How to Celebrate MLK Jr. Day in NYC With the Kids

Wondering how to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend with the kids this year? Don’t worry — we’ve listed all of the best in-person and virtual events occurring in NYC to honor the influential civil rights activist for MLK Day. From education and service to arts and crafts, your kids will totally enjoy learning about and honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

Psst… looking for even more family activities to do this week? Check out: Your Awesome New York Kids Weekend: January 15-17

MLK Day Events in NYC:

In-Person

Big Onion Walking Tour: MLK Jr. Day in Historic Harlem – Manhattan
When: Sun, January 17, 2021
1:00 pm

This two-hour walking tour will teach your family all about the civil rights movement in Harlem! You’ll see historic homes, streets, churches, and theaters, including the Abyssinian Baptist Church, Apollo Theater, and places associated with Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and Madame C. J. Walker.

MLK “If I Can Help Somebody” Community Day – Brooklyn
When: Sun, January 17, 2021
2:00 pm

There is no better way to honor Dr. MLK, Jr. than to do so by celebrating your community. Visit this outdoor event full of free resources, entertainment, food and children giveaways while wearing masks and practicing social distancing procedures!

Celebrate MLK Day: Brooklyn Children’s Museum – Brooklyn
When: Mon, January 18, 2021
10:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 3:00 pm

Explore shadow puppets, create community art and pack winter warmth packages for people in need at BCM! You can purchase tickets right online.

MLK Creative Day Camp – Long Island City
When: Mon, January 18, 2021
9:00 am

At PLAYDAY, children can engage in exploratory projects in an inclusive, diverse and positive setting. The kids will get to enjoy a full day of creative activities while honoring Dr. MLK, Jr.

Virtual

The 35th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
When: Mon, January 18, 2021
11 am

People from around the world are invited to NYC’s largest public celebration of Dr. King’s legacy, a virtual showcase featuring world-renowned activists, public figures, civic leaders, performers and musicians. Reservations are strongly encouraged, although not required to attend.

Harlem Gospel Choir Live Stream
When: Mon, January 18, 2021
3 pm

This is a live streamed performance celebrating Dr. MLK, Jr. with a contemporary gospel and a touch of jazz and blues, available on demand through January 25. The entire family will be tapping their feet and clapping their hands to this gospel choir’s high-energy and joyous performance.

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Joe's Music & Dance Academy

Private and group music lessons &amp; dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind &amp; brass instruments, Choir, Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Step, African and Modern Dance and more. Helping thousands of students begin and continue on their musical journey since 1998!

British Swim School - Manhattan

The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!