How to Draw a Hippo (Easy Step by Step)
A hippo is a fun animal to draw because it is made of big, friendly shapes. You will draw the top of the head, a round body with two little feet, and a wide oval snout, then add small ears, dots for the eyes and nostrils, and a smile. Two tiny front teeth make it look extra silly.
- Easy
- 10 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 hippo step by step
How to Draw a Hippo · 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: The top of the head
Draw a wide curved line like an upside-down bowl for the top of the head. Leave the bottom open, because the snout will close it later.
Step 3: The round body
Draw a big rounded body under the head. Start just below each side of the head, curve out and down, and add two little rounded feet at the bottom joined by a short flat line.
Step 4: The wide snout
Draw a big wide oval that overlaps the bottom of the head and the top of the body. This oval is the hippo's big snout.
Step 5: Two little ears
Draw a small curved bump on each top corner of the head, like two little half circles. Start and end each bump on the head line.
Step 6: Two eyes
Draw two small dots on the head above the snout, one on each side, spaced evenly apart.
Step 7: Nostrils
Draw two tiny dots near the top of the snout, one on each side of the middle.
Step 8: A happy smile
Draw a gentle curved line near the bottom of the snout, like a smile that curls up at both ends.
Step 9: Two front teeth
Draw two tiny boxes side by side, hanging down from the middle of the smile.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your hippo? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a kangaroo or how to draw a llama next.
Tips for drawing a hippo
- Draw the snout oval so it overlaps the bottom of the head and the top of the body. That overlap is what gives the hippo its big, wide face.
- Keep the two ears small and the same size. Draw one first, then match the second one on the other side of the head.
- Draw the two teeth last and keep them close together in the middle of the smile, so they look like a cute pair.
Free hippo coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this hippo 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 hippo drawing
Try gray or soft purple for the head and body and pink for the snout and ears. For a creative twist, color your hippo in rainbow stripes.
Hippo fun fact for kids
The word hippopotamus comes from Greek words that mean "river horse."
Questions about drawing a hippo
What shapes do I need to draw a hippo?
You need mostly curves and ovals. Use a wide curve for the top of the head, a rounded shape for the body, a big oval for the snout, and tiny dots for the eyes and nostrils.
How do I make my hippo look cuter?
Keep the eyes small and set wide apart, and add the two little teeth under the smile. Making the body extra round also helps.
How long does it take to draw a hippo?
Most kids finish this hippo in about 10 minutes. Take your time with the big shapes first, because the small details go quickly.
