Hop into Spring with this easy origami frog that actually jumps!
Of course, this jumping frog isn’t just for spring. It is fantastic for kids who are getting started in the world of origami and need a basic model.
It includes free printable instructions that are suitable for elementary-aged kids, but older children can do it too.
After your children are done making frogs, they can have a race to see whose frog jumps the furthest.
They can also compete to see which frog lands on its feet more often.
Or, make the frogs jump to a target and see which one gets closer.
I’m sure your kids will have a blast with these frogs, so keep reading to learn how to make them and download the printable instructions.
How to Fold an Origami Jumping Frog
To make this jumping frog, you will need a rectangular piece of paper.
We tested different sizes, and they all worked well, but in the end, we decided to use 14.5 x 8.9 cm (5.7 x 3.5 in) rectangles to make our frogs because they jumped better at this size. You can let your kids test what works best for them.
It is also a better idea to use thick paper, such as cardstock or the paper used for crafts. In our case, we used Canson Iris Vivaldi paper.
You can follow the instructions below to fold your frog.
Or, if you prefer videos, keep scrolling down to find a video tutorial.
Origami Jumping Frog Instructions
- If you are using paper with only one colored side, start with the white side facing up.
Fold the rectangle in half, crease firmly, and unfold it.
- Bring the top right corner down to the left and unfold it right away.
- Bring the top left corner down to the right and unfold it.
- Flip the paper over.
- Bring the top of the rectangle down where the diagonal folds meet, unfold it, and turn the paper over once again.
- Make a squash fold, as shown below.
Basically, you have to bring the sides to the middle, so they meet each other. Then, flatten the top of your rectangle to make a triangle. I know this step can be a little tricky, but it’s easy to understand it when you look at the photos.
- Fold the two corners of the triangle up to the center.
- Fold the right side of the paper towards the center and repeat with the left side.
- Go back to the triangles we made at step 7 and fold them from the top out.
- Fold the bottom of the paper up to the top corner of the triangle.
- Fold the paper down to the bottom edge.
- Turn the whole model over to reveal your jumping frog.
Now it’s time to play!
To make your frog jump, lightly press the back and release it.
How far can you make it jump?
Jumping Frog Video Tutorial
I know origami can be difficult to understand when you are a beginner; that’s why I included this video tutorial.
Now you can see exactly how to fold a jumping frog!
Pause it and repeat it as much as you need.
Origami Frog Printable Instructions
I made this craft with a small group of kids, but they all wanted to have the directions at the same time. That’s why I created these printable instructions in case your kids need them too.
They decided to start an origami binder along with instructions from other models.
Click the link below to get your free printable jumping frog instructions.
DOWNLOAD THE JUMPING FROG INSTRUCTIONS
Get your kids to make their own frogs and show us how far they can jump on Instagram by tagging @theprintablesfairy.
*Please remember that these printables are for personal use only. You may not sell or distribute the files. If you want to share them, please link to this post and not directly to the PDF files.
Looking for Advanced Origami for Kids?
Take a look at this tutorial:
I am obsessed with this. My mom loves frogs so I gave her a whole basket full of these for her birthday.
My child loved making this frog, and had much fun playing with it after it was made! For those who haven’t made this frog I highly reccomend that your child make it. My child said it was so easy to make, and her brother said he loved these frogs too.
This is the easiest jumping frog that I have found for younger children to make. Your directions are nice and clear for making the water bomb fold which is so hard to imagine the first time you do it.
this is so cool!!
Fabulous!! I plan to make this for my 6-year-old great-granddaughter. She is so smart it shouldn’t take her long to master making one in no time. What a great way to pass the time during this terrible COVID-19 pandemic. Stay well, be safe, God bless!
Hi Ann!
Thank you very much for your kind message. I’m so glad you found this useful and hope your great-granddaughter has lots of fun making these jumping frogs. Wish you all the best during these difficult times. Blessings to your family!
Thank You. My frog looks so good.
I’m so happy to read that! 🙂