At 5 I was telling my mom how to get places. She had no sense of direction.
As soon as we could read, my Dad was always saying "OK where are we? How do we get home?" And he would always say things like "Look, I work by the red mailbox and the husky restaurant!" So I always knew, that if I saw that big Canada flag, my Dad was close! If I was on that street, the Canada post box was right out front of his work. When we moved (which was a lot) he would do the same game with different landmarks. I can remember Edmonton roads like I live there yet, I haven't lived there or been there for over 30 years.
Once they have that a little practice, ask them to draw you the way to the store or grandma's house. It takes time but, can be a fun game when you leave the house and they pick it up fast!

My son has an incredible sense of direction, like me, but I hadn't thought of him reading maps. Even though he can't read yet, he could still find a route on the map and he loves mazes so he might be really into it. Great idea everyone!