Drawing a map is a fun and imaginative way for children to explore their surroundings or invent their own worlds.
Whether they’re sketching a treasure map, designing a make-believe island, or mapping out their own bedroom, this activity blends art, storytelling, and observation.
It also supports spatial awareness, directional language, and planning—all wrapped in a creative task that’s completely customisable.
Maps can be as simple or detailed as your child likes, and you can even turn them into games later on!
Materials Needed
- Plain or coloured paper
- Pencils, pens, or felt tips
- Optional: ruler, stickers, tea bags (for ageing pirate maps!)
Tools Needed
- None
Steps
- Pick a Theme
Decide what kind of map you’ll create: your home, your street, a pirate island, or a magical land? - Sketch the Outline
Draw basic shapes to mark out key locations—rooms, paths, landmarks, or zones. - Add Details
Label places, draw trees or buildings, and include fun features like monsters, treasure, or secret doors. - Decorate
Colour in your map, add a compass rose or a border, and age the paper for a vintage look if you like. - Share Your World
Use the map for storytelling, treasure hunts, or just display it proudly.
Variations
- Treasure Hunt Map: Hide an item and mark it on the map with an X—then challenge someone to find it.
- Fantasy World: Draw a magical kingdom or alien planet complete with landmarks and rules.
- Real-World Mapping: Take a walk and map your route through the park or local area.
- Group Map: Work together to build a giant map on a big sheet of paper or multiple joined pages.
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