15 Then and Now Coloring Pages That Show Kids How Everyday Life Has Changed
Many children don’t naturally think about how the world used to be—they simply live in what they see today.
But understanding how things used to be—and how they’ve changed—is what builds real curiosity, critical thinking, and deeper learning.
These Then and Now coloring pages do something simple but powerful: they help children compare, question, and connect the past to the present.
Instead of turning social studies into dry facts, these printable pages open the door to real conversations: What changed? What stayed the same? What did families do before modern tools?
Less searching. More MEANINGFUL moments.
When kids recognize themselves on the page, coloring changes.
The Inclusive Family Coloring Collection includes 25 human-drawn illustrations centered on everyday moments — designed to make inclusion feel normal, joyful, and intentional.
Because representation shouldn’t be reserved for one month.
They are low-prep, screen-free, and designed to help kids notice progress without losing curiosity about the past.
A Note from Louisa (Founder of MyKidColors)
Growing up in Nigeria before certain conveniences became common taught me something I deeply appreciate now: life changes quickly, and it’s important to remember where you came from while still growing toward where you’re going.
I still remember reheating food in pots, keeping meals warm in thermos containers, and grinding ingredients by hand long before those things slowly changed in our home. Those memories shaped how I see progress today.
That’s the heart behind these then and now coloring pages. More than comparing “old vs new,” I hope these pages encourage kids to reflect, ask questions, and appreciate both the past and the present. Because growth means a lot more when you still remember your roots.
Conversation Corner: 3 Questions to Ask While Coloring
Turn this activity into a bonding moment. While your child colors, try asking these questions:
- For “Transportation Then & Now” (Page 1): “What do you think it felt like traveling with a horse compared to a car, and which one would you prefer for a long journey?”
- For “Cooking Then & Now” (Page 7): “How do you think cooking was different in the past, and what tools do we use today that make it easier or faster?”
- For “Stories of the Past” (Page 14): “What stories do you think older people can share about their childhood, and how might those experiences be different from yours today?”
The Collection: 15 Free Then & Now Coloring Pages
We have organized these into three sets to help you teach change over time—from simple comparisons to deeper understanding and future thinking.
For Little Hands: First Discoveries of Change (Pages 1–5)
Best for toddlers and preschoolers. These pages focus on simple recognition using easy coloring pages, bold visuals, and clear side-by-side comparisons.
- Page 1: A horse carriage beside a modern car introduces how transportation has evolved in a way young children can easily understand.
- Pages 2 & 3: Communication tools and school environments show how everyday life has changed—from rotary phones to smartphones and traditional desks to modern learning spaces.
- Pages 4 & 5: Reading and travel comparisons help children connect past and present experiences through relatable, everyday moments.
Exploring Change in Everyday Life (Pages 6–10)
Perfect for elementary kids. These pages bring deeper understanding through relatable, real-life transitions.
- Page 6: Music evolution—from cassette players to modern devices—introduces kids to how technology changes entertainment.
- Pages 7 & 8: Cooking and communication highlight how daily routines have transformed across generations.
- Pages 9 & 10: Play and farming comparisons help children understand both lifestyle and technological progress.
The Full Story & Big Picture Thinking (Pages 11–15)
Designed for older kids or reflective learning. These pages expand understanding through storytelling and future thinking.
- Page 11: A detailed comparison scene shows multiple objects changing over time, encouraging observation and discussion.
- Pages 12 & 13: Past, present, and future concepts—including tools and eco-friendly cities—help children think beyond today.
- Pages 14 & 15: Family stories and a full timeline scene bring everything together, showing how the past shapes the future.
Perfect for Quiet Learning Time & Homeschool
Teachers and parents love using these as coloring pages for kids, learning worksheets, and nostalgia coloring pages. Here are a few ways to extend the lesson:
- Then & Now Matching Activity: Ask children to match past objects with their modern versions, helping build comparison and observation skills.
- Story Sequencing: Use Pages 1 (Transportation), 6 (Music), 10 (Farming), and 15 (Timeline) to show how life evolves step by step over time.
- Create a Family Timeline: Let children draw or write about their own “then & now” moments—baby vs now, or parent childhood vs today.
Why We Choose Hand-Drawn Over AI
The quiet time children spend with these pages often shapes how they begin to understand people, progress, and the world around them.
That’s why every Then & Now coloring page in this set is created by a real human artist who slows down over details, expressions, and everyday moments.
A child learning from a grandparent is never rushed. A moment of discovery is never overlooked. Every scene reflects care, dignity, and connection in a way children can truly understand.
We illustrate them carefully—because the way a child understands the past today becomes the way they imagine the future tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I help my child understand the concept of “then and now” more clearly?
Use real-life examples alongside the pages—show them old photos, tell stories about your childhood, or compare objects in your home to make the concept more concrete and relatable.
How do I use these in a homeschool history unit without making it feel like a worksheet?
Pair the pages with old photos from your own family. Page 14 (grandparent and photo album) is the natural anchor—let your child color while you flip through an actual album or scroll old photos on your phone. The coloring page becomes a conversation, not a lesson.
What’s a creative way to extend learning beyond coloring?
Let your child create their own “Then & Now” drawing—such as toys, clothes, or homes—helping them connect imagination with real-world understanding.
My child asked why their grandparents didn’t have phones — how do I answer without making it sound like they were deprived?
That’s a good question to redirect into curiosity instead of pity. Try: “They had a different normal. People wrote letters, called each other less often, and saw faraway family less. It wasn’t worse—it was different.” Page 8 (mail vs. text) is a useful visual to color while you talk.
Download Your Free Set
History feels different when a child can color it. Suddenly the grandparents who showed up in old photos become real people with real lives.
Download the free 15-page past versus present coloring pages PDF and we’ll send it straight to your inbox.
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