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3. Google Maps For Kids – And How To Get Kids Excited About Maps
# Google Maps For Kids – And How To Get Kids Excited About Maps
ByBryan Bigari
Last Updated: September 14, 2024
Introducing children to Google Maps can be a valuable learning experience, enhancing their understanding of geography and spatial awareness. By accessing maps.google.com or using a Google account, kids can begin exploring their surroundings and beyond. However, to maximize the benefits of this tool, it’s crucial to understand its fundamental features and capabilities. As we explore the world of Google Maps for kids, we’ll examine the key elements that make it an engaging and educational experience, starting with the basics of getting started and maneuvering the platform’s various views and options.
## Getting Started With Google Maps
Accessing Google Maps is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in a couple of ways. Users can access the platform via their Google account or directly through the website maps.google.com. Upon initial access, the map displays the user’s current location with zoom options available. The map can be zoomed out to view larger areas, including countries and continents. Centering the map can be achieved by zooming in and out. Additionally, the map can be slid to explore different regions. The initial view provides a clear understanding of the user’s location and surrounding areas, allowing for easy navigation and exploration. This intuitive interface makes it easy for users to get started with Google Maps.
## Exploring Places and Locations
Once familiar with the basics of Google Maps, users can begin to explore specific places and locations. This can be achieved by searching for names, addresses, or coordinates of desired destinations. For instance, searching for “American School” will yield specific results, with a red symbol indicating the selected location on the map. The left side of the screen displays detailed information about the selected place, including images. Clicking on these images provides tagged photos of the location. By exploring places and locations, users can gain a deeper understanding of their surroundings and develop their navigational skills. This feature is particularly useful for kids, as it allows them to visualize and interact with real-world locations in a fun and engaging way.
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## Navigating and Views Options
Google Maps’ Guiding and Views Options enable users to customize their experience and explore locations in various ways. The map view and satellite view options allow users to switch between a traditional map display and real-world imagery from above. Satellite view is particularly useful for observing natural features such as mountains and rivers. Users can zoom in and out to see more details in either view. Additionally, Street View provides a 360-degree view of a selected area at street level, allowing users to navigate using arrows on the street for movement. This feature enables users to explore surroundings in detail from the selected viewpoint. By utilizing these options, users can gain a more thorough understanding of a location.
## Finding Directions and Routes
Building on the flexibility offered by Google Maps’ guiding and views options, users can further enhance their experience by leveraging the platform’s capabilities to find directions and routes. The directions feature allows users to navigate from one location to another, providing distance and estimated travel time. To access this feature, users can enter their starting and ending points, and Google Maps will generate a route. The platform also offers alternative routes, allowing users to choose the most convenient option. Additionally, users can explore various cities and landmarks using the search functionality. By utilizing the directions and routes feature, users can effectively plan their trips and navigate unfamiliar areas with ease. This feature is especially useful for kids learning to navigate.
## Other Fun Uses Of Google Maps For Kids
### Google Sightseeing
 lets you see the sights of the world without leaving your chair. The website is a blog that is updated regularly with places you should  visit using Google Maps. Whether it is , on Streetview, or   from around the world, the Sightseeing community will feature it.
### MapCrunch
 is an addictive tool for exploring the world through Google Street View, offering a fun and educational way to ignite curiosity about geography. With just a click, you’re teleported to random locations across 30 different countries, allowing you to virtually roam streets, admire landscapes, and get a sense of local life from the comfort of your screen. It’s a brilliant way to travel without leaving home, whether you’re exploring bustling cities or quiet, remote villages.
For an extra challenge, you can turn off the location information and make a game out of guessing where you’ve landed. Whether you’re playing alone or with a group, this feature adds a layer of mystery and excitement, pushing you to rely on visual clues like architecture, road signs, or even the environment to figure out your virtual destination. It’s an engaging way to sharpen your geography skills while enjoying a global adventure.
### Historypin
 is a unique platform that blends historical photos and stories with modern maps, allowing users to “pin” moments from the past to specific locations. By overlaying old images onto Google Maps, Historypin creates a bridge between historical events and the present-day world, making history come alive in a visually engaging way. It’s a dynamic tool for exploring how places have changed over time, from landmarks to everyday streets, and offers a fresh perspective on both local and global history.
For kids, Historypin can turn Google Maps into an exciting  adventure, helping them explore the past through an interactive lens. By seeing historical photos pinned to locations they recognize, it connects history with their surroundings in a personal way. This encourages curiosity and invites them to learn more about the world, fostering a deeper interest in both geography and history through hands-on discovery.
### Bonus – Streetview Zombie Apocalypse
Not as cultured as some of the other Maps applications,  is still a very clever and innovative use of Google Maps. Using your keyboard and quick wits, your mission is to escape the zombie hoards invading your neighborhood. I won’t give much more details, other than to give it a try.
What ways are you using Google Maps in the classroom? And which of the seven sites mentioned here do you like best?
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Can I Use Google Maps Without a Google Account?
The utter tragedy of not having a Google account! Can you still use Google Maps? Miraculously, yes! Simply access maps.google.com and enjoy the spoils of navigation without the “burden” of an account, no strings attached.
### How Do I Report an Error on Google Maps?
To report an error on Google Maps, click on the three vertical dots on the location’s information card, select “Report a problem,” and follow the prompts to submit the correction, providing as much detail as possible.
### Is Google Maps Available in All Countries and Languages?
Google Maps is widely available across the globe, but its accessibility and language support vary. While it covers most countries, some features may be limited or restricted due to local regulations or geographical constraints.
### Can I Save My Favorite Locations on Google Maps?
A user traveling frequently to Paris can save the Eiffel Tower as a favorite location on Google Maps. To do so, users can click on the location, then click the “Save” button, and assign it to a custom list.
### Is Google Maps Available as a Mobile App?
Yes, Google Maps is available as a mobile app for both Android and iOS devices, allowing users to access its features and functionality on-the-go, including searching for locations, getting directions, and using Street View.
**Author Bio: Bryan Bigari**
Bryan Bigari is the current editor of Fractus Learning. As a father of three, Bryan has a passion for helping kids to both excel in school and have fun with friends and parents. He has worked on education issues at the state and federal level, and is looking forward to sharing his first hand education and toy knowledge with you.
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