Penguins Ice Skating Coloring Page

Penguins are naturally clumsy on land but surprisingly graceful in water, so imagining them ice skating creates a delightful mix of comedy and charm. This scene combines the appeal of these tuxedoed birds with the winter activity of skating, giving you smooth ice to color alongside feathered friends attempting something outside their usual expertise.

What colors work best?

While penguins are famously black and white, you can add personality through their accessories like colorful scarves, knit hats, or mittens in reds, purples, or teals. The ice offers opportunities for cool blues and lavenders with white highlights, or you could try pale pinks and oranges if you’re imagining a sunset reflection. Consider a soft gray-blue background for a winter sky, and maybe add yellow or warm brown tones for a cozy warming hut in the distance. The contrast between the penguins’ formal black-and-white coloring and bright winter gear makes the whole scene pop.

Did you know?

Penguins actually have knees, though you can’t see them because they’re tucked up inside their bodies under all those feathers. Emperor penguins can hold their breath for over 20 minutes while diving, which would certainly come in handy if they fell through the ice. Despite living in cold climates, penguins don’t freeze because they have a special gland that waterproofs their feathers with oil, plus a thick layer of blubber for insulation.

How to color this one

Use light pressure with colored pencils for the ice surface to keep it looking smooth and glassy. You can layer light blue over white, leaving some pure white spots for shine. For the penguins, a touch of gray or blue in their white areas adds dimension without losing that crisp penguin look. If there are motion lines or ice shavings from the skates, keep those very light. Markers work well for any winter clothing since you’ll want those colors bold and flat, while the ice benefits from the subtlety of pencils or crayons.

Who’ll love this?

Kids who enjoy animal characters in human situations will find this amusing, especially if they’ve tried ice skating themselves and can relate to the wobbling. It works well as a winter-themed activity when it’s too cold to play outside, or for younger elementary students learning about polar animals and their habitats.