Hey guys! Are you looking for the best drawing apps for your kids on iOS devices? You've come to the right place! This article will dive into the fantastic world of digital art for children, exploring a range of apps designed to spark their creativity and imagination. We'll cover everything from simple finger-painting apps for toddlers to more advanced tools for budding artists. So, grab your iPads and let's get started on this colorful journey!

Why Use Drawing Apps for Kids?

Before we jump into the app recommendations, let's talk about why drawing apps are so beneficial for children. In today's digital age, it's essential to find ways to engage kids with technology in a positive and educational way. Drawing apps offer a fantastic opportunity to do just that! These apps provide a fun and interactive platform for kids to express themselves, develop their fine motor skills, and explore their artistic talents. Unlike traditional art supplies, digital drawing offers a clean, mess-free environment, making it a win-win for both kids and parents. Plus, many apps come with a variety of features, such as different brush types, colors, and effects, which can enhance the creative process. From educational benefits to convenience, the advantages of using drawing apps for kids are numerous. It is very important to encourage children's imagination in this digital era, and these apps offer a fun and engaging way to do just that. Furthermore, drawing apps can be a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides or during travel, offering a creative outlet wherever they are. The ability to easily save and share their artwork also adds another layer of excitement for kids, allowing them to showcase their creations to family and friends. By providing a digital canvas, drawing apps empower children to experiment with different art styles and techniques, fostering a lifelong love for art and creativity. So, let's explore some of the best iOS drawing apps for kids that can help unlock their artistic potential.

Top iOS Drawing Apps for Young Children (Ages 2-5)

For the little Picassos out there, we need apps that are simple, intuitive, and engaging. These apps focus on large, easy-to-use interfaces and fun sound effects to keep toddlers entertained. Let's explore some top drawing apps specifically designed for young children in the 2-5 age group. These apps typically feature intuitive interfaces, large buttons, and vibrant colors to capture the attention of toddlers and preschoolers. They often focus on developing basic fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through simple drawing and coloring activities. One key feature of these apps is the absence of complex menus or tools, ensuring that young children can navigate them independently without frustration. Many of these apps also incorporate playful sound effects and animations to make the experience even more engaging and enjoyable for kids. Parents appreciate that these apps are often mess-free, offering a digital alternative to traditional art supplies like crayons and paints. They also provide a safe environment for kids to explore their creativity without the risk of accidentally making a mess. Moreover, some of these apps include educational elements, such as number and letter tracing, which helps to combine learning with artistic expression. By offering a range of tools and features tailored to the developmental needs of young children, these drawing apps provide a valuable platform for them to explore their imagination and develop essential skills. Let's take a closer look at some specific app recommendations that are perfect for this age group.

1. Duck Duck Moose's 'Draw and Tell'

This app is a classic for a reason! It combines drawing with voice recording, allowing kids to create their own animated stories. Duck Duck Moose's 'Draw and Tell' is an excellent choice for young children due to its simple interface and engaging features. This app stands out by integrating drawing with storytelling, allowing kids to not only create visual art but also narrate their creations. The combination of drawing and voice recording fosters creativity and helps develop language skills in young children. The app's interface is designed to be intuitive for toddlers and preschoolers, with large, easy-to-use buttons and a limited number of tools to prevent confusion. Kids can choose from a variety of colors, brushes, and stickers to create their artwork, and then record their voice to add a narrative element. This feature encourages children to express their ideas and emotions through art and storytelling, making the app both fun and educational. Furthermore, 'Draw and Tell' promotes fine motor skills as children use their fingers to draw and interact with the app. The app also offers a safe and ad-free environment, ensuring a positive experience for young users. Parents appreciate that the app encourages creativity and imagination while also providing an opportunity for children to develop their language skills. Overall, Duck Duck Moose's 'Draw and Tell' is a fantastic drawing app that combines artistic expression with storytelling, making it a valuable tool for young children's development. The ability to save and share their creations also adds an extra layer of excitement for kids, allowing them to proudly showcase their artistic endeavors to family and friends. This app is a must-have for any parent looking to encourage their child's creativity and imagination.

2. Toca Boca's 'Toca Pet Doctor'

While not strictly a drawing app, 'Toca Pet Doctor' lets kids draw on the pets to heal them, adding a fun twist. Toca Boca's 'Toca Pet Doctor' offers a unique blend of drawing and caring for adorable virtual pets, making it a delightful experience for young children. Although it's not solely a drawing app, the feature that allows kids to draw on the pets to heal them adds an engaging and creative element. This interactive aspect not only entertains children but also encourages empathy and responsibility as they care for their virtual companions. The app features a user-friendly interface that is specifically designed for young children, with large icons and simple navigation. Kids can choose from a variety of colors and tools to draw on the pets, addressing their boo-boos and making them feel better. This creative activity helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in a fun and playful way. In addition to the drawing element, 'Toca Pet Doctor' includes a range of other activities, such as feeding the pets, giving them medicine, and playing games with them. This variety keeps children engaged and entertained while also teaching them about pet care and basic health concepts. The app is part of the popular Toca Boca series, which is known for its high-quality, child-friendly apps that promote creativity and learning. Parents appreciate that 'Toca Pet Doctor' is free from in-app purchases and third-party advertising, providing a safe and worry-free environment for their children to play. Overall, 'Toca Pet Doctor' is a fantastic app that combines drawing with pet care, making it a unique and engaging option for young children. The ability to draw on the pets to heal them adds a creative twist that sets it apart from traditional drawing apps.

3. Crayola Color Alive!

This app brings coloring pages to life with augmented reality. Kids can color in the pages, then scan them into the app to see their creations come alive in 3D! Crayola Color Alive! is a revolutionary app that blends the traditional joy of coloring with cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) technology, creating an enchanting experience for kids. This app allows children to color physical coloring pages and then bring their creations to life in 3D on their devices. The unique AR feature sets it apart from other drawing apps, providing an immersive and interactive way for kids to express their creativity. To use the app, children first color in specially designed Crayola Color Alive! coloring pages using crayons or markers. Once they're finished, they can scan the page with the app, and their characters and scenes will magically appear in 3D on the screen. The characters can move, interact, and even be customized further within the app, adding a whole new dimension to the coloring experience. The app includes a variety of coloring pages featuring different themes, such as mythical creatures, superheroes, and dinosaurs, catering to a wide range of interests. Each theme comes with its own set of special effects and animations, making the experience even more engaging. Crayola Color Alive! not only enhances creativity but also helps develop fine motor skills and color recognition in children. The app is designed to be user-friendly, with simple instructions and an intuitive interface that kids can easily navigate. Parents appreciate that the app encourages traditional coloring while also incorporating innovative technology to create a truly unique experience. Overall, Crayola Color Alive! is an outstanding app that combines the best of both worlds – the timeless appeal of coloring with the excitement of augmented reality. It's a fantastic way to inspire creativity and imagination in children while providing a fun and interactive learning experience.

Best iOS Drawing Apps for Older Kids (Ages 6-12)

As kids get older, they need apps that offer more features and flexibility. These apps often include layers, advanced brush options, and the ability to share artwork online. Let's explore some of the best iOS drawing apps tailored for older kids in the 6-12 age range. These apps typically offer a more comprehensive set of tools and features compared to those designed for younger children, catering to the growing artistic abilities and interests of this age group. One key aspect of these apps is the inclusion of layers, which allow kids to create more complex and detailed artwork by building up different elements separately. This feature is essential for developing digital art skills and understanding the layering process used by professional artists. Additionally, these apps often provide a wide variety of brush options, including different textures, sizes, and opacity levels, giving kids greater control over their artistic expression. Many of these apps also incorporate advanced features such as blending modes, filters, and special effects, which allow kids to experiment with different styles and techniques. The ability to share artwork online is another important feature for older kids, as it allows them to showcase their creations to friends, family, and the wider art community. This can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation, as well as valuable feedback on their work. Furthermore, these apps often include tutorials and educational resources that can help kids learn new skills and techniques. By offering a combination of powerful tools and educational support, these drawing apps empower older kids to take their artistic abilities to the next level. Let's delve into some specific app recommendations that are perfect for this age group.

1. Procreate

While Procreate is a professional-grade app, Procreate Pocket is a streamlined version perfect for iPad and younger artists who are ready for a challenge. Procreate is a highly acclaimed digital illustration app that is widely used by professional artists and designers. However, for younger artists and iPad users, Procreate Pocket provides a more streamlined and accessible version that still offers a wealth of powerful features. Procreate Pocket retains many of the core functionalities of the full Procreate app, but it is optimized for the smaller screen of the iPhone and the needs of younger users who are just beginning to explore digital art. One of the key advantages of Procreate Pocket is its intuitive and user-friendly interface. The app's tools and features are logically organized, making it easy for kids to learn and navigate. Despite its simplicity, Procreate Pocket offers a robust set of drawing and painting tools, including a wide variety of brushes, pencils, and blending modes. These tools allow kids to create a diverse range of artistic effects, from realistic paintings to stylized illustrations. The app also supports layers, which is an essential feature for creating complex artwork. Layers enable kids to build up their illustrations step-by-step, adding details and experimenting with different elements without affecting the underlying layers. Procreate Pocket's powerful painting engine delivers smooth and responsive performance, even when working with large canvases and multiple layers. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable drawing experience. Furthermore, Procreate Pocket supports high-resolution canvases, allowing kids to create artwork that is suitable for printing and sharing. The app also integrates with various cloud storage services, making it easy to back up and access artwork from different devices. Overall, Procreate Pocket is an excellent choice for older kids who are serious about digital art. It offers a professional-grade experience in a more accessible package, empowering young artists to unleash their creativity and develop their skills. With its comprehensive set of features and intuitive interface, Procreate Pocket is a valuable tool for any aspiring digital artist.

2. Autodesk Sketchbook

This app is a free, powerful option with a clean interface and a wide range of tools, making it great for sketching and more detailed artwork. Autodesk Sketchbook stands out as a free and remarkably powerful drawing app that caters to both casual sketchers and professional artists. Its clean and intuitive interface, combined with a comprehensive set of tools, makes it an excellent choice for older kids who are looking to explore digital art in more depth. One of the key strengths of Autodesk Sketchbook is its user-friendly design. The app's interface is uncluttered and easy to navigate, allowing kids to focus on their artwork without being overwhelmed by too many options. The toolbar is neatly organized, with icons that are easy to understand and access. Despite its simplicity, Autodesk Sketchbook offers a vast array of drawing and painting tools, including a wide variety of brushes, pencils, markers, and airbrushes. These tools can be customized to create a wide range of effects, from delicate sketches to bold illustrations. The app also supports layers, which is an essential feature for creating complex artwork. Layers allow kids to build up their illustrations step-by-step, adding details and experimenting with different elements without affecting the underlying layers. Autodesk Sketchbook's powerful engine ensures smooth and responsive performance, even when working with large canvases and multiple layers. This makes it a pleasure to use, whether sketching on the go or creating detailed artwork at home. The app also includes features such as perspective guides, rulers, and symmetry tools, which can be invaluable for creating accurate and professional-looking drawings. Furthermore, Autodesk Sketchbook integrates seamlessly with other Autodesk products, making it a great choice for kids who are interested in exploring other areas of digital design and creativity. The fact that Autodesk Sketchbook is free to use makes it an incredibly accessible option for young artists who are just starting out. It provides a professional-grade drawing experience without the hefty price tag, making it a fantastic tool for developing artistic skills. Overall, Autodesk Sketchbook is a top-notch drawing app that offers a winning combination of power, simplicity, and accessibility. It's a must-have for any older kid who is serious about digital art.

3. ArtRage

ArtRage focuses on realistic painting, with tools that mimic traditional media like oil paints and watercolors. This app is perfect for kids who want to create more textured and painterly artwork. ArtRage is a distinctive drawing and painting app that specializes in replicating the look and feel of traditional art media. With its tools designed to mimic oil paints, watercolors, pencils, and more, ArtRage is an excellent choice for kids who are passionate about traditional art forms and want to explore them in the digital realm. One of the standout features of ArtRage is its realistic paint simulation. The app's oil paint tools, for example, allow kids to mix colors directly on the canvas, just as they would with real paints. The paint thickness and texture can be adjusted, creating a rich and tactile feel to the artwork. Similarly, the watercolor tools allow for blending and layering, producing the delicate washes and translucent effects that are characteristic of watercolor paintings. ArtRage's interface is designed to resemble a traditional artist's studio, with a palette of colors and a selection of tools arranged around the canvas. This intuitive layout makes it easy for kids to switch between different media and experiment with various techniques. The app also supports layers, allowing for complex compositions and easy editing. In addition to its realistic paint tools, ArtRage offers a range of other features, such as stencils, rulers, and perspective guides, which can be helpful for creating detailed and accurate artwork. The app also supports pressure sensitivity, allowing kids to control the thickness and opacity of their strokes with a stylus or Apple Pencil. ArtRage is particularly well-suited for kids who are interested in creating textured and painterly artwork. Its ability to mimic traditional media makes it a unique and valuable tool for developing artistic skills. The app's realistic paint simulation also encourages experimentation and creativity, as kids can explore the nuances of different media without the mess and expense of traditional art supplies. Overall, ArtRage is a fantastic drawing app that provides a realistic and immersive painting experience. It's an ideal choice for kids who want to delve into the world of traditional art techniques in a digital format.

Tips for Encouraging Creativity with Drawing Apps

Okay, you've got the apps, now what? Here are a few tips to encourage your kids' creativity and make the most of these digital art tools. Encouraging creativity with drawing apps involves more than just providing the tools; it requires creating an environment that fosters imagination, exploration, and self-expression. Here are some effective tips to help your kids make the most of these digital art tools: First and foremost, it's crucial to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Let your kids know that there's no right or wrong way to create art and that the process is more important than the final product. Encourage them to experiment with different tools, colors, and techniques without fear of making mistakes. This freedom will help them develop their unique artistic style and build confidence in their abilities. Another great way to encourage creativity is to offer prompts and challenges. These can be as simple as asking your child to draw their favorite animal, illustrate a scene from a book, or create a character for a story. You can also introduce more complex challenges, such as drawing in a particular style or using a limited color palette. These prompts can help spark their imagination and push them to think outside the box. Providing access to a variety of resources and inspiration can also be beneficial. This could include art books, online galleries, and visits to museums and art exhibitions. Exposing your kids to different styles and techniques can broaden their artistic horizons and inspire them to try new things. Additionally, encourage them to explore the features and tutorials within the drawing apps themselves. Many apps offer helpful tips and techniques that can enhance their skills and creativity. It's also important to make art a regular part of your child's routine. Set aside dedicated time for drawing and creating, and make it a fun and enjoyable activity. You can even join in and create art alongside your kids, fostering a shared appreciation for creativity. Finally, celebrate your child's artwork and accomplishments. Display their creations in your home, share them with family and friends, or even create a digital portfolio of their work. This recognition will boost their confidence and motivate them to continue creating and exploring their artistic talents. By following these tips, you can create a supportive and stimulating environment that encourages your kids to unleash their creativity with drawing apps and develop a lifelong love for art.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A comprehensive look at some of the best iOS drawing apps for kids of all ages. Remember, the most important thing is to let your kids have fun and express themselves. Whether they're creating masterpieces or just doodling, these apps provide a fantastic outlet for creativity and imagination. Happy drawing! In conclusion, the world of iOS drawing apps offers a treasure trove of opportunities for kids of all ages to explore their artistic talents and unleash their creativity. From simple and intuitive apps for toddlers to more advanced tools for older kids, there's something for every aspiring artist. These apps not only provide a fun and engaging way to express themselves but also help develop essential skills such as fine motor coordination, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving. By choosing the right drawing apps and creating a supportive environment, you can empower your kids to discover the joy of digital art and cultivate a lifelong passion for creativity. Remember, the most important aspect is to encourage experimentation, exploration, and self-expression. Whether your child is creating whimsical characters, realistic landscapes, or abstract designs, the process of making art is a valuable experience that can foster imagination, build confidence, and provide a sense of accomplishment. So, embrace the digital canvas and let your kids embark on their artistic journey with these amazing iOS drawing apps. Happy creating!