The Best Wall Maps for Kids

by Christopher O'Keeffe June 24, 2026

The best children’s wall map does more than label countries. It turns a bedroom, playroom or classroom wall into a place of discovery—helping young minds understand Australia, explore the continents and begin building a lifelong picture of the world.

Children are naturally curious about place.

Where do we live?

How far away is another country?

Where do penguins live?

Which continent has the most countries?

Where is the place Grandma came from?

How would we travel from Australia to Europe?

A good wall map gives those questions somewhere to land.

Unlike a map briefly viewed on a phone or tablet, a wall map remains visible. Children return to it repeatedly—sometimes deliberately and sometimes simply because it is there.

Over time, unfamiliar shapes become recognisable.

Australia’s position in the world begins to make sense.

Continents become more than names.

Countries, oceans, animals, cultures and famous landmarks start to form one connected picture.

Mapworld’s Educational Wall Maps and Globes collection brings together maps designed for:

• children’s bedrooms

• playrooms

• primary classrooms

• school libraries

• childcare centres

• homeschooling rooms

• tutoring spaces

• family travel planning

The range includes brightly illustrated children’s world maps, detailed maps for older students, Australia wall maps and the wonderful Collins series of individual continent maps.

This guide explains which maps are best for different ages, interests and spaces.

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The Best Kids’ Wall Maps at a Glance

Best for	Recommended map
Best first world map for ages 4–8	Children’s World Wall Map by Collins
Best world map for ages 7–12	The World for Kids by National Geographic
Best large beginner’s map	Kids Beginner’s World by National Geographic
Best for animal lovers	World of Animals by National Geographic
Best for landmarks and cultures	World of Places by National Geographic
Best colourful map for younger children	Kids Cartoon Map of the World
Best first map of Australia	Australia Hema 1000 × 875 mm Wall Map
Best large Australia classroom map	Australia Hema 1386 × 1216 mm Supermap
Best for Australian physical geography	Australia Land & Seabed Relief Wall Map
Best for Indigenous Australia studies	Indigenous Australia 1200 × 850 mm Wall Map
Best for studying one continent	Collins Children’s Continent Maps

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What Makes a Good Wall Map for Children?

The best map is not always the one containing the greatest amount of information.

A map can be accurate and detailed but still be too dense for the child using it.

A good children’s wall map should balance several qualities.

Clear Geography

Continents, countries and oceans should be easy to distinguish.

Younger children benefit from:

• strong colour differences

• large labels

• simple country shapes

• fewer competing details

• recognisable illustrations

Older children can work with:

• capitals

• borders

• mountain ranges

• rivers

• physical relief

• scale

• latitude and longitude

• more detailed place names

Visual Interest

Animals, landmarks, foods, buildings and cultural illustrations give children a reason to look closely.

The illustrations should support the geography rather than hide it.

Suitable Scale

A small map may suit a bedroom wall viewed from close range.

A classroom needs a larger map that students can see from several metres away.

Age-Appropriate Detail

The map should be understandable now while leaving room for future learning.

A brightly illustrated world map may suit a five-year-old.

A ten-year-old may gain more from a political and physical map with capitals and terrain.

Durability

Children’s maps are often touched, pointed at and marked.

A laminated map is usually the most practical option for active learning.

A Sense of Possibility

A great map should encourage questions.

It should make a child want to know more about the countries, animals and places shown on it.

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Why Put a Map on a Child’s Wall?

A map on the wall becomes part of everyday life.

Children may glance at it while playing, reading or preparing for school. Over time, this repeated exposure builds geographic familiarity without making every interaction feel like a formal lesson.

A wall map can help children understand:

• where Australia sits in the world

• the names and shapes of the continents

• the difference between a country and a continent

• the locations of major oceans

• how far apart places are

• where animals live

• where stories and news events take place

• where family members have travelled

• how countries connect

It also creates opportunities for conversation.

When a country is mentioned in a book, film, sporting event or news story, the child can find it immediately.

The map makes the wider world tangible.

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Best First World Map: Children’s World Wall Map by Collins

The Children’s World Wall Map by Collins is one of the strongest introductions to geography for children aged approximately four to eight.

Illustrated by Steve Evans, the map combines clear political geography with friendly pictures representing:

• animals

• foods

• landmarks

• buildings

• cultural traditions

• sports

• regional life

Countries and capitals remain clearly labelled, but the pictorial elements make the map approachable.

A young child may initially notice an elephant, penguin or famous building.

That image then becomes attached to a place.

Gradually, the child begins to understand that the picture belongs to a particular country or continent.

Why It Works

The Collins map succeeds because it does not ask young children to begin with a wall full of small text.

It gives them visual entry points.

A parent or teacher can ask:

• Can you find Australia?

• Which continent has penguins?

• Where might we see a panda?

• Which ocean lies between Australia and Africa?

• Can you find a country beginning with the same letter as your name?

The map measures approximately 915 × 610 mm, making it large enough for a bedroom, playroom or small classroom without overpowering the space.

A larger Supermap version is also available on the product page for spaces requiring greater visibility.

Available Finishes

Depending on the selected option, the Collins world map is available as:

• paper

• laminated

• laminated with timber hang rails

• canvas

• canvas with timber hang rails

Choose laminated for interaction and regular classroom use.

Choose paper for framing.

Choose canvas when the map will serve primarily as colourful educational wall art.

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Best World Map for Ages 7–12: National Geographic

The World for Kids by National Geographic is designed for children ready to move beyond a basic pictorial map.

It combines colourful, accessible design with the cartographic authority associated with National Geographic.

The map shows:

• continents

• countries

• capitals

• oceans

• major physical features

• illustrated points of interest

• geographic relationships

At 914 × 610 mm, it works well in:

• older children’s bedrooms

• homework areas

• primary classrooms

• school libraries

• family learning spaces

This is a strong choice for children beginning to use maps for school projects while still wanting something lively and attractive on the wall.

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Best Large Beginner’s Map: National Geographic

The Kids Beginner’s World Map by National Geographic offers a larger and more substantial introduction to the world.

At approximately 1120 × 900 mm, it has enough presence for:

• classrooms

• playrooms

• homeschooling walls

• shared children’s bedrooms

• libraries

It combines political and physical geography, helping children see both:

• the human divisions of the world

• the natural shape of the planet

The Winkel Tripel projection reduces some of the extreme distortion found in many familiar rectangular world maps.

This helps children develop a more realistic understanding of the relative shapes and positions of continents.

Choose this map when you want one large educational centrepiece that children can continue using as their geographic knowledge develops.

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Best World Map for Animal Lovers

The World of Animals Wall Map by National Geographic is ideal for children whose interest in wildlife provides the doorway into geography.

It connects animals with the regions and environments in which they live.

Children can discover:

• which animals live in Africa

• where polar species are found

• how Australian wildlife differs from that of other continents

• which animals share similar climates

• how oceans, forests, deserts and grasslands support different species

The map can support learning across:

• geography

• biology

• ecosystems

• habitats

• environmental studies

• conservation

It is particularly effective in:

• children’s bedrooms

• early-primary classrooms

• libraries

• nature-study areas

• homeschooling rooms

A child who is not yet interested in borders and capitals may still spend hours finding favourite animals.

Geographic learning follows naturally.

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Best World Map for Landmarks and Cultures

The World of Places Wall Map by National Geographic connects countries with photographs of famous locations.

These include internationally recognisable places such as:

• the Eiffel Tower

• the Great Wall of China

• Machu Picchu

• the Statue of Liberty

• other natural and cultural landmarks

Photographs make distant countries feel real.

Instead of seeing only a coloured shape, the child sees a building, monument or landscape associated with it.

This makes the map particularly useful for children interested in:

• travel

• architecture

• history

• world cultures

• famous places

It also works beautifully as wall art because the photographic elements create colour and visual variety.

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Best Cartoon-Style World Map

The Kids Cartoon Map of the World is designed to make a child’s first encounters with geography playful and inviting.

It is a good choice for:

• preschool rooms

• early-learning centres

• younger children’s bedrooms

• playrooms

• reading corners

Its illustrated style helps children engage with the map before they are ready to interpret dense geographic information.

For children whose primary interest is wildlife, consider the companion Kids Animal Map of the World.

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Best Inclusive World Map

The Children’s Political World Map for the Colour Blind uses a palette selected to make neighbouring countries more distinguishable for people with common forms of colour-vision deficiency.

This can be important in:

• inclusive classrooms

• school libraries

• tutoring rooms

• family learning spaces

• public educational environments

A map should help every learner understand the world clearly.

A larger Children’s Political World Supermap for the Colour Blind is also available for bigger rooms.

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Best Map for Learning Physical Geography

The Children’s Physical Map of the World shifts attention from national borders to the planet itself.

It helps children identify:

• mountain systems

• rivers

• deserts

• plains

• oceans

• islands

• major landforms

A political map explains how people have divided the world.

A physical map explains the land beneath those divisions.

For older primary-school children, displaying political and physical world maps together creates a particularly strong learning wall.

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The Best Wall Maps of Australia for Kids

A world map gives children global context.

An Australia map helps them understand home.

Children should be able to locate:

• their state or territory

• their capital city

• neighbouring states

• major regional centres

• important roads

• deserts

• mountain ranges

• rivers

• coastlines

Mapworld’s Educational Wall Maps and Globes collection includes several Australia maps suited to different ages and uses.

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Best Overall Australia Map: Hema 1000 × 875 mm

The Australia Hema 1000 × 875 mm Large Wall Map is an excellent all-round choice for children, families and classrooms.

It combines:

• states and territories

• capital cities

• regional towns

• highways and major roads

• terrain shading

• national parks

• geographic features

Unlike a very simple political map, it helps children understand that Australia is more than a set of state boundaries.

They can see the relationship between:

• cities and the interior

• roads and distance

• mountains and rivers

• populated and remote regions

• home and future travel destinations

At approximately one metre wide, it suits most bedrooms, study areas and smaller classrooms.

The laminated edition is especially practical for children because it can be used with suitable whiteboard markers and map dots.

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Best Large Australia Map: Hema Supermap

The Australia Hema 1386 × 1216 mm Supermap is the stronger option when visibility and group use matter.

It is ideal for:

• classrooms

• school libraries

• homeschooling rooms

• large playrooms

• family travel walls

Its generous size allows roads, towns and geographic features to be read more comfortably.

The laminated edition includes map dots, allowing children to mark:

• places visited

• future holiday destinations

• family locations

• state capitals

• major landmarks

• school-study locations

This turns the map into an evolving record of the child’s relationship with Australia.

For an even larger learning wall, consider the Australia Road and Terrain Mega Map by Hema.

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Best Compact Australia Map

The Australia Hema 750 × 625 mm Handy Laminated Wall Map is a practical option for:

• smaller bedrooms

• compact homework areas

• apartments

• walls above a desk

• personal study spaces

It provides useful national coverage without demanding a very large wall.

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Best Australia Map for Clear Reference

The Australia Meridian 1003 × 865 mm Wall Map provides clear political and geographic information in a clean wall-map format.

It is well suited to:

• classrooms

• school libraries

• children’s study areas

• family reference

• homeschooling

The map offers enough detail to remain useful as children move into more advanced geography.

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Best Australia Map by National Geographic

The Australia National Geographic 1000 × 898 mm Wall Map combines detailed cartography with a visually refined presentation.

It works particularly well for:

• older children

• family rooms

• libraries

• classrooms

• interiors where the map must be educational and decorative

This is a strong choice for families who want a map children can use now but that will not feel too young as they grow.

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Best for Australian Landforms and Oceans

The Australia Land & Seabed Relief Wall Map reveals the physical shape of Australia and the seabed surrounding the continent.

Children can explore:

• mountain ranges

• deserts

• plains

• continental shelves

• ocean trenches

• underwater relief

• the relationship between land and sea

This map is particularly valuable for:

• physical geography

• earth science

• marine studies

• environmental education

It helps children understand that Australia does not end visually at the coastline. The continental landscape continues beneath the surrounding oceans.

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Best for Understanding Indigenous Australia

The Indigenous Australia 1200 × 850 mm Wall Map helps children see Australia beyond modern state and territory borders.

It introduces the cultural and linguistic diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia.

The map can support learning about:

• Country

• language groups

• cultural regions

• historical places

• the diversity of Indigenous Australia

It should be used as a broad educational starting point and supported by local Traditional Owner knowledge and Indigenous-led resources.

For schools, displaying this map alongside a political Australia map creates an important comparison between different ways of understanding the continent.

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The Collins Children’s Continent Maps

The Collins continent series is one of the most engaging parts of Mapworld’s children’s map range.

Each map focuses on one continent or major region.

The maps use the same friendly illustrative approach as the Collins world map, with:

• countries and capitals

• animals

• foods

• famous buildings

• cultural traditions

• sports

• landmarks

• large child-friendly labels

They are designed primarily for children aged approximately four to eight.

A continent map allows children to move beyond the broad world overview and investigate one region in greater detail.

They can be displayed individually or collected as a coordinated series.

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Children’s Africa Wall Map

The Children’s Africa Wall Map by Collins introduces young learners to Africa’s countries, capitals, wildlife and cultures.

It can spark conversations about:

• the Sahara

• the Nile

• African wildlife

• rainforests and savannahs

• languages and cultures

• the difference between Africa and a single country

Its portrait orientation suits narrow walls and works well beside bookshelves or classroom displays.

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Children’s Antarctica Wall Map

The Children’s Antarctica Wall Map by Collins brings the polar continent to life through illustrations of:

• penguins

• seals

• whales

• research activity

• icy landscapes

• polar wildlife

Antarctica can be difficult for young children to imagine because it has no permanent population or conventional countries.

The Collins map makes it approachable and supports learning about:

• climate

• ice

• wildlife

• scientific research

• environmental protection

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Children’s Arctic Wall Map

The Children’s Arctic Wall Map by Collins helps children understand that the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents rather than a land continent like Antarctica.

It introduces:

• northern countries

• Arctic communities

• polar wildlife

• sea ice

• northern landscapes

• cultural life

Displaying the Arctic and Antarctica maps together creates an excellent comparison between the planet’s two polar regions.

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Children’s Asia Wall Map

The Children’s Asia Wall Map by Collins explores the world’s largest continent.

Children can discover:

• many countries and capitals

• mountain systems

• large populations

• diverse foods

• famous buildings

• wildlife

• cultural traditions

Asia is also Australia’s nearest major continental neighbour, making this map particularly valuable for Australian classrooms and homes.

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Children’s Europe Wall Map

The Children’s Europe Wall Map by Collins gives young learners more room to investigate a continent containing many closely spaced countries.

It is useful for:

• family-history discussions

• travel planning

• cultural studies

• learning countries and capitals

• connecting famous landmarks with their locations

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Children’s North America Wall Map

The Children’s North America Wall Map by Collins introduces Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America and the wider region through clear geography and colourful illustrations.

Children can connect:

• wildlife

• landscapes

• foods

• sports

• cities

• cultural icons

with their locations.

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Children’s Oceania Wall Map

The Children’s Oceania Wall Map by Collins is particularly relevant to Australian children.

It places Australia within the wider Pacific region and helps children discover:

• New Zealand

• Papua New Guinea

• Pacific island nations

• regional wildlife

• ocean geography

• neighbouring cultures

It helps correct the common impression that Australia sits alone at the bottom of the world.

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Children’s South America Wall Map

The Children’s South America Wall Map by Collins introduces:

• the Andes

• the Amazon

• countries and capitals

• wildlife

• foods

• landmarks

• regional traditions

Its portrait format suits the long north–south shape of the continent.

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Children’s United Kingdom and Ireland Wall Map

The Children’s United Kingdom and Ireland Wall Map by Collins is a useful regional companion to the continent series.

It is especially meaningful for:

• family-history projects

• children with relatives in Britain or Ireland

• travel planning

• cultural study

• learning important cities and regions

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How to Use the Collins Maps as a Set

The individual maps can be rotated according to the school term or topic being studied.

A classroom might display:

• Africa during a wildlife unit

• Antarctica during a climate unit

• Asia during cultural studies

• Oceania while learning about Australia’s neighbours

At home, children can collect the maps over time.

This gives each continent enough space to be explored properly while creating a coordinated series for a bedroom or playroom.

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Choosing a Map by Age

Ages 3–5

Look for:

• animals

• cartoon-style illustrations

• large labels

• strong colours

• limited text

Best choices:

• Kids Cartoon Map of the World

• Kids Animal Map of the World

• Children’s World Wall Map by Collins

Ages 5–8

Children can begin learning:

• continent names

• oceans

• major countries

• capitals

• regional animals and landmarks

Best choices:

• Collins Children’s World Map

• Collins Continent Maps

• World of Animals

• Australia Hema Large Wall Map

Ages 7–12

Children are ready for:

• political boundaries

• capitals

• physical features

• more detailed labels

• scale and distance

• latitude and longitude

Best choices:

• The World for Kids by National Geographic

• Kids Beginner’s World

• Australia National Geographic Wall Map

• Australia Land & Seabed Relief

Older Children and Teenagers

Choose a more detailed political, physical or topographic map that can support:

• school projects

• geography

• history

• environmental science

• travel planning

• current affairs

Explore the broader Educational Wall Maps and Globes collection and World Wall Maps collection.

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Paper, Laminated or Canvas?

The same map can feel and function very differently depending on its finish.

Paper

Paper is best when:

• the map will be framed

• it will be pinned to a noticeboard

• a lightweight option is preferred

• interaction is limited

Many Mapworld-produced children’s maps use heavyweight 160 gsm matte paper.

Laminated

Laminated is generally the most practical option for children.

It provides:

• protection from handling

• a wipe-clean surface

• moisture resistance

• compatibility with suitable whiteboard markers

• compatibility with map dots

Mapworld’s standard encapsulation uses two layers of premium 80-micron gloss laminate, sealing the map on both sides and around its edges.

Canvas

Canvas turns the map into a decorative artwork.

It works well in:

• bedrooms

• nurseries

• playrooms

• family rooms

Mapworld uses 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas for selected products, printed with pigment-based inks.

Canvas is less suitable when the child needs to write on or mark the map regularly.

Timber Hang Rails

Selected laminated and canvas maps can be supplied with natural timber hang rails.

They provide a polished, ready-to-hang appearance without the weight and reflections of conventional framing.

Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery of hang-railed maps, as each one is professionally mounted by our framer.

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Fun Ways to Use a Wall Map

A wall map becomes more valuable when children interact with it.

Mark Places Visited

Use map dots to record:

• family holidays

• school trips

• places relatives live

• countries visited

Plan an Imaginary Journey

Ask the child to choose:

• a starting point

• a destination

• oceans to cross

• countries to visit

• animals or landmarks to see

Follow a Story

When reading a book, find the country or region where the story takes place.

Follow World Events

Use the map during:

• international sport

• cultural festivals

• news events

• weather discussions

• space launches

• wildlife documentaries

Play Continent Games

Ask questions such as:

• Which continent is largest?

• Which continent is Australia in?

• Which oceans surround Africa?

• Where is the equator?

• Which countries are our nearest neighbours?

Compare Maps

Display:

• a political map

• a physical map

• an animal map

• an Indigenous Australia map

Children begin to understand that maps can show different kinds of information about the same place.

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Where Should a Children’s Map Be Displayed?

The best map is one the child can see and use.

Good locations include:

• above a desk

• beside a bookshelf

• on a playroom wall

• in a reading corner

• in a classroom learning area

• on a family travel wall

• at child-friendly eye level

Avoid positioning an interactive map so high that the child cannot point to or mark it.

For laminated maps, leave enough open space around the map for children to gather and use it comfortably.

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What Size Map Should You Choose?

Small Bedrooms

Choose a map approximately 750–1000 mm wide.

Shared Bedrooms and Playrooms

Choose approximately 900–1400 mm wide.

Small Classrooms

Choose at least 1000–1400 mm wide.

Large Classrooms and Libraries

Choose a Supermap or Mega Map measuring approximately 1400–2000 mm wide.

The map must be large enough for the intended viewing distance.

A map containing beautiful detail is of little educational value if children cannot read it from where they sit.

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Complete Product and Collection Links

Main Collections

• Educational Wall Maps and Globes

• World Wall Maps

Children’s World Maps

• Children’s World Wall Map by Collins

• The World for Kids by National Geographic

• Kids Beginner’s World by National Geographic

• World of Animals by National Geographic

• World of Places by National Geographic

• Kids Cartoon Map of the World

• Kids Animal Map of the World

• Children’s Political World Map for the Colour Blind

• Children’s Political World Supermap for the Colour Blind

• Children’s Physical Map of the World

Australia Wall Maps

• Australia Hema 1000 × 875 mm Large Laminated Wall Map

• Australia Hema 1386 × 1216 mm Supermap

• Australia Road and Terrain Mega Map by Hema

• Australia Hema 750 × 625 mm Handy Laminated Wall Map

• Australia Meridian 1003 × 865 mm Wall Map

• Australia National Geographic 1000 × 898 mm Wall Map

• Australia Land & Seabed Relief Wall Map

• Indigenous Australia 1200 × 850 mm Wall Map

Collins Continent and Regional Maps

• Children’s Africa Wall Map

• Children’s Antarctica Wall Map

• Children’s Arctic Wall Map

• Children’s Asia Wall Map

• Children’s Europe Wall Map

• Children’s North America Wall Map

• Children’s Oceania Wall Map

• Children’s South America Wall Map

• Children’s United Kingdom and Ireland Wall Map

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Why Buy Children’s Maps from Mapworld?

Mapworld has supplied maps and geographic products to Australian families, schools, libraries and educational organisations for more than 30 years.

The educational collection includes:

• children’s world maps

• Australia wall maps

• continent maps

• political maps

• physical maps

• Indigenous Australia maps

• animal and landmark maps

• large classroom maps

• raised-relief globes

• illuminated globes

• map dots and learning accessories

Many maps are available in paper, laminated or canvas formats, allowing parents and teachers to choose the finish that best suits the space and the way the child will use it.

Explore the complete Educational Wall Maps and Globes collection.

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Final Thoughts

The best children’s wall map is one that invites another look.

For younger children, that may mean a Collins world map filled with animals, foods and landmarks.

For an older child, it may mean a National Geographic map showing countries, capitals and physical features.

For an Australian classroom, it may be a large Hema map that shows the scale and diversity of the continent.

For a child fascinated by one part of the world, a Collins continent map can provide the space to explore it properly.

Choose a map that suits:

• the child’s age

• their interests

• the room

• the viewing distance

• the way the map will be used

Choose paper for framing.

Choose canvas for decorative warmth.

Choose laminated for active learning.

Then place the map somewhere the child will see it often.

A good children’s map teaches geography.

A great one creates a lifelong desire to explore.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best first wall map for a child?

The Children’s World Wall Map by Collins is an excellent first map for ages approximately four to eight because it combines clear geography with animals, foods, landmarks and cultural illustrations.

What is the best world map for an older primary-school child?

The World for Kids or Kids Beginner’s World maps by National Geographic provide more detailed political and physical information while remaining colourful and approachable.

What is the best map of Australia for children?

The Australia Hema 1000 × 875 mm Large Wall Map is an excellent all-round option. It shows states, towns, roads, national parks and terrain clearly.

What size map is best for a classroom?

A map at least 1400 mm wide is generally preferable for a standard classroom. Supermaps and Mega Maps are easier for students to see from the back of the room.

Are the Collins continent maps suitable for young children?

Yes. They are designed primarily for children aged approximately four to eight and use child-friendly illustrations and large labels.

Does Collins produce a map for every continent?

The Mapworld range includes Collins children’s maps of Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and South America, together with an Arctic regional map and a United Kingdom and Ireland map.

Are children’s maps available laminated?

Many Mapworld children’s maps are available laminated. Check the finish options on the individual product page.

Can children write on a laminated map?

Suitable whiteboard markers can be used on Mapworld’s gloss-laminated maps and wiped clean. Avoid permanent markers and test the marker on a small area first.

Can map dots be used on laminated maps?

Yes. Map dots are an excellent way to mark holidays, family locations, capitals or places being studied.

Are canvas maps suitable for children’s bedrooms?

Yes. Canvas creates a warm, decorative finish and works particularly well when the map is intended primarily as wall art rather than as a write-on learning surface.

Can timber hang rails be added?

Selected laminated and canvas maps are available with natural timber hang rails. Please allow up to 10 working days for professionally mounted hang-railed products.

Where can I see all Mapworld educational maps?

Browse the complete Educational Wall Maps and Globes collection.

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