Kids think every trip is an exciting adventure.  Why not feed the excitement and throw in some education on the side by working with maps?

Road Trips:

• Buy a map that shows the start and destination.  Let the kids find both spots and highlight the route.  For older kids, have them read the legend and figure out how long it should take.  Check the answer on-line.
• AAA member?  Request maps and route information.  Let the kids pick a few pit stops along the way.  Also visit www.pitstopsforkids.com for some suggestions about places to stop along the way.
• Bring the map along.  When the chorus of “Are we there yet?” starts from the back seat, hand out the map(s) and let them figure out where they are.

Destinations:

• Buy several destination maps and give the kids the hotel address to mark on the map (this is great for on the plane!).  Keep one clean – you might need to use it later!
• Let the kids pick several activities and figure out their map location and how to get there.
• Many cities have colorful, free maps of historic, tourist or shopping districts.  Grab a few of these and use them to find an interesting spot to visit or to recap the day.
• If the kids need to return to school with a journal of the trip, mark a map with small stickers and use Post-It notes near the stickers to record interesting facts.

What ideas do you have for keeping kids entertained with maps?

entertaining kids with maps · maps · travel wth kids