Looking for a fun but simple project to keep kids busy and engaged? Origami is the answer. The Japanese art of paper folding requires no expensive supplies and makes no mess — all you need is paper and some focus. And there is so much easy origami for kids to try out!
Origami offers plenty of developmental benefits for children of all ages, too. Folding paper helps kids practice important fine motor skills. Carefully following the step-by-step instructions to make your origami fosters skills like focus and cooperation. Watching their creations go from a flat piece of paper to something three dimensional encourages creativity, as well as confidence in their own abilities and the patience to complete the project at hand.
No matter what they’re obsessed with right now — sea animals, the jungle, vehicles, video games — every kid can find a fun origami project, along with simple instructions, in this list.
11 easy origami projects for kids
1. Lovely butterfly
This origami butterfly from Jess, the founder of Mad in Crafts, is easy to make and so beautiful. Use patterned paper to make them pop!
2. Green dragon
The folks behind TikTok’s Origami World demonstrate how some concentrated folding can transform a green square into a flying dragon kids can add to their toy collection.
3. Cutest turtle
In 25 easy steps, you can create the cutest little origami turtle via the easy steps found on Kids Activities Blog. Keep it simple and green or use a brown marker to draw a shell.
4. Jumping frog
An origami project that turns into its own activity when you’re done? Check out this origami jumping frog from Gary Easy Origami that kids can play with all day.
5. Crescent moon
This crescent moon origami from Kids Art & Craft would make the cutest decoration for a celestial-themed bedroom, and you can even add another origami creation sitting on the moon.
6. Shining stars
Also on the celestial theme, these origami stars from PaperShaping on TikTok are so cool — make several and create a whole outerspace landscape.
7. Fun Fish
This adorable fish from Easy Peasy and Fun is simple to make and can be made extra special by adding a googly eye. If you don’t have a googly eye handy, grab some markers and decorate it yourself!
8. Chomping Pac-Man
The classic video game icon can turn into a fun activity after it’s created. Follow the origami Pac-Man tutorial from Beauty Crafts and cut out some red dots that your new Pac-Man can chase and eat!
9. High-flying airplane
Kids who point out every plane flying overhead will love the chance to make their own personal airplane out of paper. Check out this origami airplane how-to on TikTok from Paper Wasting Man.
10. Jumping Snake
These jumping origami snakes, found via KIDS Crafts, are another fun project with a built-in activity. Create as many as you want in all your favorite colors!
11. Animal bookmarks
These origami animal faces are adorable and can be used as bookmarks, thanks to Crafts by Ria and their tutorial — just place them on the corner of your page when you’re done reading.
