Snowman with a Sled Coloring Page

This snowman with a sled coloring page is pure speed. Our snowman is flying down a steep hill on a long wooden sled, and he could not be happier. His eyes are wide, his mouth is open in a huge laugh, and one stick arm is up in the air. The other hand grips a rope tied to the curved front of the runner. His blue bobble hat has already blown off and is sailing away behind him, while his long scarf streams out in the wind.

A small bunny has hitched a ride on the back of the sled, and puffs of snow burst up behind it. Down the hill stands a yellow sign that says SLOW, and nobody on that sled is paying any attention to it.

Good for kids who like action

The page is medium in difficulty and suits ages 5 to 10. Coloring takes about 25 minutes. Kids who get bored of still scenes usually like this one, because the slanted hill makes the whole page feel like it is moving. It is a good pick for a child who says they do not like to color.

Snowman with a sled coloring page color ideas

Bright colors help show the speed. In our sample, the runner is red, the deck is tan wood, and the scarf has red and white bands that end in yellow. The flying hat is blue with a white cuff.

Leave the hill white, then add a touch of pale blue along the top edge so the slope looks crisp. The sky can stay soft blue. If you want a sunset run, try pink and orange in the sky with a purple shadow on the snow.

The sign is the only part that needs to be easy to read. Make it bright yellow and do not press too hard over the letters. The bunny can be white with pink inside its ears.

Tips to make it look fast

• Color the sky with slanted strokes going the same way as the hill. The motion in your strokes adds to the feeling of speed.
• Shade the snow just under the sled with blue. That shadow shows that it is pressing down on the slope.
• Use wood color in long lines across the deck, one slat at a time.
• Add a pencil line or two behind the hat to show which way it is flying.

Sled words and history

Kids may be surprised at how old sleds are and how many names they have. Wikipedia's sled article says a sled, sledge or sleigh is a vehicle that slides across snow or ice, often on runners that cut down friction. In the US, sled is the common word, and a sledge is usually a heavier one for moving freight. The word sleigh came to English through Dutch settlers in North America, and it usually means a vehicle that carries passengers. Sleds have been pulled by dogs, reindeer, horses and people.

Try a sliding test at home

Turn the page into a small science project. Prop a big book up to make a ramp. Slide a few small objects down it: a coin, an eraser, a toy car and a crayon. Which one goes farthest? Your child has just found out why sleds have smooth runners. Then wrap the eraser in tape and try again.

On a snowy day, take a real sled to a safe hill with an adult. Make sure there are no roads or trees at the bottom. Kids should sit up and go feet first, and helmets are a good idea.

For a writing idea, ask your child to tell the story from the bunny's side. Did it plan to get on the sled, or did it jump aboard by accident? A funny page like this one often gets even shy writers started.

More winter action

The sledding coloring page has more snow day fun. If the bunny stole the show, try the bunny coloring page next.

Questions