Map reading skills for children

Instil a love of the outdoors that will last a lifetime.

We've collected some of our top ideas and inspiration for getting children of all ages interested in using maps to understand the environment around them. Ready to move to the next stage? Check out the Map reading - beginner's guides.

Teaching younger children about maps

Understanding how places relate to each other is a vital skill for children. Having a good spatial awareness helps them with many other aspects of education, from maths to creativity.

Read

Have yourself a mappy little treasure hunt

Former OS GetOutside Champions, The Meek Family, love to find new ways to make maps more fun. Try their mappy treasure hunt game and discover more about map reading and getting kids involved.

Read

Five tips to help kids plan and lead their own adventures

Sometimes it can be a real struggle to get kids outside, but by giving them ownership of the adventure and the right tools for the job, watch them take control and become an avid navigator.

Read

Teacher training: How to make map skills fun

Children are fascinated by maps. But it still can be a challenge for teachers to make learning fun. Here's top tips from Outdoor Activities Instructor Adrian Hall.

Read

Top tips to get children using paper maps

Shell Grayson of Get Out With The Kids with her top tips to get children using paper maps while spending more time engaging with the outdoors.

Read

Ordnance Survey educational resources

Whether you're a teacher or a parent, take a look at our Education Resources for project ideas and teaching aids, plus find games to play in our fun MapZone area.

Open

Help kids learn more about the outdoors and become a map reading expert with the OS Kids Adventure Book. Packed full of fun puzzles and challenges to keep them entertained for hours.