Learn how to make origami animals with the art of paper folding. We’ve included 19 of the cutest paper animals to get you started!
If you are looking for a fun activity to enjoy with kids of all ages, you are in the right place! Get ready to create adorable origami animals in all different shapes and sizes. From an origami bird to a sweet cat and more.
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Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, is a fun and educational kids activity. With just a few pieces of paper, kids can create a menagerie of origami animals, from graceful swans to playful frogs.
What makes origami so appealing to young ones? Not only does it offer a creative outlet, but it also enhances fine motor skills, patience, and concentration.
Plus, the sense of accomplishment they will feel when they complete their first origami animal is truly rewarding!
We’ve included beginner ideas for younger kids, as well as more detailed ideas that older kids will enjoy.
Origami paper folding tips
- Start with a perfect square of paper (unless the pattern calls for something different). Use a ruler to double-check that all sides are even.
- Use origami paper if you can. This paper is just the right weight and thickness, and it often comes cut to size.
- Young kids can learn to fold origami but may learn better by copying an adult. Sit beside your child, rather than across from them, so that they can see exactly what you’re doing.
- To make a crease, use the edge of a pencil or ruler, or your fingernail to make the crease nice and crisp.
- Traditionally origami doesn’t include glue. But you may want to add some in a few places to ensure your folds stay put, especially if the finished design is a toy.
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How to Make Your Own Origami Animals
Common Supplies Needed
- square paper – can use origami paper or craft paper
- scissors
- ruler
- pencil
Choose paper in an array of colors, or use traditional colors for the animals you are making. This is a great activity for a birthday party or group craft. Each child can choose an animal and paper color to create their own design.
DIY Origami Animals
Gather your favorite origami paper and get inspired by these DIY origami animals, with step-by-step folding techniques for each.
Who can resist a sweet little cat? This is a simple paper folding technique perfect for little hands.
Teach kids how to make origami fish in a school of colors using traditional paper folding techniques.
Here is a pretty origami koi fish craft that kids and even adults can try! Make several in different colors. Did you know koi fish are a symbol for good fortune and prosperity?
Create a family of origami foxes with this step-by-step tutorial. This little cutie will be popular with the kids - just keep him away from the chickens!
Who can resist a cute origami crab with the most adorable paper googly eyes? The good news is this is a simple folding technique that even younger children can make.
Fans of the ocean will love this next origami tutorial for a paper turtle. Go with classic green to represent a traditional sea turtle. This project does require scissors in addition to folding.
An origami crane is probably one of the most popular origami animals. These sweet cranes would make a really cool hanging mobile too.
Get all the details to make your own origami bird with this simple folding technique. A rainbow of colors would be perfect for this craft project.
Does anyone else think of the Baby Shark song anytime they see a kids' shark now? While these origami sharks are geared toward kids, adult supervision will definitely be needed with younger kids.
Just 5 easy steps are required to make a traditional swan origami art. You can go with classic black and white, or use a fun color like purple!
This little wolf is actually inspired by the story Little Red Riding Hood, although this one is quite a bit cuter than the story book wolf! Why not make this to go along with story time, or even as an introduction to origami?
Butterflies are always a favorite with kids. They will love to learn how to create their own origami butterflies. Think about how pretty a collection of bright and colorful paper butterflies would look displayed in a shadow box, or in a bowl in a child's room.
This is a different version of the sea turtle shown above. Don't you love how the top is folded to look like a turtle shell? You will need scissors for this project as well, but it is a simple cut.
Make story time even more fun with origami tiger corner bookmarks. These are super easy to make and decorate. Such a great idea for a kids party favor too!
How fun are these origami dogs? There are 3 different designs all made with the same simple folding technique. This is perfect for younger children.
Check out this great beginner tutorial for an origami hedgehog that doubles as a corner bookmark. Crafts that are fun to create and serve a purpose are always a hit with adults too!
Not only is this origami bear super simple to make, it's also made from a recycled paper bag! There is nothing better than a basically free kids craft.
Get the step by step instructions for these adorable origami chickens. They can also be used as finger puppets.
Use double-sided paper in a colorful pattern to create fabulous origami elephants! These look detailed, buy actually only use a few simple folds. Check out the video tutorial to make your own.
We hope you are inspired to encourage your kids to embark on this paper-folding adventure and watch them fall in love with the magical world of origami animals.
It is a fantastic way to keep kids engaged and entertained. Let us know in the comments below which paper animal is your favorite, or if you give any of these a try.
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