- Updated: 1/25/2026
- Accessible Activities, All Ages, Culture, Winter
MLK Day gives families across the DC metro area a chance to pause, reflect, and learn together. Throughout the DMV, families can attend events, serve their communities, and visit historic sites honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In turn, kids gain a deeper understanding of justice, equality, and service.
Whether you’re looking for educational experiences or places to explore in Dr. King’s honor, this guide helps you plan a meaningful MLK Day and continue the learning into Black History Month.
Notes: Follow the links to explore more information about the various events & places to visit. No affiliate links are included in this blog.
Check back frequently for updates!
In this blog...
Places to Visit in Honor of Dr. King
Begin your exploration of Dr. King’s legacy with these free-to-visit places in Washington, DC:
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial – 1964 Independence Ave. SW
- Free admission
- Open 24/7
- From Smithsonian Metro station (orange, silver and blue), it’s a 15-20 minute walk west along Independence Avenue
- Very limited street parking nearby; be prepared to walk either way!
National Museum of African American History & Culture – 1400 Constitution Ave NW
- Free admission
- Open daily
- Timed tickets are required and can be reserved online
- Closest metro stops are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian (Mall exit) (orange, silver & blue)
- Paid street & garage parking available.
Together, these sites provide an up close and personal view of Dr. King’s legacy while helping kids understand the history behind MLK Day.
Family-Friendly MLK Day Events
Washington, DC
- All Month | MLK Day Scavenger Hunt at MLK Memorial Library
- Saturday (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.
- Saturday (1/17) at 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm | Born on the Water: A Theatrical Performance at MLK Memorial Library (Best for ages 5+) ♥
- Saturday (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.
- Monday (1/19) at 10:00 am | Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. with Clay Art at MLK Memorial Library
- Using clay, mold your very own version of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial.
- Monday (1/19) at 10:30 am | MLK Holiday Peace Walk and Parade at Barry Farm Recreation Center
- Monday (1/19) at 11:00 am | Remember the Dream: A Day Honoring Dr. King at the National Museum of African American History & Culture ♥
- A birthday party in his honor that includes creative crafts, balloon art, and a sing-along to Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday.” Plus, experience live musical performances by Rex Carnegie and the House Band in Heritage Hall at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., honoring Dr. King’s legacy through music.
Maryland
- Thursday (1/15) at 11:00 am | Ready 2 Read Storytime at Fairmount Heights (Best for ages 3-5)
- Bring your preschooler to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a fun-filled half-hour of stories, songs, and fingerplays!
- Thursday (1/15) at 4:00 pm | Kids Create: The MLK Way! at Hillcrest Heights Library
- Unleash your creativity with history, by celebrating Martin Luther King Jr., and answering some trivia questions along the way!
- Saturday (1/17) at 11:00 am | Organic Canvas™ MLK Weekend Edition: Honoring the Dream Through Art at Station 3510 in Mount Rainier, MD ($)
You’re invited to create meaningful paintings inspired by their own dreams and the powerful dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This will be a thoughtful, creative, and uplifting experience designed to spark conversation, imagination, and purpose.
Road Trip Ideas - Baltimore, MD
1/19 at 11:00 am | King Day 2026 - The Children Shall Lead
1/17 - 1/19 | MLK Jr. Weekend Celebration: Freedom in Fabric
Northern Virginia
- Monday (1/19) at 10:00 am | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March for Unity and Freedom at Tinner Hill Historic Park in Falls Church
Tween & Teen MLK Events
- Saturday (1/17) at 12:00 pm | Common Ground Conversations: What’s Your Dream? at Anacostia Neighborhood Library in SE DC
- Provided by Verbal Gymnastics Theater, a local theater group where storytelling and art meet community, participants will share their stories and experiences on the theme with one another and then watch actors and musicians from Verbal Gymnastics ‘play back’ their stories in fun, engaging and creative ways.
- Saturday (1/17) – Monday (1/19) | MLK Jr. Weekend Celebration: Freedom in Fabric at B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore ($)
- Discover the artistry and community traditions of African American quilting in Baltimore and take part in a conversation about the cultural memory of “quilt codes” on the Underground Railroad.
- Monday (1/19) at 12:00 pm | 40th Anniversary of King Mural + Musical Performance at MLK Memorial Library in DC
- Monday (1/19) at 2:00 pm | A Celebration of DC Home Rule at MLK Memorial Library
- A panel and performance with Mosaic Theater
- Saturday (1/24) at 11:30 am | A Day of Community at National Portrait Gallery
- Designed for teens and young adults but welcome to all, this event reminds us to tend to ourselves and our communities. Engage in activities that encourage connection and care while learning from those who mobilize the power of community through highlights in the Portrait Gallery’s exhibitions.
Day of Service Locations
Search Volunteer.gov for volunteer opportunities near you year round!
Washington, DC
- 1/17 at 9:00 am | Potomac River Cleanup at Anacostia Park ♥
- All the event supplies (trash bags, gloves, trash grabbers, etc.) will be provided, but they strongly recommend that you bring your own if you have it.
- 1/19 at 11:30 am | MLK Day of Service: Uplifting Voices with Free Minds at Edlavitch DCJCC in NW (Best for ages 11+)
- Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King by spending your day learning and serving with Free Minds, a program that supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through classes and workshops focused on literary arts. Volunteers will hear from Free Minds graduates about their experiences, then read poetry written by current students and provide positive feedback.
- 1/22 at 2:00 pm | LAYC AmeriCorps: MLK Day of Service in NW
- Includes resource fair, breakout discussion sessions & small service projects!
Maryland
- Monday (1/19) at 10:00 am | Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Buddy Attick Lake Park in Greenbelt
- Volunteers will work with Public Works staff to place wire caging around the trunks of native trees to protect them from beaver herbivory and remove invasive vines.
- Monday (1/19) at 10:00 am | MLK Day of Service: Caring for Animals at Croydon Creek Nature Center (Best for ages 6+)
- Spend part of MLK Day making a difference for animals! Families are invited to join us for a fun, station-based service project where you can create items and complete activities that help support the well-being of local wildlife and pets. Stay for a little while or as long as you like—every effort makes an impact.
Northern Virginia
- Monday (1/19) at 2:00 pm | MLK Day of Service at Long Branch Nature Center (Best for ages 12+)
- Volunteers are needed to help clear out invasive plants and vines that are keeping our local plants and animals from thriving.
At its core, MLK Day reminds us that learning doesn’t have to stay in the classroom. Whether your family attends an event, volunteers together, visits a historic site, or reflects at home, each experience helps kids understand kindness, fairness, and community.
As winter continues, consider MLK Day a starting point! Explore our Winter Activities in the DC Metro Area guide for more cultural exploration tips and check back soon for family-friendly Black History Month activities across the DMV.
