How to
How to make a cartoon with your kids in 15 minutes
Pick a simple idea, plan four scenes (a start, a problem, a try and an ending), then describe each scene in Toonaroo: what the picture shows and how it moves. Toonaroo draws and animates each scene and joins them into one cartoon.
You do not need drawing skills, animation software or a free afternoon. The only real work is the fun bit: deciding what happens.
Last updated 29 September 2026
Step by step
1
Pick a hero
Let your child choose who the story is about: a pet, a monster, themselves as a superhero. The sillier the better.
2
Give them a problem
Every good story needs one. The dragon lost his roar. The octopus lost a sock. Ask "what goes wrong?".
3
Plan four scenes
Scene one shows the hero. Scene two shows the problem. Scene three is the attempt to fix it. Scene four is the happy ending.
4
Describe each picture
In Toonaroo, type what is in each scene. Encourage detail: colours, where it happens, how the character feels.
5
Say how it moves
For each scene, add what happens: "he flaps his wings", "the rocket zooms off". Toonaroo animates it.
6
Watch the premiere
Save the movie, make popcorn, and watch it together. Then send it to grandparents.
Tips for younger children
For ages 3 to 5, you type while they talk. Ask one question per scene ("what happens next?") and write down their answer almost word for word. It is their story, and they will notice.
Stuck for an idea?
Our story ideas page has more than 30 ready-made stories, each already split into four scenes. Pick one and change the hero, the place or the ending to make it your child's own.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way for a child to make a cartoon?
Describing scenes in words is far easier than drawing frames. With Toonaroo, a child tells the story and the app draws and animates it.
How long should a kids cartoon be?
Three or four scenes is ideal for a first cartoon. It is a complete story and short enough to rewatch.
Do we need to download anything?
No. Toonaroo runs in the browser on phones, tablets and computers.
Make your first movie
Your kid tells the story, Toonaroo draws and animates it. Free to try in your browser.
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