In this study, GIS is used to investigate Denver neighborhoods through children's eyes. This community-based research project teaches inner-city children about the power of mapping and voicing preferences and concerns. Using GIS technology, neighborhood surveys, handdrawn maps, photographs, and other methods of exploration, children create maps of schoolgrounds and surrounding neighborhoods, revealing quantitative and qualitative data in a creative and informative way. This research serves to empower students and educate city officials about the benefits and deficits of inner-city living for Denver youth. Special emphasis is placed on places of play and physical activity as well as on places of prey and gang activity. Further investigation into spatial and social relationships of place will be investigated in an attempt to better determine how children's physical and social environments affect them directly. What are some of the neighborhood characteristics and spatial and social relationships affecting children's quality of life? Also available online at http://proceedings.esri.com/library/userconf/educ06/abstracts/a1311.html