Intellectual Activity

Map Reading Adventure

Map Reading Adventure teaches children how to use a map key, follow directions, and solve a route challenge.

Time30 to 45 minutes
Best ForPairs or small teams
SpaceChurch building, classroom, or outdoor area
SuppliesSimple maps, pencils, clue cards, stickers or small markers

How To Run It

  1. Show a simple map and explain the title, key, symbols, and direction words.
  2. Give each team a map with marked locations.
  3. Practice one example route together.
  4. Send teams to follow clues or find marked spots within approved boundaries.
  5. Have teams mark each location they find.
  6. Gather and talk about how maps help people plan and navigate.

Map Skills

  • Reading a map key
  • Following left, right, north, south, east, and west
  • Finding landmarks
  • Planning a route
  • Checking progress