Discover More About Mexico With These Activities and Games

Want a fun way to explore a new country with your troop? Choosing a destination and diving into its people, geography, history, and culture is a fantastic way to learn.

Let's center your next event around Mexico, a vibrant land of color, ancient pyramids, and a heart for family and tradition. I’ve gathered key facts about this North American neighbor, along with a collection of games and activities to make your learning session truly unforgettable.

This content is ideal for printing and use as a display or for sharing directly with your group. The games and activities below will bring these facts to life!

Did you know? The official name of Mexico is actually the Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United Mexican States). Mexico is also home to the world’s largest pyramid—not in Egypt, but the Great Pyramid of Cholula!

Geography of Mexico:

• Mexico is located in the southern part of North America, bordered by the United States to the north and Belize and Guatemala to the south.
  
  

• The capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest and oldest cities in the world. It was actually built on top of an ancient Aztec city (Tenochtitlan) and is slowly sinking!
  
  

• The landscape is incredibly diverse, featuring the Sierra Madre mountains, vast deserts in the north, and lush tropical rainforests in the south.
  
  

• Mexico is part of the "Ring of Fire," meaning it has many volcanoes. In fact, it's home to the world's smallest volcano, Cuexcomate, which is only 43 feet tall.

Where are the people?

• Mexico has a population of over 128 million people, making it the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world.
  
  
• The culture is a beautiful blend of indigenous roots (like the Aztecs and Mayans) and Spanish influences.
  
  
• Family is the most important part of Mexican life. Many generations often live close together, and holidays are usually big family reunions.
  
  
• The country is known for its warm hospitality. A common phrase you might hear is "Mi casa es su casa" (My house is your house).

Nature and Conservation:

• Mexico is one of the most "biodiverse" countries on Earth. It is home to jaguar, spider monkeys, and sea turtles.
  
  
• Every year, millions of Monarch butterflies travel over 2,500 miles from Canada and the U.S. to spend the winter in the forests of central Mexico.
  
  
• The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee) is the national dog. This unique, hairless dog was sacred to the ancient Aztecs.

Language and Culture:

• While Spanish is the most common language, the government recognizes 68 indigenous languages, including Nahuatl and Maya.
  
  
• Fútbol (Soccer) is the most popular sport, but the national sport is actually Charreria, a traditional type of Mexican rodeo.
  
  
• Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a world-famous tradition where families honor their ancestors with colorful altars, marigolds, and sugar skulls.

Food and Traditions:

• Mexico gave the world chocolate, corn, and chilies!
  
  
• Tortillas are the staple of almost every meal. They can be made of corn (authentic and traditional) or flour.
  
  
• Traditional treats include Churros (fried dough with cinnamon sugar) and Aguas Frescas (fruit-flavored water).