How to Draw a Carousel (Easy Step by Step)
A carousel is a fun drawing because it is built from just a few simple parts: a wide striped roof, a little flag, three straight poles and a round platform. The horses are small outlines with short legs, so they are easier than they look. When you finish, you will have a whole merry-go-round to color.
- Medium
- 20 minutes
- 9 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a carousel step by step
How to Draw a Carousel · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch these 2 ovals. They only show where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase them at the end.
Step 2: Curved roof top
Draw a wide, curved arch like a gentle hill, starting at the top middle and sweeping down to the left and right. Finish each end with a little curl that turns inward.
Step 3: Roof stripes
From the top point of the roof, draw four slightly curved lines that fan out like the ribs of an umbrella. Stop each one near the bottom edge.
Step 4: Scalloped edge
Along the bottom of the roof, draw three smile-shaped curves that connect the ends of the stripes. They make the roof edge look frilly.
Step 5: The little flag
Draw a short straight line going up from the top point of the roof. Add a small triangle flag at the top of the line that points to the right.
Step 6: The round platform
Near the bottom of the page, draw a wide, flat oval. Then draw a second oval just below it, joined at the sides, to make the thick edge of the platform.
Step 7: Three tall poles
Draw three straight up-and-down lines under the roof: one on the left, one in the middle and one on the right. The left pole can be drawn in two pieces, with a gap, and it reaches down toward the platform.
Step 8: The horses
Next to each pole, draw a small horse shape with a curved back, a neck and a head that points right. Add a pointy ear on top and a curly tail at the back.
Step 9: Horse legs
Under each horse, draw a few short straight lines for legs. Draw the lines so they hang down from the horse's belly.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your carousel? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a frying pan or how to draw a cooking pot next.
Tips for drawing a carousel
- Draw the roof first and keep your lines light. The three scallops along the bottom edge are the trickiest part, so make each one a gentle smile shape.
- Draw the poles slowly so they stand straight up. Try to keep the three poles about the same height so the ride looks balanced.
- The horses are small, so take your time with each one. Start with the curved back and neck, then add the head, ear and tail.
Free carousel coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this carousel coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your carousel drawing
Try red and white stripes on the roof, with gold poles and a bright flag. Give each horse a different color or pattern, like stars, polka dots or rainbow stripes.
Carousel fun fact for kids
The word carousel comes from the Italian word carosello, which was the name of a show where horse riders performed. Today carousels are also called merry-go-rounds.
Questions about drawing a carousel
What shapes do I need to draw a carousel?
You need a wide curved roof, straight lines for the poles, a triangle for the flag and two flat ovals for the platform. The horses are small outlines with short straight legs.
How do I make the carousel horses look cuter?
Give each horse a curly tail and a pointy ear. When you color them, you can add a pattern or a bright color to each one.
How do I draw the carousel roof so it looks round?
Start at the top point and curve both sides downward like an umbrella. Then add scallop curves along the bottom edge to make it look frilly.
