![[Age 3] Simple summer origami ideas. A roundup of classic summer motifs.](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/WiIsrXClvVU/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)
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!
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.
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!
whale shark
Let’s make a cool shark! Here are some ideas for a whale shark.
What you’ll need: blue-toned origami paper, 8 mm white round stickers, and/or a white pen.
The whale shark is known as the largest fish in the world and is characterized by its gentle nature.
Let’s try making a cool whale shark out of origami! The key point is the step where you leave small gaps at the creases to form the shape.
This is the secret to recreating the shark’s unique body shape.
Children can learn the folding techniques while creating a highly polished finished piece!
A goldfish you can make by folding six times
This goldfish is one of the easiest origami goldfish to make.
Most goldfish origami usually starts by folding into a triangle, but this one is a bit unconventional because it begins with a square fold.
First, fold the paper in half to make a rectangle, then fold it diagonally along the diagonal.
After that, fold down the white section—this will become the tail fin.
Then make a small fold for the head, and it’s already done.
It’s an avant-garde style of origami, almost like a painting by Matisse or Picasso.
Puffy, three-dimensional goldfish
Let’s make a fun twist on the classic origami balloon! Here’s a puffy, three-dimensional goldfish idea.
All you need is one sheet of origami paper in your favorite color, a black pen, and a white pen.
It’s a unique, playful idea that makes the goldfish look adorably puffed up! Fold a balloon-like goldfish from a single sheet of paper, then use the black and white pens to draw the eyes and patterns.
It will look as if the goldfish has leapt right out of an aquarium.
This idea is sure to make anyone go “Whoa!” the moment they see the finished goldfish!
goldfish with a triangular tail fin
This goldfish is relatively easy to fold compared to other goldfish origami.
Because the shape is quite simple, drawing the eyes and scales might make it look more realistic.
To fold it, first make two diagonal folds along the corners.
Then fold the tip slightly, and fold it in half in the perpendicular direction to make a crease there.
Fold the triangular section at the bottom upward.
Finally, fold up the opposite edge from the head to form the tail along that line, and you’re done.