Origami crafts for kids are an easy way to introduce them to this creative paper folding craft with step-by-step instructions for beginners.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associates participant we earn from qualifying purchases.
Origami is a Japanese paper folding craft that anyone can learn. All you need is paper. Origami paper is best, but any type will do in a pinch.
We collected a bunch of fun and easy origami patterns for beginners that kids will enjoy making. If your kids get stuck, remember to go slow and check that they have completed each step correctly. It’s easy to make one fold backward and throw off your whole project.
Try a few of these simple origami ideas with your family.
Become a Happy Camper!
Subscribe to Backyard Summer Camp emails & get a free printable.
Paper cup
This origami paper cup is really useful! Teach your kids how to make it from Strength and Sunshine and they can make one in a pinch. It would be perfect for hiking, camping trips, or even at a water fountain.
Floating boat
Make an origami paper boat with this tutorial from Backyard Summer Camp. It really floats on water and it would be fun to build a few and have boat races.
Corner bookmark
Learn how to fold paper to make this corner bookmark from The Inspiration Edit. It’s a handy craft to make for adults and kids, especially if you feel like you can never find a bookmark! The simple triangle shape is fun, but they even added details to look like a monster.
Fortune-teller
This pick-a-veggie fortune is a cute way to get kids to eat more vegetables. One Mama’s Daily Drama has a tutorial at the end on how to fold it. You could use this method to make any type of fortune and write in your own answers.
Woodland fox
Make a simple origami fox, via Easy Peasy and Fun. There are two different tutorials for this one – one standing up and the other tilting its head. It would be fun to make these along with some paper trees or other woodland creatures.
Mermaid
This folded paper mermaid by Pink Stripey Socks is so cute! This is an easy beginner craft and uses tape in a few places to make it even simpler.
Cubes
These colorful origami paper cubes hold their shape without any tape or glue. Learn how to make them from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls. Fold a set to stack together as blocks, add number sticks are roll them for dice, or just see how many your kids can make.
Butterfly
Butterflies are so colorful, so gather origami paper in a variety of colors and patterns for folding these kid-friendly butterflies at Woo Jr. These would be pretty hanging from a string in a window or from the ceiling.
Whale
Fold a whole family of origami whales, via Red Ted Art. Kids would love making this craft and then reading a book about whales.
Finger puppets
What Do We Do All Day? has a fun tutorial for making origami finger puppets. Finger puppets are great for pretend play and storytelling. And your kids can customize them to look like any characters.
Shark
Make a whole family of sharks, via Hawaii Travel With Kids, so your kids can act out the “Baby Shark” song with origami characters. This would be a fun activity for Shark Week learning too.
Tropical birds
These paper birds from Artsy Craftsy Mom are really fun and colorful. They added magnets to the back so they can stick to the refrigerator too.
Envelope
There are tons of ways to use this origami envelope by Gathering Beauty. Kids could write letters to each other or send one to a family member. Envelopes make great pockets for a journal or scrapbook too.
Bear
Recycle a brown paper bag into a cute bear face. Make this activity from All For The Boys along with a nature movie, or while reading a book like “Brown Bear, Brown Bear.”
Jumping frog
Origami frogs fold so that when you press on their backs, they jump! After your kids make a few of these jumping frogs, they can play a few games. Messy Little Monster has the instructions to make the frog and then a counting game with paper cups.
Origami for kids is the perfect activity for a rainy day or when you need everyone to sit quietly for a while. Although some of these projects have a few steps, once your kids have learned the techniques, they will want to make them all.
Play, craft, and learn all summer long
Plan your summer with the DIY Summer Camp Planner! Our step-by-step guide will help you organize a day, a week, or a whole summer of fun activities for your kids.
