Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time to celebrate the vibrant traditions, languages, and creativity that make up the Hispanic and Latino communities. One of the best ways to support children to connect with their roots, or learn about others’, is through hands-on activities that spark imagination, pride, and conversation.
Here are a few fun and meaningful crafts and activities for families to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month together at home.
Make Your Own Colorful Papel Picado
This PBS activity is a great way to introduce iconic Hispanic imagery to your children and teach them about culture through art. In just 30 minutes, you and your child can make festive papel picado at home using a few materials. It’s an easy, hands-on way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month together. When you’re finished, you can talk about how papel picado is used in celebrations like birthdays, holidays, and fiestas!
Color and Discover: A Journey Through Central America
This free bilingual coloring activity goes through the alphabet using Central American words to learn more about the culture as well as other activities that increase reading, spelling, and vocabulary proficiency for children. To get more activities like this or to read more about this activity, click here.
Create a Family Heritage Tree
Invite your child to draw or craft a “heritage tree” using drawings or pictures of themselves, family members, and caregivers. Add flags, food, or symbols that represent their Hispanic cultures and traditions. Share stories about where relatives or ancestors came from and what traditions are meaningful to each branch of your family and community. This activity helps children feel proud of who they are and connected to their family, culture, and community.
Cook a Family Recipe Together
Food connects generations and tells stories. Choose a favorite family recipe, like tamales, pupusas, arroz con leche, or empanadas and make it together. As you cook, talk about where the dish comes from, who taught you the recipe, or what memories it brings back. You can even write or decorate your own family recipe book to pass down to future generations!
Dance to Latin Music
Put on a playlist that includes salsa, cumbia, merengue, or mariachi and let everyone move to the rhythm! Try to teach your child a few steps or show them how music varies by country. Dancing is a joyful way for children to experience culture through sound and movement.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is about more than one month, it’s about passing on traditions, stories, and values year-round. In a time when families may feel the weight of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to remind our children that their culture, language, and history are sources of strength and pride. Whether through art, music, cooking, or storytelling, every moment spent learning together builds connection, resilience, and hope that helps children grow proud of their roots and inspired to contribute to a brighter, more united future.
