In spite of the fact that many people use GPS, I think it is still important for kids to know how to read a map. They shouldn’t be dependent exclusively on technology for finding their way because cell phone batteries can die or any number of things can happen which prevent the use of tech.
For that reason, I decided to look for freebies that can help kids learn map skills. I found a variety of resources including online games, lessons, activities, and printables.
I think they’ll help your learners pick up important mapping skills.
*This post contains paid links. I earn a small commission from the sale of products purchased via these links. Please see my disclosure for details.
Learn Map Skills with These Freebies
Sheppard Software: This site has online geography games your kids can play.
Seterra: Seterra has quiz-type online games for kids and teens.
World Geography Games: This site is all about online geography games.
Primary Games: Primary Games has a variety of games that help kids learn geography skills.
Cool Math: Kids can play geography games on Cool Math.
Owl & Mouse: This site has a variety of resources for teaching geography skills including online map puzzles and printable maps.
BBC: The BBC site has a Map Symbols online game.
Geography Pods: This site has a variety of map skills lessons for different age groups.
Education World: Get five lessons for teaching map skills.
World Maps Online: This site has lesson plans and printables for Kindergarten and up.
Layered Soul: Learn how to make a political map with cupcakes.
Teach Beside Me: Learn how to make a pirate treasure hunt map for kids.
My Little Poppies: This site has a treasure map grid activity your kids can do.
The Homeschool Scientist: This page has hands-on map activities you can do in your homeschool.
National Geographic: National Geographic has lessons for teaching map skills to elementary students.
Have Fun Teaching: This site has free printable mapping worksheets.
TLS Books: Get free geography worksheets on TLS Books.
3D Geography: Get free full-color and black and white geography worksheets on this site.
Enchanted Learning: You’ll find a collection of map reading printables on this site.
I hope you found plenty of resources that will help your students learn map skills. Feel free to bookmark or pin this page so that you can check back later. I will be adding more resources for you as I find them.
More help on this site for teaching geography skills:
- Geocaching Apps for iOS and Android
- Short Geography Videos About Landforms and Bodies of Water
- Videos with Seven Continents Songs
Many blessings,
