You don’t have to be an expert to know that the best way to learn something is through play. Elementary aged kids start learning about geography and it can be a real challenge to keep them engaged. So just for fun (and education!) put away those flashcards and worksheets and try one of these five fun states and capitals games!
States and Capitals Games
Teaching kids to memorize all of the states in the nation along with their capital cities can be a daunting task. Kids might find the process boring, making it harder for them to learn (and even more difficult to teach!) But learning about America doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be loads of fun using one of these great states and capitals game ideas.
States and Capitals Game Cards
From My Creative Life
Use this homemade deck of cards (with all 50 states, their capitals, and Washington D.C) to play a United States version of Old Maid, Memory, or other classics. These fun games that will help kids learn the states and capitals.
Pick Up States
From Mrs. Hall
Just like the classic game of Pick Up Sticks, but with a states and capitals twist! This game is a great way to reinforce the US states and capitals. You’ll need some empty plastic containers and plenty of popsicle sticks. The children can help make the game pieces and the post includes a printable for the container as well. Click through to the website above to get the instructions for playing the game.
United States Bingo
Use this set of Bingo cards to learn all fifty states. Then take it up a notch and call out just the capitals. Kids really have to pay attention to win!
LEGO States, Capitals, and Abbreviations Game
From Strengthen My Hands
This matching game requires kids to find a state, its capital, and its abbreviation! For a real challenge, use just one color of LEGO brick for all the states!
States and Capitals Game
From 123 Homeschool 4 Me
This low-prep printable can be used as flashcards, but it’s so much more fun to use it as an educational memory game. Start simple with just a few state and capital pairs, then build your way up to all 50! The site includes a free printable and instructions.
Things you can buy
If you don’t have time to make a states and capitals game yourself, there are several fun products available on the market that can help. These pocket flash cards and this fun board game are just a couple of examples. Be sure to check your local classroom or teacher supply store as well!