Lovely childcare

Simple origami for kids: cute, playable origami ideas

Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

This time, we’re introducing lots of cute, playable origami that are perfect for kids.

Origami is a great indoor activity that you can focus on regardless of the weather, making it perfect for time at home.

Seasonal animals, creatures, and toys you can play with after folding are fun for adults too!

You can watch videos to check each step, so even if you find origami difficult, don’t worry.

If it’s too hard for your child to do alone, a parent or guardian can fold together with them and show them how fun origami can be.

Simple origami for kids. Cute and playable origami ideas (51–60)

goldfish

[Origami] Easy Goldfish Folding Method | A Cute, Summer-Perfect Design Even a 3-Year-Old Can Make! It looks like a samurai helmet partway through.

goldfish

Let’s try folding a goldfish with origami.

Origami goldfish look colorful when made in various colors, and they give a very cool, refreshing impression.

As for how to fold this goldfish, the steps are the same as the origami samurai helmet up to a certain point.

Flatten the helmet sideways and fold back the tail section, and a goldfish will appear.

The horn parts of the helmet become the goldfish’s fins.

If you put lots of colorful goldfish in a glass bowl or add paper that resembles aquatic plants, it will look even more refreshing.

Try getting creative and see what you can make.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Easy origami you can do in 2 minutes

[In 2 Minutes] Simple and Cute! 5 Types of Summer Origami

Easy origami you can do in 2 minutes

Let me introduce a few types of easy and cute origami.

First, a watermelon: glue a red sheet and a green sheet of origami paper together, then fold.

Draw the seeds with a felt-tip pen and it’s done.

Shaved ice uses a folding method quite similar to a paper cup.

Draw the syrup with a felt-tip pen to finish.

Lanterns, cicadas, ice cream, and other simple summer-themed origami are sure to lift your spirits just by folding them.

They also look lovely when you stick them on walls or glass windows to create a seasonal atmosphere.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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amulet

Super easy! How to make a good-luck charm (Sumikkogurashi, origami)

amulet

Omamori charms can be used in many ways—giving them to someone special before an exam or a game, or making one for yourself to feel calm.

So, how about making a charm themed around the popular character series “Sumikkogurashi,” loved by girls? It’s easy for anyone: fold an origami sheet into a rectangle, tape on a string with a small bell threaded through the middle, then fold it into thirds.

Make it in your favorite character’s color and draw the face and patterns.

It’s also a great idea to change the text in the center depending on the reason you’re giving it!

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Whirl-Whirl Fruit

Origami you can play with: “Kurukuru no Mi” (Spinning Fruit)

Whirl-Whirl Fruit

A fun seed that twirls as it falls when dropped from a high place! Here’s an idea for a twirling seed.

Instead of just making an origami piece, you can actually move it and play with it, which helps children stay engaged and focused for a long time.

All you need is one sheet of origami paper in your favorite color.

Since there are some tricky steps in the process, it’s best to work on it together with a teacher or a guardian.

When children overcome the difficult steps and see the finished piece, they can feel their efforts take shape, fostering self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

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Simple origami for kids: Cute and playable origami ideas (61–70)

jack-in-the-box

A pop-up surprise! Origami Jack-in-the-Box

jack-in-the-box

A jack-in-the-box made of origami, where a doll pops out when you open the lid.

It’s an adorable-looking surprise box.

Let’s make a mechanical toy where a cute doll springs out of a colorful box.

Assemble the box holding the doll with glue to make it sturdy.

Leave the lid section unattached and the box is complete.

Next, prepare two colors of origami paper to create the popping doll.

Stack the two long, thin strips of origami and fold them alternately.

Now you’ve made an accordion part that expands and contracts like a spring.

Attach the accordion to the bottom of the box, then stick your favorite character’s face on top.

Push the accordion into the box and your jack-in-the-box is finished.

When you open the lid, the doll pops out—it’s so much fun!

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Kabuto

[How to Make a Samurai Helmet] I'll explain it clearly ♪ Origami making

Kabuto

How about making a samurai-helmet origami as a decoration for Children’s Day? It looks really cool, so I think boys in particular will be thrilled.

If you use a standard 15 cm × 15 cm sheet, it’ll be small, but if you make it with a large sheet like newspaper, you can actually wear it.

Be sure to try making one with your kids.

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Pooh

Origami ☆ Pooh

Pooh

Here’s how to fold Winnie the Pooh, the beloved Disney character adored by people of all ages.

The ears require some finer folding, but the other parts are straightforward, so just help out with the detailed sections.

Once you’re done folding, draw a cute Pooh face, and you’ll have a Winnie the Pooh full of expression.

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