![[Age 3] Simple summer origami ideas. A roundup of classic summer motifs.](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/WScMm2kJkz8/maxresdefault.webp)
[Age 3] Simple summer origami ideas. A roundup of classic summer motifs.
Three-year-olds are getting better with their hands.
They’re starting to enjoy all kinds of origami, aren’t they? How about adults making some fun creations together with them? Here, we’ll introduce simple origami ideas perfect for summer, designed for three-year-olds.
There are lots of motifs kids love, like ice cream, bugs, and summer festival items.
We also recommend displaying the finished pieces or using them for pretend shop play.
Enjoy origami in different ways and make wonderful summer memories!
[Age 3] Simple summer origami ideas. A roundup of classic summer motifs (1–10)
Simple Ice Cream
Let me show you a simple origami ice cream idea! First, fold the paper into a triangle, then open it and place the paper so the crease runs vertically.
Fold the lower left and right edges toward the center line.
Next, fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner, crease well, and unfold.
Fold the top triangular part downward, flip the paper over, and fold the top down by about 1 cm.
Using the line just below the part you folded down, fold the lower triangle upward.
Then fold it down along the crease and flip the paper over again.
Lift the top triangular flap upward, and the ice cream and cone parts are complete.
Finally, tuck in the top and side corners to neaten the shape.
Pac-Pac Fish
Let me show you an easy way to fold a fish whose mouth opens and closes.
Fold the origami paper into thirds both vertically and horizontally to make crease lines, then unfold.
If you have a 3×3 grid of squares, you’re set.
Fold the paper into a triangle twice to make creases and unfold, then add one vertical crease on each side of the center line and unfold again.
Fold the top and bottom corners inward along the three vertical creases to form the protruding parts.
Pinch the left and right corners and fold along the creases—like magic, it turns into a fish shape! Fold the tail fin and dorsal fin inward, puff it up slightly, and it’s done.
If you pinch it top and bottom, the mouth opens and closes—very fun!
cherry tomato
When you think of mini tomatoes, they’re a classic lunchbox side and a popular variety people often grow in pots at home.
Let’s try making these mini tomatoes with origami.
Since they’re small, first cut a sheet of origami paper into quarters with scissors.
The folding method is relatively simple, so you’ll be able to make mini tomatoes one after another.
Color the folded-back white side green with a felt-tip pen to finish.
It would be fun to make a bunch and stick them on a branch so they look like a cluster.
Give it a try!
Pop ice cream
Let’s make an ice cream out of origami that feels especially delicious when you eat it in the hot summer.
You can make this idea with a single sheet of origami, but there are many small, detailed folds, so please make it together with an adult.
First, place the colored side of the paper facing up and fold it into a triangle twice.
Open the paper and reposition it so that the creases form a cross.
Fold the bottom corner up to the center, then fold along the horizontal crease to make a small triangle.
Turn the paper over, and fold the left and right corners up to meet the top corner.
Fold the two bottom edges toward the center line, and finally fold the top and side corners slightly inward—your ice cream is complete.
Summer vegetable cucumber
Why not try making a cucumber out of origami that you can use for pretend play or as a summer wall decoration? With just a few steps, even a 3-year-old can give it a try.
For this idea, use a 15 cm sheet of origami paper cut in half.
Place the half sheet vertically and fold it in half by bringing the left and right edges together.
Then fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, and fold it down diagonally to the left.
Try folding it with the image of a slightly curved cucumber in mind.
Finally, tuck in all four corners to finish! Adding patterns or a face will make it extra cute.
Plump goldfish
https://www.tiktok.com/@sachimama_asobi/video/7260304263862127880You can enjoy goldfish scooping too! Let’s make plump little goldfish! First, start by folding using the origami balloon method, and complete the front side just like the balloon.
Once that’s done, turn it over and fold the left and right corners down to meet the center line.
Fold up the lower-left corner, apply glue over one side, then fold it in half and stick it together.
Attach round stickers for the eyes.
There’s an air hole on the tail side, so use a straw to blow air into it and inflate.
And there you have it—a plump and cute goldfish! Put some lily-of-the-valley tape (suzuran tape) in a basin to look like water and enjoy playing goldfish scooping!
angelfish
https://www.tiktok.com/@n2qvideo/video/7412679279386823954Let’s make an angelfish with a cute, colorful triangular shape! First, fold the origami paper into a triangle twice to make creases, then open it once.
Fold the left corner up along the center line, flip it over, and fold the opposite corner up along the center line as well.
The inside of the lower edge of the triangle will open, so open it and gently squash-fold.
Fold the top and bottom flaps so they overlap in the middle, flip it over, and you’re done! Feel free to draw the eyes and scales.
If you hang it with fishing line, it will look like it’s swimming around your room—super cute!