The Washington, D.C. area offers several events for families to join the community and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. where everyone can learn about the legacy he leaves behind and participate in celebrations that carry his messages forward.
From hands-on volunteer opportunities to parades, rallies and memorial visits, there are plenty of ways for children to connect with Dr. King’s mission and see the impact of his work in action.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute
For a night of celebration and reflection, Arlington’s 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute invites community members to celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy a day early. This annual celebration is a showcase of community talent and local history. Register to enjoy an evening full of dance performances, music and spoken word.
- Time: 5-6:30 p.m.
- Date: Jan. 18
- Location: 1325 S Dinwiddie St., Arlington, VA
Wreath-laying service at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial site
To introduce kids to the honoring of civil rights leaders, families are welcome to attend the early-morning wreath-laying ceremony at the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial site. This is a meaningful way to teach children about Dr. King and the importance of the Civil Rights Movement. However, if you’d rather skip the ceremony, you can still visit the memorial at any time to explore its significance at your own pace.
- Time: 8-9 a.m.
- Date: Jan. 19
- Location: 1964 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC
MLK Day of Service
The MLK Day of Service is an opportunity to get children, parents and people of all ages involved in a meaningful event dedicated to giving back to the community. As a perfect way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, register to participate in this hands-on project and introduce your children to this inspiring message of service: “A day on, not day off.” Children ages 13 and up can create their own account to register.
- Time: 8:30 a.m.-noon
- Date: Jan. 19
- Location: 1301 N Stafford St., Arlington, VA
MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk, Rally and Parade
Following in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., take kids to experience history and activism in action at the 21st Annual Peace Walk and Parade. The Peace Walk encourages learning through collective effort and peaceful demonstration, while the Parade celebrates the community with music, floats and more! Register to view these traditions, highlighting this year’s theme: “The Struggle is Real! The Fight is Still!”
- Peace Walk: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
- Parade: 11 a.m.
- Date: Jan. 19
- Location: Martin Luther King Junior Ave. SE, Washington, DC
DC Craft for a Cause Event
For a fun, kid-friendly way to give back this MLK Day, bring children to Only Make Believe’s DC Craft for a Cause event! Volunteers will work hands-on to create costumes, hats, masks and other treats for children in hospitals and care facilities. Families are encouraged to donate craft materials during the event. Register children ages 8 and up to join in the fun and help give back to children in need.
- Time: 10 a.m.-noon
- Date: Jan. 19
- Location: 6856 Eastern Ave. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC
Visit a DC Public Library this MLK day
If you are unable to attend an in-person event but still want to teach kids about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy, the DC Public Library offers a great collection of books for all ages to engage with his mission and his vision for the world. You can explore stories about Dr. King and civil rights from the comfort of home.
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