I don't have any kids myself, but I promise you one thing… when I do and they're old enough to understand what the world is, I'm going to get them excited about traveling it! I'm constantly on the hunt for unique travel items to add to our Travel Shop and I especially love adding items to our Kids Collection because I feel that it's never too young to teach kids about geography. So I've put together 16 of the best interactive maps and globes that I've found that will teach your kids about the world and turn them into little travel enthusiasts!
NEW ADDITION: World Map Coloring Poster by Travel is Life Now Available
Hi travelers! After I wrote this post in Aug 2017, I was inspired to create my own product for Travel is Life that got kids excited about world travel. I also wanted to make something that families could spend time doing together and away from a screen. So I created the World Map Coloring Poster, a fun and collaborative art project that you can hang on your wall when you're finished. I hope that it inspires hours of conversation in your home and traveling the world. You can pick one up on Amazon, Ebay, or Bonanza for this holiday season.
Push-To-Talk Kids World Map
Let's start off the list with this children's interactive push-to-talk world map that has over 1000 facts, questions, and quizzes about 92 countries. Kids will learn about capitals, flags, languages, population, famous landmarks, and world facts via a map that talks back.
Replogle Globes 12″ Intelliglobe
From one of the best globemakers in the world comes this 12″ intelliglobe with over 20 touch spots to teach your kids about world landmarks, oceans, flags, animals, foods and the Earth and Moon. It might not be as touch sensitive as their iPad but it'll still provide some screen-free educational fun.
“Where in the World” Learning Carpet
Speaking of spreading out on the floor, this world map learning carpet is perfect for at-home play areas. When I found this carpet, I started looking for Carmen Sandiego, but nope, that's a different game. This carpet provides a world backdrop for all their toys and dolls to explore.
Dry-Erase World Globe
If your kids like coloring and already finished their world map, you can take their art skills to the third dimension with this dry-erase globe, a fun way to plan trips, teach your kids about the Earth, or just create a worldly art project. You can also use it to showcase countries and cities you've traveled.
Mini-Cork Globe Color-In Edition
Here's another great option for a world globe that your kids can exemplify their artistic skills on. This 6″ globe is made of cork so you can use pushpins to mark places you've been or places you'd like to go. If it were me, I'd probably create a game revolved around pushpin world domination!
Interactive Kids Map of USA
If you liked that push-to-talk world map I featured earlier, here's another talking map, this time for the USA. It contains 1000 facts and questions about the United States including capitals, landmarks, and state nicknames, and also has a selection of quizzes and challenges.
Children's World Globe 3D Puzzle (180 pieces)
It's puzzle time! What child doesn't love a good puzzle? And did you know they also come in 3D? This world globe puzzle has 180 pieces that fit together to form a perfectly smooth surface with no glue required.
Kid's USA Map Jigsaw Puzzle (60 pieces)
If they're not quite ready for the big leagues 3D puzzle above, keep it 2D with this 60 piece USA Map puzzle with state-shaped pieces. It also includes a full-color insert with fun facts about each state. I make no claims as to how fun those facts actually are!
Magnetic U.S. Map Puzzle (44 pieces)
You can also take your adventure to the fridge with this 44 piece magnetic US States Map. Each magnet includes state names, landmarks, plants, and animals. A reminder of where cherries come from when they open the freezer to get a popsicle.
National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas
Outside of the home, you can keep it fun and educational in the car on road trips and vacations with this best selling Kid's Atlas by National Geographic. Over 100 pages of state symbols, interesting things to do, fun facts, and engaging games to keep kids engaged for hours… or at least in between changing DVDs.
Color the Earth Inflatable Globe
This is one of my favorites because it lets kids color the world the way they see it. This fabric-covered inflatable ball has a printed geographical design and comes with a set of permanent craft markers. The truth is, I kind of want this one for myself!
World Map Bedding Duvet Cover Set for Kids
If your kids enjoy playing and learning with maps and globes, then they might as eat, sleep, live, and breath them too! Well, at least sleep. This twin size world map bedding set for kids takes the excitement of world travel into the imagination of dream time. And on mornings when they've had an accident, you can use the wet spot to teach about global warming. 🙂
2-in-1 Day View World Globe and Night View Illuminated Constellation Map
Speaking of dream time, this world globe that doubles as a night light will encourage dreams of exploration and adventures. In the day time, it's your classic world globe, but at night, it transforms into a glowing constellation map.
Doodle World Map Pillowcase
Last on our list for dream-inspiring maps is this coloring pillowcase that features a beautiful world map illustration packed full of fun facts, wild animals and exotic sea creatures. The pillowcase comes with a 10 set of washout markers. No promises that your kid won't wake up with a face full of colors, but they'll wash right out too.
Maps & Globes (Reading Rainbow Book)
And last on the list, possibly for nostalgic reasons, is this Maps & Globes Reading Rainbow Book, a 1986 classic written to teach kids that the world awaits them. It's a great book to get your kids excited about travel, but don't take my word for it!
What'd I miss?
What maps, globes, books, and toys do your kids have that you'd recommend to other parents to get their kids excited about geography and world travel? Drop a comment below and let's do our best to get the next generation as enthusiastic about travel as we are.
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