Every four years, we get a bonus day tucked at the end of February, and it’s the perfect excuse to leap into some family fun! Yes, we’re talking about the leap year – that special time that comes around with as much regularity as the Olympics, but with far less fanfare… until now!
Leap years are like Mother Nature’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s keep everything in sync!” It’s a time-tuning mechanism for our calendars, ensuring that we don’t start wearing shorts in December (unless you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, that is!).
And to mark the occasion we have put together a free printable set of 6 leap year coloring pages for kids.
Leap Year Conditions
Now, how do you spot a leap year? Gather the kiddos and let’s make it a mini-math lesson that’s actually fun!
Here’s the secret formula: if the year can be evenly divided by 4, it’s usually a leap year. But wait, there’s more! If that year can also be divided by 100, it should also be divisible by 400 to qualify as a leap year.
So, for example, the year 2000 was a leap year (2000 ÷ 400 = 5), but 1900 wasn’t (1900 ÷ 400 does not equal a whole number).
And yes, break out the confetti because 2024 is a leap year party waiting to happen!
Leap Year Origins and History
Hang onto your calendars, because we’re diving into a little history! The leap year concept was introduced over 2000 years ago by the Romans.
Julius Caesar, in consultation with the cleverest astronomers of the time, realized that our actual year was a tad longer than the 365 days our calendars showed.
So, in 45 BCE, they jazzed up the Julian calendar by adding an extra day every four years, ensuring our annual festivities stayed in stellar alignment.
But why call it a “leap” year? Well, it’s because each date “leaps” over one day of the week from one year to the next, instead of following the usual pattern.
So, if your birthday was on a Tuesday one year, it would normally hop to Wednesday the next – but in a leap year, it springs right over Wednesday and lands on Thursday! Talk about a time-traveling birthday!
Leap Year Coloring Pages
Now, let’s talk about a creative way to leap into the spirit with your little ones. We have put together a vibrant collection of leap year coloring pages!
These are your passport to celebrating an extra day of the year with flair and crayons, and each one can be used to stick onto the front of your own “Happy Leap Year” or “Happy Leap Day” card
Leap Frog Leap Year Coloring Pages
Jump right into the leap year with our Leap Year Frog Coloring Pages. Its wide smile and festive spots are sure to inspire some ribbiting artwork from your kids!
This jolly amphibian is all decked out with a party crown, ready to hop into the extra day of fun
Why not continue the frog theme with this recycled frog craft that’s perfect for a leap year activity, or learn about the life cycle of a frog.
Leap Year Bunny Coloring Page
Next up, we’ve got the “Leap Year Bunny Coloring Page.” This bunny isn’t just for Easter; it’s here to leap through leap year with gusto.
With its adorable paws and a happy leap year banner, this page is ready for some bunny-tastic colors to bring it to life.
Continue the bunny theme with this Paper Folding Bunny Craft, or the Easy Popsicle Stick Bunny Craft. Why not make your own Free Printable Funky Easter Bunny Craft too?
Leap Year Calendar Coloring Page
And what’s a leap year without a calendar? Our Leap Year Calendar Coloring Page is a playful way to teach your kids about the months and days.
With a special highlight on February 29th, it’s a perfect educational tool that doubles as art.
The anticipation can be half the fun, use our interactive calendar for February that kids can color in as they await the quadrennial day. It’s a great way to build excitement and keep track of the special date!
Leap Year Party Hat Coloring Page
Don’t forget the Leap Year Party Hat Coloring Page. Every extra day deserves a celebration, and what better way than by designing your own party hat?
This page features a plain party hat just waiting to be adorned with glitter, stickers, or whatever creative decorations your kiddos can dream up.
Combine this with our fun confetti party popper activity, which matches the leap year party vibe perfectly.
Leaping Fun Leap Year Coloring Page
And there’s a leaping intro more Leap Year fun coloring page because one extra day means extra fun! This page shows a person jumping into the air with one huge leap.
Download Leap Year Coloring PDF
Ready to start the colorful leap year celebration? We’ve got all these coloring pages wrapped up in a handy PDF that you can download, print, and share with your little leapers.
Click the download link below to grab your free leap year coloring bundle!
As we count down to the leap day, let’s make every extra second count with laughter, learning, and a splash of color.
So, grab those crayons, print out these leap year coloring pages, and let’s leap into this 2024 leap year with joy and creativity. Happy coloring, everyone!
More Calendar Printables
Continue learning about the months of the year with these interactive calendar printable sets that we have here at in the playroom.
- Free Interactive Preschool Calendar Printables (12 Months)
- Free Printable Kids Calendar 2024
- Free Printable 2024 Calendar Template for Kids to Design
Don’t let the fun stop here! If you’ve enjoyed this hop, skip, and a jump through leap year lore and love our leap day coloring pages, be sure to leap into action and share this post with your friends and family.
Better yet, if you enjoyed these leap year printables, pin it on Pinterest to spread the joy and keep the leaping goodness right at your fingertips for years to come!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.