The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in January 2025. Photo: ©Michael J.Lutch for the BYSO
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MLK Weekend 2025 in Boston: 13 Best Things To Do With Kids

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend in Boston with family activities. Wee Wear the Crowns event photo by Wayne Lake Photography
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend in Boston with family activities. Wee Wear the Crowns event photo by Wayne Lake Photography
1/15/25 - By N Ferreira

Looking for the best things to do in Boston this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

MLK weekend 2025 brings wonderful tributes, activities, and things to do in Boston. It's a wonderful time to take kids to a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service hosted by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Museum lovers will also enjoy MLK Day Open House at the MFA, where they will be celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King. Need a little time outdoors? On Monday during MLK weekend 2025, it's one of the Free Entrance Days in the National Parks.

For more ideas on what to do this weekend in Boston, find 10 New England Ski Resorts that Cater to Families and the Best Indoor Waterparks in New England. Also, chase away boredom if we get another snow day this MLK weekend!

More Things To Do in Boston this Week with Kids:

 

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MLK weekend 2025 brings shows and celebrations to Boston. MLK concert photo courtesy of the Boston Childrens Chorus.
MLK weekend 2025 brings shows and celebrations to Boston. MLK concert photo courtesy of the Boston Childrens Chorus.

MLK Weekend 2025 Things To Do in Boston

Small Acts, Big Impacts: A Day of Service

Acton
Saturday, January 18-20, 2025
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a designated National Day of Service, to encourage all Americans to volunteer within their communities and honor the life and legacy of the Civil Rights leader. Join the Discovery Museum and engage in small acts of service to benefit our neighbors.  READ MORE

Wee Wear the Crowns

Boston
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Join Wee The People for a kid-powered workshop celebrating Black identity, Black experience, and unapologetic Black JOY. READ MORE

Belmont World Film's 21st Family Festival

Belmont
Saturday, January 18 - 26, 2025
Belmont World Film’s Family Festival marks its 21st year with both in-person screenings and workshops, with some films available virtually. Most films are based on international children’s books, with many making their North American premieres. READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: ICA Free Admission

Boston — FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
The ICA is offering free admission for all on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20. Celebrate the legacy of MLK with art-making and three acclaimed exhibitions. READ MORE

Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Boston — FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
This tribute to Dr. King will feature classical and spiritual pieces performed by young musicians from BYSO’s Intensive Community Program alongside distinguished leaders who will evoke the power and the promise of the civil rights hero through remarks, readings, and spoken word. READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Nationwide — FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
On select days throughout the year, including January 20, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee.  READ MORE

MLK Day Open House at the MFA

Boston — FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
The MFA once again opens their doors for the annual MLK Day Open House. This year, the MFA offers free admission—including access to “Georgia O’Keeffe and Henry Moore”—for Massachusetts residents. READ MORE

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the Peabody Essex Museum

Salem — FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
Celebrate the legacy and leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Explore America, A Hymnal, David Boxer’s The Black Books, Alison Saar’s Weight, and other works that examine social justice, identity, and freedom across the generations. READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Boston — FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King and carry on his pursuit of justice with a Day of Service at the Gardner Museum. Excerpts of his speeches serve as inspiration for art kits that kids can take home to design their own advocacy or postcards to share a message of hope with someone.  READ MORE

Free Admission at Zoo New England on MLK Day

Boston & Stoneham — FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, enjoy free admission at Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo on Monday, January 20, 2025, and learn about fascinating wildlife from all over the world. READ MORE

Boston Children's Chorus: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert

Boston
Monday, January 20, 2025
The Boston Children's Chorus presents Road to Freedom: The 22nd tribute concert to Dr. Martin Luthar King Jr. Concert. Boston Children’s Chorus takes the stage at Symphony Hall to explore the intersecting paths of two iconic figures in the fight for civil rights: Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.  READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Boston — FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King and carry on his pursuit of justice with a Day of Service at the Gardner Museum. Excerpts of his speeches serve as inspiration for art kits that kids can take home to design their own advocacy or postcards to share a message of hope with someone.  READ MORE

15th Annual Cambridge MLK Day of Service and Learning

Cambridge — FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
Many Helping Hands and partners organize one of the largest single-day service events in New England. The day’s events will begin with a Welcome Gathering at Central Square Church before volunteers will be directed to their service locations.  READ MORE

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