“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK Day commemorates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose work advanced equality and justice for all Americans. Although schools and businesses may be closed for the holiday, MLK Day has become more than just a day off. It’s an opportunity to honor King’s legacy and his contributions to the civil rights movement by participating in a day of service.

MLK Day Activities Around the Main Line

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day offers families a meaningful opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy through hands-on activities and education. These programs help children understand the importance of equality, justice, and making a positive difference in their communities.

Family Story Time honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Yeadon Public Library, 809 Longacre Blvd., Yeadon
January 15, from 6–7:30 pm

Join the Yeadon Public Library in DelCo for a special Family Story time reading of “We March” by Shane W. Evans. This powerful story captures the spirit of the 1963 March on Washington and the movement for equality and justice. After the story, families will create a meaningful arts and crafts project together, giving children an interactive way to connect with Dr. King’s message of hope, community, and positive change. Registration is encouraged so materials and seating can be prepared for all attendees.

Chester Children’s Chorus Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert

Swarthmore College, Lang Music Building, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore
January 18, at 4 pm

The Chester Children’s Chorus will present an inspiring musical celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Over 100 young singers will perform a moving program that brings Dr. King’s vision of hope, love, and unity to life through spirituals, gospel classics, and stirring choral pieces. The performance will include remarks from CCC Executive and Artistic Director John Alston and Assistant Music Director Sean Tripline, who will share insights on Dr. King’s lasting impact. No tickets required. Seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

MLK Day: A Day On, Not a Day Off

Bethel AME Church, 50 S. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr
January 19, from 12–4 pm

Engage in a multi-generational day of community, education, and service at the oldest black church on the original Main Line. This program begins with lunch and then splits into adult and youth programming, tailored by age. Pre-K and Kindergarten children (ages 4+) will experience enrichment activities, while elementary students in grades 1–4 will engage in art and history sessions. Middle and high school students will participate in leadership and identity workshops with Freedom Empowerment Academy. The day concludes with a youth community music session culminating in a group sanctuary performance.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Program

Woodmere Art Museum, Charles Knox Smith Hall, 9201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia
January 19, from 12:30–3 pm

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with hands-on activities for the whole family, including storytelling and art projects about civil rights heroes like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and John Lewis. At 2 pm, the renowned Hip Hop Fundamentals will present an interactive performance combining breakdancing and storytelling reflecting Dr. King’s message of love. This inspiring afternoon helps families explore courage, kindness, and fairness while thinking about how to make positive change in their own communities.

MLK Day Volunteering Opps Around the Main Line

As the tradition of volunteering on MLK Day has grown, so has the number of service activities for families. If you’re looking for a community service project or special activity for MLK Day, check out our picks below. Also, be sure to visit the Martin Luther King Day of Service website, and search their listing of volunteer opps in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Cradles to Crayons MLK Donation Drive

Various Community Collection Sites (see website)
January 5–19, 2026

Help honor Dr. King’s legacy by contributing to Cradles to Crayons’ MLK Donation Drive. Donations of clothing, coats, and shoes will directly support thousands of children in need throughout the coming months. Drop off items at any community collection site.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Learning

Congregation Beth Am Israel, 1301 Hagys Ford Rd., Penn Valley
January 19, from 10 am–1 pm

Congregation Beth Am Israel in Penn Valley will host various service projects and educational opportunities this MLK Day, seeking to improve both the local community and the greater world. Families and individuals of all ages are welcome and encouraged to share donations of new art supplies, gently used clothes, and like-new children’s books.

The day’s service projects may include cooking, organizing clothing and book donations, crafting dog toys for shelters, filling spice jars for food pantries, and writing notes of encouragement. Learning sessions with experts will focus on climate change action, Ukraine’s humanitarian needs, and addressing gun violence. There will be a trauma-informed, art-making workshop as well as a family story time followed by a nature walk and pinecone bird feeder craft. Register here.

Upper Merion Martin Luther King Community Day Of Service

Upper Merion Township Building, Freedom Hall, 175 W. Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia
January 19, from 10 am–12:30 pm

The Upper Merion Girl Scouts and Upper Merion Township Library invite youth, teens, and caregivers to participate in hands-on community service projects on MLK Day. Multiple service stations will support local Delaware Valley organizations and initiatives. Drop in anytime during the event to participate.

MLK Day of Service: Habitat Restoration Project

Riverbend Environmental Education Center, 1950 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne
January 19, from 10:30 am–1 pm

Honor Dr. King’s legacy this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day through hands-on environmental service at Riverbend. Help restore local wildlife habitat by removing invasive plants and caring for last year’s TreeVitalize planting site. All experience levels welcome to help build community and make a tangible impact on the land. Register here.

MLK Day at Home

In addition to volunteering, there are always more ways to teach your children about Martin Luther King, Jr. and honor his legacy, even at home. For instance, your family could read a children’s book together about King and the Civil Rights movement. Watching videos about MLK’s life geared for kids is another option, like these on Kids Academy and PBS Kids. Finally, you can check out some amazing online opportunities , including teaching resources and a virtual field trip, on The King Center’s website.

MLK Day: Make It Count

There are so many ways to learn, volunteer, and reflect with your family this MLK Day. Then, keep that spirit going. To explore more ways to volunteer with non-profit organizations around the Main Line throughout the year, check out our article on Volunteering Opportunities for Families.

Lead photo courtesy of Please Touch Museum.

To find more family-friendly fun for every day of the week, visit the Main Line Parent Events calendar.