Play, Learn & Belong.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time to celebrate and learn about the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

For young children, learning about different cultures can begin through the things they already love stories, music, art, movement, food, family traditions, and play. These simple experiences can help little ones discover and appreciate the many people and cultures that make our world so wonderfully diverse.

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we encourage families to learn, explore, and celebrate together.

Looking for something fun to do together? Try a few simple, FREE activities at home:

🦋 Create Colorful Art
Grab crayons, markers, construction paper, or whatever you already have at home. Explore colors, shapes, patterns, and artwork inspired by Hispanic and Latino artists and cultures.

🎵 Have a Music & Dance Party
Turn on music from different Latin American countries and let your little one move, clap, shake, and dance!

📚 Enjoy a Story Together
Visit your local library and look for children's books by Hispanic and Latino authors and illustrators. Try reading a bilingual English-Spanish story together.

🗣️ Learn a Little Spanish Through Play
Practice simple words while playing: hola (hello), gracias (thank you), rojo (red), azul (blue), uno, dos, tres! Counting toys, naming colors, and singing songs are easy ways to introduce another language.

👨‍👩‍👧 Celebrate Your Own Family Story
Culture begins at home, too! Look through family pictures, talk about favorite foods, listen to music your family loves, or create a picture about a special family tradition.

Want more ideas? These organizations offer activities and educational resources families can explore together.

National Museum of Mexican Art — Children & Families
Find art activities, videos, read-alongs, and educational resources — including activities designed for Pre-K children.

Find Free Family Activities →

Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino
Explore Hispanic Heritage Month with stories, activities, art, history, and educational resources for children and families.

Explore Free Hispanic Heritage Month Resources →

Joliet Public Library
Discover children's books, storytimes, crafts, and family activities available through your local library.

Explore Joliet Public Library →

Plainfield Area Public Library
Find children's programs, storytimes, activities, books, and family events close to home.

Explore Plainfield Area Public Library →

You don't need anything fancy to introduce little ones to another culture. A story, a song, a few crayons, some dancing, and a little curiosity can go a long way.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we encourage families to explore something new, create something together, and celebrate the beautiful cultures and traditions that make our communities special.

¡Celebremos juntos! — Let’s celebrate together!