Learning About Vikings: Hands-On History Ideas for Kids
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Looking for creative, educational ways to teach your kids about the Vikings? Whether you’re diving into Story of the World, exploring Norse mythology, or simply fascinated by these legendary seafarers, this post is packed with engaging Viking activities, book suggestions, and historical context to bring the Viking Age to life.
We recently studied the Vikings during our homeschool history lessons (from The Story of the World: Volume 2), and my kids were captivated. We extended the lesson with crafts, reading, videos, and even Viking code writing—and now I’m sharing it all with you!
Who Were the Vikings?
The Vikings were Norse seafarers from modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark who lived during the Viking Age (roughly 793 to 1066 CE). They were skilled navigators, fierce warriors, and expert shipbuilders who raided, traded, and settled across Europe. While often remembered for their raids, they also farmed, explored, and even reached North America centuries before Columbus.
Key Topics to Explore with Kids:
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Viking longships and navigation
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Norse mythology and legends
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Daily life: farming, crafts, and homes
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Viking warriors and weapons
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Viking writing (runes)
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Famous Vikings like Leif Erikson
Build a Viking Longboat Craft
One of our favorite Viking projects was making a model Viking longboat—a fun hands-on activity that also teaches about Viking exploration and shipbuilding.
Supplies:
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½ gallon cardboard milk carton
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Wooden skewers
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Masking tape
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Printout of Viking ship images (like dragon heads)
Instructions:
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Cut the carton in half lengthwise (rinse and dry first).
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Tape over the outside to cover logos and secure the shape.
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Attach cardboard dragon head and tail designs from the Story of the World activity book or print your own.
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Use cut skewers for oars and tape small paddles to each end.
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Punch holes in the side to insert oars.
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Add Viking shields made from paper circles for extra flair.
Kids love playing with the final product—it brings history off the page and into real life.
Learn to Write Viking Runes
Introduce kids to the Runic alphabet, used by ancient Norse people. Have them write their names or secret codes using printable rune charts.
Tip: Make it a decoding game by swapping messages in “Viking”!
Read-Alouds & Books About Vikings
Pair your Viking unit with great literature to deepen understanding and engagement.
Picture & Informational Books:
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D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths – beautifully illustrated and captivating
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100 Facts on Vikings – packed with visuals, facts, crafts, and maps
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Viking Voyagers by Jack Tite – a visually rich exploration of Viking life
Chapter Books & Mythology:
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Viking Tales – engaging Norse legends and stories
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The Saga of Erik the Viking by Terry Jones – a humorous and adventurous read
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Leif the Lucky by Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire – a historical narrative picture book
More Hands-On Viking Activities
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Viking Rune Stones: Paint symbols on flat stones to resemble carved runes
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Shield-Making: Use cardboard and paint to design Viking-style round shields
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Dress-Up Day: Create Viking helmets (with or without horns!) and pretend to raid or trade
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Cooking Viking Food: Try simple recipes using oats, root vegetables, and dried fruits
Educational Tie-Ins
History: Explore Viking raids, exploration routes, the Danelaw, and Norse mythology
Geography: Map the Viking homelands, trade routes, and settlements
STEM: Study longship engineering and navigation techniques
Language Arts: Write Viking adventure stories or Norse myth retellings
Art: Carve, color, or paint Viking motifs (dragons, shields, knots)
Keep Exploring
If you’re using Story of the World or doing a unit study on medieval history, the Viking era offers rich material for cross-curricular exploration. Combine literature, science, crafts, and critical thinking for a memorable learning experience.
I a considering sotw for next year. I need something simple. How have you liked it?
Yes- I love SOTW! It is very simple, but you can expand on it as you desire. I highly recommend the activity book to go along with it because it gives book recommendations, coloring pages, and project ideas. Then you can make it as complex or simple as you want.
SOTW is awesome.. my mama used the first one with my younger sister! Thanks for sharing and please join us again this week at Eco-Kids Tuesday! http://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/2013/03/nifty-thrifting-at-eco-kids-tuesday.html