Learning how to draw an alligator can be a fun art activity for kids of all ages. This step-by-step tutorial breaks the drawing into six simple steps, making it easy for beginners to follow along. Instead of trying to create the whole animal at once, kids can build their alligator drawing one section at a time.

This activity is a great way to practice following directions, recognizing shapes, and building confidence with drawing. Grab a pencil, marker, crayons, or colored pencils and use the picture above as your guide.

Follow the instructions below or scroll to the bottom of this post for a free printable.

Step 1: Draw the Head and Back

Begin your alligator sketch by drawing the outline of the alligator’s head. Start with a small curved line for the front of the face and snout. Continue the line upward to create the top of the head.

Next, make another rounded bump for the eye area and begin a wavy line that will eventually become the alligator’s back. Don’t worry about making it perfect. The rounded, uneven shape gives this cartoon alligator plenty of personality.

Step 2: Add the Body and Tail

Now extend the back toward the right side of the page. Continue with a long line that curves upward at the end to create the tail.

Draw another long line underneath the body, connecting the bottom of the head toward the tail. Your drawing should now have a long, rounded alligator shape.

This is an easy step because you are simply completing the basic outline before adding smaller details.

Step 3: Draw the Legs

Next, give your simple alligator four legs. Draw two rounded legs toward the front and two hind legs closer to the back of the body.

You can create each leg using short curved shapes with slightly pointed toes. Keep the legs large and simple so they match the friendly cartoon style.

Step 4: Add Teeth and Back Spikes

Now it is time to make your alligator look a little more recognizable. Add small triangle-shaped teeth along the bottom of the mouth.

Then draw several triangles along the animal’s back and tail to create the raised scales or spikes. You can use short horizontal lines or small connecting lines to help position the teeth evenly.

This step is especially fun because these little details really transform the basic outline into an alligator.

Step 5: Draw the Face and Details

Add a large round eye near the top of the head. Draw a smaller circle inside it for the pupil.

Next, add a nostril near the end of the snout. A few small oval markings along the back can create extra texture and make your alligator drawing more interesting.

At this point, your alligator sketch is almost finished!

Step 6: Color Your Cartoon Alligator

Finish your drawing by adding color. In the example, the body is bright green while the legs are a darker shade of green. You can copy these colors or create your own combination.

Color the eye, outline the teeth, and add any extra background details you like. Kids could even draw water, grass, a swamp, or another alligator nearby.

Following these simple steps makes drawing an alligator much less intimidating. This step-by-step tutorial is a great way to introduce young artists to drawing animals while practicing lines, shapes, and creative thinking. Once kids complete their first cartoon alligator, encourage them to try again and create a whole family of silly alligators!