Columbus Day Activities for Kids

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Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday of October, commemorates Christopher Columbus’s landing in the Americas on October 12, 1492. 

For homeschool moms of elementary-aged kids, this day offers an opportunity to dive into history, geography, and cultural studies.

However, Columbus Day can be a bit controversial, as some families choose to focus on Columbus’s voyages, while others prefer to highlight the broader impacts on Indigenous peoples.

Here are some engaging Columbus Day activities for kids, along with a balanced approach to teaching about Columbus, to help you navigate this multifaceted topic.

Brief History of Columbus Day

The first recorded celebration of Columbus Day in the United States was held in New York City in 1792, marking the 300th anniversary of Columbus’s landing. The holiday celebrates the achievements of this famous explorer and recognizes his role in opening up the Americas to European exploration and settlement.

Columbus’s voyages marked the beginning of the Age of Exploration, a period that significantly expanded European knowledge of the world and led to the eventual colonization of the Americas. Columbus Day was established to honor this pivotal moment in history and the spirit of discovery it represents.

Columbus Day was also seen as a way to foster national pride and unity. By celebrating a figure from early exploration, the holiday aimed to create a sense of shared history and heritage among Americans.

Finally, for many Italian-Americans, Columbus is a symbol of their heritage and the contributions of Italian immigrants to American society. Columbus Day was first celebrated by Italian-American communities in the 19th century as a way to honor their cultural roots and gain acceptance in American society.

In recent decades, Columbus’s legacy has come under scrutiny due to his role in the colonization of the Americas and the negative impact on Indigenous populations. This has led to debates over whether Columbus Day should continue to be celebrated, and many states have adopted Indigenous Peoples Day as a counter-celebration to Columbus Day.

What is Indigenous Peoples Day?

Indigenous Peoples Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is observed in various locations across the United States on the second Monday in October, the same day as Columbus Day.

While Columbus Day has traditionally celebrated Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, Indigenous Peoples Day shifts the focus to the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.  It aims to bring awareness to the injustices and atrocities that Indigenous peoples faced following European colonization.  It also serves as a day of recognition and celebration of the survival, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities.

Should We Celebrate Columbus Day?

The question of whether we should celebrate Columbus Day is complex and multifaceted, involving historical, cultural, and ethical considerations. Here are some key points to consider when this holiday comes up in your homeschool year:

Arguments for Celebrating Columbus Day

Historical Significance

Columbus’ journeys are seen as a pivotal moment in history that led to the Age of Exploration. This era significantly expanded global knowledge and connected different parts of the world through trade, migration, and cultural exchanges.

Italian-American Heritage

For many Italian-Americans, Columbus Day is a celebration of their heritage and contributions to American society. Columbus, being of Italian origin, serves as a symbol of pride for this community.

National Holiday Tradition

Columbus Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1937. It is a tradition that many people have grown up with and associate with parades, celebrations, and time off from work and school.

Arguments Against Celebrating Columbus Day

Impact on Indigenous Peoples

Columbus’s arrival in the Americas marked the beginning of European colonization, which led to significant suffering for Indigenous populations. This includes the spread of diseases, displacement, enslavement, and violence.  

Historical Accuracy

The traditional narrative of Columbus as a heroic explorer often overlooks the more problematic aspects of his expeditions, including his governance in the New World and the brutal treatment of Indigenous peoples.

Shift in Perspective

Many argue that Indigenous Peoples Day offers a more accurate and respectful way to acknowledge history. This day celebrates the survival, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples rather than focusing on a figure whose legacy is controversial.

A Balanced Approach

Whether Columbus Day is celebrated or not, it provides an opportunity to teach a comprehensive and balanced view of history. This includes discussing both Columbus’s role in exploration and the impacts of his voyages on Indigenous populations.  Encouraging discussions and critical thinking as you teach ANY historical figures with your kids is always a good practice!

Why (and What) Should We Learn About Christopher Columbus?

Learning about Christopher Columbus is still important for several reasons. Here’s why you still might want to study him in your homeschool:

Understanding Exploration and Navigation

• Age of Exploration: Learning about Columbus helps kids understand the spirit of discovery and the technological advancements in navigation and shipbuilding of the time.
• Navigation Skills: Columbus’s journeys teach us about the skills and challenges of early navigation, including the use of stars, maps, and compasses to traverse uncharted waters.

Geographical Knowledge

• World Mapping: Studying Columbus’s routes and the lands he encountered helps kids understand the geography of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean. It also highlights how maps and the understanding of the world have evolved over time.
• Cultural Exchanges: Columbus’s voyages initiated a period of cultural exchange between Europe and the Americas, known as the Columbian Exchange, which drastically altered the world’s agricultural, biological, and cultural landscapes.

Historical Context

• Colonial History: Columbus’s expeditions paved the way for European colonization of the Americas. Understanding this helps kids learn about the subsequent history of colonization, migration, and the formation of new societies.
• Historical Impact: Columbus’s voyages had profound impacts on both the Old and New Worlds, influencing economic systems, politics, and social structures. This context is essential for understanding modern history.

Critical Thinking

• Multiple Perspectives: Learning about Columbus encourages students to think critically about historical narratives. They learn to consider multiple perspectives, including the experiences and viewpoints of Indigenous peoples affected by European exploration.
• Ethical Discussions: Columbus’s story raises important ethical questions about exploration, conquest, and colonization. These discussions are a great way to help students develop a more nuanced understanding of morality and ethics in historical contexts.

Lesson Plan Ideas: Columbus Day Activities for Kids

Here are a few fun ways you can incorporate Christopher Columbus activities into your homeschool lesson plans this October!

Storytime: The Tale of Christopher Columbus

• Objective: Introduce kids to Columbus’s journey in a story format.
• Activity: Read a child-friendly picture book of Christopher Columbus like “Follow the Dream: The Story of Christopher Columbus” by Peter Sis. After reading, discuss the key points of the story, such as why Columbus wanted to sail across the ocean and what he discovered.

Map-Making Adventure

• Objective: Teach geography and navigation skills.
• Activity: Have the kids create their own map. Provide a blank world map and ask them to trace Columbus’s route from Spain to the Bahamas. Discuss the difference between old maps and modern maps, highlighting how our understanding of the world has changed over time.

Craft: Build Your Own Ship

• Objective: Hands-on learning through crafts.
• Activity: Using household materials like cardboard, paper, and glue, kids can build models of Columbus’s ships—the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Discuss the design of the ships and how sailors lived on them during long voyages.

Historical Debate: Hero or Villain?

• Objective: Develop critical thinking and discussion skills.
• Activity: Present both sides of the Columbus story. On one hand, discuss his achievements and the Age of Exploration. On the other hand, talk about the impact on Indigenous peoples. Encourage kids to express their own opinions and back them up with facts.

Cultural Exploration: Indigenous Peoples Day

• Objective: Learn about the cultures that existed in the Americas before Columbus.
• Activity: Research and celebrate Indigenous cultures by learning about their history, traditions, and contributions. This can include reading stories, watching documentaries, or even cooking traditional foods.

Columbus Day Snacks

• Explorers’ Trail Mix: Create a trail mix with nuts, dried fruits, and a small amount of chocolate pieces. Discuss how sailors needed non-perishable food items for long voyages.
• “Ocean Waves” Blue Jello Cups: Make individual servings of blue Jello in clear cups to represent the ocean. Add gummy fish or boat-shaped crackers on top for decoration.

Columbus Facts for Kids

• Birthplace: Columbus was born in 1451 in Genoa, Italy. His real name was Cristoforo Colombo in Italian.
• Interest in Sailing: From a young age, Columbus was fascinated by the sea. He started his career as a sailor and navigator in his early twenties.
• Sponsorship: Columbus’s voyage was funded by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. They agreed to support him because he promised to find a faster route to Asia by sailing west.
• Three Ships: Columbus set sail on August 3, 1492 from Spain, with three ships: the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. The Santa Maria was the largest and served as Columbus’s flagship.
• The Historic Voyage of Christopher Columbus: Columbus landed in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492, thinking he had reached Asia. He named it San Salvador, which means “Holy Savior.”
• A Mistaken Discovery: Although Columbus believed he had found a new route to Asia, he had actually discovered a land unknown to Europeans at the time—the Americas.
• Four Voyages: Columbus made a total of four voyages to the New World between 1492 and 1504. During these voyages, he explored parts of the Caribbean, including present-day Cuba, Hispaniola, and the coasts of Central and South America.
• Governor of Hispaniola: Columbus was appointed governor of the island of Hispaniola, but his rule was marked by conflict and harsh treatment of the native population, leading to his arrest and return to Spain in 1500.
• Columbus’s Legacy: His voyages opened up the Americas to European exploration and colonization, but they also had devastating effects on the Indigenous peoples, including disease, displacement, and conflict.
• Monuments and Names: Many places in the Americas are named after Columbus, including the country of Colombia, the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), and Columbus, Ohio.
• New Foods: Some of the foods that were introduced to Europe from the Americas include tomatoes, potatoes, corn, and cocoa (used to make chocolate).

Columbus Day Activity Pack Printable

To help you bring these fun activities to life, download my Columbus Day Activity Pack. This printable includes the following activity and learning pages:

• Paper hats template (one black and white to color in, and one already colored!)
• Map so your kids can color and draw the path Columbus took
• A page to color and write the names of Columbus’ three ships
• A Christopher Columbus fact page where kids will write down facts they’ve learned about Columbus
• “If I was an explorer…” writing prompt page
• Columbus Day word search
• Christopher Columbus word scramble
• The New World writing prompts page

Download Columbus Day Activity Pack Here!

Whether you choose to celebrate Columbus Day or use it as a day of reflection, these activities and resources aim to provide a comprehensive and engaging educational experience for your kids.

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