Martin Luther King Jr Day 2025 Activities For Kids

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a day off school—it’s an opportunity to reflect on the incredible legacy of a man who stood for equality, justice, and peace. While adults often celebrate Dr. King’s life by participating in service projects or community events, it’s just as important to involve children and teach them why MLK’s work still matters today.

If you’re looking for meaningful ways to engage kids on MLK Day in 2025, we’ve curated a list of ten fun and educational activities that honor Dr. King’s legacy while fostering discussions about inclusion, kindness, and the power of standing up for what’s right.

Why MLK Day Activities Matter for Kids

Children are naturally curious, and MLK Day offers the perfect opportunity to introduce complex concepts like civil rights, diversity, and social justice in a way that’s accessible and easy to understand. Engaging kids through interactive and hands-on activities can:

• Teach them about the importance of respecting others.
• Encourage empathy and inclusiveness at a young age.
• Show them how one person can make a big difference in the world.

With that in mind, here are ten carefully selected activities to honor Dr. King’s vision in 2025.

1. Read Books About Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Introduce children to Dr. King’s life and legacy through engaging stories and colorful illustrations. These books are perfect for sparking conversations about civil rights and equality in a way that kids can relate to:

• “Martin’s Big Words” by Doreen Rappaport
• “I Am Martin Luther King Jr.” by Brad Meltzer
• “My Dream of Martin Luther King” by Faith Ringgold

You can include a reading session as part of a family activity or organize a small book club with neighborhood kids.

Pro Tip

Ask kids questions like, “What was Dr. King’s dream?” or “How can we work together to make the world fair for everyone?” to inspire meaningful discussions.

2. Create a “Dream Board”

Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech inspires millions to work toward a better world. Help children create their own “Dream Board.”

• Provide materials like magazines, scissors, markers, and poster boards.
• Ask them to cut out words or images that represent their hopes for the future—kindness, friendship, fairness, and so on.

Hang the finished dream boards somewhere special to remind kids that anyone can dream big and work to make those dreams come true.

3. Watch Kid-Friendly Videos About MLK

Short videos tailored for children can bring history to life while keeping them engaged. Here are a few recommendations:

• The animated “Our Friend, Martin”—an excellent introductory movie for children.
• Short YouTube videos like “Kid President’s Guide to Martin Luther King Jr.”

After watching, encourage kids to share their takeaways or ask questions about Dr. King’s work.

4. Host a Kindness Challenge

Dr. King believed in spreading kindness and compassion. Set up a family or class kindness challenge to honor that spirit.

Here’s how it can work:

• Write down random acts of kindness on slips of paper (e.g., “Say something nice to a friend” or “Help with chores without being asked”).
• Draw one at random every day for the week leading up to MLK Day and complete it together.

Challenge them to focus on how their actions make others feel—a great exercise in empathy!

5. Listen to the “I Have a Dream” Speech Together

Sometimes, the best way to teach history is to bring it directly to your audience. Play recordings of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and help children understand its significance with age-appropriate explanations.

For younger listeners, simplify the speech’s message to ideas like fairness, equality, and loving others no matter their skin color.

Fun Twist

Turn this into an art or journaling activity. Ask kids to draw what “equality” means to them or to write about their dreams for the future.

6. Perform a “Step Into History” Role-Play

Make history interactive by having kids role-play important moments from the Civil Rights Movement. Assign roles like Dr. King, Rosa Parks, or everyday citizens who stood up to injustice.

Encourage children to reenact historical events through storytelling or short skits. This can help kids empathize with those who fought for equality and embed lessons in a memorable way.

7. Volunteer as a Family

MLK Day is often referred to as a “Day of Service,” so it’s the perfect opportunity to teach kids the value of giving back. Family-friendly volunteer ideas include:

• Donating clothes, toys, or food to local shelters.
• Picking up litter in your neighborhood or local park.
• Writing thank-you cards for teachers or first responders.

Explain that small acts of service can collectively lead to big changes, echoing Dr. King’s belief in community action.

8. Play Civil Rights-Themed Games

Games can be a fun way to learn about history while keeping kids involved. Try these activities:

• Create a trivia quiz with age-appropriate questions about MLK and the Civil Rights Movement.
• Organize a “Mission to Equality” scavenger hunt where kids solve clues about justice, bravery, and compassion.

9. Make MLK Crafts

Channel creativity into meaningful crafts that celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Some ideas:

• Handprint Unity Wreath: Kids use paint to create handprints of different colors and arrange them in a circle to symbolize unity.
• Peace Signs: Decorate peace signs with tissue paper, markers, and glitter while exploring the concept of peaceful protest.

These crafts make great keepsakes and visuals for discussing important themes like unity and peace.

10. Explore Local MLK Day Events

Many communities hold events like parades, speakers, and museum exhibits to commemorate MLK Day. Check local listings to find family-friendly activities in your area.

Attending together makes the experience richer, connecting children to the broader community.