Ideas for celebrating Black History Month and African American heritage for kids including activities, books & toys.
Updated January 2024
February is Black History Month.
I never gave much thought to it until my husband and I, both of us Caucasian, adopted two African American children. We quickly realized how white our world really was and we worked to surround ourselves with new experiences, people, toys, books, Christmas decor, art, and more.
Black History Month is another opportunity for us to provide our girls with the necessary experiences they need in order for them to feel confident in their own skin.
No matter the racial makeup of your family, your children will be enriched when you incorporate more diversity into their lives. Kids are naturally curious, and parents can take advantage of this. Whatever your child’s interests are at the time, be it baking, reading, watching movies, or visiting new places, you are sure to find a way to teach them something new while participating in an activity they love.
Here are my suggestions on celebrating Black History Month in your home.
Black History Month for Kids
1. Purchase books and magazines for your children featuring African Americans.
I offer an extensive list of book titles on my blog. If you’re on a tight budget, borrow books from your local library. High Five magazine features stories that are dually written in English and Spanish, and the magazine features illustrated characters representing many races.
2. When you purchase toys for your children, select ones that represent children of different races.
Some of my favorite toys include Eeboo products, Fisher Price Little People, and diverse Lego-style people.
3. Watch a movie together.
Here’s a great list of movies for kids featuring prominent African-Americans.
4. Find some new tunes.
The Putumayo albums are excellent—kid friendly (and won’t annoy the parents!). Our favorite is the African Playground. We also enjoy listening to artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, and many Motown artists.
5. Get crafty.
Get inspired by the work of African-American artist Alma Thomas. Or try one of these crafts inspired by some great Black History picture books.
Older children can illustrate a poem written by a prominent African American such as Langston Hughes.
6. Bake!
Try making stoplight cookies (shape sugar cookie dough into rectangles and add a red, yellow, and green M&M for the lights) and talk to kids about Garrett Morgan, inventor of the stoplight.
7. Visit a new place.
Find a local museum, home to tour, or monument to visit. Dine at a soul food restaurant or worship with an African American congregation.
8. Purchase art for your home that features people of diverse races.
Etsy offers numerous options at affordable prices. An inexpensive alternative is to purchase a postcard or greeting card featuring people of color and frame it.
Mainly, parents should strive to not limit their family’s diversity awareness or education be limited to just a single month out of the year. Use these ideas to inspire your family to embrace the traditions, history, experiences, and cultures of others—fostering a lifetime of learning.
More Diversity Activities for Black History Month for Kids
- 7 Diversity Art Activities for Kids
- Children’s Books to Celebrate Black History
- How to Create Colorful Collage Art for Kids
- How to Make Frida Kahlo Portraits for Kids
- 30 Children’s Books About Artists + Creativity
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