Would you like to travel more than 5000 years into the past and discover the amazing world of Pharaohs, pyramids and hieroglyphics? Well, you and your little ones can do just that at the Ancient Egypt for Kids exhibition, now on display at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) until 6 October 2024. Explore the mysteries of this ancient civilisation with interactive installations, cinematic screenings and hands-on activities, plus get up close to historic artefacts, too. To inspire and excite your little Egyptologists ahead of your trip to the exhibition, or if you can’t make it there in time, why not give these ancient Egypt themed crafts for kids a go?

Please note that some of these activities may have some trickier steps that require some help from an adult.

‍Create Your Own Air-Dry Clay Hieroglyphics 

A series of overhead shots of two hands demonstrating how to create air-dry clay hieroglyphics, displayed against a bright yellow surface.

‍For ages 3+‍

Think of ancient Egypt and hieroglyphics often come to mind. Egyptian hieroglyphics (the word translates as “holy writing” in Greek) were often carved into temple walls to immortalise and pay tribute to Pharaohs, the rulers at the time. Try creating your own hieroglyphics with this air-dry clay craft, which teaches little ones fine motor skills, big kids the basics of written language and encourages creativity for all ages.

‍Step 1: Take around 500g of air-dry clay and, using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten it out evenly to about 5mm thick.

‍Step 2: Cut an oval shape out of the clay using a knife sculpting tool. Peel away and set aside the offcut clay so only your oval shape remains.

Step 3: Carve your hieroglyphics and border into the air-dry clay oval using a needle point sculpting tool. Create your own symbols or download this hieroglyphics template.

Step 4: Once finished, leave your hieroglyphic tablet to dry in a warm sunny spot for a day, or until the clay is pale white in colour and dry to the touch.

Step 5: Complete your artefact by using poster paints to add a splash of colour (we chose yellow). For a polished finish, add a glossy varnish once the paint has dried to make your hieroglyphic tablet shine.

What You’ll Need

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Did You Know? There were more than 700 hieroglyphics used in the Egyptian alphabet. Why not come up with your own alphabet by designing your own hieroglyphics, then try writing your name with it! 

SEE ALSO: 5 STEM Arts and Crafts Activities to Do With Your Kids

Origami Egyptian Pyramids

A series of overhead shots of two hands demonstrating how to create an origami pyramid using orange construction paper, displayed against a bright yellow surface.

For ages 4+

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza are a marvellous icon of ancient Egypt believed to have been monuments and tombs for three great Pharaohs. Though we may never know exactly how the bricks-and-mortar pyramids were made, we’ve come up with our own origami version made with paper to help teach fine motor skills and concentration.

Step 1: Take your A4 sheet of paper and fold it widthways, then unfold. Fold again lengthways and unfold. You should now have two creases in a cross shape. 

Step 2: Place your piece of paper horizontally in front of you. Take the bottom-right corner to the top-left corner, fold down and open back up. Repeat this step and take the bottom-left corner to the top-right corner, fold and open back up. You should now have four creases in your paper; one down the middle, one across the middle, and two creases that form an “X”.

Step 3: Keeping your paper horizontal in front of you, bring the bottom-left corner and edge in line with the closest “X” crease. The corner of the paper should be halfway up the crease, just below the middle point of the “X”. Turn your sheet of paper 180 degrees and repeat this step.

Step 4: On the bottom half of the paper, using the creases you’ve previously made, pinch the central vertical crease upwards to create a peak along the diagonal, then fold flat to the right. Now take the bottom-right corner of the paper and bring inwards so that it's in line with the folded section on the left. Turn your sheet of paper 180 degrees and repeat this step.‍

Step 5: Sit the pyramid upright on its square base so that the point is facing upwards to put it on show. With its open base, your origami pyramid can double as a cover to hide away your treasures.

‍What You’ll Need

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Did You Know? More than 130 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt to date. Why do you think the ancient Egyptians made them this shape?

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Craft & Play Timetable: 14 Activities for 14 Days

Cardboard Roll Pharaoh

A series of overhead shots of two hands demonstrating how to create a cardboard-roll pharaoh, displayed against a bright yellow surface.

For ages 3+‍

Egyptian Pharaohs ruled over civilisations for centuries, leaving behind mind-blowing landmarks like the pyramids and fascinating history that still captivates us today. Create your own little Pharaoh to rule over your origami pyramids with this cardboard roll craft. Not only will it unleash kids’ creativity, it will also help develop their colouring, cutting and construction skills.

‍Step 1: Print out the Pharaoh template on white paper and colour it in with coloured pencils or markers.‍

Step 2: With the help of an adult, carefully cut out the arms, head and outfit with a pair of scissors.‍

Step 3: Create the body of your Pharaoh by wrapping the outfit around a cardboard roll and seal at the seam with some clear tape.‍

Step 4: Place your Pharaoh head cutout with the blank side facing up. Take your cardboard roll, with the side that has the taped clothing seam facing up, and place it just on the chin of your Pharaoh head. Attach the head and cardboard roll together using some tape.‍

Step 5: Still seam-side up, attach your Pharaoh’s arms, blank-side up, using some tape. Now turn your finished Pharaoh around and start exploring your pyramids.‍

What You’ll Need

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Did You Know? While Pharaohs were mostly male, with famous rulers including Tutankhamun and Ramses II, female Pharaohs have also made it into the history books. These include Hatshepsut, who was well-known for overseeing the construction of many large structures and monuments, and Cleopatra, who has inspired many books, movies and plays. What will you name your Pharaoh?

SEE ALSO: Boredom Box Activities for Kids: Things to Do When They’re Bored

Colour-in Ancient Egypt

Can’t get enough of ancient Egypt? Keep the fun going with this colouring-in page that can be used to inspire your crafts and explore more of this amazing part of history.

What to Try