MLK Day in Philadelphia is a time for families to come together, reflect, and give back. This year, museums, parks, and cultural institutions, and community spaces across the city are offering kid-friendly programming, free admission days, and hands-on activities that help children understand Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy through action and creativity.
🧸 MLK Day at the Please Touch Museum
One of the nation’s top children’s museum, the Please Touch Museum is hosting special MLK Day activities focused on confidence-building and self-expression. Families can explore hands-on experience in textiles, music, performing and visual arts, and STEM-themed play, all designed to help kids see how they can make a difference in their own communities.
🖼️ African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP)
AAMP will celebrate MLK Day weekend under the theme Radical Peace with family-friendly programming. Events include art-making inspired by historic murals, a screening of Selma, and—MLK Day—free admission, gallery talks, hands-on activities, and a special appearance y the Phillie Phanatic.
📜 National Constitution Center
Families can enjoy free admission and extended hours along with arts and crafts tables, a dramatic reading of the I Have a Dream speech, the Inspired by Independence show, and a family concert called Songs Inspired by the Civil Rights Era. Visitors are also encouraged to bring school supplies to donate.
🕊️ Eastern State Penitentiary: Finding Justice Weekend
Eastern State’s annual Finding Justice Weekend offers family-friendly experiences connecting history, poetry, and civil rights. On MLK Day, families can join a two-hour immersive program featuring storytelling, music, and readings focused on justice and equality.
🌱 MLK Day Volunteer Workdays in Philly Parks
Families can honor Dr. King’s message of service by volunteering together at FDR Park or West Fairmount Park. Activities include litter cleanup, invasive plant removal, and general park beautification…perfect for older kids and teens.
🎶 Philadelphia Orchestra MLK Tribute Concert
This free, annual concert at the Kimmel Center features powerful performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra and students musicians. Families are encouraged to register in advance to attend this inspiring afternoon event.
🥞 MLK Annual Memorial Breakfast at the Crystal Tea Room
Hosted by the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, this annual breakfast honors Dr. King’s legacy and recognizes local leaders who embody his ideals. The event takes place in the historic Crystal Tea Room and draws large crowds each year.
🇺🇸 Museum of the American Revolution
This museum will honor Dr. King’s ties to the fight for independence with theatrical performances, pop-up talks on Phillis Wheatley, guided gallery tours highlighting Black voices of the Revolution, and the ongoing exhibit The Declaration’s Journey.
🎨 MLK Family Festival at Woodmere Art Museum
Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill will host its annual MLK Family Festival, free with registration. Families can take part in hands-on art-making inspired by Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement, followed by a 2 p.m. interactive breakdancing and storytelling performance with Hip Hop Fundamentals. Afterward, guests are welcome to explore the museum’s galleries and grounds.
Whether you’re exploring museums, volunteering outdoors, or attending a concert together, MLK Day and weekend in Philadelphia offers meaningful ways for families to learn, reflect, grow, and give back.