How to Draw a Family Tree: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

This family tree drawing guide is perfect for children ages 6+ looking to map out their heritage. You will need a pencil, eraser, and paper to complete this activity. By the end, you’ll have a personalized visual chart that builds fine motor skills and celebrates your family history.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, completed family tree drawing with space for names.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Root System

Pencil sketch showing the base of a tree trunk with wavy root lines.

Start by drawing two curved lines for the base of the trunk, connecting them at the bottom with a series of small, wavy lines to form the roots. Teacher's Tip: Keep your lines loose and organic—roots aren't perfectly straight, so don't worry about making them symmetrical!

Step 2: Shaping the Trunk

Drawing the tree trunk with a knot detail on the side.

Draw the main trunk using overlapping curved lines to suggest texture and a natural knot. Teacher's Tip: Adding a small 'knot' or circle on the side of the trunk gives your tree a realistic, aged look.

Step 3: Starting the Canopy

Sketching the bottom of the tree canopy using rounded, cloud-like lines.

Extend the trunk upward and begin the leafy crown using a series of connected, cloud-like curved lines. Teacher's Tip: Don't press too hard; these 'cloud' lines are just a guide for the overall shape of the tree.

Step 4: Developing the Leafy Crown

Adding U-shaped lines to the canopy to create a leafy texture.

Continue building the crown by using a series of 'U' shaped lines to create a full, bushy appearance. Teacher's Tip: Vary the size of your 'U' shapes to make the tree look more natural and less like a perfect circle.

Step 5: Adding the Title Banner

Completing the tree canopy and drawing a rectangular banner at the base.

Finish the crown with more curved lines, then draw a horizontal rectangle beneath the tree for your banner. Teacher's Tip: Use a ruler if you want the banner to look extra neat, or keep it hand-drawn for a rustic feel.

Step 6: Placing Family Ovals

Adding ovals for family members and finishing the banner ends.

Draw several ovals inside the tree for photos, and add pennant shapes to the ends of your banner. Teacher's Tip: Make sure your ovals are spaced out enough so you have room to write names underneath them later.

Step 7: Customizing Your Tree

Writing the title on the banner and adding more ovals for family members.

Add more ovals as needed and write 'Family Tree' inside your banner. Teacher's Tip: You can adjust the number of ovals to fit your specific family size—it's your tree, so make it your own!

Step 8: Labeling Grandparents

Adding labels for grandparents under the top ovals.

Write 'Grandfather' and 'Grandmother' under the top row of ovals. Teacher's Tip: Using your actual grandparents' names makes this project much more special and meaningful.

Step 9: Labeling Parents and Yourself

Labeling the remaining ovals for parents and the child.

Add 'Mother', 'Father', and 'Me' to the remaining ovals. Teacher's Tip: Use a fine-tip pen for the names so they stand out clearly against the pencil drawing.

Step 10: Adding Color

The completed family tree drawing with vibrant colors.

Bring your tree to life with color! Use greens for summer, or warm oranges and reds for an autumn-themed tree. Teacher's Tip: Use brown for the trunk and roots to create a nice contrast with the leaves.