2018 MLK Day Events in Southeast Michigan

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Aren’t those words SO true? If we can all raise our little ones to fight for what’s right and just, we will have succeeded, right?

There are few people in history as notable as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and since many schools and offices are out to honor his birthday on January 15, 2018, I hope you all spend the day living out his legacy with kindness, service, or learning.

Lucky for us, there is no shortage of great things happening, including several FREE admission museums.

Get inspired to get your kiddos thinking critically at one of these great local events!

2018 MLK Day Events in Southeast Michigan

Attend an MLK Concert at Ann Arbor Public Library {Ann Arbor} — Visit the downtown branch for music by “Rhythm Life Collective,” a global drumming collective presenting music of West African, Cuban, Caribbean, North African, Brazilian, and Arabic traditions. FREE.

Check out FREE Family Drop-In at the Ann Arbor Art Center {Ann Arbor} — Come create your own unique collage inspired by artist Romare Bearden during a free family drop-in event. Open to all ages, but children need to be accompanied by an adult.

Take advantage of Discounted Admission to Ann Arbor Hands On Museum {Ann Arbor} — Special admission price of $6 for ages 2 and up to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day {age 2 and under is always free}.

Get your learning on with FREE entry to Cranbrook Institute of Science {Bloomfield Hills} — Visit from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for free general admission! Learn more about Cranbrook here.

Enjoy FREE Admission to The Henry Ford for MLK Day {Dearborn} — Visit THF from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day includes free admission and free parking, activities and dramatic presentations.

Sitting inside the infamous Rosa Parks bus inside The Henry Ford is the perfect catalyst for discussing history and the Civil Rights era.

Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum for a celebration {Detroit} — The museum’s celebration includes children’s workshops, arts and crafts, musical performances, storytelling, video tributes and much, much more! All exhibits are included in museum admission, which is $8 for adults (ages 13 +), $5 for seniors (62 +) and youth (ages 3 – 12), and free for museum members and children under 3.

Check out FREE Admission to Michigan Science Center {Detroit} — Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with free general admission, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration is required – click here. Public parking behind the building is $7.

Experience “Bring The Dream To Life” at Detroit Historical Museum {Detroit} — Celebrate Dr. King’s birthday with children’s activities, poetry and more from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is always free although parking fees will apply. {Make sure to visit the Detroit Underground Railroad; it’s fantastic!!!}

Watch King: A Filmed Record…Montgomery to Memphis at the Detroit Institute of Arts {Detroit} — Constructed from a wealth of archival footage, the Oscar® nominated King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery To Memphis is a monumental documentary that follows Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from 1955 to 1968, in his rise from regional activist to world-renowned leader of the Civil Rights movement. Free with museum admission, which is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. 1 p.m. at the DFT Auditorium.

Go to Sloan Museum To See “An Equal Opportunity Lie” for FREE {Flint} — Using objects and images from Sloan Museum’s collection, this exhibition examines the housing segregation that characterized Flint’s residential development, as well as efforts to wrest the city free from discriminatory housing practices. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Drop by the Flint Public Library for special programming {Flint} — Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday by attending a special program at 2 p.m. FREE.

Help with Meals on Wheels {Lansing} — Individuals or groups are welcome to help prepare and package items for cold sacks and frozen meals that are delivered with hot meals to older adults and adults with disabilities. Children ages 8 and older are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Learn more and sign up here.

If you’d rather stay close to home, visit here to find a volunteer opportunity, try these inexpensive random acts of kindness, or hit up the library! There are so many amazing books highlighting Dr. King’s work. My absolute favorite to inspire young readers {Amazon affiliate link}:

How do you celebrate MLK Day in your home?