On Monday, January 19, 2026, 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
Homeschool Exploration: Portraits of MLK Jr. (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
January 16, 2026 | 10:30am – 11:30am
Homeschool families are welcome to join this creative class.
Drop-in Craft: I Have a Dream (Batavia Public Library, Batavia)
January 17 – 19, 2026 | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Visit the library to make bookmarks and various crafts.
MLK Service Day Celebration (Caldwell Woods, Chicago)
January 17, 2026 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Volunteer outdoors to give back in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Kids Care Fun Fair: Spread Kindness! (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
January 17 and 19, 2026 | 10:00am – 11:30am
January 19, 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:45pm
Drop in for a family-friendly service event with hands-on activities focused on kindness and community. Designed for children 11 and under with their families, the open-house program features multiple stations
MLK Jr. Day of Service (Churchill Park, Glen Ellyn)
January 19, 2026 | 9:00am – 10:30am
The Glen Ellyn Park District is hosting a morning of volunteering at Churchill Park to help clean up the area. Register in advance.
Pop-Up Program: “I Have a Dream…” Photo Booth Station (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg)
January 19, 2026 | 9:00am – 9:00pm
Stop by the library to share your dreams.
MLK Day of Service (Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland)
January 19, 2026 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Help clean up the grounds of the nature center on this day of volunteering.
Black Creativity Family Day (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
January 19, 2026 | 9:30am – 2:30pm
Join the creative and thought-provoking festivities at this annual event. Included with general admission to the museum.
Day of Service (St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles)
January 19, 2026 | 9:30am – 4:30pm
Visit the library to make dog toys for Anderson Animal Shelter.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Day (Chicago History Museum, Chicago)
January 19, 2026 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King with music performances, craft activities, storytelling, and more.
MLK Day of Service (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
January 19, 2026 | 10:00am – 4:30pm
Visit the library to take part in volunteer opportunities.
MLK Day of Service (Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago)
January 19, 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Help clean up litter, enjoy crafts and cocoa with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Registration required.
Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration (Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier)
January 19, 2026 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Included in general admission, visit the museum for special programming opportunities in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
MLK Day of Service (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst)
January 19, 2026 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Visit the library for hands-on service ideas.
Feed My Starving Children (Feed My Starving Children, Schaumburg)
January 19, 2026 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Join library staff to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an afternoon of service.
Drop-in: MLK National Day of Service Project (Darien)
January 19, 2026 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit the Indian Prairie Public Library and help with various service projects.
Giving Back on MLK Day (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire)
January 19, 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Volunteer your time and give back to local organizations. Register in advance.
MLK Service Celebration (Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs)
January 19, 2026 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Volunteer and enjoy hot chocolate afterwards.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
January 19, 2026 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit River Trail for community service. For ages 10 and up.
Be a King (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
January 19, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy with the library.
MLK Day of Service (La Grange Public Library, La Grange)
January 19, 2026 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit the library to make various items in support of local community groups.
2025 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.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (Lake Katherine, Palos Heights) – January 20, 2025
- MLK Celebration (Deer Grove Leisure Center, Bensenville) – January 20, 2025
- Afternoon Movie Showing: Our Friend Martin (Hoffman Estates) – January 20, 2025
- MLK Monday Movie Marathon (Bellwood) – January 27, 2025
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 2026.
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 19, 2026 too.
