Is your 10-year-old suddenly “too cool” for crayons? Don’t worry—creativity doesn’t have an expiration date.
As kids get older, it can be harder to keep them engaged in drawing. But the truth is, they still love to create—they just need activities that feel a little more “them.” I have designed 11 drawing activities specifically for children from 9 to 12 years old, offering a mix of creativity, self-expression, and just the right amount of challenge.
Whether you’re a teacher looking for class activities or a parent trying to spark inspiration at home, these printables give older kids the space to draw, reflect, and enjoy the process—no cheesy cartoons or cookie-cutter instructions. Just art they can truly connect with.
When and why do kids stop drawing?
It usually happens around ages 9 to 11—kids stop drawing as often. Suddenly, the creative spark that once had them filling pages with wild colors and imaginative scenes starts to fade.
Why? A few reasons: They start to compare their work to others. They become more self-conscious. And often, the drawing activities they’re given just don’t feel “cool” or meaningful anymore.
But here’s the thing—drawing still offers huge benefits for older kids. It helps them process emotions, sharpen focus, and develop critical thinking skills. Even if they’re not planning to be artists, creative expression matters.
That’s why it’s so important to keep encouraging drawing during this age. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s keeping that creative muscle active. When kids are given the right tools and space to express themselves, drawing can stay with them through the teen years and beyond.
11 drawing activities that older kids can enjoy
These free printables are designed to grow with your child. Each one invites kids to add their own twist, tell a story, or reflect on something personal. There are no right answers—just creative opportunities.
From imaginative prompts to thoughtful sketches, these activities are all about self-expression, confidence, and creative freedom. They’re perfect for the classroom, homeschooling, or quiet time at home.
And best of all? No glitter required. Just a pencil, a sheet of paper, and their unique point of view.
My Favorite Things
Here are a handful of your favorite things, what are they?
This activity helps kids explore their identity and interests through art, giving them a personal and confidence-boosting way to express what matters most to them.
Urban Art
Wow, what a marvel of urban art! What has this artist painted on the wall?
Inspired by real-world street art, this prompt encourages creative freedom and bold thinking, letting kids design something expressive and culturally relevant.
Your Very Own Video Game
If your kids could create their favorite video game, what would it be like?
Perfect for gamers and storytellers, this activity blends imagination with design by asking kids to invent characters and worlds for a game of their own.
Open Window
What can you see through this window?
This calming and creative prompt lets kids imagine the world outside any window, encouraging them to invent scenery, moods, or even stories.
Your Comic Book
Imagine a story and draw it – how exciting!
Great for budding writers and illustrators, this worksheet helps kids combine storytelling and art as they build their own comic with characters, dialogue, and scenes.
Viral YouTube Video
Wow, this YouTube video has 10,000,000 likes!
A fun, modern prompt that taps into kids’ digital interests, this printable lets them imagine what kind of creative content they’d share with the world.
What Are You Thinking?
Draw inside your head what you are thinking or what interests you.
This thoughtful and often humorous activity encourages self-expression and emotional awareness as kids draw what someone (or something) might be thinking.
My Selfie
Look at you, what a great selfie!
Kids get to create a self-portrait with a twist, using a format they know well—selfies—to explore self-image and personal style in a playful way.
What Do You Want to Say?
Draw everything you would like to tell at this moment.
This comic-style prompt helps kids develop characters and voice, encouraging creative dialogue and imagination through art.
Let’s Have a Party
Decorate this room for a party. Who is coming?
Kids plan and draw their dream party, for their friends, their favorite artists, etc. allowing them to mix creativity with real-world planning and visual storytelling.
Your Trading Card Collection
Draw your custom trading cards and they’ll be truly unique.
This fun, collectible-style prompt invites kids to design their own themed trading cards, combining character creation, visual design, and imagination.
Before you go
Drawing doesn’t have to fade as kids grow older—in fact, it can become an even more powerful tool for expression, confidence, and learning. With the right prompts, kids ages 9 to 12 can reconnect with their creativity in ways that feel fun, meaningful, and age-appropriate.
Looking for more ideas to keep the inspiration flowing? 👉 Explore our other articles and free resources we love for creative activities that spark imagination at home or in the classroom:
- 11 Drawing Activities to Unplug Your Kids from Screens
- Drawing Journey for ages 9 to 11 · AccessArt
- 18 Fun Arts and Crafts for Tweens · ArtfulParent
- Yes, it’s Possible to Learn How to be Brilliant at Drawing · Paul Priestley
Want to learn more?
For a deep dive on this topic, I recommend:
Children Draw: A Guide to Why, When and How Children Make Art
By Marilyn JS Goodman
Aimed at parents and caregivers, this book explores the meaning and value of drawing for youngsters, from toddlers aged two to preadolescents aged twelve.
