Enjoy the return of your favorite rides, slides, shows, and more with your mom this weekend at Dorney Park's season opening. Photo courtesy of the park
Mother's Day Weekend 2025 in Philadelphia: Brunch and More Fun Things To Do
Treat mom to a special meal at a Mother's Day brunch at Sesame Place. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
Best Mother's Day Brunches in Philly
The Philadelphia Children's Festival is back with an exciting array of professional performances for the whole family, Photo by R. Kennedy/Visit Phily
Best of May: 14 Top Things To Do in Philadelphia with Kids in May 2025
Summer camps help your child develop new skills and make new friends
GUIDE
Summer Camp Guide for Philadelphia Kids
Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
100 Free Things To Do in Philly with Kids
School Calendars 2025-2026: Important Dates for Philadelphia School District
Enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and luscious strawberry-themed food and drink specials at Peddler's Village Strawberry Festival. Photo by Paul Boger
Best Spring Festivals and Fairs in Philly for Families
Check out the amazing WildWorks Ropes Course at the entrance to the Philadelphia Zoo.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Ultimate Pennsylvania Bucket List: 35 Things To Do With Kids in PA
Kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill @creativishmom
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Philly
Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
15 Free Things To Do Indoors in Philadelphia: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
3 Days in Philadelphia with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin
Best Kids Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Philadelphia
Phildephia's Magic Gardens are covered by magical mosaics and found objects. Photo by Liz Baill @creativishmom
Best Philly Tours for Kids: Art Hunts, Food Tours, Ghost Tours, and More
Grand Slam U.S.A. challenges you to a game of laser tag! Photo courtesy of the center
Best Laser Tag Zones and Paintball for Philly Kids
Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
9 Walkable Neighborhoods near Philly for Family Outings
Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with Kids: Creative Family Time at the Art Museum
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia
Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author
Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families
Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
Best Indoor Birthday Parties for Kids in Philly
Curiosity meets discovery in Body Odyssey, where the walkthrough Giant Heart is just the beginning.
The Giant Heart is Back and Better Than Ever at the Franklin Institute
Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.
Visiting Historic Philadelphia: Top Things To Do in the Historic District with Kids
Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near Philadelphia that are Perfect for Preschoolers
Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC
11 Kid-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Spots
Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Things To Do in Philly with Kids Before They Grow Up
Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air
Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Philly: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!
Six Flag Great Adventure brings big-time thrills and is one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.
Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey
Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Top Attractions in Philadelphia: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
13 Philly Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.
GUIDE
Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways
No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
10 PA Weekend Getaways for Families
On the first Sunday of each month, the Barnes offers free admission and creative programming to its visitors. Photo by J. Fusco/Visit Philly
Strawberries, Rittenhouse Row Fest, South Street Live!, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend

How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021 With NJ Kids

The Arts Council of Princeton is giving away a limited-edition coloring book to celebrate the history of notable Black Princetonians to commemorate MLK Day. Photo courtesy of the Arts Council
The Arts Council of Princeton is giving away a limited-edition coloring book to celebrate the history of notable Black Princetonians to commemorate MLK Day. Photo courtesy of the Arts Council
1/11/21 - By Laurie Rein

Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for the civil rights movement, is memorialized annually on the third Monday in January. This floating holiday has evolved into more than just a day off from school; it's now deemed a National Day of Service. MLK Day encourages volunteers across the country to donate their time to make a difference in their communities while honoring the civil rights icon. This day reminds us of hope, compassion, and the ongoing potential for social change.

While most volunteer opportunities are virtual or drop-off this year, there are still plenty of ways to support Martin Luther King Jr.'s mission throughout New Jersey. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place on Monday, January 18, 2021. 

Editor's note: While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our Event Calendar to find something else to do.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Hear a reading of 'I am Every Good Thing,' by Derrick Barnes at Princeton's MLK celebration. Photo courtesy of Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James/Penguin Young Readers
Hear a reading of 'I am Every Good Thing,' by Derrick Barnes at Princeton's MLK celebration. Photo courtesy of Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James/Penguin Young Readers

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021 Events in New Jersey

Community Day: MLK Jr. Day Celebration—Breaking Down Barriers

Online
The Newark Museum of Art's virtual celebration honors the life and legacy of one of this nation’s greatest heroes: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year highlights how barriers were broken with a woman of color and Asian descent soon to become Vice President of the United States. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Fanwood Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Scotch Plains and Online
Join the Scotch Plains Fanwood community for its annual day of service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Service projects include volunteer opportunities like card-making and food and clothing drives. READ MORE

West Windsor Arts Council MLK Day Service 2021 Project

West Windsor and Online
The West Windsor Arts Council hosts a virtual panel discussion and volunteer opportunities on MLK Day. Service projects may require advanced preparation for drop-off on the day. READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Coloring Book Pickup

Princeton
The Arts Council of Princeton welcomes families to learn about the impact and influence of Black Princetonians by picking up a free, limited-edition coloring book. READ MORE

Virtual Story Hour with jaZams

Online
jaZam’s Jeff and Dean share some favorite new books celebrating stories of social justice, civil rights, and equality for all people, accompanied by ukulele tunes. READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Opportunites at Summit Area YMCA

Summit
The Summit Area YMCA offers everyone the chance to make a difference by giving back on MLK Day. Donation opportunities include a coat drive, an art supply drive, and an essential drive collection.  READ MORE

MLK Day Challenge

Westampton
Burlington County Library hosts this drop-off donation event, in honor of Dr. King's legacy. Make it a "day on" by meeting the needs of the community with donations of food, animal supplies, cards, and more. READ MORE

Jersey Cares Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Various locations and online
Jersey Cares Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service welcomes children and adults to take part in virtual and in-person projects to strengthen communities and build a stronger New Jersey. Projects require registration. READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Summit
Stop by the patio of Reeves-Reed Arboretum to pick up supplies to create valentines that will be delivered to clients of SAGE Eldercare. On this important day of service memorializing Martin Luther King Jr., participants can warm the hearts of our neighbors.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.