Charting Fun - Map Activities for Kids

Maps are the primary tool of any explorer, so for your little explorer, why not try some fun activities about following and creating maps?

Create your own map

Image: Education.com

Pick a familiar destination and create a map to get there:

• Use a big sheet of paper or poster board so kids can draw landmarks on the route
• Draw what you can from memory, then go out and see what you got right and what new spots you observe that can be added to the map.
• For younger kids, start with a blank map when you go out and stop to draw in the landmarks they choose along the way.

Follow map directions

Create a map with simple steps for your kids to follow on an adventure to get to a destination.  Steps could include crossing the park, crossing the street, looking for a special landmark, turning left or right.  (Think Dora the Explorer - and for Dora & Diego fans, don't forget your backpack!)

Reward their sense of accomplishment for completing the task - make the destination special or surprise them with a treat for a job well done!

For older kids - Study real maps!

Either online or using real street maps or atlases, show kids how maps work, discuss and point out places of interest.  Choose maps matching kids age and level of understanding.  

To help them with the concepts of distance and place, point out places they've been, where family & friends live, or destinations of trips you'll be taking.

You can also take a real street map out on a walk and remember to use maps at parks or attractions like the zoo to help kids become familiar with them!