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 off to honor him on January 20, 2020, 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 events.
Get inspired to get your kiddos thinking critically at one of these great local events!
2020 MLK Day Events in Southeast Michigan
Take advantage of Discounted Admission to Ann Arbor Hands On Museum {Ann Arbor} — Special admission price of $6 for ages 2 and upto celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day {age 2 and under is always free}.
Hear MLK’s speeches at Ann Arbor Public Library {Ann Arbor} — Visit the Mallett’s Creek branch and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by dropping in to watch videos of his speeches all day long. FREE.
Visit Cranbrook Institute of Science {Bloomfield Hills} — Visit the Institute from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for an educational experience and various exhibits. There will be a special story time in the Science Shop at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for preschool and elementary school kids. Story time is FREE with general admission, and free stickers and coloring sheets will be provided.
Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum for a FREE celebration {Detroit} — Enjoy FREE museum-wide family activities, including face painting, a live artist, moderated youth discussions, educational films and a lot more. No ticket purchase necessary for family events scheduled from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Experience “Beyond The Dream” at Detroit Historical Museum {Detroit} — Celebrate Dr. King’s birthday with guided tours of the internationally acclaimed exhibition, Detroit 67: Perspectives, live footage of Dr. King’s speeches, an activity book building craft, “Dream Drip”, a workshop for older youth who will have the opportunity to create their very own rap song inspired by the words of Dr. King, wonderful live performances and more! Admission is always free although parking fees will apply.
Head to the Motown Museum {Detroit} — The museum will be offering free admission to visitors under 18 {with paid adult} on MLK Day. Visit to learn about the link between the civil rights leader and hit-making record company once based in Detroit.
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.
Flint MLK Jr. Celebration {Flint} — Join the Flint Public Library and the Flint Institute of Arts to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a full day of free activities that emphasize identity, unity, and community engagement. FREE.
Unity March in Howell {Howell} — Cleary University will be hosting speakers and a march through Howell to honor Dr. King. FREE.
Celebrate Unity Day at Novi Public Library {Novi} — Children ages 5-10 will gather in the Youth Activity Room to make unity crafts, enjoy a Martin Luther King Jr. {kid-friendly} movie,and a breakfast treat. FREE to attend; pre-registration encouraged.
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 book about Dr. King to inspire young readers {Amazon affiliate link}:
How do you celebrate MLK Day in your home?
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