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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!

50 Awesome Origami Crafts for Kids

Animal Life

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 a beginner to Origami crafts for kids, 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 crafts for kids 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 Penguin Craft

You’ll enjoy making these cute penguins, who seem quite happy sitting on their little icebergs!

5. Cute and Easy Origami Crab

How cute are these Origami crabs? Perfect for when you’re looking for a summer-themed or beach-themed craft and all you have is craft paper!

6. Origami Koi Fish Craft

Just like Origami is an important part of Japanese culture, so is Koi fish! Koi fish ponds have become quite popular these days and now you can make your own with paper!

7. Adorable Octopus Origami Craft

Not many people would call octopuses cute, but these guys certainly fit the description! Make as many as you like in different colors and give them out to your friends!

8. Cute and Easy Origami Dinosaur Craft

The dinosaurs probably never saw anyone making Origami creations, but that doesn’t have to stop you from making your own paper dinosaur out of multiple folds!

9. 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!

10. 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 probably the easiest in this list of Origami crafts for kids!

11. 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!

12. Origami Rabbit

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

13. Origami Paper Mouse Craft

How cute are these mice from Red Ted Art! We love how realistic these look, and you can make these in multiple colors to create a little mouse army. 

14. Origami Chicken Craft

Wondering how you can make chickens out of paper? Well Mommy Made That shows us how to do exactly that in this project!

Fantasy 

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!

15. 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.

16. 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 a video tutorial!

17. Origami Goomba 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!

Holidays

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

18. 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.

19. 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!

20. Origami Hearts

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

21. 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.

22. 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!

23. Easy Origami Ghost Craft

The first thing that comes to mind for Halloween is a ghost, and so you’ll find these adorable Origami ghosts perfect for the occasion!

24. Easy Origami Witch Craft

This is one of our favorites in this list of Origami crafts for kids – cute little witches, with pointy hats, brooms and all!

25. Easy Origami Pumpkin Craft

These pumpkins from Mom Brite would be perfect to string together into a garland. Hang it in your doorway or on your walls for some cool October decor!

26. 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!

27. Easy Christmas Origami Bell Craft

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day. Their old, familiar carols play” Well, these bells may not make a lot of noise, but they sure are a breeze to make!

28. Beautiful Origami Poinsettia Craft

These Origami paper poinsettias are an easy way to add some color to your holiday decor, or even to spruce up your holiday gifts! Simply stick these on instead of a gift bow, and your gift will look so much better!

29. 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 mantlepiece!

Plant Life

Although we often hear of Origami in terms of butterflies, fish and cranes, specimens of plant life are also popular Origami themes!

30. 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.

31. Origami Mushroom Craft

We featured the mushrooms from the Mario brothers, but if you’d rather make a plain mushroom, here’s the craft for it!

32. Origami Autumn Maple Leaf

As soon as fall rolls around, you see leaves in pretty colors all around you. If you live in a country where these leaves aren’t visible, you can make them yourself with this craft!

33. Easy Origami Apple Craft

If you’re looking for Origami crafts for kids that are suitable for Back to School, these apples are perfect! Maybe little kids can make one and gift their teachers on the first day of school!

34. Cute and Simple Origami Carrot Craft 

These carrots are a fun craft to make for spring or Easter, or when you want a little reminder to eat healthier! Just look at how large and bright the eyes on these carrots are – now you know why you need them!

35. Mini Origami Succulent Plants

Have you considered the fact that Origami crafts for kids can double up as decor? These succulents from Paper Kawaii are simply adorable and would make a great addition for your desk!

Transport

We’ve all grown up making boats and planes out of paper – turns out there’s a lot m0re you can make with Origami paper!

36. 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!

37. Quick and Easy Origami Rocket Craft

Ready to blast off into outer space? Then first things first – you need a rocket! And making this rocket isn’t rocket science – all you need is some Origami skills!

38. 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.

39. Origami Flying Paper Plane

Who hasn’t made a paper plane when they were young? Well, here’s your chance to relive that innocent joy, with an Origami plane from The Purple Yarn, that actually flies!

40. 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!

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.

41. 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!

42. Easy and Cute Origami Paper Dolls

You’ve made animals, plants and even fantasy characters in this list of Origami crafts for kids – now why not make some cute dolls? Check out these adorable Origami dolls from Pink Stripey Socks.

43. 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 – the perfect idea to keep older kids occupied!

44. 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.

45. Easy Origami Pencil Craft

If you’re looking for fun Back to School crafts, check out these Origami pencils from Red Ted Art. Make a bunch in different colors and hand them to your school gang!

46. 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!

47. Origami Art Bracelet

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

48. 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!

49. Origami Paper Cubes

If you thought Origami is too two-dimensional, think again! Frugal Fun 4 Boys shows us how to make perfectly little cubes out of nothing but plain paper!

50. Origami Finger Puppets

What We Do All Day shows us that Origami crafts for kids aren’t just to make or wear – you can actually play with them! Yes, these finger puppets are more durable than you think, and can last quite a while.

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!