On Monday, January 20, 2025, we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. As he dedicated his life to fighting against racism and left a legacy for future generations to come, even your youngest children can be inspired to make a difference in their community.
If you’re trying to decide how to celebrate MLK Day, we’ve gathered ways for families to honor his life and work with in-home activities, volunteer opportunities, and local events.
How to Celebrate MLK Day: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events
MLK Jr. Day of Service (Glen Ellyn)
January 20, 2025 | 9:00am – 10:30am
The Glen Ellyn Park District is hosting a morning of volunteering at Ackerman Park to help clean up the area.
MLK Day of Service (Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland)
January 20, 2025 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Help clean up the grounds of the nature center on this day of volunteering.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (Lake Katherine, Palos Heights)
January 20, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Registration is required for this volunteering opportunity.
MLK Celebration (Deer Grove Leisure Center, Bensenville)
January 20, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Bensenville Park District is hosting a special guest speaker, along with a photo exhibit in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s Black Creativity Family Day (Chicago)
January 20, 2025 | 9:30am – 2:00pm
Join the creative and thought-provoking festivities at this annual event. Included with general admission to the museum.
MLK Service Day Celebration (Caldwell Woods, Chicago)
January 18, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Volunteer outdoors to give back in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Day of Service (Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago)
January 20, 2025 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Help clean up litter, enjoy crafts and cocoa with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.
Day of Service (St. Charles)
January 20, 2025 | 10:00am – 8:00pm
Stop by the St. Charles Public Library to make encouraging cards for children in foster care.
Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration (Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier)
January 20, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Included in general admission, visit the museum for special programming opportunities in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Day (Chicago History Museum)
January 20, 2025 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King with music performances, craft activities, storytelling, and more.
MLK Day of Service (Chicago)
January 20, 2025 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Join the Forest Preserve District of Cook County as they spend a day of service honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
Drop-in: MLK National Day of Service Project (Darien)
January 20, 2025 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Visit the Indian Prairie Public Library and help make fleece tie blankets.
Family Volunteering: Make a Fleece Blanket (Glen Ellyn Public Library)
January 20, 2025 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Register in advance for a seat to volunteer your time making fleece blankets.
Afternoon Movie Showing: Our Friend Martin (Hoffman Estates)
January 20, 2025 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm
The Hoffman Estates branch of the Schaumburg Township Library will be hosting a special showing of Our Friend Martin, a family-friendly movie about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
MLK Day of Service (La Grange Public Library)
January 20, 2025 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit the library to make various items in support of local community groups.
MLK Monday Movie Marathon (Bellwood)
January 27, 2025 | 4:00pm – 7:30pm
Bellwood Public Library is hosting special movie screenings on honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2024 Events
If you’re still deciding how to celebrate MLK Day, we’re keeping an eye out to see if these past events return in 2025.
- MLK Service Day Celebration (Rolling Knolls, Elgin) – January 13, 2024
- MLK Day of Service (Schaumburg Township Library) – January 15, 2024
- MLK Day Restoration (Barrington) – January 15, 2024
- Honoring the Dream (Des Plaines Public Library) – January 15, 2024
- PlayLab PlayDate: MLK Jr. Day Storytime (Chicago) – January 17, 2024
- King Day Festival (DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago) – January 16, 2023
Ways to Talk to Your Children about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Read about his influence: Scholastic has compiled a list of books celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. You can add a few to your reservation list at your local library before the big day, or talk to the children’s librarian about books they recommend.
Discuss your own dreams: I always think that children never get enough credit for their ideas. Talking to your children about their hopes and dreams, both big and small, will be a meaningful catalyst for important family discussions.
Volunteer together: Dr. King dedicated his life to serving others. Use our list of local volunteer opportunities to find a way for your family to make an impact on your community in 2025.
Visit outdoor art: Families can find beautiful works of art created outdoors throughout Chicago. The Martin Luther King Jr. Living Memorial is located at Marquette Park in Chicago. Each year, new murals are created to honor MLK Jr. Send us details if you hear of one.
Use online resources: The internet is full of amazing resources for families to learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. From PBS Kids’ Martin Luther King Jr. Day to National Geographic KIDS’s Hero for All: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., there are endless opportunities for learning. For more ideas for all ages, check out the National Education Association’s list of Martin Luther King Jr. resources.
Check out our events calendar for other activities to do on Monday January 20, 2025 too.
