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This fall, I began my 18th year of teaching art. I love watching kids learn about new materials and methods and create beautiful, creative works of art. Over the years, I’ve developed a bit of a love/hate relationship with coloring pages. Kids love them, and they’re instantly engaging and often calming. But part of me always wants to push my students to create something out of nothing, to feel the spark that comes from filling a blank page with their own ideas. Still, I’ve come to see that coloring pages do have their place, and on National Coloring Day (September 14), it feels right to celebrate them.
Why Coloring Pages Matter
Coloring isn’t just child’s play. For kids, coloring builds fine motor skills, helps with hand-eye coordination and even teaches patience. For adults, coloring is relaxing and therapeutic. Studies show that coloring reduces stress, keeps the mind active and even benefits people with dementia by stimulating memory and focus. Picking up a box of crayons or a set of colored pencils isn’t just nostalgic, it’s good for your brain.
Tips for Coloring and Choosing Supplies
If you’re diving into coloring again, here are a few simple tips:
Start with good paper. Printer paper works fine, but cardstock holds up better for markers.
Choose your tools. Crayons are classic, but colored pencils allow for shading and blending. Markers are vibrant and bold, but can bleed through the paper, so I reserve those for when I’m coloring on cardstock.
Take your time. There’s no rush. The joy comes from slowing down and enjoying the process.
Try layering colors, adding patterns, or using unexpected hues to make the page your own.
Arkansas Coloring Pages – Free to Print
Several Arkansas organizations offer free, printable coloring pages that are both fun and educational. These aren’t just time-fillers — many of them teach about Arkansas animals, state symbols or local history. They’re perfect for classrooms, home use or even as a relaxing activity for yourself.
First Security Bank – Penny Pockets Penny Pockets is the mascot for First Security Bank’s Kids Club Savings program and a series of financial literacy programs that are available to schools and organizations. Penny makes regular appearances at festivals and events in Arkansas and has her own set of coloring pages. Stop in your local branch for more information or print one of the pages below.
Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and teaches art part-time at a local private school. A former Yankee who was "converted" to the south by her husband, Julie has grasped on to rural life in a sleepy, blink-your-eyes-and-you'll-miss-it town in central Arkansas where they raise chickens, farm hay and bake bread. Julie loves adventure and sharing it with her husband and son. They frequent the trails, campgrounds and parks of Arkansas, always on the hunt for new adventures and new stories to share. Learn more on her blog
Seek Adventures Media.
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