On this page
This sledding coloring page shows a happy kid and a small dog racing down a snowy hill on a long sled, with a scarf flying out behind and a pom-pom hat pulled down tight. Pine trees stand along the far hills, a snowman in a top hat watches from the side, and a friend waits at the top of the run. It is a lively winter scene for ages 4 to 10 that takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
The slanted hill gives the picture a real feeling of speed. You can almost hear the sled hissing over the snow.
Skill level and time
Most of this page is easy. The hill, sky and sun are big, open shapes, so younger kids can make quick progress. The child on the sled has more small parts, such as the zigzag sweater, the hat and the mitten, and a five year old may want a hand there.
Snow days are a good time to pull this one out. When the schools close and the kids have already come in with cold noses, a quiet page and a warm drink can fill an hour nicely.
Sledding coloring page color ideas
Bright clothes look best against white snow. Try an orange coat, a yellow scarf with red stripes and blue pants, or use the colors your child wears outside. A red sled with gray runners is a cheerful match.
Color the sky pale blue and leave the sun a strong yellow. Evergreen trees can be dark green, with a little white on the tips to look like fresh snow.
Snow is not always pure white. Light blue shadows on the hill make it look real, and a hint of pink in the distance suggests late afternoon. The snowman needs an orange carrot nose, of course, and the dog's spots can match a family pet.
Show the speed
- Add a few lines behind the sled to show snow spraying up.
- Follow the slope with your crayon strokes, so the hill seems to run downward.
- Color the scarf last, and let it stand out against the sky.
- Shade under the sled with pale gray. It helps the sled sit on the snow.
Fun facts about sleds
The word toboggan comes from the language of the Mi'kmaq, one of the First Nations in eastern Canada. Native peoples of the north used long, flat sleds to carry food and supplies over deep snow. The toboggan article on Wikipedia tells where the word came from.
In 1889, an American inventor named Samuel Leeds Allen patented a sled with steel runners that you could steer. It was called the Flexible Flyer, and it became a favorite gift for children.
Sledding is also a serious sport. Luge racers lie on their backs and slide feet first down an icy track at speeds of more than 80 miles per hour. Luge joined the Winter Olympics in 1964.
Snow day activities
Talk about safe sledding after you finish. Ask what the kid in the picture is doing right, then go over a few simple rules, such as sitting up and looking out for trees. It is an easy way to bring up the topic without a lecture.
Science fits in here too. Slide a toy car down a tilted board, then try it again on a steeper slope. Ask your child which went faster and why.
For writing, have kids finish the sentence: At the bottom of the hill, I saw. The snowman in the picture is a good place to start.
No snow where you live? Lay a flattened cardboard box on a grassy slope in the park. It slides better than you might expect, and kids love it.
Keep the winter fun going
Warm up afterward with our hot chocolate coloring page, or build a new friend with our snowman coloring page. You will find more cold weather scenes on our winter coloring pages. A sledding coloring page like this also makes a nice winter bulletin board with a whole class of bright scarves.
Questions
What age is this sledding page for?
It suits ages 4 to 10. The hill and sky are easy, and older kids can take care with the small details on the child and the dog.
Can I use it on a snow day at school?
Yes. It is free for class use. Please do not sell the pages.
What crayons do I need?
A basic box is plenty. Orange, red, blue, green and yellow cover the whole scene.
