- Updated: 1/14/2026
Happy MLK Weekend to the 4DMV Village! This weekend, families can honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by turning the holiday into a meaningful experience for kids of all ages. Local community events—such as MLK Week programs hosted by DC Public Library or the “Remembering the Dream” birthday celebration at the National Museum of African American History and Culture happening Monday—offer engaging, age-appropriate ways for children to learn about Dr. King’s legacy. Many families also choose to make MLK Day a day on, not a day off by participating in service, whether that’s a neighborhood clean-up, a donation drive, or a simple act of kindness done together. However you choose to celebrate, let Dr. King’s messages of compassion, fairness, and community shine through. For more inspiration—including at-home learning ideas, PBS Kids resources, and additional places to visit—be sure to check out our full blog on meaningful ways families can celebrate MLK Day across the DC metro area. Wishing you a happy and safe long weekend.
Sarah Acors
Creator of 4DMV Kids & Founder of BCB DMV+
Note: This weekly listing is full of events happening throughout the weekend for kids (ages 3+) – teens. I place a special emphasis on literacy, STEM & other educational based events as well as family fun festivities. Please click the links to review the most up-to-date information prior to heading out. Happy planning!
Upcoming Events
Thursday, January 15, 2025
1/15 at 6:00 pm | Kadir Nelson "Basket Ball"
Award-winning creator Kadir Nelson delivers the perfect gift for basketball fans of any age—a beautifully illustrated history of the game and its key players over the years—in this companion to his bestselling We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball. Meet and greet with him at Politics and Prose at The Wharf in SW DC this Thursday!
Friday, January 16, 2026
Washington, DC
- 1/16 at 10:30 am | Storytime at the National Building Museum
- 1/16 at 7:30 pm | STOMP at the National Theatre ($) ♥
- Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP, the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm.
Maryland
- 1/16 at 10:00 am | The Puppet Co. presents Tiny Tots starring Beale Street Puppets: Out of Orbit at Glen Echo Park ($)
- 1/16 at 3:00 pm | Tail Waggin’ Tutors at Beltsville Library
- Boost your child’s confidence by reading to friendly, trained therapy dogs!
- 1/16 at 4:30 pm | Gr8 to Sk8 Day at Cabin John Ice
- Discounted admission: $8 + $4 for skates!
- 1/16 at 5:30 pm | Gr8 to Sk8 Day at Wheaton Ice Arena
- Discounted admission: $8 + $4 for skates!
Northern Virginia
- 1/16 at 6:00 pm | Campfire Fridays at Hidden Pond Nature Center in Springfield ($)
- 1/16 at 6:30 pm | Nocturnal Animal Hike at Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington ($)
- Learn about the animals active at night (nocturnal) and try to find some!
Extended hours at the National Children's Museum
From Saturday, January 17 through Monday, January 19, the Museum will be extending its hours to 9 am - 6 pm.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Washington, DC
- 1/17 at 10:00 am | Open Studio: Love, Queen at Hirshhorn Museum
- Using materials like spray paint, historic photos, and stencils, create your own story-filled collages.
- 1/17 at 10:00 am | Crafty Tales: Extra Yarn at Merry Pin in NW (Best for ages 3-8)
- Hands-on crafting activity based on a book!
- [Virtual] 1/17 at 11:00 am | The Natural World of Winnnie-the-Pooh: A Walk through the Forest that Inspired the Hundred Acre Wood Book Talk hosted by the US Botanic Garden
- Explore and celebrate the landscapes, plants, and creatures that make these stories so timeless as the world celebrates their 100th anniversary.
- 1/17 at 11:00 am | Drawing Stories: Family Art Day at the National Museum of the American Indian ♥
- Includes button making, story time, family tours, narrative art & more!
- 1/17 at 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm | Born on the Water: A Theatrical Performance at MLK Memorial Library (Best for ages 5+) ♥
- See the world premiere theatrical adaptation of Born on the Water during this special family event, sponsored by Beyond the Book.
- 1/17 at 2:00 pm | Food Science at Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library in NW ♥
- Make honeycomb candy ~ make this crunchy, light, sweet candy. Learn about sugar and its changes when interacting with heat.
- 1/17 at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm | Stomp at the National Theatre ($) ♥
- Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP, the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm.
- [Just Added] 1/17 at 3:00 pm | Portrait Painting at MLK Memorial Library (Best for ages 5+)
- Children are invited to paint or create portraits of people who inspire them.
Maryland
- 1/17 at 10:00 am | Stuffies Day Out at Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore ($) ♥
- Bring your favorite stuffed toy for a fun-filled day of imaginative play, creativity, and adventure. Plus, enjoy a special visit from Danny Joe from Danny Joe’s Tree House, who will bring some bear-tastic excitement to the day.
- 1/17 at 10:00 am & 11:30 am| The Puppet Co. presents Tiny Tots starring Happy Theater: Dancing through the Rainforest at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 0-3)
- Interactive theatrical adventure to the rainforest by Happy Theater.
- 1/17 at 10:00 am & 11:30 am | Balloonacy at Imagination Stage ($) ♥
- A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film The Red Balloon and will delight audiences of all ages and speakers of all languages.
- 1/17 at 10:30 am | Cub Corner at College Park Aviation Museum ($) (Best for ages 3-6)
- Enjoy a special bilingual reading of “Almost Underwear” authored by local teacher Jonathan Roth. After the story, kids can get creative by making their own adorable canvas or fabric pals—just like the character in the book!
- 1/17 at 10:30 am | Beach Fun in the Winter at Rockville Memorial Library
- Color fun beach themed coloring pages and play with beach sand!
- 1/17 at 10:30 am | STEM at the Library: LEGO & DUPLO Play at Chevy Chase Library
- [Just Added] 1/17 at 11:00 am | Organic Canvas™ MLK Weekend Edition: Honoring the Dream Through Art at Station 3510 in Mount Rainier, MD ($) ♥
- 1/17 at 11:00 am | Mr. Jon & Friends at Germantown Library ♥
- Get ready for an energetic music show that inspires fun, laughter and dancing!
- [Waitlist] 1/17 at 11:00 am | STEM Explorers – Let it Snow at Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg Library (Best for ages 6-12)
- 1/17 at 11:00 am | January’s Finger-Paint Party at sweetFrog Laurel ($)
- 1/17 at 12:00 pm | Dinosaur Park Open House in Laurel
- 1/17 at 2:00 pm | Winter Snowflake Craft – Doilies & Clothes Pins at Germantown Library
- Learn how to make your own snowflake hanging ornament or gift tag using paper doilies and clothes pins.
- 1/17 at 2:00 pm | Packing Peanuts: STEM at Germantown Library (Best for ages 5+) ♥
- Use chemistry to see which liquids will dissolve the peanuts and use engineering to see how tall we can make a tower.
- 1/17 at 2:00 pm | Movie “A Minecraft Movie” and Plus Plus at Upper Marlboro Library ♣
- Build, create, and explore with Plus Plus! Watch “A Minecraft Movie” (rated PG) while you construct your idea.
- 1/17 at 5:30 pm | Fireside Folktales at Watkins Nature Center in Upper Marlboro ($)
- Come explore animal folklore from across the globe in the warm glow of a hearth. Enjoy seasonal refreshments. Meet some of the main characters from our stories as we discuss the histories and mysteries of animal tales.
Northern Virginia
- 1/17 at 9:00 am | Free Kids Crafts at Made in ALX
- 1/17 at 10:00 am | 1st Stage Storytime featuring “Peace is an Offering” in Tysons (Best for ages 8 & under) ♥
- 1/17 at 10:00 am | Take and Make Beaded Snowflakes at Columbia Pike Library
- 1/17 at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm & 3:30 pm | Winter Wonder Lab at Children’s Science Center LAB in Fairfax ($) (Best for ages 2-12) ♥
- 1/17 at 11:00 am | Nature Origami at Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington ($) ♥
- Learn about the ancient Japanese art of origami and fold a few different paper plants and animals!
- 1/17 at 1:00 pm | Fly your Own Airplane! at Fort CF Smith Park in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 5-12)
- 1/17 at 2:00 pm | Musical Petting Zoo at Shirlington Library ♥
- Children will have the chance to explore and try out real orchestral string instruments. Instructors will give a fun introduction to each instrument, demonstrate how they sound, and then guide the kids as they get hands on time to make their first notes.
- 1/17 at 5:00 pm | Campfire Saturdays – Stargazing at Burke Lake Park ($)
- 1/17 at 5:30 pm | Campfire Saturdays – Stargazing at Lake Fairfax in Reston ($)
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Washington, DC
- 1/18 at 11:00 am | Drag Story Hour at Loyalty Petworth
- 1/18 at 2:00 pm | Stomp at the National Theatre ($) ♥
- Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP, the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm.
Maryland
- 1/18 at 10:00 am | The Puppet Co. presents Tiny Tots starring Happy Theater: NEST at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 0-3)
- An interactive puppet show about the life cycle of a bird.
- 1/18 at 11:00 am | Sunday Workshop ~ Intro to Animation: Stop Motion at KID Museum ($) (Best for grades 2nd – 5th) ♥
Northern Virginia
- 1/18 at 10:00 am | Polar Bear Cake Pops Studio Class at Tiny Chefs in Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 4-8) ♥
- Kids will create adorable polar bear–shaped cake pops, complete with sweet faces, frosty details, and snowy charm.
- 1/18 at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm & 3:30 pm | Winter Wonder Lab at Children’s Science Center LAB in Fairfax ($) (Best for ages 2-12)
- 1/18 at 12:00 pm | Family Friendly Wood + Canvas + Textured Art Workshop at AR Workshop Alexandria ($)
- 1/18 at 12:00 pm | Petting Zoo at Shipgarten in McLean
- 1/18 at 12:00 pm | Carlyle at 50: Preservation of Carlyle House Tours in Alexandria ($)
- In celebration of Carlyle House’s 50th anniversary, enjoy the 1976 admission pricing of $1 per person and learn about the preservation of Carlyle House from experts.
- 1/18 at 2:00 pm | Furry Friends at Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 6-10) ♥
- Learn about all the furry friends that call Arlington home and why fur is so important for survival. Animal pelts will be available to touch and feel!
Monday, January 19, 2026
1/19 | King Day 2026 - The Children Shall Lead
Head to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, MD to celebrate King Day 2026 through the eyes of youth activists from the Civil Rights Movement to present day social movements. Free program activities will include provoking conversations, film screenings, musical performances and a host of family fun filled activities. These programs are inspired by Kid Zone, the museum’s newest interactive permanent exhibit solely dedicated to children and families.
1/19 at 10:30 am | Geodesic Igloo Workshop in DC
Best for ages 6-10! Head to the National Building Museum for a hands-on activity where kids will create their own mini geodesic dome igloo after viewing the museum's newest installation. Program tickets are $20 per participating child and $10 per adult, which includes admission to the Museum’s exhibitions.
1/19 | School's Out Sports Day
$100 per child ages 6-12 - Bring your kids (ages 6-12 years) for a day full of sporting fun at Wheaton Sports Pavilion in MD. The focus is on skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship, as well as arts & crafts, and other fun games. Participants will need to pack a lunch. Mandatory forms will be emailed and must be completed prior to the program day.
Sensory Friendly & Accessible
- 1/17 at 10:30 am | Story Time for the Spectrum at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW (Best for ages 0-5, but all are welcome)
- Sunday (1/18) at 9:00 am | Sensory Friendly Sunday at Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore ($)
For Tweens & Teens
Washington, DC
- Friday (1/16) at 4:00 pm | Mini Snow Machines at Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library in SE (Best for teens)
- Use a small set of electronics to create small winter blizzards. All materials provided—just bring your curiosity!
- Friday (1/16) at 6:30 pm | The Opening Salon of Freedom and Resistance: An Exhibition at MLK Memorial Library
- Includes main stage talks, late-night performance from Step Afrika!, tasting stations & live go-go!
- [Just Added] 1/16 at 7:30 pm | Not Just Another Day Off ~ A Poetic Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Folger Theatre in SE ♥
- For this year’s celebration, the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series is excited to partner with Mosaic Theater Company to celebrate the life, legacy, and mission of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an exclusive performance of a scene from Mosaic’s highly-anticipated theater production, Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest.
- Friday (1/16) & Saturday (1/17) at 11:00 am | ¡Carritos! A Learning Activity Cart Program at the National Museum of American History (For 8th grade – reading level) ♥
- These 10-minute hands-on mobile-cart activity experiences will allow visitors of all ages to create and connect with items in the Latino Museum collection and themes from past and future exhibitions, as well as items from other Smithsonian collections or content.
- Saturday (1/17) at 11:00 am | Adventure Party at Woodridge Neighborhood Library in NE (Best for ages 8-11)
- [Just Added] Saturday (1/17) at 12:00 pm | Common Ground Conversations: What’s Your Dream? at Anacostia Neighborhood Library in SE DC
- Provided by Verbal Gymnastics Theater, a local theater group where storytelling and art meet community, participants will share their stories and experiences on the theme with one another and then watch actors and musicians from Verbal Gymnastics ‘play back’ their stories in fun, engaging and creative ways.
- Saturday (1/17) at 2:30 pm | Teen Studio: Playful Sculptures at the Hirshhorn Museum (Best for ages 13-19)
- Create a playful sculpture using everyday materials.
- Sunday (1/18) at 3:00 pm | Live Jazz & Poetry at Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library (Best for ages 13+)
Maryland
- Friday (1/16) at 2:00 pm | Teen Zone at Bowie Library (Best for ages 13+)
- Friday (1/16) at Teens Night Out Game Truck at Plum Gar Community Recreation Center in Germantown (Best for ages 13-21)
- Come out for our video game truck and take on other competitors to see who the ultimate gamer is!
- Friday (1/16) at 7:00 pm | Black and White Party at North Brentwood Community Center (Best for ages 13-17)
- Teens will walk the red carpet and celebrate the first few weeks of the new year with dancing, refreshments, a photo booth, and more! Wear your best black and/or white outfit and start the new year off with some fun.
- Saturday (1/17) at 12:00 pm | Teen Leadership Program at Glenarden Library
- In this program, teens will use creative writing to learn about leadership skills, build confidence, and develop real-world readiness.
- Saturday (1/17) at 1:00 pm | Game On: Board Game Fun at Bowie Library (Best for teens & adults)
- Saturday (1/17) at 1:00 pm | Write to Right: Social Justice Writing Workshop at Gaithersburg Library (Best for ages 9-15) ♥
- Join teen volunteers from Write to Right for this once a month writing workshop where you’ll use creative writing as a tool towards social change.
- Saturday (1/17) at 2:00 pm | Movie: Get On Up (2014) at Harmony Hall Arts Center ($)
- Rated PG-13
- Sunday (1/18) at 11:00 am | Sunday Workshop ~ Intro to Animation: Stop Motion at KID Museum ($) (Best for grades 6th – 8th) ♥
1/16 | Teen Night: Stranger Things to Cook in Arlington ($)
Flip expectations with Upside-Side Eggo Waffles, decorate glowing Christmas Light Cupcakes, and mix a spooky-fun Demogorgon Fizz. Inspired by Hawkins and the Upside Down, this immersive class blends nostalgia, creativity, and bold flavors—perfect for fans ready to cook up something totally strange and totally delicious. Tickets are $93 per person!
Northern Virginia
- Friday (1/16) at 2:30 pm | Brick and Chill: Teen LEGO Hangout at Glencarlyn Library (Best for grades 6-12)
- Friday (1/16) at 6:00 pm | Teen Night: Stranger Things to Cook at Cookology in Arlington ($) ♥
- Sunday (1/18) at 10:00 am | Polar Bear Cake Pops Studio Class at Tiny Chefs in Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 9-14)
- Kids will create adorable polar bear–shaped cake pops, complete with sweet faces, frosty details, and snowy charm.
- Sunday (1/18) at 1:00 pm | The Yo-Yo Club at Central Library in Arlington (Best for ages 8+)
- Learn from experienced throwers and build your skills together.
This Week's Book Recommendation
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In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend with community events, days of service, road trips & more. Check out our list & make sure to bookmark it! Updated daily til Monday, January 19th.
