Using a shower curtain from the Dollar Store, we made a city play mat of the places we often go to in our city. A new play mat is always fun, and this one did not take long to make at all- a few hours tops. Plus, this play mat cost ONE DOLLAR! Talk about affordable fun! 
My son gave me lots of input so it was a joint effort 
He even colored a little for me!
Here's what you need:
- Shower curtain from the dollar store (some are really flimsy, but it works) I would recommend finding the heaviest shower curtain you can, for durability.
- Clear wide tape- (any kind will do but packing tape is the strongest. We used packing and sealing tape. Both worked fine.) Keep some on hand to fix any holes that could happen after playing on it for a while.
- Card stock and a printer
- Markers, crayons
First, draw some roads and boxes. I just sort of followed the folds on the shower curtain. A permanent marker works best so that it does not rub off.
Next, use your computer to print out signs of familiar places you often visit, from your own photos, or using google images. Doing this will help your child learn some environmental print. NOTE: Images off the computer are usually copyrighted, but it should be fine to print one copy for your own use in your home. You could also use ads from the newspaper or mail of store logos. You can also take photos of places you visit and use those photos too.
We used crayons and markers to draw the buildings on , and put the signs on the buildings. Next cut and tape the places to the shower curtain. Cover them with the tape so that they stay on well. Use toy cars, people, animals, for your play mat. Since the shower curtain is flimsy, (hey it was only one dollar;)), use some books or weights to hold the sides and corners down when the children are playing on it.
**Older children could each make their own play mats and include all their favorite places.
Enjoy your new play mat! Visit all the places you love to go around town, without ever leaving your home!
Sharla is a stay-at-home-mom who taught elementary school for over 10 years. She now spends time teaching her little ones at home and finding ways to make each day fun. See blogs about her adventures at My Little Gems.
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Cute idea!
SO impressed with this! Have you thought about putting small weights in the corners and center to keep it down? I have always admired people like you who come up with ideas like this. Glad we have this site to spur one another on!
That is sooo cute! Thanks for sharing!
That is a BRILLIANT idea…/
i can see a 'pink pool' version of it
coming up
this Spring break
What a great 'teamwork' project
I have been looking so hard and long for something just like your mat idea for our almost 2 y/o…. My brother had a similar mat more than 20 yrs ago. Our aunt had taken a plain white mat (similar to the plastic table coverings currently available) and hand drew different places, ie service station, church, Dairy Queen, etc. It was great and simple and both of us enjoyed playing cars on it.
All of the manufactured mats we've seen are too busy or the same pattern over and over. Seeing your was such a relief…thank you for sharing your idea along w/ photos.
thanks for the post