If your kids are obsessed with Norse mythology, dragons, and epic adventures, you are in for a seriously fun afternoon. These Viking craft ideas for kids are the perfect way to combine creativity, history, and a whole lot of imaginative play. Honestly, you might end up having more fun than the children do.
The best part? Most of these projects use simple supplies you probably already have at home. No longship required to source materials — just a trip to your craft drawer and maybe a quick run to the dollar store. Let’s dive into six fantastic projects that would make even Odin himself proud.
1. Cardboard Viking Shield with Hand-Painted Norse Symbols
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Every little Viking needs a shield, and a cardboard Viking shield is honestly one of the most satisfying crafts you can make with kids of almost any age. Grab a large piece of corrugated cardboard, cut it into a round or kite shape, and you already have the foundation of something epic.
Let the kids paint it in bold colors like deep red, black, and gold. Then show them some simple Norse symbols to trace and paint on top — the Vegvisir compass, a simple serpent, or a bold geometric pattern all look amazing and feel authentically Viking.
- Use a bowl or plate to trace a perfect circle onto the cardboard
- Attach a strip of cardboard to the back as a handle using strong tape
- Seal the finished shield with Mod Podge to make it extra sturdy
- Add metallic silver paint around the rim for a warrior-worthy finish
2. Paper Plate Viking Helmet with Cardboard Horns
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A paper plate Viking helmet might sound simple, but the results are absolutely adorable and wildly fun for kids to wear during playtime. FYI, historians will tell you real Vikings didn’t actually wear horned helmets — but for craft purposes, we are absolutely keeping the horns because they look fantastic.
Flip a paper plate upside down and cut ear flaps from a second plate to glue on the sides. Roll two pieces of gray or silver cardstock into cone shapes for the horns, attach them to the top, and paint the whole thing metallic silver or gray.
Make It Extra Special
Punch holes in the sides of the helmet and thread yarn or twine through them so it actually ties under the chin. Kids will wear this thing all day long. Add sticker gems or aluminum foil accents to give it a legendary battle-ready look.
3. Salt Dough Viking Rune Pendants
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Salt dough Viking rune pendants are a wonderful craft for slightly older kids who love the mystical side of Norse culture. Runes were the ancient alphabet used by the Vikings, and each symbol carries its own meaning — which kids find absolutely fascinating once you explain it to them.
Mix up a simple salt dough using one cup flour, half a cup of salt, and half a cup of water. Roll it out, cut small oval or rectangular shapes, and let the kids press rune symbols into the surface using a toothpick or pencil. Bake at 250 degrees until hardened, then paint and seal.
- Look up a basic Elder Futhark rune chart together as a fun learning activity
- Let kids choose runes that match their initials or represent their personality
- Thread finished pendants onto leather cord or yarn to wear as real jewelry
- These also make incredibly thoughtful gifts for grandparents and friends
4. Toilet Roll Viking Longship
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A toilet roll Viking longship is one of those genius upcycling crafts that turns ordinary recycling into something that looks seriously impressive on a bookshelf. Save up a few toilet paper rolls, grab some popsicle sticks and tissue paper, and you have everything you need for this mini masterpiece.
Flatten one toilet roll slightly to create the hull shape, then use additional cardboard strips to build up the sides. A popsicle stick mast with a small square of fabric or tissue paper makes the perfect sail. IMO, adding tiny cardboard oars along the sides takes this craft from cute to absolutely next level.
Fun Finishing Touches
Paint the hull brown or dark gray and add a small dragon head to the front using a piece of air-dry clay or extra cardboard. Draw Viking shields along the sides using a marker. Your kids will immediately want to recreate an entire Norse fleet after finishing the first one.
5. Woven Viking Friendship Bracelets with Leather Cord
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Woven Viking friendship bracelets are a brilliant way to introduce kids to the concept of Viking craftsmanship while building fine motor skills at the same time. The Vikings were actually incredible artisans who crafted intricate jewelry and textiles, so this activity has real historical roots.
Use brown or black leather cord or thick yarn in earthy tones like rust, forest green, and navy. Teach kids a simple three-strand braid first, then level up to a four-strand braid for older children. Add wooden beads or small metal spacer beads at intervals for that authentic Norse-inspired look.
- Tape the top of the cords to a table edge to keep them steady while braiding
- Let kids choose bead patterns that feel meaningful to them
- Finish with a simple adjustable knot so the bracelet fits any wrist size
- These are perfect party favors for a Viking-themed birthday celebration
6. Painted River Stone Viking Rune Magnets
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Painted river stone Viking rune magnets are a lovely, calming craft that even the most energetic little Vikings will enjoy. Collect smooth flat stones from outside or grab a bag from the dollar store, and you instantly have the perfect natural canvas for this project.
Paint each stone a dark solid base color — black, dark gray, or deep brown all work beautifully. Once dry, use a white or gold paint pen to draw simple rune symbols onto each stone. These Viking craft ideas for kids work especially well as a quiet indoor activity on rainy days.
Stick a small adhesive magnet to the back of each finished stone and suddenly the refrigerator becomes a Viking rune message board. Kids absolutely love arranging them to spell things out, and parents love how genuinely decorative these look in the kitchen.
The Bottom Line
These Viking craft ideas for kids are proof that historical crafts can be wildly fun, surprisingly educational, and totally doable on a regular weekday afternoon. From the mighty cardboard shield to the delicate rune magnets, each project sparks creativity and curiosity about an incredible ancient culture.
The best crafts are the ones that get kids asking questions, telling stories, and building imaginary worlds long after the glue has dried. So gather your supplies, crank up some dramatic adventure music, and let your little Vikings create something legendary today.
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