With technology making the world a much smaller place it is more important than ever for children to learn about each continent and each country across the globe. Providing children with a map of the world can help them locate countries and continents they read or hear about and to learn more about the world around them.
Our List of Some Great World Maps for Children
Below is a look at what we think are some maps that will provide your child with the best educational experience while also being fun!
Laminated Wall Chart
Summary
This map is made by the CollinsHarper company and measures 54.3 x 1.9 x 40. It is laminated to protect it and make it last longer than paper maps alone.
This is a great gift idea that any 8 year old boy would appreciate.
Pros
- Beautifully done
- Great size
Cons
- Not everyone received a laminated map
Recommended Age
Best suited for children in 3rd grade and up
What Makes This Stand Out?
This is up to date and extremely colorful. It is also laminated making it more durable.
I-Poster Interactive Map
Summary
This Interactive map is a great option for kids since it actually talks to the child telling them the names of capital cities, landmarks, fun facts and more. There is even a volume control.
Pros
- Lots of information
- Includes fun quizzes
Cons
- Problems getting it to work properly
Recommended Age
Recommended for children ages 5 to 12 years
What Makes This Stand Out?
The talking feature, fun facts, information and quizzes makes this map stand out.
Children’s Illustrated Atlas
Summary
This world atlas has more than 50 maps of different continents and countries. The book is also filled with a ton of information about different countries including the climate, animals, food produced and much more. This ones contains a lot of details.
We think this Atlas would make a good gift if you’re looking for something for a 9 year old girl.
Pros
- Hard covered book loaded with information
- Contains a map of the world
Cons
- May be too basic for some
Recommended Age
3rd to 7th grade
What Makes This Stand Out?
The maps in this atlas are colorful and well done and the information is easy to understand.
Sticker Atlas
Summary
This sticker atlas contains a ton of information and the stickers really aid children learning about various countries around the world. The stickers make this a great interactive world map for kids.
Any Boy aged 9 would love love this sticker map!
Pros
- Each area has countries broken down nicely
- Well made and visual appealing for young children
Cons
- There doesn’t seem to be many complaints regarding this atlas
Recommended Age
Best suited for children ages 9 to 12
What Makes This Stand Out?
This Atlas stands out because the stickers help reinforce what the children are learning.
National Geographic ‘The World for Kids’ Set
Summary
This laminated map includes all 195 independent countries and their official flags. It is perfect for mounting on the wall and to use for reference. This measures 36 inches by 24 inches.
Pros
- Good size
- Well laid out
Cons
- Some of them arrived with lots of creases
Recommended Age
Best suited for children ages 7-12
What Makes This Stand Out?
This is designed for easy readability.
WallPops Kids World Dry Erase Map
Summary
This map of the world for kids comes with reusable decals and a dry erase pen so that children can make their own notes as they learn. It is colorful and each country is clearly written.
Pros
- High quality
- Marks from dry erase pen wipes off well
Cons
- Doesn’t stick to the walls well
Recommended Age
7 to 12 year olds
What Makes This Stand Out?
This stands out because it can be written on.
Collins Childrens World Map
Summary
This childrens world map is clear and colorful with stunning illustrations of customs, foods, birds, and other information regarding the countries around the world.
This World Map is a wonderful gift idea for a boys 6th birthday.
Pros
- Looks better in real life
- Has a lot of detail
Cons
- The barcode at the top of it is distracting
Recommended Age
6 to 9 years old
What Makes This Stand Out?
This is extremely colorful and the illustrations make the map more interesting to young children.
Rand McNally Brnd Wall Map
Summary
This large 50”X32” colorful world map is precisely detailed and the countries and cities are clearly labeled making it easy to read.
Get this map for your 17 year old girl and she can use it pin all the places she visits or plans to visit through your college and young adult year.
Pros
- Great detail
- Great size
Cons
- Hard to get the creases out from where it is folded
Recommended Age
Best for 4th grade though high school
What Makes This Stand Out?
The physical features of this combined with its readability makes it a good choice.
National Geographic Beginner Education Map
Summary
This one gives children an excellent view of the earth in 2 dimensions. This children’s map of the world measures 51 inches x 40 inches.
Pros
- Great for homeschooling classrooms
- Easy to use
Cons
- Kind of expensive
Recommended Age
5 to 9 year olds
What Makes This Stand Out?
It is easy to read and the size of each country is pretty accurate.
Know Geography World Atlas
Summary
This atlas by Rand McNally is designed to teach children about world geography and help them master map skills. This atlas has over 200 pages!
Pros
- Easy for children to find basic information
- Plenty of details
Cons
- Doesn’t cover every continent equally
Recommended Age
Grades 4-9
What Makes This Stand Out?
This atlas is designed in a format to be easily understood by children.
Buying Guide To Good Childrens World Maps
If you are considering investing in a map for your kids to help them learn geography and better understand the world then here are some tips that can help you buy the right one for your child.
Consider the Features
The first thing you want to do is to make sure that the map has all the features you want including the name of the continents, countries and other information. What features it has is going to determine how useful it will be to the child and for how long it will be useful.
Consider the Age of the Child You are Buying for
You also need to consider the age of the child you are purchasing the map for. Younger children may find maps with too much information confusing while older children will appreciate getting as much information about each country as possible.
Remember a Map Should be a Supplement
Any world map for children should be a supplement to other information that is being provided by you or the school they are attending. It can supplement geography lessons, lessons on where food comes from and even when they are learning about wild animals and other information.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering purchasing a map for your child then this guide should be of assistance to you.
