Summers are here, and that means vacations for our elementary and junior high schoolers. After back-to-back tests and projects, our kids deserve a fun-filled summer. Summer is also a great time for enabling our Latin American children to reconnect with their Latin roots. There are so many things we can do to make the kids have fun while learning about our culture. This does not include going broke while planning a trip to a Latin American country, so don’t worry.
Let us have a look at things you can do with your niños. There are activities for both introverted and extroverted children, so the chances of your child throwing a tantrum are very low.
-
Watch a Latino-Inspired movie
Even though American entertainment still has a long way to go in Latin representation, there are still some really good movies. You can go for live-action or animation, depending on what your kids prefer. Encanto and the Book of Life portray Latin culture through a great story and vivid animations.
You can also watch Spanish-language movies or shows on Latin American channels. Browse through Optimum Español to find TV deals; it has 50+ Spanish-language channels. You can watch these channels with your kids. Who knows they might pick up a few Spanish words as well.
2. Cook Latin Food at Home
No better way to connect to your culture than food. Latin American food comes in all shapes and sizes. You can pick up something easy like Tacos or properly introduce them to Latin American spices with Mole Poblano.
This activity requires proper planning to minimize the chances of any kitchen-related accidents. Plus, you will also have to ensure all your children feel included. However, the kitchen is a great area for you to bond with your kids. An added benefit is that they will be excited to eat home-cooked food.
If you do not have a suitable kitchen space, you can explore authentic Latin American restaurants near you. This way, you will also be supporting people from your own community. Some owners are nice enough to give tours of their kitchens too.
3. Tango is the Way to Go
Dance is an important part of the Latin American culture. It is a fun-filled activity that is bound to wear your offspring out. You can look for Salsa or Tango classes in your area and sign your kids up. However, if you cannot find any, then YouTube is a life-saver. You can make space in front of your TV and find a good Latin American dance tutorial.
You can also learn the dances with your kids and consider this a workout for yourself. CJ and Friends on YouTube is a really good option even though it is not specifically Latin American. Their dance-along videos are fun and interactive. The best part is that they are designed for kids so your chipmunks will be entertained throughout.
4. Plan a Picnic
Picnic is a popular summer activity and easy to plan with your kids. You can give it a Latino touch by only going for Latino snacks and treats. For the place, it can be anywhere near or easily manageable. Remember, the goal is to have fun so only opt for a remote location if your kids are up for an adventure. Otherwise, the beach or the park are perfect places for having a picnic.
As far as treats are concerned, here is a list of options with a Latino touch:
- Agua fresca with summer fruits and berries. Don’t forget to add some mint for a refreshing touch.
- Tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole
- Cheese platter with manchego, cabrales, grapes, nuts, crackers, etc.
- Tortas with carnitas and refried beans.
5. Learning Spanish
If your kids do not already know Spanish, these summers are perfect to learn it. The good thing is that there are a lot of tools to make the language-learning experience fun for them. Duolingo is an app that gamifies language learning. It breaks down the lessons into different levels like a game. It has daily lessons that your kids can complete to get scores.
To practice, you can get your kids to journal in Spanish. They can start by writing in English but using Spanish words in between. Learning Spanish will give them a deeper understanding of their culture and their people. They will also be able to connect and communicate with their community better.
7. Visit a Latino Museum
Museums can be boring for kids but art museums are a great option for capturing their interest. Your kids can learn about Latin American artists and painters by going to these museums. Art gives a deeper look into Latin culture and specifically Latin American art forms and periods. They can spend time staring at the colorful art pieces in awe.
Art museums are often associated with organizations that promote Latin American art. For this, they often organize Art festivals or exhibitions, which can make the experience more fun for your kids. The good news is that there are a lot of Museums in the country that showcase Latin American artists. Some of these are:
- National Museum of Puerto Rican Art and Culture, Chicago
- Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach
- El Museo del Barrio, NYC
- Art Museum of the Americas, Washington D.C.
- The American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, Miami.
That is it for some activities you can do with your kids that will connect them to their Latin American roots. Just remember, summer is a time for fun and enjoyment. So ensure that all the activities you plan for your kids are actually fun.
Happy summers!