Children’s Museum Houston celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with fiesta, Spanish lessons and more!

Grito Reenactment, Sept. 14

Funded in part by The City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance

HOUSTON (Aug. 22, 2024) – Get ready to spice up your September as Children’s Museum Houston turns up the heat for Hispanic Heritage Month!  Join us as we kick off the fiesta with an explosion of culture, music, and fun activities for the whole family. From lively Fiestas Patrias celebrations to bilingual workshops and even Spanish lessons, we’ve got something to make everyone shout "¡Olé, olé, olé, olé!"

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept.15 to Oct. 15. This special event acknowledges the history, culture, and contributions of Americans whose ancestry can be traced to Latin American countries including Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. It is also a celebration of the independence of many Latin American countries such as: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, Chile and Mexico.

¡Para Español, Oprima Mr. Leo! (Spanish Lessons with Mr. Leo)

Sept. 3 to 27, every Tuesday to Friday at noon

Sponsored by Phillips 66

Join us every weekday for basic Spanish lessons designed to help your little language lovers become future maestros! With fun and interactive sessions, they’ll be saying "¡Hola, mundo!" in no time. With a Master’s in Educational Psychology and a flair for fun, Mr. Leo takes learning Spanish to a whole new level! As a puppeteer, artistic director, and Spanish teacher, he knows how to keep kids on their toes (literally!). His Total Physical Response (TPR) method has kids moving and grooving to Spanish commands, making learning a true fiesta. With puppets, dance, games, and activities that pack a punch, Mr. Leo ensures children soak up the language with a whole lot of fun and flair – learning Spanish has never been so "fantástico!" Just press Mr. Leo for Spanish lessons, and you’re on your way!

Fiestas Patrias Grito Reenactment and Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff

Saturday, Sept. 14

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Mariachi Jarabe Tapatio:  Get into the groove!  This musical ensemble will roam the Museum, serenading you with vibrant Mexican melodies.

Event Time:  From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout the Museum.

DIY Piñatas:  Get ready to whack away boredom! Create colorful, candy-filled delights using vibrant cardstock and crepe rolls. Let your creativity run wild – it’s piñata time!

Event Time:  From 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. in One World Discovery Room.

Ojo de Dios and Dreamcatchers:  Weave your way into culture! Join our hands-on workshops where you’ll create Ojo de Dios, a traditional Mexican weaving sure to catch your eye, and Dreamcatchers, straight from the Lakota Nation. Whether you’re a weaving wizard or a beginner, this bilingual workshop is a can’t-miss cultural craft!   Sign up onsite – spots are limited!

Event Time:  At the top of the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.in Alexander Art Academy.

Story Time with Univision Houston:  Let your imaginations soar with bilingual “cuentos” told by broadcasters from Univision 45.

Event Time:  At 11 a.m. in Parent Resource Library.

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Crocro y su Tumbaká: Keep the fiesta going with multicultural beats with echoes of Latin jazz, percussion solos, batá, son, güarachas, and opera-salsa.

Event Time:  At 11:30 a.m. in Kid’s Hall Alcove.

Fiestas Patrias Grito Reenactment:  On Sept. 15, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo climbed atop a church and encouraged people to fight for Mexico’s independence, which was then declared the next day.  This “cry” for liberty marks Miguel Hidalgo’s famous “Grito de Dolores.” Join us as we reenact this historic event followed by a spectacular ballet folklorico performance with live mariachi that’ll have you dancing in celebration.

Event Time:  At 1 p.m. in Kid’s Hall Alcove.

Flamenco Olé!:  Wrap up the day with a fiery performance and experience the passion of Flamenco like never before!

Event Time:  At 2 p.m. in Kid’s Hall Alcove.