Explore the 50 States: Art Projects, Creative Writing, and Hands-On Activities for U.S. Geography

Learning the 50 states doesn’t have to mean endless flashcards or boring worksheets. In fact, when you take a hands-on approach, U.S. geography can actually be one of the most exciting parts of your homeschool.

In this post, we’re sharing fun, meaningful crafts and activities that help kids explore American geography through art, games, storytelling, and more.

These ideas come from our Explore the 50 States Unit Study, an open-and-go crate packed with everything you need to teach U.S. geography—without needing to prep a thing! Whether you’re diving into the 50 states for the first time or want a creative way to revisit it, this guide has you covered.

Understanding United States geography helps kids connect with where they live and how the country fits together—geographically, historically, and culturally.

Learning the 50 states and their capitals can:

• Build map skills and improve spatial awareness

• Create a foundation for deeper history and civics lessons

• Help kids recognize important landmarks and regions

• Encourage exploration of migration patterns and regional differences

• Move beyond memorization to real-world understanding of the U.S.

Most geography curriculum leans heavily on memorization—lists of state names, map labeling, quizzes on capitals. That might work for some kids, but it often:

• Feels disconnected from real life

• Doesn’t engage visual or hands-on learners

• Turns into a chore instead of something to explore

That’s why we love using:

• Crafts that connect kids to state symbols and regions

• Storytelling and imaginative writing to bring geography to life

• Art projects inspired by American landmarks and artists

• Sensory play that helps kids physically interact with maps and landforms

These activities help kids see, touch, and imagine the geography of the U.S.—making it much more likely to stick (and way more fun to teach).

Here’s a look at the kinds of hands-on activities included in our Explore the 50 States homeschool unit. Each one is designed to help kids engage with American geography through map play, art, writing, and creativity. You can do one per day or spread them out over several weeks using the included 6-week pacing guide.

Kids get to show off their state pride by creating a colorful, one-of-a-kind collage filled with symbols that represent their home. From birds and flowers to fun landmarks, it’s a hands-on way to learn what makes their state special.

This dry erase USA map mat doubles as the world’s smartest placemat. Kids can label the states again and again—during breakfast, snack time, or whenever you need a low-key learning moment. It’s mess-free, screen-free, and way more fun than a worksheet.

It’s state charades with playdough! Kids sculpt mystery states and challenge someone to guess which one they made. Get ready for lots of laughs—and some sneaky geography learning.

Roll the dice, see where they land, and compare cool state facts! Kids learn math while crunching numbers on population, statehood, and more using their Pocket Genius book as their guide.

From Lady Liberty to Mount Rushmore, this visual scavenger hunt helps kids recognize iconic American landmarks—no plane ticket needed!

Kids write out the names of all 50 states on a reusable dry erase mat—but they don’t have to do it alone! We include a QR code that links to a catchy states-in-ABC-order song to help them memorize and sing along. It’s part spelling, part geography, and all fun.

Grab your (included in the crate!) dry erase crayons and color in the birthplace of our country. Kids learn where the original 13 colonies were located while bringing early American history to life.

Travel back in time and build a squishy 3D map of the Oregon Trail. With playdough as your terrain, kids trace the paths of pioneers as they crossed rivers, mountains, and plains.

This unit isn’t just about learning U.S. geography—it’s a mini art class too! Kids will experiment with color, value, and line, while getting inspired by real American artists and landmarks. From pop art skylines to optical illusions and sculpted flamingos, every project brings the country (and creativity!) to life.

Before diving into their art adventures, kids create their own stash of colorful paper using scrapers, forks, foam daubers, and more. Think of it like building their own artist supply shop—every sheet is a new texture or pattern they’ll use later.

Bold lines, wild colors, and fun patterns turn the Statue of Liberty into a pop art masterpiece—Britto-style! Kids bring their own flair to this iconic symbol using bright, playful design choices.

Fog rolls in, skyscrapers pop up, and the Golden Gate stretches across the scene—all built from their handmade painted paper. This mixed-media collage turns a West Coast landmark into a work of art.

Lines curve, colors pop, and suddenly the flag looks like it’s waving right off the page! With just a marker and colored pencils, kids create a cool optical illusion while learning how value (light and dark) makes flat things look 3D.

Rolling hills, patchwork fields, and big skies come together in this peaceful farmland scene. Kids channel the cozy, classic vibe of American painter Grant Wood using their painted paper scraps.

Skyscrapers with silly faces, swirly clouds, and bright windows—this city skyline is full of personality. Inspired by pop artist James Rizzi, kids draw a playful version of an American city full of energy and fun.

This 3D flamingo stands tall in front of a glowing Florida sunset. Kids sculpt it from Model Magic and paint a dreamy background on canvas—part sculpture, part painting, and totally fabulous.

Geometric patterns and colorful symmetry take center stage in this art project inspired by traditional Navajo weaving. Kids cut and arrange their painted paper to create a stunning, balanced southwestern design.

From building a bold American symbol to uncovering shiny “gold,” these STEM activities mix creativity with discovery. Perfect for curious kids who love to tinker, explore, and learn by doing.

Step into the shoes of a Gold Rush prospector! This mini mining adventure ties right into the unit’s focus on westward expansion. Kids will chisel through the kit to uncover their own piece of fool’s gold—just like miners during the California Gold Rush.

Bring the national bird to life in 3D! This hands-on puzzle challenges kids to build a bald eagle from layered pieces, combining fine motor skills and spatial thinking with a symbol of American pride.

No dry writing prompts here! These United States geography activities invite kids to step into someone else’s shoes, imagine epic adventures, and get playful with words. With just a pencil and their imagination, they’ll travel back in time or across the country—no plane ticket needed.

After reading I Survived the American Revolution, 1776, kids become time-traveling authors. They’ll write a journal entry from the point of view of someone living in the colonies during a dramatic time in U.S. history. It's creative writing with a side of historical thinking.

Time for a make-believe vacation! Kids imagine criss-crossing the country and jotting down postcards from the coolest states they “visit.” Each one includes fun little drawings, pretend adventures, and silly details they come up with—all while sneaking in writing practice.

The Explore the 50 States U.S. geography crate comes with everything you need—no extra supply runs or Pinterest searching required.

This United States geography unit study crate also includes a mix of high-quality fiction and nonfiction children’s books to bring the theme to life. The activity guide will tell you what pages to read with each activity in the unit!

This unit is more than just a map drill or list of capitals—it’s a journey across the country, packed with creativity, color, and connection. With art, history, geography, and storytelling woven together, your child will come away with not just knowledge—but a love for learning about the fifty nifty United States!