds and greens while sharing stories about his favorite cartoons. But you know what? Coloring isn’t just about fun—it’s about learning and growing too!

Here’s how coloring can help your kids:

• Screen-Free Time: Our kids, like Lisa and Mike, spend so much time in front of screens. Activities like coloring help protect their eyes and give their brains a chance to unwind.
• Focus & Patience: Mike gets so excited sometimes, but when he’s coloring, he slows down and really pays attention. It’s a great way to build concentration.
• Creative Expression: Lisa loves adding her own twist to each drawing. She even turned one elephant into a “fashion icon” with pink bows! Let your kids bring their ideas to life too.

Safety First: Make It a Smooth Experience

When coloring with younger kids, like Mike, I always remind him to use safe, non-toxic crayons or markers. Keep a stack of newspapers under their work area to avoid those “oops!” moments. And, of course, supervise them while cutting out their masterpieces for display.

A Little Reminder

Don’t forget—all these free elephant coloring pages are just a click away, ready to download and print. Whether it’s for a rainy afternoon or a sunny weekend project, these sheets will keep your little ones entertained while sneaking in some skill-building fun.

So, grab your crayons, markers, or pencils, and let’s get coloring. I’d love to hear which elephant design your kids enjoyed most—feel free to share their creations with us. And as always, happy coloring!

Download Free Coloring Pages:

8 Crafts for Kids Using Elephant Coloring Pages

Elephant coloring pages are a fantastic way to spark creativity and teach kids about these gentle giants. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a fun weekend project, combining crafts with coloring is an amazing way to keep children engaged while enhancing their motor skills and imagination. And if you’re looking for inspiration, I’ve published 20 free elephant coloring pages in PDF format just above this article for you to download and print. Let’s dive into some fun crafts your kids will love!

1. Elephant Paper Puppets

Materials Needed:

• Printed elephant coloring pages (downloadable above)
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Popsicle sticks
• Crayons, markers, or colored pencils

Steps:

1. Start by letting your kids choose their favorite elephant design from the free pages I’ve shared above. Encourage them to color it creatively with their favorite shades.
2. Carefully cut out the elephant design. For younger kids, you might want to assist them with the cutting process to ensure safety and precision.
3. Glue the cut-out elephant onto a popsicle stick. Ensure the glue is evenly spread so the elephant doesn’t peel off later.
4. Optional: Add fun elements like googly eyes, tiny felt pieces, or even small beads to give the puppet more character.
5. Let the puppets dry completely before using them.

Genius Tip: Use these puppets for storytelling or pretend play. Last month, Mike created an entire jungle adventure with his puppets and roared like a lion to make it even more exciting! For more ideas on puppet storytelling, visit PBS Kids’ Puppet Activities.

2. Elephant Greeting Cards

Materials Needed:

• Elephant coloring pages
• Blank cardstock or construction paper
• Glue stick
• Crayons and markers
• Stickers or glitter (optional)

Steps:

1. Pick an elephant coloring page and let your child color it beautifully. Encourage them to mix colors or add patterns to make it unique.
2. Fold a piece of cardstock in half to form the base of the greeting card. Ensure the fold is neat.
3. Carefully cut out the colored elephant and glue it to the front of the card.
4. Help your kids come up with a heartfelt or funny message to write inside the card. This is a great way to boost their writing skills.
5. Add some decorative elements like glitter, stickers, or even tiny ribbons to make the card stand out.

Helpful Idea: Lisa made one for her grandmother last week, adding a pink bow on the elephant’s ear. Grandma loved it, and Lisa was thrilled to see her smile.

3. Elephant-Themed Bookmarks

Materials Needed:

• Elephant coloring pages
• Scissors
• Laminator or clear adhesive contact paper
• Hole punch
• Ribbon

Steps:

1. Choose a small elephant design from the coloring pages and color it creatively. Encourage your kids to personalize it with patterns or their names.
2. Cut out the design, ensuring smooth edges. If your kids struggle with precision, guide them gently.
3. Laminate the bookmark for durability. If you don’t have a laminator, clear adhesive contact paper works just as well.
4. Punch a hole at the top of the bookmark and thread a ribbon through it. Tie a small knot to secure the ribbon.
5. Let your kids use the bookmark in their favorite book or gift it to a friend.

Fun Tip: Mike uses his green elephant bookmark in his Paw Patrol book. He says it’s like having a jungle buddy for his reading adventures.

4. Elephant Mask

Materials Needed:

• Elephant coloring pages
• Scissors
• Elastic string
• Hole punch
• Crayons or markers

Steps:

1. Print out and color a face of an elephant. Tell them to make it more interesting by adding fun patterns or colors.
2. Carefully cut out the face of the elephant and make two holes for its eyes. For safety and accuracy reasons, this step might need help from a parent.
3. Punch holes on each side of the mask and attach an elastic string. Adjust the length so it fits comfortably around your child’s head.
4. Test the mask to ensure it’s secure but not too tight. Let your kids try it on and have fun pretending to be elephants.

Safety Tip: Always check the elastic string for sharp ends or loose knots to avoid irritation. If you’re curious about the educational benefits of imaginative play, visit Child Development Resources at NAEYC.

Last month, we had a family dress-up night. Lisa wore her mask and became an elephant princess, while Mike turned into a roaring lion. Emily and I couldn’t stop laughing at their adorable antics!

5. Elephant Mobile

Materials Needed:

• Several colored elephant pages
• String or yarn
• A metal or wooden hoop
• Tape or glue

Steps:

1. Get a few of the elephant coloring pages and print and color them. Allow your kids to use different colors to make the mobile stand out.
2. Cut out the elephants and attach each one to a string using tape or glue. Ensure the strings are of varying lengths for a layered effect.
3. Tie the strings to a metal or wooden hoop, spacing them out evenly.
4. Hang the mobile in your child’s room or a play area. Make sure it’s secure and out of reach of younger children.
5. Encourage your kids to decide on the placement and sequence of the elephants for added ownership of the project.

Smart Tip: Mike loves the green elephant he added to his mobile. It’s now a centerpiece in his room, and he proudly shows it to everyone who visits.

Developmental Insight: Making a mobile is a good way to improve your attention to detail and hand-eye coordination. Also, the bright colors are good for younger siblings because they keep their eyes active.

6. Elephant Collage

Materials Needed:

• Elephant coloring pages
• A large sheet of paper or poster board
• Glue stick
• Crayons and markers
• Other craft materials (feathers, buttons, etc.)

Steps:

1. 
   Have your kids color multiple elephants from the pages. Encourage them to experiment with patterns and textures.
2. You can make a jungle scene by cutting out the elephants and putting them on the poster board. Give your kids some freedom over the layout to make it their own.
3. Glue the elephants onto the board, ensuring they stick firmly.
4. You can improve the scene by adding extra things like feathers for trees or buttons for flowers.
5. Display the finished collage in your home or send it to school for show-and-tell.

We made one for Mike’s classroom last week. She showed it during show-and-tell because his teacher was impressed. Mike gleamed.

Educational Value: Creating a collage encourages creativity and critical thinking as kids decide on the layout and additional elements.

7. Elephant Hanging Ornaments

Materials Needed:

• Elephant coloring pages
• Scissors
• Cardstock or cardboard
• String or ribbon
• Glue stick
• Crayons or markers

Steps:

1. Get your favorite elephant pictures and color them in. Tell your kids to come up with their own ideas.
2. Glue the coloring page onto a piece of cardstock or cardboard for added durability.
3. Cut out the elephant shapes, ensuring smooth edges.
4. Some people only use these ornaments during the holidays, but they can make a room look nice all year. That goes really well with Lisa’s pink fairy lights.
5. Use the ornaments to decorate a tree, room, or even as gift tags.

Genius Hack: If you want to decorate for the holidays or just to make a room look nice all year, these ornaments are great. It looks great on Lisa’s pink fairy lights.

Developmental Insight: This craft helps improve fine motor skills as kids carefully cut and decorate their ornaments.

8. Elephant Stick Puppets for a Jungle Play

Materials Needed:

• Elephant coloring pages
• Popsicle sticks
• Scissors
• Tape or glue
• Markers and crayons

Steps:

1. Choose and color several elephant designs from the pages. Encourage your kids to create a variety of expressions for added fun.
2. Cut out the elephants carefully. Younger kids might need help with this step.
3. Glue or tape each elephant to a popsicle stick. Ensure the attachment is secure.
4. Create other animal puppets to complement the elephants and set the stage for a jungle play.
5. Guide your kids in creating a storyline for their jungle adventure. Include elements of teamwork, problem-solving, and fun sound effects.

Last month, Mike and Lisa performed a puppet show for Emily and me. Lisa narrated the story while Mike provided the jungle noises. It was a night filled with laughter and applause.

Bonus Idea: Record the play on your phone and share it with family members who live far away. It’s a wonderful way to keep everyone connected.

These crafts are a delightful way to transform simple elephant coloring pages into memorable creations. Whether it’s a puppet show, a room decoration, or a personalized card, each activity provides fun and learning. Don’t forget to download the 20 free elephant coloring pages in PDF format above this article to get started.

Crafting with kids isn’t just about making something; it’s about spending quality time together. As a dad, I’ve seen firsthand how these activities bring smiles to Lisa and Mike. Try them out, and let me know which one becomes a favorite in your family!