Fun Family Activities for National Coloring Book Day!

Last Updated: July 30, 2024

National Coloring Book Day is celebrated on August 2nd each year. It's a day dedicated to embracing creativity and the joy of coloring. This special day encourages people of all ages to pick up their favorite coloring tools and indulge in the relaxing and therapeutic activity of coloring. It's also a perfect opportunity for families to come together and bond over a fun and creative activity.

Coloring page from an adult coloring book, featuring a whimsical window with flowers and foliage, colored with Alcohol Markers

Fun Things to Do with the Family on National Coloring Book Day 2024

Setting the Scene: Creating a Colorful Environment

Let's start by setting the scene for a truly vibrant and enjoyable coloring experience. Creating the right environment is key to making National Coloring Book Day a memorable and fun-filled day for the whole family. It's all about setting up a cozy and inviting space that encourages creativity and relaxation. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect colorful environment for your coloring activities.

Masculine handmade greeting card with a dark green background, a Nordic fox image colored with alcohol markers, and the sentiment "sending you hugs"
  • Choose a well-lit and comfortable area with enough space for everyone to sit and color.
  • Lay out a variety of coloring books, papers, and coloring tools such as colored pencils, markers, and crayons.
  • Consider adding snacks and refreshments to keep everyone energized during the coloring session.
Easy baby shower card idea featuring a giraffe, an elephant, and a lion on a "moonlit night stroll", with the sentiment "congratulations, we're so excited for you!"

Fun Themes for Family Coloring Sessions

One great way to make your coloring session even more enjoyable is to choose a fun theme to focus on. By picking a theme, you can add an extra element of excitement and creativity to your family's coloring time. There are so many fantastic themes to explore, from flower gardens and under-the-sea adventures to nature escapades and whimsical designs, the possibilities are endless! Whether you're into animals, nature, fantasy, or even food, there's a theme out there that's perfect for your family. Here are some fun coloring themes for you and your family this National Coloring Book Day.

A coloring sheet out of Altenew's Whimsical Flower Bunch Adult Coloring Book, featuring a bird perched on a whimsical floral wreathCute handmade greeting card with 2 pandas and 3D embossed bamboos in the background

Nature Day

Focus on landscapes, animals, and plants. Choose coloring sheets featuring beautiful scenes from nature such as forests, oceans, and wildlife.

Clean and simple baby shower card idea with a hot air balloon image colored with alcohol markers

Fantasy Adventure

Let your imagination run wild by creating scenes from favorite fairy tales or mythical creatures. Unicorns, dragons, and enchanted forests are just a few ideas to spark creativity.

A coloring page out of Altenew's coloring book for adults, featuring a beautiful floral arrangement, colored with alcohol markers

Seasonal Celebrations

Embrace the current season by coloring themed pages such as autumn leaves, winter wonderland, spring blooms, or summer fun. It's a great way to connect with the changing seasons through art.

Simple and cute baby shower card with a bunch of animals and critters and the sentiment "congratulations"

Family Portraits

Encourage everyone to draw and color their family members, pets, or favorite animals. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of each family member through art.

Altenew's Exotic Blooms Adult Coloring Book displayed with a coloring sheet beside it and a watercolor pan setA simple handmade card with a flower image from Altenew's Paint-by-Number Coloring Book for adults

Engaging Activities to Enhance the Experience

In addition to coloring, consider incorporating some engaging activities to enhance the overall experience:

Coloring Contest 

Set a timer and see who can create the most vibrant piece in a limited time. It adds an element of friendly competition and motivates everyone to unleash their creativity. Speaking of coloring contests, have you checked out our annual Kids’ Coloring Contest? Join in the fun and get a chance to win awesome prizes! CLICK HERE TO JOIN.

Altenew's annual Kids' Coloring Contest
Collaborative Mural

Use a large sheet of paper to create a family mural where everyone contributes. Each family member can add their own touch to the mural, resulting in a beautiful collaborative artwork.

Themed Music Playlist

Curate a fun playlist to play while coloring to set the mood. Choose music that complements the chosen theme and creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Cute and simple handmade greeting card featuring an image of an African American girl sitting and "daydreaming", colored with alcohol markers and watercolor paints
Storytelling While Coloring

Share stories or create a story together as you color. Let the imagination flow as you weave tales that complement the artwork being created.

A few coloring pages from Altenew's Color-by-Number coloring book, along with some acrylic markersA styled photo of a watercolor flower painting from Altenew's Watercolor Coloring Book and Artists' Watercolor 24 Pan Set

Incorporating Learning into Coloring

Coloring can be more than just a recreational activity; it can also be educational. Here are some ways to incorporate learning into your family coloring sessions.

1. Discuss how coloring can be educational, such as learning about colors, shapes, or even art history. Take the opportunity to talk about different artistic styles or famous artists while coloring.

2. Suggest educational coloring books or themed pages that teach while having fun. There are plenty of coloring books available that focus on educational themes such as science, history, or geography.

Altenew's Acrylic Marker 24 Color Set - Vol. 1

Tips for Making Coloring Sessions Enjoyable for Everyone

To ensure that everyone enjoys the coloring session, consider the following tips:

  • Encourage creativity without judgment. Let everyone express themselves freely through their artwork without feeling pressured to create a perfect masterpiece.
  • Offer tips for younger children and those who might struggle with fine motor skills. Simple techniques such as using larger coloring tools or providing stencils can make it easier for younger kids to participate.
  • Suggest breaks and snacks to keep energy levels up. Coloring can be a relaxing activity, but it's also important to take breaks and refuel with some snacks to keep the creativity flowing.
Altenew's Whimsical Flower Bunch Coloring Book for adults along with a few Woodless Coloring Pencils

Woodless Coloring Pencils

Coloring together as a family is not only a fun and creative activity but also a great way to bond and create lasting memories. Whether it's National Coloring Book Day or any other day of the year, taking the time to color together can strengthen family relationships and provide an outlet for self-expression and relaxation.

Altenew's Watercolor Coloring Book for Adults

As National Coloring Book Day approaches, we encourage you to gather your family and celebrate by participating in a fun coloring session together. Share your family coloring experiences on social media using the hashtags #NationalColoringBookDay2024 and #AltenewColoring to inspire others to join in the colorful celebration!

National Coloring Book Day FAQs:

Q: What day is National Coloring Book Day?

A: National Coloring Book Day is celebrated on the 2nd of August each year.

Q: What is the purpose of a coloring book?

A: The purpose of a coloring book is to provide an outlet for creativity, relaxation, and self-expression. Coloring can be both recreational and educational, making it an enjoyable activity for people of all ages.

Now that you have all the tips and ideas for a fun family coloring session, it's time to gather your supplies and start creating beautiful works of art together! Happy National Coloring Book Day!


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