Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr Day or, as many kids will tell you, a day off from schooooooool! And while sleeping in is definitely a benefit, there are loads of kid-friendly, educational activities going on all over the country that’ll give you good reason to get out of your PJ’s.Along with the parades, birthday celebrations—Dr. King would have been 82—and musical performances, there are also plenty of ways to mark this National Day of Service by doing something to help those in your community. Just check out their extensive searchable database for volunteer opportunities near you
Keep reading for some of our favorite MLK-Day happenings in cities all over the U.S. –Christina
Atlanta
The city of the civil rights leader’s birth goes all out with MLK Day in Atlanta including loads of events across the city. For the younger kids, we like the activities planned at The Children’s Museum of Atlanta which focus on the age-appropriate topics of diversity and community.
For older kids and their parents, The King Center also lists a commemorative service, rally and plans to create an urban garden. Bring the kids and help plant a tree or some veggies all in the name of Dr. King.
New York
Stop by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan all weekend for crafts and stories to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr Day. We also wouldn’t want to miss the amazing voices of the Harlem Gospel Choir who will perform Monday afternoon.
You can also join the 8th graders of Manhattan Country School who will lead a peace-minded march through upper Manhattan at 10am, stopping at various landmarks to help tell the story.
Right across the East River, find dancing, poetry and lots of hands-on activities at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum to teach kids more about Dr. King and his struggle to bring people together. Love the “make a wish” birthday balloons which kids can decorate in honor of Dr. King’s 82nd birthday. They will then be showcased in the lobby windows for all to see.
Chicago
The Chicago Children’s Museum helps kids understand the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s important role in history with the interactive musical drama, What Does It Mean Dr. King? And if you have anyone named Martin in your family, get them over to the Skydeck for a free ride to the top on Monday!
Los Angeles
The city of angels holds the Martin Luther King Jr Kingdom Day Parade to commemorate the day with marching bands, drill teams and local dignitaries.
San Diego
Check out the 31st Annual Martin Luther King Day Parade at Petco Park in the East VIllage. Following the parade, walk down to the Sheila R. Hardin Multicultural Festival with lots of activities, storytellers, music and food for the whole family. Yes, those of us frozen by snow are feeling a little jealous over your day of outdoor activities.
Dallas/Fort Worth/Austin/Houston
Parades to celebrate Dr. King’s life are in order in a bunch of major Texas cities (see your city’s website for parade details). What a great way to kick of the day together as a family.
Washington, DC
Stop by the American History Museum for the Martin Luther King Jr Family Festival with stirring tributes to the man and performances by the museum’s Freedom Singers.
Providence
Providence’s Children’s Museum has an exhibit on Dr. King that will feature photos, words and books, all geared to helping younger kids understand his lasting contribution to society. Performances will bring to life some of the struggles he faced, as well as those struggles we still face today.
Boston
Stop by Faneuil Hall for a free tribute concert by the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Intensive Community Program. Also includes world music, spoken word pieces and a keynote speech by activist, poetry and writer Nikki Giovanni, editor of Cool Mom Picks’ favorite Hip Hop Speaks to Children.
Have any Martin Luther King Jr Day events in your city you’d like to mention? Please leave a comment and let us know where you’ll be on Monday.
