Let's make it with origami! A collection of ways to fold “dinosaurs”
There are lots of kids who love dinosaurs, aren’t there?
Dinosaurs are so fascinating that not only boys but girls, too, can get totally absorbed in them.
In this article, we’ve put together instructions for folding dinosaurs that are popular with kids, like the Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, and Pteranodon.
There are a variety of models, from easy to difficult, so be sure to try them together as a parent-child activity.
If you change the size or type of origami paper, you can make them look even cooler—your kids are sure to be thrilled when they see the finished results!
Adults might get hooked, too!
Let’s make all kinds of dinosaurs and have fun.
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Let’s make it with origami! A roundup of how to fold ‘dinosaurs’ (11–20)
Apatosaurus
The Apatosaurus, a popular dinosaur that frequently appears in Jurassic World.
It looks a lot like Diplodocus, but its neck is a bit thicker and shorter, and its front legs are longer than its back legs.
While it’s hard to capture every detail, you can make a cute Apatosaurus out of origami, so give it a try if you like.
You only need one sheet of origami paper.
However, prepare a larger sheet.
There are many steps that involve creasing, which can be challenging, but if you do that part carefully, the rest will be easier—so don’t cut corners and do your best!
Plesiosaurus
Speaking of long-necked aquatic reptiles, this dinosaur, the Plesiosaurus, comes to mind! Isn’t this the favorite dinosaur for many people? The legendary cryptid known as “Nessie” is also rumored to be a descendant or survivor of the Plesiosaurus.
When making it, prepare a larger sheet of origami paper.
It’s quite difficult, but very rewarding to fold, so please give it a try.
You’ll need a ruler partway through, so don’t forget to have one ready.
Also, the final step of shaping the neck and head requires quite a bit of strength, so if a child wants to make it themselves, consider having an adult help just for that part.
Parasaurolophus
Parasaurolophus is a dinosaur that looks like a bird with a distinctive head.
Its head crest, like a bird’s comb, makes it a fun dinosaur, doesn’t it? It’s also used as a character motif in shows like Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger, so it’s popular with children! You can make it with a single sheet of standard-sized origami, so even beginners and kids can try it easily.
The characteristic crest and tail are cutely recreated, so you can make lots and decorate your room.
Be sure to check it out!
Pachycephalosaurus
Pachycephalosaurus, also known as the “thick-headed dinosaur,” had a skull covered in thick bone.
Although it’s still not entirely clear what that tough, seemingly painful-to-collide-with structure was for, the Jurassic Park series shows it smashing through walls with headbutts—pretty cool, right? Let’s try making a Pachycephalosaurus out of origami! This project uses larger origami paper and involves detailed steps, so it’s geared toward adults, but the finished model is so impressive you’ll find yourself staring at it.
Iguanodon
Iguanodon, whose fossils were discovered before the term “dinosaur” even existed.
It apparently appears in the movie Jurassic World: Dominion as well! Speaking of Iguanodon, its hallmark is a long, horse-like head shape.
Let’s make an Iguanodon out of origami that makes the most of that feature! You can use a standard-size sheet of origami paper for this.
Toward the end the folds get quite small, but there aren’t any difficult steps, so a child who’s good at origami might be able to fold it on their own.