8 Family activities to practice Spanish during vacation

1. Reading stories and books together

Setting aside a little time each day to read as a family can be as magical as it is educational. Look for Spanish books that match your children’s age and interests: adventure stories, animal tales, or even comic books.

📌 Quick tip: For younger kids, choose colorful picture books. Older kids will enjoy having the freedom to pick what they want to read—it gives them a sense of independence.

2. Playing games: learning through laughter

Who says learning can’t be fun? Classic games like Lotería, Basta, or even simple word games during a car ride can work wonders. These activities help kids expand their vocabulary, practice spelling, and improve critical thinking—all while having a blast.

🎯 Easy idea: Play “I Spy” using only Spanish words related to a theme, like colors, animals, or food.

3. Cooking together: learning in the kitchen

Preparing recipes in Spanish is a delicious adventure. Pick a traditional dish, like tacos, arepas, or Spanish tortilla. Read the recipe with your kids, name the ingredients in Spanish, and talk about the cultural traditions behind each meal.

🍴 Extra learning: Have your kids repeat key cooking terms like “mezclar” (mix), “cortar” (cut), or “freír” (fry). They’ll be learning without even realizing it!

4. Movie nights and music marathons

Movies and music are incredible allies for language learning. Choose animated films or shows your kids already love but switch the audio to Spanish. If they need a little extra help, add subtitles. Karaoke nights with Spanish songs can also bring tons of fun to the table.

🎶 Pro tip: Check out kid-friendly Spanish playlists on Spotify or YouTube. From nursery rhymes to Latin pop hits, there’s something for every age group.

5. Keeping a vacation journal

Encourage your kids to keep a diary of their daily vacation adventures—in Spanish! Whether it’s a simple sentence or a combination of drawings and key words, this activity builds writing skills while helping them reflect on their experiences.

🖍️ Practical tip: Let them pick a special notebook for this activity and jazz it up with stickers or drawings.

6. Exploring through workshops and outings

If you’re lucky enough to live in a city with Spanish-language events, make the most of it! Art classes, music workshops, or museum tours with Spanish audio guides are great opportunities to practice in real-world settings.

🌟 DIY alternative: If local events aren’t an option, host your own workshop at home. For example, a “craft day” where everyone creates something while speaking only Spanish.

7. Connecting with Spanish-speaking family or friends

If you have Spanish-speaking relatives or friends, encourage your kids to communicate with them. They can write letters, send voice notes, or even hop on video calls to practice what they’ve learned.

💡 Fun idea: Set up a “mailbox” at home where your kids can drop off letters to be sent. Receiving a reply will be a thrilling reward for their efforts!

8. Using tech to boost learning

There are plenty of apps and interactive games designed to teach Spanish in a fun and engaging way. These tools can complement your family activities and keep your kids entertained while learning.

📱 Recommendation: Try apps like Duolingo which are specifically tailored to children.

Make learning a family experience

Incorporating Spanish into your daily family routine not only strengthens your kids’ language skills but also deepens your family bonds. The best part? You don’t need to invest much time or money—just enjoy the process together.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about making the effort and having fun along the way. Every new word your kids learn is a step toward mastering Spanish and, more importantly, developing a lifelong love for learning. Enjoy your vacation and happy learning!