Start with a gentle launch
Open both wings and hold the body underneath. Launch gently into a clear space, away from people and faces. Take turns.
FOLD, TRY & PLAY TOGETHER.
Origami toys to play with
Folding is just the beginning. Fly a plane, jump a frog, move a fortune teller or inflate a balloon. Choose what you want to try, then take turns making small adjustments together.
Ready to play after folding
Get ready to fold and play
Each model uses one square sheet, without cutting or gluing. Prepare extra paper and pens for targets or prompts. Fold a sheet each, or share the holding and creasing. Start with one model; take breaks for the longer frog and balloon sequences. Choose a clear flying space and a flat tabletop for the frog.
Choose from four moving models
10 STEPS · 3D INSTRUCTIONS
Paper airplane
Choose the airplane for flying. Check both opened wings together, then try a gentle launch in a clear space.
Start folding →
20 STEPS · 3D INSTRUCTIONS
Jumping frog
Press and release to try a jump. The final two folds form the spring. Share the holding and folding, and check which end is the front.
Start folding →
14 STEPS · 3D INSTRUCTIONS
Fortune teller
Move your fingers to open and close it. Help open the four pockets, then add colors or words for a game to play together.
Start folding →
33 STEPS · 3D INSTRUCTIONS
Balloon
Enjoy watching flat paper become a puffed shape. With 33 steps, take breaks between making creases, tucking tips and inflating.
Start folding →Airplane: aim for a landing spot
Pick a landing target
Place a large sheet on the floor as a target. Launch from the same spot and see how close you get. Change the launch strength one try at a time.
If it turns or drops quickly
Check that both wings have matching fold positions and opening angles. Review steps 7–9, then try a gentle launch. Paper and throwing technique affect the flight.
Frog: jump toward a paper pond
Press and release
Set the frog feet-down on a flat table. Gently press the spring at the back and release your finger. Try once at a time and find the pressing point together.
Can it reach the pond?
Draw a pond on a separate sheet and aim for it. Start nearby and move farther away when ready. Count together how many times it lands on the paper.
If it does not jump
Check the two-part spring: fold up in step 19, then fold half back down in step 20. Check that the legs are free and try on a table. Paper thickness and creases affect the jump.
Fortune teller: play with colors and words
Put fingers in the four pockets
Place both thumbs and index fingers in the four underside pockets, one finger per pocket. Alternate opening in the two directions. If tight, reopen the pockets instead of forcing your fingers in.
Choose a color and a prompt
Mark four colors outside and write prompts under the inner triangular flaps, such as “meow” or “name a favorite food.” Choose a color, open and close a chosen number of times, then pick a visible flap and read its prompt.
If it is hard to open
Review the folds and unfolds in steps 12–13 and the pockets in step 14. Remove your fingers and flatten the paper before drawing. Use pictures or colors instead of writing if preferred.
Balloon: watch the shape expand
Check the tucks, then inflate
Tuck all four tips into their pockets and spread the four folds. Blow gradually through the small air hole and watch the shape expand. Use a separate balloon for each person.
Predict and compare
Guess the shape before inflating. Fold another from a different-size square and compare them side by side. Enjoy the changing form rather than hitting it hard.
If air will not enter or tips come loose
Review steps 23–31: tips should be inside the pockets, not on top. Open the folds in step 32 and check that your fingers do not cover the hole. Pause and reshape rather than blowing harder.
Try one change at a time
One person tries while the other watches, then swap roles. Keep the starting point the same and change just one thing, such as launch strength or where you press. Talk about what changed rather than only comparing who went farther. The 3D instructions show folding; flight and jumping need to be tried with real paper.
New to folding? Explore the beginner guide →
Explore all origami models →