22 MLK Weekend Events and Things to Do with Kids in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and At-Home including the memorial, volunteer opps, and free events!
Table of Contents for MLK Day DC:
- In-Person Kid-Friendly Events
- Volunteer Opportunities (3)
- National Parks are Free on MLK Jr. Day! (5 near DC)
- Winter Activities (3)
- At-Home Ideas (3)
MLK Day DC Events - All Free!
1) MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade - Monday, January 19, 2026 at 9:30 AM.
- 11 AM MLK Parade @ Entertainment & Sports Arena
- Doors open at 10:30am / Note: this year’s event will be held indoors at ESA.
All the details on the website!
2) Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the DC Mall
- Open daily
- Restrooms are located across the street on the side of the Gift Shop.
- There are about 15 paid street parking spots in front of the memorial and dozens on Ohio Drive Southwest in front of the playing fields.
- 7 Interesting Facts about the Memorial here.
- Washington, D.C. has a deep and powerful African American history, and one important site to visit is the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. This preserved home offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the famed abolitionist and is a meaningful stop for anyone exploring Black history in the capital.
Restrooms are located on the left side and were very clean when we went in 2023!
3) Unfortunately there is no MLK Day celebration at the Kennedy Center that I see this year in 2026.
Kennedy Center Event page here.
Virginia MLK Day/Weekend Events for Kids (near DC)
1) Frying Pan Farm Park Service and Learning Day - 1/19/2026
Cost $8
(4-Adult) Introduce your young ones to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center. Learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of giving back to our community. Rotate through stations to hear about the Civil Rights Movement, participate in a service project and reflect on the power of community cooperation. All participants must be registered.
Sessions available at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
2) Reston Community Center MLK Celebrations
January 17 - 19, 2026
- Community Service Projects
- Reston Community Orchestra “Annual Musical Salute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
- Angela Rye – Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Keynote Address and Community Luncheon
- MLK Birthday Celebration Especially for Youth
3) Falls Church MLK Day March for Social Justice, Unity, and Racial Healing at Tinner Hill Monument - Monday, January 19, 2026
More details here about this 3rd annual march for social justice in Falls Church. Just learning about the Tinner Hill Monument and its history is fascinating.
From 10 AM to 4 PM.
Maryland MLK Day/Weekend Events for Kids
1) American Visionary Art Museum Dare to Dream
Join in a free celebration honoring one of history's greatest visionaries. Open Mic, art-making, music, dance and more! More info and register at their website.
Monday, Jan 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA
About the Event
Join in a free celebration honoring one of history's greatest visionaries, Martin Luther King Jr. AVAM is open and free from 10:00AM-5:00PM!
2) Strathmore Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Tribute and Celebration
3) B&O Railroad Museum: “FROM SLAVERY TO CIVIL RIGHTS: THE AFRICAN AMERICAN RAILROADING LEGACY” PUBLIC TOUR
Free with Admission. Monday, January 19, 2026. Website details here.
National Parks used to be Free on MLK Jr. Day Around DC
Unfortunately in 2026, National Parks areno longer free. Hopefully this changes soon.
- Great Falls National Park (MD) and Great Falls(Virginia)
- Prince William Forest Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
- Assateague National Seashore
2026 Volunteer Opportunities MLK Day DC, VA and MD
- MLK Day of Service Americorps Website with hundreds of locations
- Volunteer Fairfax MLK, Jr. Weekend of Service
- Volunteer Arlington MLK Day of Service
- Montgomery County MLK Week
Winter Activities for MLK Day and Weekend in the DC Area
- Ice Skating in the DMV
- 8 Snow Tubing Hills in Virginia (7 of the 8 make their own snow!) *Reserve tickets asap as holiday weekend will fill up.
- Blackwater Falls Sledding in West Virginia *Reserve tickets asap as holiday weekend will fill up.
- Skiing near Washington DC
At-Home Ideas to Celebrate and Honor MLK Day with Kids
- Watch MLK's I have a Dream Speech on YouTube and discuss afterwards (Just 6 minutes long!)
- Watch Seasame Streets free MLK Day episodewhere Elmo and his friends make a Peace Tree and consider making your own!
- Spread kindness by volunteering! Tons of ideas above!
