Vacation Bible School - VBS Medieval Theme

Some of kids’ favorite memories from childhood are events like Vacation Bible School (VBS). However, planning for this week long combination of games, stories, music and snacks can be stressful and very time consuming. Plus, there’s always a theme that requires creative and imaginative decoration. So, that’s where we can help!

Popular Vacation Bible School themes from the past include Western, Farm, and the always trendy, Medieval. New themes for this year are Jungle, Under the Sea, Tropical Island, Ancient Israel and Space Adventures.

For now, I’ll concentrate on the VBS staple, Medieval, and how to decorate without stress and without going over budget.

The Setting

The first thing you’ll want to think about is making sure the area you are in is transformed into the perfect medieval theme. Starting with the larger decorations will help set the scene of a renaissance affair, then you can add in more supporting elements to bring the whole setting to life.

• Kids should feel like they have time-traveled right from the second they walk in the door, so why not start with decorations FOR the door? A castle entrance door cover creates excitement right from the beginning, and first impressions are everything.


• Once they walk through the passageway into Medieval Times, lay down a stone pathway runner to direct them to their next destination.


• A stone wall backdrop and dirt floor backdrop are just right for medieval times. They can be combined to create the ultimate castle feel. Also, these items are under $15 and they cover 30 FT.


• Castle stairway, window and torch props would be perfect for any stairways that the children have to use to get from one activity to another. These props are also good for hallways.


• What’s a medieval theme without a knight decorations? Tack up jointed knights in suits of armor and line your hallways or place them in the corners of your medieval atmosphere.


• Along with the knights, jointed castle props can be placed around the room or rooms to add to the medieval effect.

The Costumes and Accessories

One of the favorite parts of VBS is the skits that the children or other people from the church perform. Here are quick and easy costuming and accessory ideas for your dramatic endeavors.

• Crowns and robes are essential for biblical tales of kings and queens. They are also affordable! Children’s crowns (not cardboard) are as cheap as $2.00 and robes are under $20.


• A medieval knight’s vest is another must-have for your vacation bible school event. If you prefer a plastic vest that is easy to put on, this item is as cheap as $2.50. And, don’t forget! A knight also needs his helmet.


• Cardboard cutout swords and inflatable shields are perfect props for any skit . . . And they’re safe!

You can find tableware and other medieval trinkets to complete your VBS experience right here at PartyCheap! Good luck!