Martin Luther King Day activities for kids 2025

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a national holiday—it’s an opportunity to teach children about the values of equality, kindness, and standing up for what’s right. Celebrated annually on the third Monday of January, this day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader in the Civil Rights Movement who dreamed of a world where everyone was judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.

If you’re looking for ways to engage kids in meaningful and educational Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities, you’re in the right place. This list offers fun and thoughtful activities that explore Dr. King’s values and the history surrounding his work.

Why Celebrate MLK Day with Kids?

Teaching children about Dr. King’s contributions from a young age not only educates them about history but also helps instill values of empathy, justice, and the importance of standing up against injustice. Through interactive and age-appropriate activities, kids can grasp the significance of his message, fostering a generation that carries forward the dream of equality and unity.

Now, let’s explore some impactful activities you can try!

1. Read Books About Martin Luther King Jr.

One of the best ways to introduce kids to Dr. King’s life is through picture books, biographies, or even storybooks. Books like “Martin’s Big Words” by Doreen Rappaport or “I Am Martin Luther King Jr.” by Brad Meltzer provide accessible ways for kids to understand his impact.

• Why it’s great: Reading encourages kids to visualize and relate to Dr. King’s story.
• Activity Idea: After reading, lead a discussion by asking, “What would you do to help someone being treated unfairly?”

2. Make a “Dream” Board

Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech inspires many of us to think about how we can make the world a better place. Why not encourage kids to create their own dream?

• How to do it:
• Provide a large poster board, magazines, and craft supplies.
• Ask kids to draw or cut out images that represent their dreams for a better world—whether that’s clean parks, happy schools, or equal opportunities for all.

This hands-on activity allows kids to connect with Dr. King’s vision on a personal level.

3. Watch a Kid-Friendly MLK Documentary

Search for educational videos or documentaries about Martin Luther King Jr. designed for younger audiences. Many streaming platforms or YouTube channels provide short, age-appropriate documentaries that explain who MLK was and why his work was so important.

• Suggested Video: Look for “Martin Luther King Jr. for Kids” animated videos that simplify his story.
• Discussion Starter: After watching, have kids share the most interesting thing they learned.

4. Create a Unity Handprint Craft

Unity was a core principle of Dr. King’s teachings. Engage kids in a creative craft that symbolizes togetherness by making a “Unity Handprint Collage.”

• How to make it:
• Have kids trace and cut out their handprints on colored paper.
• Write on each handprint a word or phrase like “peace,” “equality,” or “friendship.”
• Arrange the handprints into a heart or tree shape to display as art.

This activity creatively reinforces the idea of working together to build a brighter future.

5. Participate in a Community Service Project

Dr. King believed in serving others, and a service project is a great way to honor his memory. Choose an activity that’s simple enough for kids while teaching them the value of giving back.

• Ideas include:
• Cleaning up a local park.
• Donating books or toys to a children’s charity.
• Writing “thank you” notes to community workers like firefighters or nurses.

Explain how these actions, no matter how small, contribute to the well-being of others.

6. Reenact the “I Have a Dream” Speech

Dr. King’s monumental “I Have a Dream” speech is an excellent way to bring history to life. Enlist kids to reenact parts of the speech, teaching them about the power of words.

• Tips:
• Read aloud or play a recording of the speech first to help kids understand it.
• Assign roles where each child can either read sections or add their personal dream for the future.

This activity strengthens their public speaking skills while deepening their connection to Dr. King’s ideals.

7. Explore Civil Rights Era Music

Music has always played a powerful role in movements for social change. Introduce kids to some of the songs from the Civil Rights Movement, like “We Shall Overcome” or “This Little Light of Mine.”

• Activity Idea:
• Play the songs and encourage kids to sing along.
• Discuss the meaning behind the lyrics and how music brings people together.

This musical exploration adds a unique sensory element to their learning experience.

8. Visit a Local MLK Memorial or Virtual Tour

If available, visit a local Martin Luther King Jr. memorial or museum. If visiting in person isn’t an option, many organizations offer virtual tours of historical landmarks, like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

• Why it’s impactful:
• Seeing real artifacts and learning about historical sites makes Dr. King’s story more tangible for kids.
• It’s a great way to use technology to connect kids to history.

9. Write Letters Promoting Kindness and Fairness

Encourage kids to write letters about what kindness and fairness mean to them. They can address these notes to their family, friends, or even members of their community.

• Prompt ideas include:
• “How can you show kindness at school?”
• “What does fairness look like to you?”

Collect these letters and display them on a “Kindness Wall of Fame” at home or in the classroom.

10. Bake for a Cause

Cooking together can also be a meaningful activity. Bake cookies or treats as a family, and create small gift bundles to share with neighbors or donate to local shelters.

• The tie-in to Dr. King:
• Discuss how gestures of generosity, like sharing food, reflect Dr. King’s message of love and service.
• You can even name the recipe after Dr. King, such as “Dream Cookies” or “Unity Cupcakes.”