3 Fun Games To Teach Compass Directions
Looking for simple, screen-free ways to help kids understand North, South, East, and West? Whether you’re prepping for a group activity or just want to reinforce map skills, these games are a great way to make learning directions fun and hands-on.
If you are looking for worksheets to reinforce directional learning, you may like our Finding Your Way printable pack.
Game 1: Compass Simon Says
Play a classic game of Simon Says, but add direction-based movements. You can create our Paper Plate Compass with the kids to help them with their directions.
- Simon says take 2 steps East.
- Simon says, turn to face North.
- Turn to the south! (oops, Simon didn’t say)
Game 2: Human Compass Challenge
Setup:
1. Choose a large open space.
2. Use cones, signs, or sidewalk chalk to mark out a compass.
3. Mark a center spot where players start.
How To Play:
1. Everyone starts in the center.
2. Leader calls out a direction – “Go North!”
3. Kids run to stand on that marker.
4. Last one there (or anyone wrong) sits out 1 round or does a fun action (e.g., crab walk back to center).
Variations: you can add in jump East 3 times, Face north, etc.
Tips To Make It More Fun:
- Play upbeat music (pause music to call out directions)
- Use silly movement modes (hopping, bear crawl, tiptoeing)
- Give small prizes or stamps for participation
- Appoint a rotating “caller” (let a kid be the game leader)
Game 3: Compass Corners
Setup:
1. Label 4 areas of the room: North, South, East, West.
2. Everyone starts in the center.
How To Play:
1. The caller stands in the middle and closes their eyes.
2. Kids quietly choose an area to stand at.
3. The caller then calls out a direction (“East”).
4. All players in that area are out for the round and sit down.
5. Game continues until 1 player remains.
Optional Challenge:
1. While the caller stands in the center, they can call out a movement challenge while all the kids go to the area of their choice. The caller may say ‘jump, crawl, skip,’ etc.