Martin Luther King, Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 20, and there are plenty of ways to honor the Civil Rights activist and give back in our communities. Plus, family-friendly events, activities, and day camps for kids of all ages on this school holiday.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Sunday, January 19 & Monday, January 20 | 10am-5pm | $15 admission
Celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through performances, protest marches, community art programs, and volunteer projects! This year’s festival features interactive shadow puppet performances created by Nehprii Amenii, music and protest marching with Brooklyn-based musician Fyütch, Our Skin storytime with author Megan Madison, and community art-making projects. On Monday, January 20, Repair the World will also be organizing a volunteer service project to give back to our community.
The 39th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. at BAM | Fort Greene
Monday, January 20 | 10:30am | FREE, tickets are first-come, first served beginning at 8am on 1/20
Join us for a very special solo presentation by Ailey II, vibrant music with The Fire Ensemble led by Troy Anthony, and more. Ring in the New Year with friends, neighbors, artists, and civic leaders in a day of activism, music, and family-friendly activities. Learn more here!
BAMkids Celebrates MLK Day: If You Can’t Be the Sun, Be a Star! | Fort Greene
Monday, January 20 | 11:45am, 1:30pm & 3pm | Registration required | Ages 6+
This family-friendly program immerses young people in art forms that express the importance of acts of service and collaborative work, while knowing that your best doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Activities include imaginative movement, creating a collaborative tape mural, celebrating friendship and family in a vintage photo booth, and sharing inspirational messages. Guided by a diverse group of artists, kids will express creativity and build community, while learning about Dr. King’s life and mission. Learn more here!
Service opportunities for kids and families:
MLK Weekend: Grocery Shopping for Homebound Neighbors at Wegman’s | Brooklyn Navy Yard
Sunday, January 19 | 9:30-11:30am | Ages under 12 must be accompanied by parent | Sign up here
Grocery shop for neighbors who are homebound, experiencing hardship, elderly, or otherwise lacking time, resources, or ability to shop for groceries themselves. Volunteers will shop for items on a provided list(s) and attempt to stay within the budget assigned by our partner, West Brooklyn Waterfront Mutual Aid. A WBWMA veteran volunteer will be there to assist you should you have questions. WBWMA will pay for the groceries at check out and deliver them.
MLK Pack & Learn for Kids: Pack Hygiene Kits at St. Ann’s | Brooklyn Heights
Sunday, January 19 | 2pm | Children must be accompanied by adults | Sign up here
Monday, January 20 | 10am, 12pm & 2pm | Children must be accompanied by adults | Sign up here
This MLK Weekend of Service, deepen your commitment to justice by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Dr. King’s fight for civil rights and learning about its connection to the ongoing struggle for food security in our communities. Turn your learning into meaningful action through packing hygiene kits with St. Ann’s and help address food justice in NYC. Specially created for kids, volunteers will dive into a dynamic learning experience where we will sing and dance with Tkiya, learn about food justice, and more! Our program will wrap up with hands-on service: packaging hygiene kits for SJBL. Designed for kids and teens, 0 to 18+, and their families. Kids must be accompanied at all times.
MLK Day Of Service for Brooklyn Jewish Families at The Senesh School | Carroll Gardens
Monday, January 20 | 10am-12pm | FREE; tickets here | Ages 2-10
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a hands-on service learning event especially designed for families with children ages 2-10! Participate in engaging activities designed to inspire and give back to the community in partnership with local community organizations. Children and their grownups will be broken up into small groups and rotate through multiple stations, each offering unique ways to contribute and learn about justice and service. Plus, a very special program for our littlest helpers and their grownups, including a sing-along with Tkiya Music and storytime with PJ Library.
MLK Weekend: Workday at Community Garden | South Williamsburg
Monday, January 20 | 11am-2pm | Ages 8+ with guardian, ages 15+ without guardian | Register here
MLK Day of service in the garden is a great way to lend a helping hand in our community! Bring water, snacks, and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Please note that some activities may involve lifting heavy material and moving, bending, and squatting for long periods. GreenThumb community gardens are developed, led, and cared for by dedicated volunteers who critically upkeep community gardens as public green spaces.
More programs, activities, and day camps on MLK Day:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day School Holiday at Prospect Park
Monday, January 20 | 12-4pm | FREE
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the first urban Audubon Center in the nation. There will be nature activities, a chance to meet animals in the Audubon Center’s collection, and a winter wilderness walk. Learn more here!
Day camps for when public schools are closed
Browse our overview of school holiday camps. There are so many camps to choose from, with activities like art-making, coding and robotics, skateboarding, chess, and so much more!
Best drop-in indoor activities for kids & teens
Looking for a drop-in activity on MLK Jr. Day? Our guide includes including play spaces, story times, arts and crafts, adventure parks, rock climbing, mini golf, bowling and more for all ages.
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Updated: January 10, 2025. Main Image: Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
