Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids About New York's Geography

It's Geography Awareness Week! What better way to celebrate than by teaching your kids about the geography of New York State? From the Adirondack High Peaks to Lake Erie and Ontario to New York City and the Long Island Sound, there are so many amazing sights and things to experience here in New York.  Here are a few fun ideas to get you started.

Visit a State Park

Did you know that every state in the U.S. has at least one state park? These parks are great places to learn about the geography and history of your state. Many state parks offer ranger-led programs and hikes that are specifically designed to teach visitors about the area. Consider a day trip up to Jamesville to experience the Clark Reservation State Park or hop over to Tompkins County for all the state parks next door. Check out the NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation site for more information.

Make a Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are a great way to get kids interested in learning about their state. Hide clues around your house or yard that lead to different facts about New York State. You can make the scavenger hunt as easy or difficult as you want, depending on the age of your child. For older kids, you can even turn it into a competition by seeing who can find all the clues the fastest.

Play a Game

There are tons of geography-themed games out there that are perfect for teaching kids about different states and their capitals. There are plenty of great DIY games to choose from online. Whatever game you choose, make sure to incorporate some learning into it so that your kids are actually absorbing some information while they're playing.

Learning about geography doesn't have to be boring! There are lots of ways to make it fun for kids while still teaching them some important information. So get out there and explore your state - your kids will thank you for it later!