Globes are educational tools that help kids learn about our planet Earth. These spherical models show continents, countries, oceans, and other geographic features. A globe for kids can spark curiosity about the world and make geography lessons more engaging and fun.
Unlike flat maps, globes give children a 3D view of Earth’s shape and layout. They can spin the globe to see how different parts of the world relate to each other. This hands-on experience helps kids grasp concepts like latitude, longitude, and time zones more easily.
Globes also show the true sizes and positions of landmasses, which flat maps often distort.
When choosing a globe for kids, it’s important to consider durability, size, and level of detail. The globe should be sturdy enough to withstand curious hands. Its size should be large enough to read labels but small enough for kids to handle. The amount of information on the globe should match the child’s age and learning stage.
We tested several globes to find the best options for young learners.
Best Globes for Kids
We’ve gathered the top globes to help children learn about geography and our world. These educational tools are fun, interactive ways for kids to explore different countries and cultures. Our picks range from simple desktop models to high-tech options with audio features.
USA Toyz 3-in-1 Globe
We think this globe is a smart buy for kids and adults who want to learn about Earth and space in a fun, interactive way.
Pros
- Shows day and night views
- Rotates 360 degrees
- Comes with an app and guidebook
Cons
- Small size (7.2″ diameter)
- Needs to be plugged in
- Some constellation placements may be off
This globe packs a lot into its compact size. It works as a regular world map during the day, showing countries, capitals, and major landmarks. When you turn on the LED light, it transforms into a starry night sky with 88 constellations.
Kids can spin the globe on its chrome steel base to explore different parts of the world. The non-tip design means it won’t fall over easily. We like that it comes with an app and booklet to help kids learn even more about what they’re seeing.
The soft glow makes it a nice night light for a kid’s room. It could also work well as a desk lamp or room decor for space fans of any age. While it’s not huge, the 7.2″ diameter is a good size for most desks or shelves.
PlayShifu Interactive Globe
We think this globe is a great pick for kids who want to learn about the world in a fun, interactive way.
Pros
- Engaging AR features
- Covers many topics
- Helps develop various skills
Cons
- Needs a compatible device
- May be complex for younger kids
- Limited physical interaction
The PlayShifu Interactive Globe brings geography to life with augmented reality. Kids can explore over 1000 facts about animals, cultures, and landmarks worldwide. The globe works with a free app that turns learning into an adventure.
This globe is more than just a pretty decoration. It comes with games, quizzes, and activities that keep kids interested. They can even collect stickers in a pretend passport as they “travel” around the world. It’s a neat way to spark interest in different places and cultures.
We like that this globe helps kids develop skills beyond just geography. It encourages problem-solving and memory skills too. The mix of hands-on play and digital interaction is good for different learning styles. But remember, you’ll need a compatible tablet or smartphone to use all the features.
Eolivees 9″ Kids Globe
We think this globe is a great buy for kids who want to learn about geography in a fun, interactive way.
Pros
- Large, easy-to-read design
- Rewritable surface for marking
- Sturdy metal base for stability
Cons
- Smaller than some other globes
- Limited detail for advanced learners
- May be pricey for some budgets
This 9-inch globe from Eolivees is a solid choice for young explorers. Its size makes it easy for kids to handle, while still being big enough to show key details. The high-def printing helps make country names and borders clear.
One cool feature is the special surface. Kids can write on it with a pen, then wipe it clean. This lets them mark places they’ve learned about or want to visit. The metal base keeps the globe steady as children spin it.
Safety is key with kids’ toys. We’re glad to see this globe uses non-toxic materials. It’s also pretty tough, so it should last through lots of use. As a bonus, it looks nice enough to display in a living room or study. It could be a fun way for the whole family to learn together.
Juvale Kids’ Globe
We think this globe is a solid choice for kids learning about geography, offering a good mix of features at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Spinning globe for interactive learning
- Durable plastic construction
- Compact 8-inch size
Cons
- Small print may be hard to read
- Basic design lacks advanced features
- Plastic material feels a bit cheap
The Juvale Rotating World Globe is a handy tool for kids starting to explore geography. Its spinning design lets children easily view different parts of the world, making learning more fun and engaging. The globe’s 8-inch size is just right for small hands and desktops, without taking up too much space.
Made of sturdy plastic, this globe can handle some rough treatment from excited young learners. It’s a good pick for classrooms or home use, as it won’t break easily if accidentally knocked over. The removable base is a nice touch, giving kids the option to hold the globe or keep it on display.
While the globe offers a good overview of countries and continents, some users note that the print is quite small. This might make it tricky for younger kids to read country names on their own. The basic design is great for beginners, but older kids might outgrow it quickly. Still, for its price, the Juvale globe provides good value as an intro to world geography for kids.
Smart Wallaby 3-in-1 Globe
We think this globe is a great buy for kids and adults who want to explore the world and stars.
Pros
- Day and night modes
- Includes fun extras
- Good for all ages
Cons
- Some quality issues
- May be too complex for very young kids
- Limited language options
This 9-inch globe packs a lot into one product. It works as a regular world globe during the day, showing countries, cities, and physical features. At night, it transforms into a celestial wonder, lighting up to display constellations.
Kids will love the extras that come with it. There’s a card game about flags and countries, plus a guide to help identify constellations. These add-ons make learning about geography and astronomy more fun.
The globe appeals to a wide age range. Younger kids can start learning country names and shapes. Older children and adults can dive deeper into geography or use the night mode to study stars. It’s a nice decoration for a room too, doubling as a night light.
Some buyers noted issues with the globe’s surface. A few found it rough or noticed gaps at the equator. While most were happy with it, these quality concerns are worth keeping in mind.
The interactive elements and night mode might be too much for very young children. It’s best suited for kids who can handle it carefully. Also, some users wanted more language options.
Interactive Learning Globe
We think this interactive globe is a great educational toy for kids who want to learn about world geography and facts.
Pros
- Smart pen reads out information
- Includes 300 trivia questions
- Teaches various facts about countries
Cons
- Requires batteries
- Some users report technical issues
- May be too advanced for very young children
This 9-inch interactive globe from Little Experimenter brings geography to life for kids. It uses a wireless smart pen that reads out information when touched to different parts of the globe.
Kids can learn about countries, capitals, languages, and more just by exploring the map.
One of the best features is the 300 built-in trivia questions. These help make learning fun and keep kids engaged as they test their knowledge.
The globe covers a wide range of facts beyond just country names – things like national anthems, currencies, and climate info too.
At 1.7 pounds, it’s light enough for kids to move around easily. The plastic base seems sturdy enough for regular use.
While some users mention tech glitches, most find it works well. It’s a nice size for home use or classrooms. Kids ages 7-12 will likely get the most out of this interactive learning tool.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right globe for kids can be fun and educational. We’ll cover some key things to look for when picking one out.
Size
Think about where the globe will go. A desktop globe works well for studying. Larger floor models are great for shared spaces.
Material
Globes come in different materials:
- Plastic: Lightweight and durable
- Paper: Classic look, less expensive
- Inflatable: Good for travel or storage
Features
Some globes have cool extras:
- Lights: Good for nighttime viewing
- Interactive pens: Offer audio facts
- Raised relief: Shows mountains and land features
Accuracy
Make sure the globe is up-to-date. Countries and borders can change over time.
Age-appropriate
Pick a globe that matches the child’s age and interests. Younger kids may like simple, colorful globes. Older children might prefer more detailed ones.
Readability
Check that names and details are easy to read. Some globes have clearer text than others.
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect globe for the young learners in your life. Happy globe shopping!
