Whether you’re looking for ways to teach kids about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., want to give back to the community to honor him, or hope to partake in another special activity to observe MLK Day, these ideas will have you covered. And note that Inauguration Day is on Monday, so you may want to get out of dodge to celebrate MLK…there are several good recommendations to do that.
Day of Service
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Just your time
If you want to volunteer on the MLK, Jr. Day of Service, there are many ways and places you can do so around the area. Start here to find opportunities that suit your family. A good option for the whole gang is an outdoor volunteer clean-up at a local park, and there are a lot of them happening throughout the weekend. Check here, here, here, and here.
More Family Volunteer Ops
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Just your time
For more places to volunteer as a family that aren’t included in the official MLK Day of Service database, this KFDC post has suggestions — whether on the actual day or at a later time inspired by the holiday. All of the organizations listed welcome kids to help out, though some have age requirements, so be sure to note them.
MLK Peace Walk, Parade & Fair
Where: Entertainment & Sports Arena| SE, DC
When: January 18, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Commemorate the life of MLK, Jr. with a Peace Fair and Parade that take place indoors this year. Participants will march into the arena from Cypress Street, leading into a day full of activities, including “parade” performances; a Health & Wellness Fair to support community well-being; and free groceries, local merchandise, and more!
Messages to Dr. King: Plate Art with Rain Young
Where: Anacostia Community Museum | Anacostia, DC
When: January 18, 12-2pm
Admission: Free
Get creative with the Anacostia Community Museum to celebrate MLK. Join local artist and arts educator Rain Young for a hands-on workshop dedicated to expressing personal messages to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through art. Using oversized plastic plates as a canvas, explore ways to share messages of unity, hope, and dreams for a better world. All ages and skill levels welcome.
MLK Larger than Life: A Community Event
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: January 18-30, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free, but RSVP required
Join Annmarie Sculpture Garden for an uplifting community art event and exhibit inspired by the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year on this weekend, Annmarie Sculpture Garden invites guests of all ages to help create a community art installation in honor of a dream. This weekend, join visiting artist Zsudayka Nzinga and contribute mixed media work to an ever-growing display — learn how to make a collage using a Japanese technique known as chigiri. These collaged works will come together to create several larger than life human silhouettes. Be sure to RSVP! Read more about the wonderful Annmarie Sculpture Garden here.
Let Freedom Ring!
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: January 19, 7:30pm
Admission: Free
This annual performance in honor of MLK Day is a DC tradition. The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host this musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. This year the concert will be hosted by Taye Diggs, featuring performances by Christopher Jackson, esperanza spalding, and the Let Freedom Ring Choir, led by Music Producer Nolan Williams, Jr. Free tickets will be given away, up to two per person in line, in the Hall of Nations starting at 4:30pm on a first-come, first-served basis.
MLK at the Library
Where: Libraries around the DC area
When: Through January 20
Admission: Free
Many public libraries are hosting MLK-inspired events and activities for both kids and adults. There are crafts, story times, open mic poetry, take home reading challenges, and more. The above link take you to DC Public Library website where you can find details. And for quick links to see what’s happening at public libraries outside of the district, see this very early KFDC post (scroll all the way down for links).
MLK Dare to Dream Day
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: January 20, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Get out of DC on Inauguration Day and head up to Baltimore to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at one of the neatest art museums around. Along with the exhibits, enjoy open mic, art-making, music, dance, and more. And for this special day of remembrance, the museum will be open on a Monday, and all festivities (including museum admission) will be FREE! Be sure to RSVP!
MLK Service and Learning Day
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: January 20, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Introduce your young ones to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as we gather at the Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center to learn about Martin Luther King and the importance of giving back to our community. Rotate through stations to hear about the Civil Rights Movement, participate in a service project, and reflect on the power of community cooperation. All participants must be registered.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Tribute
Where: City Hall | College Park, MD
When: January 20, 1pm, 2pm & 4pm
Admission: Free
Blast into the past and honor the incredible contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history. Enjoy a dazzling 40-minute program that combines an enchanting laser light show with an inspiring soundtrack, transporting students through time and highlighting the profound impact of African Americans on our culture and history.
Visit Memorials
Where: National Mall & Tidal Basin, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free, registration required
Pay tribute to Dr. King at places that honor his legacy. Visit the MLK Memorial, a powerful and poignant site along the Tidal Basin. From there, you can head to the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and look for his words etched in the stone at the top of the steps.
Free Parking
Where: National Parks
When: January 20
Admission: Free
In honor of MLK Day, it’s the first fee free day of the year for national parks, which means there’s no cost for entry where they usually charge to get in. Take advantage of complimentary admission and the day off from school. Some ideas: Hit the trail at Shenandoah or Great Falls, explore Prince William Forest Park, go to Fort McHenry in Baltimore, or enjoy hiking and history at Harpers Ferry. Find even more national parks around the area and beyond. (PS: You can do your own trash cleanup while you’re there!)
The People’s Holiday: A Love of Literacy
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: January 26 (or anytime)
Admission: Free, but be sure to RSVP
The National Museum of African American History & Culture is celebrating a week later because of the inauguration. At this special Community Day, there will be a service project to make literacy packets for pre-readers across DC. Inspired by grassroots organizer, Ella Baker, visitors will learn about the power of the thank you note — and be encouraged to write one with a fountain pen. Using the prose of Dr. King and others, people can create a poetry collage. And note that a visit to the museum is insightful and enriching anytime, so consider it for another day over MLK weekend. Be sure to read the KFDC Guide to visiting the museum with kids before you go.
