Video Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw A Pterodactyl in 9 Minutes | Easy-to-Follow Drawing Activity For Kids | Fun All-Ages Art Books

by | Jun 10, 2025 | Dinosaurs, How to Draw Books for Kids, Video Tutorials

Learn How to Draw a Pterodactyl with This Fun Video Tutorial!

Get ready for a prehistoric drawing adventure! In today’s brand-new video tutorial, I’m showing you how to draw a pterodactyl, step by step. This isn’t just any flying dinosaur—it’s a cute, cartoon-style pterodactyl straight from the pages of my book, How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs. If you’re into dinosaurs and love creating silly, expressive characters, this one’s for you.

This video is perfect for young artists, beginners, or anyone looking for a fun way to practice their drawing skills. All you need is a pencil, some paper, and your imagination. Follow along with me and learn how to draw a pterodactyl in just 9 minutes. You’ll be surprised how simple it is to bring this flying reptile to life!

Get The Book

Sign up for my free newsletter to get more drawing pages or videos like this right in your inbox! Click here.


About the Book: How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs

The adorable pterodactyl in this video is just one of the 50 cartoon dinosaurs you’ll find inside How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs. Each character in the book is broken down into six simple steps so that kids can follow along without getting overwhelmed. The book is designed for ages 5 and up, and it’s perfect for kids who want to draw fun, silly, expressive dinosaurs.

The pterodactyl featured in this video is one of my favorites because of how expressive you can make its wings and beak. In the book, you’ll also find a goofy T. rex, a cheerful stegosaurus, a silly triceratops, and tons more. Like all my books, every single character is hand-drawn by me with care to make sure it’s both fun and achievable for young artists.

If you loved learning how to draw a pterodactyl, you’ll absolutely love flipping through this book and discovering all the other prehistoric pals waiting inside.


Why Kids Love How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs

Step-by-step instructions make drawing accessible and stress-free.

Silly, fun characters that kids actually want to draw.

Perfect for beginners or any young artist who wants to build confidence.

Encourages creativity while teaching structure and sequencing.

Great screen-free activity for classrooms, road trips, or rainy days.

Whether your child is a total beginner or already fills sketchbooks with doodles, this book helps them learn to draw in a way that feels like play. And if they’re excited by today’s video on how to draw a pterodactyl, they’ll be thrilled to take on the other 49 characters in the book.

Get Started Here


Part of the Art Books for Kids Series

How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs is part of my growing Art Books for Kids series, which includes books on animals, robots, food monsters, fairies, and more. Every title in the series is focused on making drawing fun and frustration-free, with characters broken down into simple shapes and easy steps.

Each book includes 50 characters, each one unique and fun to draw. And just like this tutorial showing you how to draw a pterodactyl, all the books are designed to help kids build their skills while having a blast.

If your kids love drawing, collecting characters, or just need a fun activity to keep them busy and creative, this series is for them. And if they’ve mastered how to draw a pterodactyl, they’re well on their way to mastering every book in the lineup!

Free Video Drawing Tutorial:


Take Your Drawing Further

Now that you’ve followed the video and learned how to draw a pterodactyl, try creating your own versions. What happens if your pterodactyl is extra sleepy, or maybe super excited? Try giving it sunglasses, a backpack, or even roller skates. That’s part of the fun—making each character your own.

Drawing should never feel intimidating. My goal with every video and every book is to show kids that drawing is just another way to play. If your kids had fun learning how to draw a pterodactyl today, then this book (and this whole series) is going to keep them entertained for hours.

View All 70+ Art Books for Kids


Grab Your Copy Today

You can check out the free video tutorial to learn how to draw a pterodactyl, and when you’re ready for more, How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs is packed with characters just as fun and quirky. It’s perfect for road trips, summer afternoons, classroom art time, or just a quiet drawing session at home.

Once you know how to draw a pterodactyl, you’ll be itching to learn how to draw all its dinosaur friends too. And with 50 total characters in the book, there’s no shortage of prehistoric fun.


Final Thoughts

I hope you and your kids had a blast learning how to draw a pterodactyl today. It’s one of my favorite characters in the book because it’s so expressive and fun to play around with. The whole How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs book is built around that idea: drawing as play, creativity as a skill, and fun as the foundation.

Thanks for being part of this drawing adventure with me. Now grab those pencils and go draw some more dinosaurs!

Learn More

Sign up for my free newsletter to get more drawing pages or videos like this right in your inbox! Click here.

Meet The Author & Artist

Kevin Coulston is an accomplished cartoonist, animator, and writer. He is the author and illustrator of over 80 (and still counting) children’s drawing books available here on FirstArtBooks.com. Kevin has also authored numerous kid-friendly comic book series, including “Dylan McVillain: A Super Villain with the Best Intentions” and “The Adventures of a 4th Grade Space Captain,” along with the Children’s Picture Book series “Alexis and the T-Rexes.”

Over a decade and a half since his initial published work, Kevin is now dedicating himself to inspiring the next generation of illustrators with his “How To Draw,” “Trace Then Color,” and “Draw by Grid” series of art books.

How to Draw A Raccoon with a Unicorn Horn in 6 Easy Steps | Learn to Draw Cute Unicorn Animals The Fun Way

Free Step-by-Step Drawing Page from How to Draw: Unicorn Animals Learn How to Draw A Raccoon with a Unicorn Horn Today I’m sharing a brand-new free activity page from my book How to Draw: Unicorn Animals. This free page teaches young artists How to Draw A Raccoon with...

Free Activity Page: Learn To Draw A Goofy Cartoon Face! | Become A Cartoonist

How to Draw Goofy Cartoon Faces – Free Activity Page! Ever wanted to become a cartoonist? Now’s your chance to dive into the world of cartoon character design with a free activity page (below) straight from How to Draw: Goofy Faces! This page includes a step-by-step...

Free Activity Page: How to Draw A Cartoon Girl with a Big Smile | Step-by-Step Drawing Instructions for Kids

Learn How to Draw a Cartoon Girl with a Big Smile — Straight from “How to Draw: Silly Faces”! Looking for a fun, engaging, and creative way to get your kids drawing? We’ve got just the thing! To celebrate the joy of silly expressions and imaginative characters, we’re...

Coloring Books for Boys That Go Beyond the Ordinary: Trace, Create, and Laugh Along the Way

Coloring Books for Boys That Are Actually Fun: Trace, Create, and Get Weird If you’ve been browsing for coloring books for boys, you already know the usual options—cars, dinosaurs, and superheroes. While those are classic choices, not every boy wants the same old...

Free Activity Page: Trace Then Color The Seashell! | Sea Creature Coloring Page | Beginner Art Worksheet

Free Tracing & Coloring Page + Dive Into ‘Trace Then Color: Fish, Sea Creatures, and More’ If you or your child loves the ocean, sea creatures, and creative activities, then you’re in for a treat! Today, I’m sharing a free tracing and coloring page featuring a...

Free Activity Page: How to Draw an Axolotl in 6 Easy Steps | A Fun and Cute Drawing Worksheet from How to Draw: Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff

How to Draw an Axolotl — Free Step-by-Step Page from My Fairies, Princesses, and Cute Stuff Book If your kids love drawing magical creatures, adorable animals, and silly fantasy characters, I have a fun new treat to share today. My book How to Draw: Fairies,...

New Step-by-Step Drawing Book Teaches Kids to Draw Cartoon Robots

FirstArtBooks releases newest entry in the “How to Draw” series from author Kevin Coulston. Kids Learn to Draw in 6 easy steps.

Free Tracing Page – Birthday Cake Monster

Trace and color delicious monsters with the newest creative activity book from FirstArtBooks ‘Trace Then Color: Cartoon Food Monsters’ by Kevin Coulston

Free Activity Page: Cyborg Coloring Page | Trace Then Color A Floating Alien Eyeball | All-Ages Art Activity

Meet the Floating Eyeball Alien – From Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs - Free Cyborg Coloring Page Let’s kick things off with something awesome—a free drawing page straight from my book Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs! This one features a floating alien cyborg that’s...

6 Ways to Promote Children’s Creativity

Engaging children’s creativity is an important part of their overall development and can help them to explore their imagination, build problem-solving skills, and develop confidence in their abilities. Here are six ways that parents and caregivers can encourage children’s creativity and help them to develop their artistic talents:

What Our Customers Are Saying

“The author really does a great job demonstrating how easy (and rewarding!) it can be to draw seemingly ordinary things you (and your little ones!) may feel too intimidated to try drawing without the step-by-step guide! Putting already-known shapes together and making something new and original is a fantastic way to learn! And recognizing that you can add your own twists and personality to your drawings makes all the difference. I think it’s a fun, original approach to building confidence for a lifelong hobby. I have the ebook copy, and can only imagine how great a physical copy would be!”

– Daenarah [Amazon Review]

“There are several of these fun books by this author. My kids and I have had a lot of fun with these. It’s a great activity to do as a family and see how they all turn out. Almost like a sip and paint but more of a juice box and draw.”

Allison B. [Amazon Review]

My kids can’t wait to start drawing these monsters in their illustrations! The many different moods of the monsters appeal to their different personalities. We love the many options, styles, and opportunities to expand upon the characters. Recommended for all ages!

– Kasey [Amazon Review]

“Kevin has put out many books on drawing and animation, and has such a great feel for HOW to explain the process. His art is so expressive and kid-friendly, but his real strength is in his ability to really explain and show how it’s done, making it accessible to kids and adults. I’m a firm believer that not everyone who “can do” can teach, but Kevin does both beautifully! Pick this up and watch kids have a blast making robots of all sorts, while learning great fundamental art skills at the same time!”

Tom R. [Amazon Review]

“My 5yo LOVES this book! The drawings are cute and the instructions are easy to follow along with. She gets a kick out of drawing muffin monsters and ketchup monsters and it actually keeps her pretty focused for long periods of time.”

– Monica [Amazon Review]

“This is a fantastic book for kids who love art, cartoons, comic books, or just having fun! There are a lot of characters to choose from, and really easy step-by-step instructions to follow. You child will have a blast drawing these fun, silly characters! And just in time for Easter baskets!”

– Bestmomever [Amazon Review]

“This is a very good book for kids that want to learn to draw, my sons love it and Kevin does a great job of making drawing fun and not intimidating. Highly recommended for the long summer hours!”

David D. [Amazon Review]

News and Free Drawing Tutorials