Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a celebration; it is a time to honor the history, resilience, and creativity of Hispanic and Latino communities and a chance for you and your child to explore the culture and traditions that are part of your family’s story. As a parent, the culture, language, and traditions you carry are gifts you are already passing down. Taking time to visit a museum, attend a local event, or share a story with your child can be a powerful way to honor that legacy while building your child's sense of identity and belonging.
Across the country, museums, cultural centers, and libraries are opening their doors with family-friendly exhibits, performances, and activities that bring Hispanic heritage to life for all ages. Here’s a short list of some of those museums and events, and don't forget to check the AP-OD Family App for even more family-friendly fun!
Family-Friendly Museums to Explore Nationwide
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- National Hispanic Cultural Center: Albuquerque, NM
- National Museum of the American Latino (Free admission): Washington, DC
- El Museo Latino: Omaha, NE
- La Plaza de Cultura y Artes (Free admission): Los Angeles, CA
- Museum of Latin American Art: Long Beach, CA
- National Museum of Mexican Art (Free admission): Chicago, IL
- The National Puerto Rican Museum (Free admission): Chicago, IL
- Guide to Latino & Hispanic Museums in the US from Mi Legasi
These are just a few of the incredible spaces celebrating Hispanic heritage. To discover other family-friendly museums near you, visit findachildrensmuseum.org.
Celebrations and Events Across the U.S.
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- Smithsonian Museums - The Smithsonian invites the public to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through a series of exhibitions, lectures, family activities, and traveling exhibits. All programs are free unless otherwise indicated.
- New Orleans Jazz Museum – Will be hosting a variety of events for Hispanic Heritage Month —a dynamic celebration of Latin, Caribbean, and Afro-Latin musical traditions that have profoundly shaped the sound of New Orleans jazz. All events are free and open to the public.
- Children’s Museum of Phoenix – Discover an array of events and activities that showcase Hispanic art, music, and culture, and honor the rich diversity of Hispanic heritage.
- Los Angeles County Library – Enjoy family-friendly activities such as book clubs, craft-making workshops, and many other cultural events in LA County.
- Houston, Texas – guide to experiencing the cuisine, exploring the arts, and discovering the cultural institutions that help make Houston’s vibrant Hispanic and Latino community so special!
- The Hispanic Museum & Library – presents exciting programming to honor the cultural legacies of Hispanic communities in the United States and across the world. From film screenings and concerts to Day of the Dead celebrations, there is something for everyone.
Many of these events are free and open to the public, while others may have a small admission fee. Check the event details before you go. However you choose to celebrate, sharing time together with your children is itself a meaningful way to pass on culture and pride to the next generation. Enjoy celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month together!
