30 Fun Geography Activities for Kids
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I believe so strongly in the importance of our children having a global perspective– knowing the world is so much more than about them, their neighborhood, and their country. I’ve found over 30 fun books, games, & playful activities to help facilitate knowledge of geography and a global perspective.
Geography Activities for Kids
The most important thing for kids to start with is learning their home address. You’d be surprised how many kids don’t know or have forgotten their home address. (And phone number.) Practice this often!
Read about geography and maps.
Books with maps and about maps are a great addition to your reading choices.
- Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney, illustrated by Qin Leng
- Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
- Mapping Penny’s World by Loreen Leedy
- National Geographic Kids Beginner’s World Atlas
- There’s a Map on My Lap! by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
- Maps and Globes by Jack Knowlton, illustrated by Harriet Barton
- Magic on the Map (early chapter book series) by Courtney Sheinmel and Bianca Turetsky
- United States Treasure Quest by Steven Wolfe Pereira and Susie Jaramillo
Play map games.
Gamifying any concept helps kids learn. These games are great ways to engage young learners to learn geography. Don’t miss The Scrambled States or Ticket to Ride — two favorites of ours.
- Scrambled States of America (shown above)
- Ticket to Ride Europe
- Cities Around the World Card Game
- License Plate Game
- Race Across the USA
- GeoBingo
- Passport To Culture Game
Complete map puzzles.
Pull out a puzzle map and you’ll be amazed at how much this helps kids learn geography.
Make your own maps.
If you haven’t made your own maps, I highly recommend it. Start with your house or neighborhood or room.
- Make a treasure map.
- Make a map of your home and use magnets to navigate.
- Make a 3D town.
- Make a 3D map out of play dough.
- Make a salt-dough map.
- ECE: Make a simple map.
Extend your geography learning with play.
I love these playful geography ideas!
- Flag sticker book
- Make play bags or boxes for each continent.
- Learn cardinal directions with a fun craft.
- Discover new cultures with printable world paper dolls.
- Use your imagination as you play on this Carpet Playmap City
Apps and Online Geography Games
Go online for a flight simulator or try a fun app like Stack the States!
Out and About Geography Ideas
- Let your kids follow a map of your driving route.
- Go geocaching or letterboxing. I want to try both this summer! Have you tried either?
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Best Geography and History YouTube Channels for Kids
U.S. Geography Games and Puzzles for Kids
Geography Apps  for Kids
Love all your ideas. As a family, we’ve been geocaching for years. We’ve also done some letterboxing, but there are many more geocaches available to find in our area.
I am currently running a tutoring program for elementary-age kids and have found that most do not know their addresses and have very few map skills. Our focus this year is going to be geography.
Thanks, Diana. Yes, isn’t it alarming how few kids know their phone numbers and addresses? Hope your geography focus is a delightful time of learning and fun!
You need to add “Grandparent” to your drop-down list of who’s interested. BIG oversight!
Yes, I do. Thanks.
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