Every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. It begins in the middle of the month because Sept. 15 was when Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua gained independence. Then, Mexico and Chile observed their independence Sept. 16 and 18. Día de la Raza, or Columbus Day, fell on Oct. 12, so it was extended to a 30 day period to make it a month. Hispanic Heritage Month was designed to celebrate Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America cultures and influence on America. When it comes to learning about other cultures, we often turn to school to fill us in, but there are more fun ways to appreciate Hispanic culture than reading a textbook. We need to pay tribute to all the cultures that built America, and now is the perfect time. Whether you are trying to get in touch with your roots, or are learning about a new culture entirely, here are activities for all 30 days.

1. Read Hispanic books.

Support your Hispanic authors by reading what they wrote. If you are a reader, this is the best way to learn about the culture in a fun way. Who needs textbooks when you have historical fiction? There are a wide range from children to young adult that can be read.

2. Visit museums!

Both art and history museums can provide amazing visuals and insight to Hispanic culture. It is something you can do with family as well as friends, and it allows you to see the direct influence they've had on America. Some museums like the Smithsonian have special events during this month.

3. Cooking traditional foods

If you're like me, you only eat traditional food when you visit family, but now is the perfect excuse to break out the family cookbook. Maybe your parents or grandparents have a favorite childhood dish you can cook together. Even if you are not Hispanic, this can be a fun family activity. Hispanic culture has had a great influence on American food, and no, I'm not talking about Taco Bell. Check out this list of dish ideas — or if you're looking for specific dishes, here are some Mexican ones and Latin American street food ideas.

4. Modern Music

Not everything has to be traditional. Hispanic culture is influencing America all the time. There is no better depiction of this than the music out now. Check out this playlist on Spotify, and jam out to Hispanic music.

5. Traditional Hispanic Music

Current music is fun to listen to, but it is still good to see where it originated from. Traditional music does not mean slow and drawn out, and it's even fun to dance to.

6. Games

Some Hispanic games are the same as what we play in America, which can be found on Spanish Playground, but others are unique to the country. There are many videos and websites dedicated to explaining games like Tripas de Gato and La Pirinola.

7. Recognize Stereotypes

In TV shows and films the Hispanic characters usually have basic tropes, of the thug, poor or uneducated character. Take the time to realize these stereotypes to fight against them.

8. Educate others, too!

If you have Hispanic backgrounds, or just happen to know about the heritage, take the time to educate others on the major influence it has had on American culture.

9. History

National Hispanic Heritage Month should highlight the truth of history. To fully understand the culture you have to look at the origin and how it evolved to what it is today. This doesn't mean reading textbook but looking at art, fashion, music or whatever you're interested in, and compare it to the past versions.

10. Know some fun facts!

Make a game out of quizzing each other. It could be like an in-home Jeopardy that you can create using powerpoint and give out prizes to the winner. Easy google searches and sites like Fact Monster can help find information for the game at any age level.

11. Learn the language.

With apps like Duolingo and Mango Languages learning a language is fun and easy. It is basically playing a game, and learning a language only does good.

12. Easy activities to swerve boredom

When young kids are involved it might be hard to find something that everyone can participate in. That is why Colorin Colorado is a good website to use to find coloring pages or word searches that any age can indulge in. If you are trying to get little kids into Hispanic culture or want some ideas for school, there's also 25 Great Ideas for Hispanic Heritage Month by Scholastic.

13. Quizzes

Quizzes and other resources can be found on the National Hispanic Association website. This can be another prize earning activity!

14. Movies

Movies are a good way to understand Hispanic culture as well as learn history. There are great movies for families and adults, because we need movies that break the Hispanic stereotype. Whether you want movies by Hispanic directors, movies about Hispanics or all of the above, check out PBS, which has free streaming of movies during this month.

15. Recreate memories.

Have you ever seen those recreated family photos? Nothing like a blast from the past to recall how much things have changed over time. Try to remake famous paintings or music will make memories while revisiting history. Recreate videos, movie scenes and historic events can be a fun way to get family or friends involved in learning about the past.

16. Fashion

Fashion trends are greatly influenced by Hispanic cultures, not to mention the traditional styles that can still be seen in some Central American countries. If you compared the two you may be surprised at the similarities.

17. Casual Interview

If you are Hispanic, you can interview family members on their childhood and how things have changed.

18. Learn some sayings and idioms!

Every culture has their idioms and sayings. If there is not a way to say it in English there probably is in another language. Some Spanish sayings are the same as English ones, but they sound better in Spanish. Duolingo even has a level for idioms and sayings.

19. Art

Some of the most famous artists have come from Hispanics countries. From Salvador Dali to Frida Kahlo. You can never go wrong with Spanish art.

20. Beyond The Month

Learn what Hispanic celebrations go on past this month and maybe even be a part of them. If you need help finding days, the Nielsen site is good for information.

21. Fiesta

How can you observe this month without inviting friends over to have a party? Learning history never needs to be a solemn event!