Encourage children to draw and make their own maps. They can draw make believe maps of places they have visited or just imagined. Children may build, draw, or paint maps well before they are able to read them. Go on a walk and collect natural materials such as acorns and leaves to use for an art project. Map the location where you found those items.
Many games use maps of journeys.
Some libraries will lend games as well as books. If you go for a walk in a state or national park, get a map of the pathways and let your child carry it around and ''consult'' it. Work jigsaw puzzles of the United States or the world. Through the placement of puzzle pieces, children can feel and see where one place is located in relation to others.