Tag Archives: MLK

January 13, 2015 · 2:04 pm

Ways to Celebrate MLK Day 2015

mlk_mem

Special events and activities to honor and celebrate MLK will be happening throughout the coming weekend. If you’re looking for ways to observe the holiday with the kids, here are some ideas.

Day of Service
Where: Various locations
When: Monday
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 with the here to find opportunities that suit your family. This Kids Post article also has some good suggestions.

Learn about MLK
Where: Local libraries
When: Through January 18
Admission: Free
DC Public Libraries are hosting events all week to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Storytime, arts & crafts, songs, and exhibits are just some of the ways you and the kids can take part.

Visit Memorials
Where: MLK & Lincoln Memorials
When: Monday
Admission: Free
If you’re up and at ‘em early enough, there will be a wreathing ceremony at the MLK Memorial at 8am that is free and open to the public. If you can’t wrangle the kids (and yourself) in time, visit the attraction on the Tidal Basin later in the day. From there, you can head to the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Portrait Story Days: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and complete a hands-on activity. The story will be read at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm on Saturday, and at 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. on Sunday.

I Have a Dream Weekend
Where: Port Discovery
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $14.50/ages 2 and up
Community comes to life at the Baltimore children’s museum over the three-day “I Have a Dream” weekend. Celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with special programs, including a meet and greet with the Negro League Baseball Museum, painting quilt squares for their community quilt with the Baltimore African-American Quilters Guild, a birthday tribute by The Kindersingers (Saturday), and more fun festivities.

“I Have A Dream”
Where: McClean Community Center
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: $15 or $10/ McLean tax district residents
See a dramatization of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s phenomenal impact, from the arrest of Rosa Parks that inspired Dr. King to becoming the dominant force in the Civil Rights Movement during its decade of greatest achievement. Theatre IV’s production aims to inspire the audience with the story of this great leader’s struggle and his dream of lifting “our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.” Reccomended for ages 8 and. After the performance, join a service project benefiting SHARE of McLean.

Step Afrika! Step Xplosion
Where: Strathmore
When: Sunday, 4pm
Admission: Tickets start at $25
See the world’s first professional company dedicated to the percussive dance tradition of stepping for a special Martin Luther King Weekend performance. The show will feature six spectacular step teams.

KanKouran West African Dance Company
Where: Dance Place
When: Sunday, 4pm
Admission: $15-20 (1 child free with adult paid ticket)
KanKouran, an integral part of the DC dance community for over 28 years, presents their annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in an electrifying, athletic, and family-friendly performance of traditional West African dance and drumming. During this special Family Series show, reserve one free ticket for a child 12 & under with paying adult.

Parade & Peace Walk
Where: Throughout SE & SW DC
When: Monday
Admission: Free
Commemorate the life of MLK, Jr. on a peace walk and parade along Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. The procession of international marchers starts at the United Black Fund and winds its way through the city and across the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge before ending at Shepherd Park. All ages are welcome t join.

Let Freedom Ring Choir
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Monday, 6pm
Admission: Free
It’s the annual special Millennium Stage performance in honor of MLK Day. The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University are hosting a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. This year the concert will feature Grammy–winning artist Natalie Cole and the Let Freedom Ring Choir with Music Director Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. Free tickets will be given away up to two per person in line in the Hall of Nations at 5pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where to Celebrate MLK Day

MLK Day may be on Monday, but there are events and activities to honor and celebrate it throughout the weekend. If you’re looking for ways to observe the holiday, here are a few ideas.

Day of Service
Where: Various locations
When: Monday
Admission: Just your time
If you want to volunteer on the MLK Day of Service, there are many ways and places you can do so around the area. Start with the MLKDay website to find opportunities that suit your family.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Kids Tour
Where: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday 11-11:45am & 2-2:45pm
Admission: Free
Get the scoop on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial from a park ranger on a tour geared especially toward kids. Participants can also earn a Junior Ranger Badge!

MLK at the NCM
Where: National Children’s Museum
When: Monday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $10
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by contributing to the NCM’s very special peace quilt. Add your creative flair to a square or a dove to hang on the quilt. We’ll unveil the finished quilt in February.

Portrait Story Days: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery for their weekly program, where you can listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, the focus is on American clergyman and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

I Have a Dream Weekend
Where: Port Discovery
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $13.95/ages 2 and up
Community comes to life at the Baltimore children’s museum over the three-day “I Have a Dream” weekend. Celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with special programs, including a meet and greet with the Negro League Baseball Museum, painting quilt squares for their community quilt with the Baltimore African-American Quilters Guild, African-American Inventors matching game, and a birthday tribute by The Kindersingers.

Let Freedom Ring Choir
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Monday, 6pm
Admission: Free
It’s a special Millennium Stage performance in honor of MLK Day. The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University are hosting a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The concert will feature Dionne Warwick and the Let Freedom Ring Choir with Music Director Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. Free tickets will be given away up to two per person in line in the Hall of Nations at 5pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Tagged as 2014 MLK Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, January 20 2014, Jr. Birthday, MLK, MLK Birthday, MLK events, Washington DC Kids Activities

January 15, 2012 · 9:56 pm

Celebrate MLK on Monday Off

The MLK Memorial

Kids and many parents have the day off tomorrow in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. If you’re looking for activities to observe the holiday, here are a few ideas.

Visit Memorials – If you’re up and at ’em early enough, there will be a wreathing ceremony at the MLK Memorial at 8am that is free and open to the public. If you can’t wrangle the kids (and yourself) in time, visit the attraction on the Tidal Basin later in the day. From there, you can head to the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Deam” speech.

To the Mountaintops – The National Museum of American History is honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. with a stirring and inspirational tribute. Actor Xavier Carnegie presents selections from some of Dr. King’s most powerful and compelling speeches and sermons in a combination of live performance, historic photographs, and audio recordings. Free presentations will take place at 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm in the museum’s Flag Hall, 2nd floor.

NCM Honors MLK– In recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the National Children’s Museum Launch Zone is hosting a program honoring his life and accomplishments. Make your own I Have A Dream…Catcher and participate in their “Valentines for Veterans” service project in recognition of Dr. King’s commitment to service. Drop in from 11am – 2pm for this free event.

I Have a Dream at Port Discovery – Usually closed on Mondays, the popular interactive children’s museum in Baltimore is open for a day full of special activities to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King. All of the regular exhibits will be available to visitors, too. Hours are 9:30am – 5pm. Admission is $13.95/ages 2 and up, children under 2 are free.

Let Freedom Ring! – The Kennedy Center and Georgetown present this free concert featuring Bobby McFerrin (of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” fame) as part of the Millennium Stage series. Free tickets are required and will be distributed two (2) per person in line in the Hall of Nations beginning at 4pm. Tickets are reserved seats. The concert begins at 6pm.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: August 29 – September 2

The centerpiece of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

I hope everyone weathered the storm okay and the natural disasters are behind us for awhile. We have a week full of nice, sunny days ahead, and these ideas for kids activities urge you to take advantage of them. Have a great week!

Monday – Pay tribute at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, which just opened last week. Make a day of it and visit other nearby memorials — the FDR, Jefferson, Lincoln, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials are also on the Tidal Basin or nearby on the National Mall.

Tuesday – Take the kids to one of the area’s best playgrounds at Clemyjontri Park.

Wednesday – Head to the National Children’s Museum Launch Zone from 11am – 4pm to make crafts for the classroom at their Back to School Week program. While you’re at National Harbor, grab lunch at one of several eateries, check out The Awakening sculpture on the riverfront, and visit the Peeps store.

Thursday – Enjoy the fruits of your labor at a pick-your-own farm. Peaches are still available at most of the places listed in this pos t about berry picking, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead to see what’s available.

Friday – Visit the enchanting Clark’s Elioak Farm,complete with hayrides, cow train rides, pony rides, farm animals to pet, a playground, and recovered installations from an old storybook park that will delight all ages. Open 10am – 4pm. Admission is $5, rides are extra.