Dreams of a King: How to Celebrate MLK Jr. Day with Kids

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had massive dreams that involved nonviolent, equitable communities—a beloved community, he called it. As the only federal holiday designated a national day of service, there are many ways for kids to become involved on their day off from school. Be it volunteering on a service project, visiting a museum, watching a virtual stream of a MLK celebration or reading a book on the civil rights’ movement, we can all work towards a beloved community and to keeping Dr. King’s memory and legacy alive.

Editor’s note: This information was accurate at the time of publication but because things are rapidly changing with rising COVID cases, we urge you to check websites or call ahead before heading out.

photo: Manhattan Country School

In person

MLK March and Parade ***CANCELLED***
Join in a 1.5 mile parade to honor those who marched from Selma to Montgomery by marching from San Francisco’s CalTrain station to Yerba Buena Gardens where a music festival will continue the celebration. Jan. 17, 11 a.m. Event details

***CANCELLED***Both CalTrain and MUNI are offering free rides on Monday*

Annual MLK Music Festival at Yerba Buena ***CANCELLED***
Featuring Grammy-winning artist Tony Lindsay, Les Femmes Fatales (of Grammy-winning band Train) and the Hip Hop lyrics from the artists of Hip Hop for Change, the 12th annual MLK music festival has a fabulous line up that is sure to delight all. Jan. 17, 1 p.m. Event details

Stories in Bloom: The Dream of a King at Filoli Gardens
Grammy-nominated storyteller Diane Ferlatte, accompanied by musician Erik Pearson, presents a youth and family-oriented performance that features stories and songs honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. Jan. 16, 2 p.m. Event details

Team Up to Clean Up San Mateo
Join the city’s Team Up to Clean Up crew on a special volunteer day to help keep the city clean and debris-free. Jan. 17, 9 a.m. Event details

MLK Showcase & Community Conversations at OMCA ***POSTPONED***
This free, immersive experience will feature student and community artwork, film screenings and cultural activist performances in a family-friendly event that aims to engage the Oakland community and beyond. Jan. 17, 12 p.m. Event details

Bair Island Volunteer Work Day ***CANCELLED***
Join Peninsula Open Space Trust and San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory for this fun and unique opportunity to volunteer at Bair Island! Jan. 17, 9 a.m. Event details

Free Admission at National Parks
In celebration of Dr. King's birthday, all national parks are waiving admission in the year's first fee free day of the year. Event details.

photo: Creative Commons

Celebrate MLK Day with MoAD ***CANCELLED***
Celebrate with MoAD on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service! The museum will be providing FREE admission and family activities with the Prescott Circus Theater, Sidewalk Chalk Art with Jamie Treacy and a Scavenger Hunt in the galleries. Jan. 17, 11 a.m. Event details

MLK Day of Service and Celebration
Several community projects are available to sign up for through the Joshman Family Jewish Community center in the celebration of MLK. Jan. 17, Event details

MLK Jr Day of Service ***CANCELLED***
Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by giving back to Andy’s Unity Park in Santa Rosa. Volunteers will work on the park paths and other landscape projects to keep the park looking fantastic with lunch served afterward. Registration required for this volunteer event. Jan. 17. 1 p.m. Event details

Martin Luther King Day at Marijane Hamann Park
Help beautify this wonderful park at the border of San Jose and Campbell and celebrate MLK through a day of service. Jan. 17, 8:45 a.m. Event details

photo: Yoichi Okamoto

Virtual

Stanford University’s World House Project Film Festival
The World House Project will host a free, four day webinar and virtual film festival featuring 30 documentaries, musical performances, interviews and panel discussions that speak to Dr. King's vision of the World House. Jan. 14-17, Event details

38th Annual MLK Celebration
SF parks and recreation presents a virtual celebration of MLK featuring Dr. Joe Canton as keynote speaker.
Jan. 14, 11:30 a.m. Event details

Rally for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2022 marks The 5th Avenue Theatre’s sixth year of proudly supporting the Kent School District’s Rally for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year, the rally is led by a team of passionate teen leaders and features musical performances, community speakers and student reflections on the life, work and legacy of Dr. King. This year, you are cordially invited to join us as the rally is streamed for the Kent community and beyond. Jan. 17, 7 p.m.

photo: Bee Calder

Brooklyn Tribute to Martin Luther King
The celebration brings together artists and civic leaders to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King. The 36th edition features speeches by civic leaders and activists and performances, including live appearances from singer Nona Hendryx with Craig Harris & Tailgaters Tales and Sing Harlem and a recorded dance piece by choreographer Kyle Marshall. Join us in hope and in solidarity! Jan. 17, 7:30 a.m. Event details

Tacoma's MLK Day Celebration
Join the city of Tacoma for its 34th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration. This year’s event theme is “Hope & Healing” and will highlight the present and the future of Dr. King’s impacts on our community and feature local performers and speakers who work and volunteer to ensure our community represents equity, hope, and healing. Jan. 17, 8 p.m. Event details

MLK Day Celebration 2022
The California African American Museum invites families to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day immersed in music, culture and community. This year’s virtual festival highlights MLK’s dedication to labor and workers’ rights with the importance of these movements continuing on today. Jan. 17, 10 a.m. Event details

Further resources:
Stanford University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute has a list of Recommended Readings for Kids

—Christine Lai

featured image by Maria Chambers

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