I love this new trend! It’s what moms have known for generations; coloring is fun! But it made international news when some adult coloring pages made the Amazon top seller list.

Adult Coloring Book Pages

Kids love coloring, and it’s easy to see why. It’s calming and peaceful. And now, researchers are finding some therapeutic benefits as well. Not sure why it took adults so long to admit that coloring is cool, and a great activity for any age!

Adult coloring pages free pdf download, also for teens!
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Somehow “coloring inside the lines” gets a bad rap. If you color inside the lines or give a child a book to do just that, you are stifling creativity or not being creative.

While there is some truth, the value and benefits of coloring inside the lines should not be dismissed.

I have several coloring books, sets of crayons, colored pencils, and markers. I often have both boys sit down, and we do it together. Both kids enjoy it despite having very different skill levels.

I love the new trend of more mature or adult-themed books and printables. This way, tweens and teens (and even older) can work on fine motor skills without using a babyish or preschool-level coloring book.

I’m sure the media and marketers will ruin this and overdo it, but you don’t have to overthink it. You likely already have crayons, markers, and pastels in your home if you have kids.

You don’t need new stuff, though you may wish to find pictures more appealing than the Curious George coloring book I see lying on my kids’ floor.

No disrespect to George, of course; we love him! But it’s ok if you want to color some more intricate or advanced pages; I hesitate to use the word “adult coloring pages” because who knows what type of internet searches will bring me.

I have a post about age-appropriate activities. Younger kids “color,” and older kids “do art.” But whatever you call it, coloring is great and can be used with any age group.

The assortment for adults is varied, like coloring pages and coloring books for kids. And just like with the kids, some coloring books and pages are free, and some cost money.

Free Coloring Pages for Adults and Teens

I have tried to sort these by subject area, but it’s always a work in progress.

TV and Pop Culture Coloring Pages

Coloring Pages for Adults

I love all the new options. So much fun. They make a perfect gift, and with winter coming, a real boredom beater!

Therapeutic Benefits of Coloring

I love adding coloring pages or coloring to my clients’ IEPs. Coloring is so easy to individualize, and almost everyone loves to do it. And since coloring is being embraced by adults and teens alike, it’s perfect for any age.

  • task initiation (coloring something is an easy task to start for many)
  • task completion (make sure you choose a page that the person can complete)
  • practice and develop fine motor skills
  • storytelling (why did you color it that way?)
  • language development
  • peaceful, calming
  • can be done independently or in a group
  • hand-eye coordination or visual motor skills
  • helps unlock creativity
  • attention to detail