How to Draw a Parasaurolophus (Easy Step by Step)
The Parasaurolophus is a dinosaur with a long, curved crest that sweeps back from its head like a bendy tube. This drawing starts with a round head and snout, then adds a rounded body, four chunky legs, and a small tail. It comes together in just nine easy steps.
- Easy
- 12 minutes
- 10 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a Parasaurolophus step by step
How to Draw a Parasaurolophus · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: The head
Draw a round head, then add a short, rounded snout sticking out to the left, like the neck of a little bottle.
Step 3: Back and belly lines
Start at the right side of the head and draw a long curve that goes right, then bends down. Then draw a short flat line near the bottom, where the belly will be.
Step 4: The long crest
Start at the top of the head and draw a long curve that sweeps up and to the right. Round it at the tip and bring it back to the head to make a thick, bendy tube.
Step 5: The neck
Draw a short, gently curved line going down from the bottom of the head. This is the front of the neck and chest.
Step 6: The front legs
Draw a tall rectangle with rounded corners under the front of the body. Then add a smaller, shorter one beside it for the far leg.
Step 7: The back legs
Draw a big rounded rectangle under the back of the body. Add a smaller one tucked right behind it.
Step 8: The tail
At the back of the body, draw a small curve that bulges out to the right. Close it with a short curve underneath to make a stubby tail.
Step 9: The nostril
Add a tiny dot near the tip of the snout for a nostril.
Step 10: Eye and smile
Draw a round dot in the middle of the head for the eye. Then draw a short curved line below it, starting near the snout, for a happy smile.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your Parasaurolophus? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a plesiosaur or how to draw a paleontologist next.
Tips for drawing a Parasaurolophus
- Draw the crest in one smooth, slow sweep. If it wobbles, that is fine, because it looks like a bendy tube anyway.
- Draw the round head first and the snout second. Starting with the circle keeps the head from turning out too small.
- Give the legs rounded corners so they look soft and chunky instead of stiff. Make the far legs a little smaller than the near ones.
Free Parasaurolophus coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this Parasaurolophus 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 Parasaurolophus drawing
Try green or teal for the body with a bright orange or purple crest. For a creative twist, give the crest stripes or dots in rainbow colors, so it looks like a party hat.
Parasaurolophus fun fact for kids
The Parasaurolophus had a hollow tube inside its crest. Scientists think air moving through the tube helped it make low, honking calls.
Questions about drawing a Parasaurolophus
What shapes do I need to draw a Parasaurolophus?
You need a round head with a small snout, a rounded body, and four rounded rectangles for the legs. The crest and tail are just curved lines.
How do I draw the crest on a Parasaurolophus?
Start at the top of the head and draw one long curve that sweeps up and to the right. Then curve it around the tip and bring the line back to the head, so it makes a tube shape.
How do I make my Parasaurolophus look cuter?
Make the eye a big round dot and add a curvy smile under it. Short, chunky legs and a plump body also make it look extra friendly.
