The Best Geography Games For Learning In Your Homeschool

Games are a great way to make learning fun! Using homeschool geography games not only makes geography more fun, but it is a visual and hands-on way for kids to learn U.S. and World Geography

Homeschool Geography Games

It’s been awhile since I posted about favorite learning games, and since the lazy days of summer break mean more time for games, I’ve been reminded of some favorites.

In our homeschool, geography is one of those subjects that I’ve never chosen to teach outright.  We cover geography and mapping in many formats during Bible, history, projects … and games!  All of these experiences have helped my children to be very well-versed in American and world geography.  And believe it or not, the games we’ve played have probably been the biggest factor in their understanding of geography!

Here are a few homeschool geography games we really love:

1. 10 Days in…

The 10 Days in … games have been popular with homeschoolers for several years now, and for good reason.  Geography, logic, critical thinking and luck of the draw make these games exciting – and worthwhile educationally! {Unfortunately, at the time of this post update in 2023, the 10 Days in Games are hard to come by.}

10 Days in the USA, Europe, Asia and Africa are all very similar to one another, but obviously promote learning the geography of one area each.  The goal of the games is to be the first person to plan a ten day trip around the country/continent.  Sounds easy enough, huh?  The trick comes in finding states/countries that allow you to travel in the appropriate order.

2. Geo Puzzles

There are 6 Geo Puzzle Options:

1. World
2. Africa and Middle East
3. USA and Canada
4. Europe
5. Latin America
6. Asia

These puzzles are perfect for all kinds of learning: hands-on learning by feeling the shapes of the countries, seeing the relationships between bordering countries for visual learners, and then physically putting the pieces together for some great kinesthetic learning.

3. Snapshots Across America

Snapshots Across America – Designed for two-six players, ages eight and up (though my seven-year-old can play with some reading help), it provides a fun way to explore the geography of the U.S.  The box includes a game board with a clear map of the United States, car playing pieces, and cards.

I appreciate that we are learning not just the names and locations of the states, but also the famous places in our great country.  Each of the 75 cards has a full-color photo and short description.  Attractions include everything from well-known buildings, historical locations, National Parks and other natural features, famous festivals, museums, and amusement parks.

4. Stack the States App

Stack the States® makes learning about the 50 states fun! Watch the states actually come to life in this colorful and dynamic game!

As you learn state capitals, shapes, geographic locations, flags and more, you can actually touch, move and drop the animated states anywhere on the screen. Carefully build a stack of states that reaches the checkered line to win each level.

You earn a random state for every successfully completed level. All of your states appear on your own personalized map of the United States. Try to collect all 50! As you earn more states, you begin to unlock the four free bonus games: Map It, Pile Up, Puzzler and Capital Drop. Four games in one!

LEARN ALL ABOUT THE 50 STATES:

• Capitals
• State shapes
• Abbreviations
• Bordering states
• Location on the map
• Nicknames
• Flags
• …and more!

5. Scrambled States of America

The Scrambled States of America game is based on the popular book, The Scrambled States of America, where all of the states decide to switch places to see what life is like in another part of the country.

On each state card, you’ll find the state’s name, picture, capital and nickname. The scramble deck include two types of cards – Find-It and Go the Distance.

The object of the game is to collect the most state cards by correctly matching a state to what’s on the scramble card. Do that and you’ll be declared the winner.

6. Great States

The Great States boardgame map is created to be accurate to scale, and is done in bright and enticing colors. The states feature illustrations of their landmarks, flowers, and other details to make it beautiful and exciting.

Favorite FREE geography game websites include:

• SheppardSoftware
• GameQuarium
• Fun Brain’s Where is That?

More Fun Geography Resources For Your Homeschool

• 5 Fun Ways to Learn Countries and Capitals
• Hands on Geography for Multiple Ages
• Geography Songs! Sing Around the World
• Make Geography Fun with Chalk Pastels
• My Favorite World Geography Games
• Geography Adventures for Kids with Adventurous Mailbox

I’m always on the lookout for other fun board/card/computer games for geography.  What are your favorites?

~ Originally published June 2010 by Cindy who is an eclectically Charlotte Mason mom of three.  You can find her blogging and her NaturExplorers units at Our Journey Westward.