Hispanic Heritage Month Activities for Kids!

• Why did the tortilla get so good at math? Because it knew how to taco-bout numbers!​​​​​​​
• Why did the salsa take dance lessons? To learn how to dip! 

National Hispanic Heritage Month – also known as National Latinx / Hispanic Heritage Month – is observed each year from September 15th to October 15th. Celebrations honor the achievements, contributions, and cultures of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. According to the latest U.S. Census data, “Hispanic” people are the largest minority group in the United States. With so many people, and so much variety to celebrate, we’ve put together some ideas.

Family Movies That Celebrate Latin American Culture (Ages 6+)

Kids love to watch – and sing along with! –  movies that feature the amazing music of Latin America. Try:

• Encanto – A Disney/Pixar musical that celebrates Colombian culture. It’s full of magical realism and the beauty of the natural world, as well as key themes, are acceptance, forgiveness, and community. (ages 6+)
• Coco – An Oscar®-winning Disney/Pixar animation that explores the Mexican traditions of Día de los muertos (Day of the Dead), and includes messaging around family, gratitude, and perseverance. (ages 7+)
• Vivo – A Netflix original that showcases Cuban culture and music. Themes include courage, empathy, and the power of love. (ages 6+)

Spanish Language Games for Kids (Lotería, Dominó, Veo Veo)

Family games are the best! Have you tried these?

• Lotería (a.k.a. Mexican bingo!) is not only fun to play, but a great way to learn and practice Spanish vocabulary. Try this Google Doodle version of Lotería from 2019!
• El Dominó (dominoes) is popular in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic and provides lots of counting practice (in English or Spanish).
• Veo Veo (“I Spy” in English) is great because there’s no equipment required, just the ability to speak and understand some Spanish.

Bilingual and Latinx Picture Books to Read at Bedtime 

Time for bed? Happily, there is no shortage of children’s books that provide a taste of Latin American food and cuisine. Try: 

• Tamalitos by Jorge Argueta (ages 3-6)
• What Can You Do with a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla (ages 3-6)
• The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred by Samantha R. Vamos (ages 5-11)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

And Arguably the Best Category… Food!

When you cook dishes inspired by Latin American cuisines, talk with kids about where the recipe comes from, whose traditions it represents, and why those traditions matter. Food is culture, memory, and pride — not just dinner. And as far as what dishes to make, OF COURSE, we have suggestions!

• Kid-Made Classic Croquetas + Radical Red Pepper Sauce + Sweet Red Kid Sangria Punch
• Chili-Rubbed Butternut Squash Quesadillas with DIY Tortillas + Iced Butternut Squash Licuado
• Fabuloso Avocado Street Tacos + Mexican Slaw + Cilantro Crema + Melon Agua Fresca

¡Buen provecho y buen mes!

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