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Take your pick from these awesome Origami crafts for kids to introduce your little one to the Japanese art of paper folding. With varying levels of difficulty, there’s something for everyone!

One of the most popular terms used in paper crafts is ‘Origami’. The Japanese term that refers to ‘folding paper’, came to be used around the 1800s, although the exact date of origin is unknown. Apparently, the high price of paper then restricted the use of Origami to religious events alone.

Origami is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, with Origami butterflies used in weddings, and Origami used as good luck charms for soldiers. Today, there are a staggering number of Origami artists, each more talented than the other!

Since we’re all about introducing kids to various arts and crafts from across the world, we’ve rounded up 30 fun Origami craft projects for kids, of varying difficulty. So whether you’re a beginner or looking for a challenge, there’s sure to be something for you here!

30 Awesome Origami Crafts for Kids

Wildlife

Among the most popular Origami crafts for kids are animal themed crafts. There are so many different ones to choose from, so we’ve eased your confusion by picking the best of the best!

1. Origami Whale

If you’re an Origami beginner, this whale craft is an easy enough project to try. Just follow the instructions carefully for your own little pet whale – complete with water squirting out!

2. Origami Fish

Based on the Dr. Seuss book ‘One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish’, this colorful craft is easy enough for young kids to try. Fix them on a watery background when done for a complete effect!

3. Origami Bird Magnets

Who says Origami can’t be functional? These bird magnets prove otherwise! Make them in different colors and let them hold memos, photos or whatever catches your heart’s fancy!

4. Origami Jumping Frog

Have fun with your friends by making these funky Origami jumping frogs from It’s Always Autumn! Make them in different colors and see whose frog can jump the farthest!

5. Origami Dog

Whether you have a real dog at home or not, this cute little Origami Dog from My Crafts is a must make! This is particularly easy for kids or beginners to Origami.

6. Origami Cat

Not a dog person? Never mind, you can make Origami cats too! Fat Mum Slim has a detailed tutorial to make cute and colorful little kitties – all out of paper!

7. Origami Rabbit

Who doesn’t love bunnies? With their little tails and floppy ears, rabbits are universally adored. Which is why, these Origami rabbits from Tinker Lab are a must make – without having to wait for Easter!

Fantasy and Pretend Play

All kids like to pretend that they’re princes or princesses, slaying dragons and rescuing the kingdom! Build on this interest with some fun Origami crafts based on fictional characters and more!

8. Origami Crown

Become a king or queen for a day with an easy to make Origami crown, like this one from Paper and Glue! These would be perfect for kids to make and wear at a birthday party – activity and party favor in one go!

9. Origami Dragon

When you have royals in the picture, can a dragon be far behind? Umbrella Clan has a video tutorial to make a very realistic looking red dragon – add some golden paper for fire and it’ll come to life!

10. Origami Mermaid

Got a Little Mermaid fan at home? Then she’ll love making this absolutely adorable little mermaid craft from Pink Stripey Socks! The entire project is a little detailed, so it’s probably better for older kids.

11. Origami Pikachu

Pikachu is so popular across the world; I personally know many kids who’d love their own Pikachu! For them, I’d recommend this Origami Pikachu craft from Paper Kawaii – with video tutorial!

12. Origami Mushrooms

Mushrooms have a certain air of magic about them, and you can find them in so many places, from Mario to the Smurfs! If you’ve got Mario fans, then you MUST try out these quirky Origami mushrooms from All for the Boys!

13. Origami Ring

The Lord of the Rings stories may be a little much for the kids, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need rings for pretend play! Try out these cute Origami rings from Red Ted Art, that may just have the magical powers you need!

14. Origami Unicorn

You can’t have a list of fantastical creatures without mentioning unicorns! Willow Day has a pretty Origami unicorn craft that works well as a bookmark and also as an embellishment for a Valentine’s Day card.

Holidays

If you’ve never tried Origami before, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to start! Whatever the holiday is, you’re sure to find lots of ideas for paper crafts!

15. Origami Bat

Halloween is when bat crafts make their presence felt, and we particularly love these hanging Origami bats from Paper Kawaii! String them together for a perfectly themed Halloween banner!

16. Origami Gift Box

We know that a handmade gift from the heart is ideal, but a handmade gift box makes it even more special! Make these cute gift boxes for Valentine’s Day and watch your loved one’s face light up!

17. Origami Easter Basket

Here’s something a little fancy to try for Easter – Origami bunny Easter baskets from Gathering Beauty! If you’ve already tried basic Origami crafts, then this one will be a good challenge.

18. Origami Monster Bookmarks

If you’d like to gift your friend something for Halloween, or simply need something to hold your page in the latest spooky novel you’re reading, do try making these fun Origami monster bookmarks!

19. Origami Christmas Tree

This Origami project from Red Ted Art is easy peasy and is great even if you have absolutely no experience in Origami. Make a bunch with the kids and arrange them on the mantle piece!

20. Origami Hearts

These Origami hearts from Jennifer Maker are cute enough to look at, but what’s more is that it also contains a secret compartment for a hidden message! Perfect for your secret Valentine!

21. Origami Santa

You can’t end the year without Santa now, can you? You can even make your own cute little version, with this craft project from Wikitalks!

Fun Things to Make and Play

Sometimes you don’t need a season or a holiday to make Origami – you just want to have fun! Here are some classic Origami ideas for all ages to make and play with.

22. Origami Boat

This is probably the first Origami craft kids across the world make – without even knowing that it’s called Origami! Satsuma Designs converts this innocent childhood craft into a cute garland.

23. Origami Faces

Okay, these Origami faces from Pink Stripey Socks are probably my favorite in this whole list! They are just genius and you can make so many different kinds!

24. Origami Ninja Stars

Want to try something awesome? Then be sure to make these transforming Origami Ninja stars from What do We do All Day – perfect idea to keep older kids occupied!

25. Origami Yacht

Origami boats are common, but what about an Origami yacht? We have a craft that makes use of chalk markers to create some unique yachts – perfect for your next holiday!

26. Origami Tulip Craft

Tulips are such pretty flowers, aren’t they? This easy Tulip craft is perfect for an Origami beginner and is great to fix on DIY cards for Mother’s Day or Teacher’s Day.

27. Origami Space Shuttle

When Origami planes get a little ‘meh’, you might want to go a step further and make these Origami space shuttles from All for the Boys. Now that’s a craft project that’s out of this world!

28. Origami Ice Cream

Here’s a craft that’s perfect for the summer – Origami ice cream! Poulette Magique has a lovely tutorial to make these – the page’s in French, so you might want to translate it.

29. Origami Shark Cootie Catcher

Yes, sharks aren’t known to be cuddly creatures, but this Origami shark cootie catcher from Easy Peasy and Fun is a cute little guy to make and play with!

30. Origami Art Bracelet

It’s not easy maintaining ALL of your kids’ art work, so here’s a more concise way to keep them – turn them into Origami bracelets, as shown in Picklebums!

When introducing kids to Origami, you might want to start with paper that’s not too expensive, since there is going to be lots of tearing and tossing initially! As they get the hang of it, you can get prettier and better paper. Give the project a try yourself before attempting it with the kids, especially if it’s a complex one. Stick to age appropriate projects so that kids don’t get frustrated. With our list of awesome Origami crafts for kids, we’re sure you’ll find something that’s perfect for you!