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MLK Weekend 2023 in DC: Volunteer Opportunities, Astronomy Festival, Mosaic Polar Plunge, and More Top Things To Do with Kids

All are invited to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at the Reston Community Center. Photo courtesy of the center
All are invited to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at the Reston Community Center. Photo courtesy of the center
1/11/23 - By Jennifer Swope

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend by attending an event or participating in the MLK National Day of Service. Make your way to Anacostia for the Annual MLK Peace Walk & Parade. Learn about Dr. King's work through special educational programming at the National Museum of African American History & Culture and the B&O Railroad Museum. Or, participate in a clean-up of a local park in Alexandria, Virginia; Montgomery County, Maryland; or Herndon, Virginia. Find more meaningful ways to honor Dr. King below.

Don’t miss our lists of free places to play indoors near DC, fun winter activities for DC families, and the best things to do in Washington, DC in January with kids.

More Things To Do in Washington, DC this Week with Kids:

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This powerful banner was created by River Terrance Education Campus students for the the Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade.
This powerful banner was created by River Terrance Education Campus students for the the Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade.

Things to Do in DC this MLK Jr. Weekend with Kids

No Excuses, No Limits

Washington, DC - Friday - Sunday, January 13-15
Through dance, music, audience interaction, and a gained understanding of the limitless possibilities that any person can hold, ILL-ABILITIES™—the international all-star breakdance crew of seven of the world’s best differently-abled dancers—tell their stories. READ MORE

Disney's Beauty & the Beast Jr

Arlington, VA - Friday, January 13 - Sunday, January 22
Come watch the classic tale of Belle, a young woman from a provincial town, and a Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. Will the Beast learn his lesson before the last rose petal falls?  READ MORE

Treasure Hunting in Wheaton Regional Park

Wheaton, MD - Saturday, January 14
A park naturalist leads participants on a geocaching hike in Wheaton Regional Park. READ MORE

Family Scavenger Hunt & Hike

Colesville, MD - Saturday, January 14
Maydale has a hike for every family. Night hikes, naturalist-led hikes, and scavenger hunts excite and educate family members of all ages. Registered families can drop in anytime during a program's hours. READ MORE

Astronomy Festival

Great Falls, VA - Saturday, January 14
Families can enjoy a variety of astronomy activities, including guided stargazing, looking through a telescope, various games, and listening to stories about the constellations around a campfire. READ MORE

Aquarium

Bethesda, MD - Saturday, January 14 - Sunday, February 12
Enter a fantastical island world where fish soar through the air, lemons light up the sky, and sheep go parading by. With gentle music, puppets, and props, actors lead children and caregivers in an interactive exploration of a magical place of play. READ MORE

Mosaic Polar Plunge

Fairfax, VA - Saturday, January 14
Supporters of the Special Olympics take a chilly polar plunge at Mosaic District to raise money for Special Olympics athletes. Watch the costume contest and pool plungers, or register online to participate. READ MORE

Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration

Reston, VA - Saturday - Monday, January 14-16
This birthday celebration of the life of Dr. King features performances by the Reston Community Orchestra and Mark G. Meadows, as well as a keynote speech by Heather McGhee. A special celebration designed for kids ages 6-12 takes place on Monday, Jan. 16 from 10:30am to 1:30pm, featuring educational activities, videos, and arts and crafts. The kids' event is free and participants must register in advance. READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend: A Celebration of Freedom

Baltimore, MD - Sunday & Monday, January 15 & 16
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and view the new exhibit, The Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O Railroad. The museum will have special programming exploring the concept of freedom on Sunday, Jan. 15 and Monday, Jan. 16, including kid-focused educational activities. These events are included with the price of admission. READ MORE

The Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade

Washington, DC - Monday, January 16
Coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Peace Walk is held annually on the MLK holiday. Over a thousand Peace Walkers join in the two-mile walk along MLK Ave in Southeast DC. READ MORE

MLK Service and Learning Day at Frying Pan Farm

Herndon, VA - Monday, January 16
Children will learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of giving back to our community. Through various stations, they will hear about the Civil Rights Movement, participate in a service project, and reflect on the power of community cooperation.  READ MORE

MLK Day of Service – Mount Vernon Trail

Alexandria, VA - Monday, January 16
Help the Friends of Mount Vernon Trail improve the trail near the old power plant in Alexandria by removing invasive kudzu vines that are killing nearby trees and constantly growing over the trail. READ MORE

The People's Holiday

Washington, DC - Monday, January 16
The National Museum of African American History & Culture's annual community program honors Dr. King's commitment to racial equality, justice, and service. Highlights of the day include live music inspired by Dr. King and written by musical legends featured in the museum’s collection, a service project benefiting unhoused and foster children, and a culinary station featuring Dr. King’s favorite foods for purchase. READ MORE

Free Tours of Marietta House Museum

Glenn Dale, MD - Monday, January 16
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, families can enjoy a free guided tour of the Era of Jim Crow Reconstruction and Pullman Porters exhibitions and the Marietta Historic House. READ MORE

MLK Service Clean-ups with Montgomery Parks

Mongtomery, Co., MD - Monday, January 16
Recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day through a volunteer park clean-up at parks across Montgomery County. Participants can help clear litter from streams, beautify green spaces, and do other things to protect natural spaces and wildlife. READ MORE

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