Age of Exploration For Kids

Also known as the Age of Discovery, the Age of Exploration is the period of time, mostly from the 1400s to the 1600s, when the nations of Europe explored the world. In fact, Portuguese explorer, Infante Dom Henrique, or “Henry the Navigator” gets credit for opening the door to the Age of Exploration. He explored the west coast of Africa. Then, other European nations like Britain, France, Italy, and Spain joined Portugal to explore as much of the world as possible. As a result, the explorers who led these expeditions laid the groundwork for the world as we know it today.

Ages Of Exploration Resources

early explorers of north americaYou may want to give your child an overview of the Age of Exploration using the general websites and other games and activities, or you can create an entire unit study of the Age of Exploration and divide instruction into lessons on the explorers of different nationalities. Below you will find resources for that.

On the other hand, you may want to dive deeply into learning about one or two explorers, using the various sites listed to discuss how different sources represent historical figures. Again, below we have resources for that as well! 

We strive to educate about cultures and history in the most respectful, honest, and age-appropriate ways possible.  However, you should review all resources before sharing them with your homeschoolers as they may present information that counters your family’s worldviews or traditional thinking about history. 

Age of Exploration                         British Explorers for Kids                         French Explorers for Kids

Italian Explorers for Kids              Portuguese Explorers for Kids                Spanish Explorers for Kids

Age of Exploration for Kids          Age of Exploration for Kids Games
Lesson Plans & Activities

 *Although most of the resources listed here are free, those marked with a $ have a cost or require a fee/subscription in order to access the full range of materials.

Age of Exploration

Initially, here are some resources to get a general overview of the Age of Exploration:

 

    British Explorers for Kids

    Captain James Cook

    Henry Hudson

    Sir Francis Drake

    Sir Walter Raleigh 

     

    Captain James Cook

    This British explorer was also a navigator, cartographer (map maker), and captain in the British Royal Navy. He was also known for being the first European to set foot on the Hawaiian Islands and the eastern coast of Australia.

     

    Henry Hudson

    Can you guess who discovered the Hudson River, Hudson Strait, and Hudson Bay in Canada? Of course, it was  Henry Hudson! Did you know he also discovered Manhattan Island in 1609 while employed by the Dutch West India Company? Learn more about him below. 

     

     

    Sir Francis Drake

    Known as one of the greatest English sea captains of all time, Sir Francis Drake and his crew were the first Englishmen to circumnavigate the globe.  In addition, they claimed part of California (what Drake called “Nova Albion”) for Queen Elizabeth along the way.

     

     

    Sir Walter Raleigh 

    Sir Walter Raleigh and his half-brother, English explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert, sailed to America, where Sir Walter Raleigh backed the famous Roanoke Island colony in Virginia. He is also known for introducing the English to potatoes and tobacco.

     

    French Explorers for Kids

    Jacques Cartier

    René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle

    Samuel de Champlain

     

    Jacques Cartier

    Jacques Cartier explored Canada three times, from Nova Scotia to the Cape Fear River. From his ship, the Grande Hermine, he discovered the Saint Lawrence River, which eventually became a major French route to Canada.

     

      

    René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle 

    This French explorer led an expedition down the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to the Gulf of Mexico. His travels claimed the region around the Mississippi as “Louisiana” for King Louis XIV of France.

     

    Samuel de Champlain

    Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City and discovered Lake Champlain between Vermont and New York. As a result, he is known as the “Father of Canada.” 

     

     

    Italian Explorers for Kids

    Amerigo Vespucci

    Christopher Columbus

    Giovanni da Verrazzano

    John Cabot

     

    Amerigo Vespucci 

    How did America get its name? Why from Amerigo Vespucci, of course! He discovered Rio de Janeiro and Rio de la Plata, what he called the “New World” of South America, and believed that he had discovered a new continent. As a result, America was named after him in 1507.

     

      

    Christopher Columbus 

    Sailing for Spain in 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered North America while searching for a new trade route to the Indies. Or did he? In fact, there are lots of controversies for you to “explore” in these resources. 

     

     

    Giovanni da Verrazzano 

    He led the first French expedition to explore the eastern coast between Newfoundland and the Carolinas, including Narragansett Bay and New York Harbor. Because he was the first European to sail into New York Harbor, the Verrazzano Bridge was named after him.

     

    Check out this 8th-grader’s social studies project on Giovanni De Verrazzano:

     

    John Cabot 

    After crossing the North Atlantic, explorer John Cabot reached America just north of Nova Scotia. Then he claimed Canada for King Henry VII.

     

     

    Portuguese Explorers for Kids

    Bartholomew Dias

    Ferdinand Magellan

    Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo

    Vasco da Gama

     

    Bartholomew Dias

    Bartholomew Dias was the first European to sail around the southernmost tip of Africa. Why was this important? His exploration later allowed for the establishment of a trade route from Europe to Asia.

     

    Ferdinand Magellan 

    Although he died before the voyage’s completion, Ferdinand Magellan is known as the one who led the first trip around the world. Additionally, his crew reached the Pacific Ocean through what is now known as the Straits of Magellan.

     

     

    Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo 

    Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed on behalf of the Spanish Empire. In fact, he is best known for his exploration of the west coast of North America, specifically as the first European to explore California. 

     

    Vasco da Gama 

    This Portuguese explorer was the first European to discover an ocean trading route to India, therefore allowing Portugal to establish a colonial empire in Africa and Asia.

     

     

    Spanish Explorers for Kids

    Francisco Pizarro

    Vasquez de Coronado

    Hernán Cortéz

    Hernando de Soto

    Juan Ponce de Lèon

    Vasco de Balboa

     

    Francisco Pizarro

    Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador whose expeditions led to the conquest of Peru. Of course, like many explorers, he sought fortune and adventure in the New World.

     

     

    Francisco Vasquez de Coronado 

    Francisco Vasquez de Coronado? What a name! He is known for his exploration of New Mexico and the southwestern US. He is also credited with discovering Kansas’s Grand Canyon and Great Plains.

     

     

    Hernán Cortéz (Cortés) 

    This Spanish conquistador’s expedition into Mexico led to the fall of the Aztec Empire. It also brought a large part of Mexico under the rule of Spain.

     

      

    Hernando de Soto 

    For Hernando de Soto, the southeastern US was his playground. In fact, he explored from Tampa Bay to South Carolina, including a trip across the Mississippi River.

     

    Juan Ponce de Lèon 

    Who was the first European to reach Florida? That would be Juan Ponce de Lèon! He also founded the first European settlement in Puerto Rico.

     

    Vasco de Balboa

    Balboa is known as being the first European to travel from the New World to the Pacific Ocean.

      Age of Exploration for Kids Lesson Plans & Activities

      Do you want to plan a more structured lesson or unit on the Age of Exploration for kids? Try these resources below to help:

       

       

      Age of Exploration for Kids Games

      Finish your Age of Exploration unit or lesson but you want more? Expand your learning with some additional fun exploration games:

       

      Additional Homeschool Resources 

      Homeschool for Free: History/Social Studies

      How to Teach Homeschool History & Geography

      Why Do We Study History and Social Studies?