Every now and then, a classroom activity theme practically wraps itself in a tortilla and says, “Create me.” National Taco Day lands on the first Tuesday in October, which is Oct. 6 in 2026, so I built four quick activities to celebrate: TACO-bout Snap Decisions, Taco Trivia, a taco-themed GroupUp game, and Let’s Taco ’Bout Escape.
But don’t let one calendar date boss you around. These activities could also work during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, near Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16, or on National Nachos Day on Nov. 6 if you want another fall food connection.
And if you happen to have strong opinions about tacos, stick around. I have one more taco question for you at the end.
TACO Snap Decisions
TACO Snap Decisions is a quick way to get everyone up, moving, and making choices. Participants stand in a line and step left or right depending on their taco preference, from crunchy or soft to salsa roja or salsa verde.
After each question, take a quick look around to see where everyone landed. There are no wrong answers, just fun opinions and a little movement.
The Taco Trivia
Taco Trivia is a 15-question activity covering tacos, toppings, history, and a few tasty food facts. Students can play independently, with a partner, or in teams.
Use it as a warm-up, station activity, brain break, or a little Taco Day fun between lessons.
Happy Taco Day GroupUp
I also created an online Connections-style game called GroupUp. Right now, GroupUp has 25 school-friendly games ready to play, including a Taco Day version.
Students sort 16 words into four groups by looking for patterns and making connections. It is a quick way to encourage vocabulary development, logical thinking, and a little friendly debate when two words seem like they could belong anywhere.
I also vibe-coded a teacher tool that provides access to the game titles, answers, and individual student links. To request the password for the teacher tool, email me at preimers@tcea.org.
Let’s Taco ’Bout Escape Digital Breakout
Let’s Taco ’Bout Escape is a taco-themed digital breakout built on a brand-new platform I vibe-coded, and I am so excited to share it. Students solve five locks by looking closely, thinking creatively, and working together. If you need the answers, email me at preimers@tcea.org.
More Taco-Friendly Dates
Need another reason to bring out these activities? Here are a few possibilities:
- First Thursday in April, National Burrito Day
- May, National Salsa Month
- May 5, Cinco de Mayo
- Aug. 18, National Fajita Day
- Sept. 16, National Guacamole Day
- Sept. 25, National Quesadilla Day
- First Tuesday in October, National Taco Day
- Nov. 6, National Nachos Day
Pick a date, choose an activity, and let the taco talk begin. And remember you don’t just have to pick ONE date, there are seven great dates in the fall to enjoy tacos! And scroll more to find one last taco question.
Around TCEA, we have a long-running, very minor (or MAJOR) taco debate: Tacodeli or Torchy’s? People have opinions, and yes, sides have been chosen. So I decided to make it official with a quick ATX Taco Showdown poll. If you have both in your area and have tried both, get in on the action and cast your vote. Taco bragging rights are on the line. I’ll leave this poll open for a couple of weeks and then look for the winner in the comments.