Hispanic Heritage Month activities for kids offer an exciting way to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. Celebrated from September 15 to October 15, this observance is a great opportunity for teachers to introduce students to vibrant traditions and stories. In this blog, we’ll share a variety of engaging activities that are both fun and educational, helping young learners appreciate the importance of Hispanic heritage.
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration in the United States that honors the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
It runs from September 15 to October 15, coinciding with the independence days of several Latin American countries, and provides an opportunity to recognize the impact of Hispanic individuals on society.
Now that we know the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s discover some exciting and interactive activities that will make learning about Hispanic culture both enjoyable and inspiring for kids!
15+ Hispanic Heritage Month Activities for Kids
Here are various engaging ideas that will make learning about Hispanic culture both fun and meaningful:
1. Create Paper Marigolds for Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a vibrant celebration of life and remembrance in many Hispanic cultures, especially in Mexico. Marigolds, known as “cempasúchil,” are symbolic flowers used to honor loved ones who have passed away.
Hispanic Heritage Month educational activities for kids like creating paper marigolds not only introduce students to this cultural tradition but also enhance their crafting skills. This activity helps students connect with the values of remembrance, love, and celebration inherent in Día de los Muertos.
Materials Needed:
- Orange, yellow, and green tissue paper
- Scissors
- Glue sticks or tape
- Craft wire or string (optional)
How to Do:
- Cut tissue paper into small squares (about 4×4 inches).
- Stack several pieces of tissue paper and fold them accordion-style (back and forth).
- Cut the edges into a rounded or scalloped shape to mimic flower petals.
- Carefully unfold the tissue paper to reveal the flower shape.
- Attach a piece of craft wire or string to the base for hanging or creating a bouquet.
2. Explore Latin American Music and Dance
Music and dance are essential elements of Hispanic culture, reflecting history, emotion, and storytelling. Exploring Latin American genres like salsa, merengue, and bachata allows students to experience the rhythmic diversity that characterizes Hispanic heritage.
By listening to traditional music and learning simple dance steps, students gain an appreciation for how dance forms a vital part of community expression and celebration.
Materials Needed:
- A variety of Latin music (salsa, merengue, flamenco)
- Space for dancing
- Optional: colorful scarves or ribbons
How to Do:
- Play a selection of Latin American music, explaining its origins and significance.
- Show students basic dance steps for each type of music (salsa steps, merengue moves, etc.).
- Let students practice dancing to the music, encouraging them to add their own flair.
- If available, use scarves or ribbons to make the dance more colorful and interactive.
3. Create Hispanic Heritage Collage
A collage is a powerful way to visually represent the richness and diversity of Hispanic heritage. This activity encourages students to research Hispanic cultural icons, traditional symbols, and significant events.
By creating a collage, they not only practice artistic expression but also deepen their understanding of how different countries and traditions contribute to the broader Hispanic identity. This collaborative project fosters creativity and cultural awareness.
Materials Needed:
- Magazines, printouts, or photos of Hispanic cultural icons (artists, activists, historical figures)
- Glue sticks or tape
- Large poster board
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons for labeling
How to Do:
- Have students research or select notable Hispanic figures such as Frida Kahlo, César Chávez, or Lin-Manuel Miranda.
- Collect images from magazines, newspapers, or printouts.
- Arrange the images on the poster board, creating a collage that represents Hispanic culture.
- Label each image with the name of the individual and a short description of their contributions.
- Encourage students to add their personal reflections or draw symbols related to Hispanic culture.
4. Hispanic Heritage Storytime
Stories from Hispanic cultures are filled with rich narratives, moral lessons, and folklore. Storytime sessions featuring Hispanic legends, folktales, and historical accounts allow students to immerse themselves in storytelling traditions that have been passed down for generations.
Whether through reading aloud or interactive storytelling, this activity helps students explore cultural themes and develop a deeper appreciation for oral traditions.
Materials Needed:
- A collection of Hispanic folk tales, stories, or books about Hispanic heritage
- Comfortable reading space
- Optional: props for storytelling
How to Do:
- Select a few Hispanic heritage books or stories to read aloud (e.g., “The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf or “Abuela” by Arthur Dorros).
- Gather the students and read the stories, pausing to ask questions about the characters and lessons learned.
- After the story, discuss the cultural themes and traditions found within it.
- Optional: Use props or costumes to make the storytelling more interactive.
5. Taco Tuesday Cooking
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with fun and tasty Taco Tuesday cooking activities for kids. This hands-on cooking activity promotes teamwork, food safety, and an appreciation of how food can reflect cultural heritage and community.
It’s also a great way to explore the rich culinary traditions of Mexican cuisine. Making tacos in class helps students learn about the diverse ingredients and regional variations that make this dish so beloved across Hispanic cultures.
Materials Needed:
- Soft taco shells
- Ground beef or chicken (pre-cooked)
- Toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream)
- Plates and utensils
How to Do:
- Set up a taco bar with various toppings and fillings.
- Teach students about the origins of tacos and their importance in Mexican culture.
- Allow children to assemble their own tacos, choosing the fillings and toppings they prefer.
- Discuss the flavors and traditions behind the ingredients, making sure everyone enjoys their creations.
6. Explore Hispanic Art with Pinatas
Piñatas are festive, colorful crafts traditionally used during Hispanic celebrations like birthdays and holidays. Creating piñatas introduces students to the cultural significance of these decorations, which symbolize joy, abundance, and celebration.
This hands-on activity allows students to practice artistic skills while learning how piñatas vary between countries and how they are used to bring communities together.
Materials Needed:
- Paper mache materials (balloons, glue, flour, water, newspaper)
- Colorful crepe paper or tissue paper
- Scissors
- Paint or markers
How to Do:
- Inflate a balloon to the desired size for the pinata.
- Mix flour and water to create a paper mache paste.
- Tear newspaper into strips and dip them in the paste. Apply them to the balloon, layering to create a strong shell.
- Once dry, pop the balloon and remove it.
- Decorate the pinata using colorful tissue paper and paint.
- Once finished, hang the pinata and let students take turns trying to break it open!
7. Hispanic Heritage Month Bingo
Bingo is a fun, interactive way to reinforce learning about Hispanic heritage. This customized version of Bingo includes cultural icons, famous Hispanic figures, and traditional symbols.
As students mark off items on their cards, they learn interesting facts and gain a broader understanding of Hispanic contributions to history, arts, and science. The game format makes learning enjoyable while fostering cultural awareness.
Materials Needed:
- Bingo cards with images or terms related to Hispanic heritage
- Markers or chips for marking the cards
- Prizes for winners
How to Do:
- Create Bingo cards featuring key words or images related to Hispanic culture (e.g., maracas, Frida Kahlo, Día de los Muertos).
- Call out the words or show the images, and have students mark them on their cards.
- The first student to complete a row or column calls out “Bingo” and wins a prize.
- After the game, discuss the meaning of the words or images on the cards to reinforce learning.
8. Make a Salsa with Fresh Ingredients
Salsa is a staple in many Hispanic dishes, known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Making salsa in the classroom allows students to explore the importance of fresh produce while practicing basic culinary skills.
This activity highlights how salsa recipes can vary between regions, offering a taste of culinary diversity within Hispanic culture. Plus, students develop a hands-on appreciation for traditional cooking methods.
Materials Needed:
- Fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, and jalapeños
- Salt and pepper
- Mixing bowls and spoons
- Cutting boards and knives (for older students or supervised use)
- Tortilla chips for tasting
How to Do:
- Wash all ingredients thoroughly.
- Dice the tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños into small pieces.
- Finely chop the cilantro.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl and squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with tortilla chips and discuss how salsa varies across Hispanic cultures (like pico de gallo in Mexico or chimichurri in Argentina).
- Let students taste their creation and share their thoughts on the flavors.
9. Hispanic Countries Mapping Activity
Geography plays a key role in understanding the cultural diversity within the Hispanic world. This mapping activity helps students identify Spanish-speaking countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
By locating countries on a map and discussing cultural highlights from each, students build geographic literacy while exploring how diverse regions contribute to the collective Hispanic identity.
Materials Needed:
- Blank world map or map of the Americas
- Markers, colored pencils
- Stickers or flags for marking countries
- Fact sheets on each Hispanic country
How to Do:
- Hand out blank maps and markers.
- Explain that Hispanic countries are primarily those where Spanish is the official language.
- Have students locate and color the countries where Spanish is spoken.
- Use stickers or flags to mark the capital cities.
- Allow students to present one interesting fact about each country (e.g., a traditional dish or a famous cultural celebration).
- Display the completed maps around the classroom.
10. Learn about Hispanic Inventors and Innovators
One of the best interactive activities for kids during Hispanic Heritage Month is learning about Hispanic inventors and innovators. It’s a great way to show students the amazing impact Hispanic individuals have made in areas like science, technology, and the arts.
Researching these figures helps students appreciate creativity and perseverance. Plus, talking about their contributions can inspire kids to value diversity in innovation. This activity also builds critical thinking and teamwork skills during group presentations.
Materials Needed:
- Research materials (books, internet access)
- Poster boards, markers, and printouts of inventor images
- Presentation tools (optional)
How to Do:
- Assign each student or group an inventor or innovator from Hispanic heritage (e.g., Ellen Ochoa – astronaut, Guillermo González Camarena – TV color system inventor).
- Students research their chosen figure’s life, achievements, and contributions.
- Create a poster with pictures, a brief biography, and an explanation of their innovation.
- Present the posters to the class, discussing how these contributions impacted society.
- Display the posters as part of a Hispanic Heritage Month showcase.
11. Create a “Gracias” Gratitude Tree
Gratitude is an essential value in many Hispanic cultures, often expressed through words and thoughtful actions. The “Gracias” Gratitude Tree encourages students to reflect on what they are thankful for and express it in both English and Spanish.
This creative project not only fosters a positive classroom atmosphere but also helps students practice expressing gratitude in a meaningful way, linking language skills with personal reflection.
Materials Needed:
- Brown construction paper (for the tree trunk)
- Colored paper (for leaves)
- Scissors, glue, markers
- Large poster board
How to Do:
- Cut out a large tree trunk and branches from the brown paper.
- Create leaf cutouts from colored paper.
- Have each student write a Spanish word or phrase expressing gratitude on a leaf (e.g., “Gracias por mi familia” – Thanks for my family).
- Glue the leaves onto the tree branches.
- Display the tree in the classroom and encourage students to add more leaves throughout the month.
12. Hispanic Heritage Month Poem Writing
Poetry offers a creative way for students to explore cultural identity and personal expression. Writing poems inspired by Hispanic traditions, famous figures, or personal reflections allows students to connect emotionally with the themes discussed during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sharing their poetry with peers builds confidence in public speaking while celebrating the power of words to convey cultural pride.
Materials Needed:
- Paper and pens
- Examples of poems by Hispanic poets (e.g., Pablo Neruda, Gabriela Mistral)
- Optional: Art supplies for illustrating the poems
How to Do:
- Introduce students to a few short poems by famous Hispanic writers.
- Discuss themes commonly found in Hispanic poetry, such as love, struggle, and nature.
- Allow students to write their own poems reflecting Hispanic culture or their own heritage.
- Encourage them to illustrate their poems with symbols or motifs related to the theme.
- Share the poems aloud in a poetry reading session.
13. Create Mexican Papel Picado
Papel picado, or “perforated paper,” is a traditional Mexican craft used to decorate for celebrations like Día de los Muertos. These colorful banners showcase intricate designs and reflect the festive spirit of Hispanic culture.
Creating papel picado helps students develop fine motor skills and understand the cultural significance of this beautiful art form, fostering both creativity and cultural appreciation.
Materials Needed:
- Colored tissue paper
- Scissors
- String
- Glue
How to Do:
- Fold a piece of tissue paper accordion-style.
- Cut shapes and patterns along the edges and through the folded layers.
- Carefully unfold to reveal the intricate design.
- Glue the top of each papel picado piece onto a string to create a banner.
- Hang the banner around the classroom as a festive decoration.
14. Exploring Hispanic Cuisine: Empanada Making
Empanadas are savory or sweet pastries popular in many Hispanic countries, known for their flaky crust and flavorful fillings. Making empanadas introduces students to regional culinary traditions while developing basic cooking skills.
This activity highlights how food can tell a story about heritage and how recipes vary between countries, offering a delicious way to explore Hispanic culture.
Materials Needed:
- Pre-made dough or pie crusts
- Filling options: ground beef, chicken, cheese, or fruit
- Spices: cumin, paprika, salt, pepper
- Baking trays, parchment paper
- Small bowls, spoons, and a pastry brush
- Oven (or toaster oven for classroom use)
How to Do:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
- Add a spoonful of filling to each circle, fold in half, and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush the top with a beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Let cool and discuss how empanadas vary in different Hispanic cultures.
15. Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases is a great way to introduce kids to a new language while celebrating culture.
One fun way for kids to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is by combining activities like learning Spanish greetings, introductions, and polite phrases to help them build cultural awareness and language skills.
This activity makes language learning fun and approachable, while also fostering respect for linguistic diversity.
Materials Needed:
- Flashcards with common Spanish phrases (e.g., “Hola” – Hello, “Gracias” – Thank you)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Worksheet for practice
How to Do:
- Introduce simple greetings and everyday phrases on the board.
- Practice pronunciation as a group, then quiz with flashcards.
- Have students work in pairs to practice short dialogues.
- Complete a worksheet matching English phrases to their Spanish counterparts.
- Wrap up with a group activity using the phrases in conversations.
16. Create a Hispanic Heritage Month Time Capsule
A time capsule is a meaningful way to preserve memories and reflections from Hispanic Heritage Month. Students collect items, crafts, or written thoughts representing what they learned about Hispanic culture.
Sealing the capsule and setting a future date to open it reinforces the idea of cultural continuity and personal growth, making it a thoughtful and engaging project.
Materials Needed:
- A sturdy box or container
- Art supplies: markers, paper, glue
- Small objects related to Hispanic heritage
- Printed handouts summarizing activities
- Decorative items for the box (stickers, washi tape)
How to Do:
- Discuss the concept of a time capsule and its purpose.
- Let each student contribute a small item or a written reflection.
- Decorate the box together and seal it.
- Agree on a date to open it, like next year’s Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Display the capsule as a reminder of cultural exploration.
Sum up
Hispanic Heritage Month activities for kids offer a meaningful way to celebrate culture, spark curiosity, and encourage appreciation for diversity in the classroom. Through crafts, storytelling, music, and art, children engage in hands-on learning that deepens their understanding of Hispanic traditions and contributions. These activities help foster empathy, respect, and a sense of belonging for all students.
To bring even more enriching experiences to your lessons, explore our collection of Hispanic Heritage Month worksheets on Worksheetzone—perfect for turning this celebration into an inspiring journey of learning, creativity, and cultural pride.
