Benjamin Franklin Coloring Page

This free Benjamin Franklin coloring page became one of our favorite Founding Fathers activities when we studied early American history in our homeschool.

Instead of just reading dates from a book, my son colored Benjamin Franklin and his inventions before matching the printable timeline cards in order. It turned into both an art project and a history lesson, which made the details stick much better.

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Benjamin Franklin Timeline Activity

This Benjamin Franklin coloring sheet becomes a simple timeline activity once kids match each picture to the correct event in Franklin’s life.

My son enjoyed coloring each invention and event before lining them up in chronological order to see Franklin’s life unfold.

How to Use

Print the four full-page worksheets. I find cardstock works best, but regular paper works well too. Cut out the pictures and timeline cards. I like using a paper cutter, though scissors work just as well.

Let children color the nine images, which include:

• Franklin stove
• Bifocals
• Benjamin Franklin
• Kite and key in a storm
• Lightning rod on a building
• Printing press
• The General Magazine and Historical Chronicle
• Franklin’s birthplace

Once the pictures are colored, hand over the matching timeline cards. Kids can color those too before placing each picture in chronological order.

Events to Match

• 1706 – Franklin is born in Boston, Massachusetts.
• 1729 – Purchases the Pennsylvania Gazette.

• 1741 – Publishes the General Magazine.

• 1742 – Invents the Franklin stove.
• 1752 – Famous kite experiment.

• 1753 – The lightning rod is introduced to buildings.
• 1784 – Invents bifocals.
• 1790 – Franklin dies at age 84.

This timeline turns history into a hands-on activity, making it easier for young learners to connect dates with real inventions and events.

More Benjamin Franklin and Inventor Activities

If your kids enjoyed this Benjamin Franklin coloring page, you may also like:

• Benjamin Franklin worksheets – Explore Franklin’s life in more detail with a research project, two additional coloring pages, and a printable poster.
• African American inventors coloring pages – Learn about 10 groundbreaking inventors through fun coloring activities.
• Inventors and Inventions worksheets – Explore famous inventions and inventors with hands-on printable activities.

Benjamin Franklin Books for Kids

If you’d like to pair this Ben Franklin coloring page with more reading, here are a few books we’ve truly enjoyed at home:

• Ben Franklin’s In My Bathroom! — My son laughed the whole way through. It’s silly and fun, yet still packed with facts. Perfect for upper elementary.
• The Story of Benjamin Franklin — A gentle, straightforward introduction for younger kids who are just starting to learn about Franklin.
• Who Was Ben Franklin? — From the reliable Who Was series. Easy to follow, engaging, and great for independent readers.
• Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin — We especially liked how this book shows Franklin’s inventions and connects them to modern life.

For more history reading, you may also enjoy our lists of President books for kids and Invention books for kids.

Want to explore even more early American history?
Check out our Founding Fathers coloring sheets, which include Benjamin Franklin along with Jefferson, Washington, and others. They’re a fun way for kids to see how these leaders shaped the nation.

Get Your Free Benjamin Franklin Worksheets Here!

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Last Updated on 30 June 2026 by Clare Brown