US States and Capitals Games
States and Capitals Games for Kids
In 2006, shortly after Hurricane Katrina had hit, school children were surveyed to test their geography knowledge. According to www.msnbc.msn.com, 1/3 of respondents couldn't pinpoint Louisiana on a map and 48% were unable to locate Mississippi. I assume if you are reading this, it is because you do not want this to be true of your kids!
We moved to the USA 9 years ago and together with my 4 kids I learned the States, their capitals, their nicknames etc. There are 2 ways of learning these facts - the boring way (take the lists and learn by rote) or the fun way (Games!). My family prefers the 'fun' way and I am sure yours will too.
US States and Capitals Board Games
Our family loves playing board games - and these games are all fun as well as being educational. I also use board games in my Middle School Geography class. I divide the students up so that they are in small groups and each group gets a different game to play.
This is a much more engaging way to teach US Geography than to just talk about it and expect students to learn the information about States like that.
Based on the DVD - do watch that first! Most public libraries should have it.
This is great to use with a lot of kids - perfect for a classroom. Everyone can play and as the winner is determined by 'luck' not skill, it means even those whose geography is poor get a chance to win. But everyone will be learning as clues are given, which need to be decoded before a Bingo marker can be put on the correct square.
This game teaches which state is where on the map - and the whole family can enjoy playing it
All the fun of the original Sequence - but kids learn their capitals at the same time.
The world's first drive-in movie theater was built in New Jersey in 1933.
States and Capitals Card Games
The beauty about card games is that you can take them anywhere. They are ideal to take to the park, to a friend's house or even on vacation. We always take 2 or 3 of our favorites along with us when we travel.
Borderline USA Card Game
The Borderline card games have been a favorite in my geography classes. And they are a great way to teach the relative positions of the states!
Other US Geography Games
This is a great game which can easily be adapted to play with a large group of people. Each player gets a card which they have 30 seconds to look at. The card will have a visual depiction of one of the states. Then they have to give the card to another player and they have to answer a question on what they have just seen. There are 8 questions for each card, and the roll of the dice determines which question must be answered.
My kids love this game. They get wrapped up for hours building railroads across the USA. Combines business skills and geography.
We play this one in my Geography class too as each game only lasts about 30 minutes. Plan a trip across the US using the cards you have.
The Animaniacs sing the States and their Capitals
Enjoy this fun video that teaches the American states and their capital cities.
US States and Capitals CD Rom games
Put on your detective cap and follow the clues all round the USA to find Carmen's band of henchmen - and ultimately Carmen herself! For ages 9-12
A great game from Dorling Kindersley - kids follow clues to collect postcards and stickers around the USA. For ages 6-9
How well do you think you know your States and Capitals?
Online US States and Capitals Games
- Sporcle - Name the States
Can you name all 50 states? Race against the clock to see if you can.
- Sporcle - Name the State Capitals
Given the State, can you name the Capital before time runs out?
- Identify the US state capital cities
How fast can you correctly select all 50 state capitals?
- Place the State
Can you place the state in its correct location on a blank map? Not so easy! See how fast and how accurate you can be!
US States Jigsaw Puzzles for younger kids
US States Jigsaw Puzzles for older kids
Jigsaw puzzles are a great way for friends and family to get together and learn and play at the same time.
We love White Mountain puzzles. They are beautiful and colorful and fun to make. And we all learn while we play!