10 Games & Toys That Make Learning U.S. Geography a Ton of Fun

I get so excited hearing about expat kids really getting into learning their U.S. history. It was one of my favorite subjects growing up, and I think there are so many more resources available today to help kids learn in a fun way.
 
Of course, one prominent subject in U.S. history is geography. We touch on it in Course B and in our Draw the USA mini course, which is available to students in K-2nd grade, but if students aren’t regularly practicing their geography skills they can literally get lost during other U.S. history lessons.
 
With 50 states, it’s easy to forget where each one is located, let alone facts about the state or each state’s capital. Think about it. Could you point out New Hampshire on a map?
 
Because U.S. geography is so important, I wanted to round up a bunch of apps, activities, and toys that would make it fun for your student to learn. Here are 10 (almost all of which you can find on Amazon) that’ll make learning geography less of a lesson, and more of a game.

1. GeoBingo USA 
GeoBingo USA is a family-friendly game that combines U.S. geography with a little friendly competition. To play, you simply flip a card from the deck and see if you have a spot that matches on your board—just like regular bingo. The first player to fill up five squares in a row is the winner! GeoBingo cards include the land area, population, and nickname for each state, so your family will get a dose of geography facts with each flip.

---

2. My USA Interactive Map - Educational Smart Talking Poster Toy for Kids
My USA i-Poster is a beautifully illustrated large floor map for kids, great for interactive lessons in school or at home. Explore and discover the USA at your fingertips! It includes the national anthem, capital cities, largest cities, climate, knowledge, and fun facts. Learn over 500 amazing facts and quizzes about all the states! 

3. Map of The United States Geography Puzzle
This U.S. geography puzzle can help your child learn the nation’s 50 states by name, capital city, shape, location, and even nickname. The puzzle includes 70 double-sided pieces that are shaped like each state and have each one’s nickname printed on the back. With fun illustrations, this puzzle is an engaging and unique way to start learn U.S. geography!

4. Scholastic Race Across the USA Game 
In the Scholastic Race Across the USA board game, kids must answer geography questions to visit six states, get back to their home state, and win. Questions are geared to each player’s grade level, so kids of all ages can play against each other on an even field. Not only do kids get to learn facts about each state, but they get to see where the states are in relation to one another. It’s a fun (and competitive) way for them to learn about the country.

5. GeoCards USA
If your child learns well with flashcards, then get them GeoCards USA. The set comes with 50 jumbo-sized cards and instructions for five different card games. Each card has the state on one side and the capital on the other; they also include information on the state’s population and land area.

6. GeoFlight USA
​Climb aboard and get ready to fly - because GeoFlight USA will take you to the skies in a geographical adventure! This award-winning educational app brings the world to your fingertips... literally!

7. Mapology USA with Capitals
Mapology’s geography map is perfect for younger children (since it’s made from foam). The puzzle pieces fit snugly together to form the U.S. and its frame notes the oceans, Gulf of Mexico, and Great Leaks. Once your child masters the location of the states, they can move on to capitals and fun facts. The puzzle set comes with a sticker sheet that has the capitals and a fun fact for each state as well as plastic flags to mark out the location of each capital. ​

8. U.S. States and Capitals Workbook
Kids will learn the names of the U.S. States and their Capitals with the puzzles and fun activities in this self-paced workbook. This big activity book for kids will help your child learn the 50 States and their Capitals through different types of FUN, interactive and reinforcing activities. There are Flashcards that can be cut out and used to play a states and capitals game.
​

9. Educational Trivia Card Game - Professor Noggin's Card Games
The Professor Noggins card series encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects—like U.S. geography! The game cards combine trivia, true or false statements, and multiple-choice questions. Players collect cards by answering questions; the one with the most cards at the end of the game is the winner. (The series also includes History of the United States and Presidents of the United States card games.)

10. Game Zone Great States - Fun and Educational Geography Game
​If your family loves board games, why not combine it with something educational? The Great States Board Game is ideal for incorporating a little learning into your fun time. Find out all kinds of interesting facts about each state including birds, flowers, locations and capitals.

Let me know in the comments below if you have any tools you’ve found helpful for teaching geography!