Because schools are closed to observe the holiday, you may be looking for fun things to do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Thankfully there are many fun activities planned. Some of the events are specifically designed to remember Martin Luther King Jr., while others are just fun options to get you out of the house.
Make it a Museum Day – FREE or Discounted Admission to Area Museums on MLK Day
With over 60 amazing museums in Ohio, it’s not hard to find one that the whole family will enjoy with many offering special Martin Luther King Jr. programs and events.
Check below for our updated list of those offering FREE and discounted admission on MLK Day before you go.
FREE 45th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert with The Cleveland Orchestra – Sunday, January 19, 2025 – Free general admission tickets to this special performance. Must register for tickets online in advance. {Find Out More}
FREE MLK Day Celebration at the Akron Art Museum – Monday, January 20, 2025 – Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with FREE public hours at the Museum. Related photographs from the collection will be on view and interactive activities will be available in the lobby. {Find Out More}
Free Discovery Day at Cleveland Museum of Natural History – Monday, January 20, 2025 – Enjoy all-day free admission to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Plus, collect exclusive MLK-themed buttons at three stations throughout the museum, enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate in Origins Café, reflect on Dr. King’s profound impact through a series of posters, and contribute to something bigger through interactive opportunities to share your voice and dreams. {Find Out More}
FREE MLK Day Celebration at the Community Arts Center – Monday, January 20, 2025 – Enjoy a special day of public programming, outside regular open hours. {Find Out More}
Hear Our Voices: FREE MLK Day Celebration at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage – Monday, January 20, 2025 -Tour the Maltz Museum’s core collections at no cost. Explore the Museum and experience the latest special exhibition, all while enjoying hands-on activities on this family-friendly day! Free admission with advance registration. {Find Out More}
FREE MLK Community Open House & Day of Music with The Cleveland Orchestra – Monday, January 20, 2025 – Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with free community performances and activities! This family-friendly event features a wide variety of community ensembles live from Severance’s Mandel Concert Hall and Reinberger Chamber Hall. {Find Out More}
FREE MLK Day at the Great Lakes Science Center – Monday, January 20, 2025 – The science center is offering free admission on Martin Luther King Day. Enjoy a day of hands-on exploration with special programming, including exciting science shows, interactive activities, NASA Glenn’s African Heritage Advisory Group, Canine Companions, and more. {Find Out More}
Go Ice Skating at a Seasonal Outdoor Rink
Head out for a fun afternoon of ice skating at one of the outdoor ice skating rinks. There are 10 options to choose from with locations across Northeast Ohio. Make sure to check their holiday hours. Pro tip: Take a thermos of hot chocolate with you or stop by your favorite café to pick up a warm drink and treat to enjoy when you’re done.
Visit the Animals at the Zoo
Often animals are more active during the winter months so a trip to the zoo is a perfect option for a January afternoon. Head over to the Cleveland Zoo or visit the Akron Zoo and take advantage of their offer of free admission for MLK Day.
FREE Admission to the Akron Zoo
Free admission for all guests. Parking rates apply. {Find Out More}
Take a Hike on a Unique Trail
Located in Cleveland Metroparks Hinckley Reservation, the stone carvings at Worden’s Ledges are a fascinating treasure all ages will enjoy. The short .7-mile hike leads through beautiful scenery and moss-covered ledges. Then out of nowhere, you’ll discover historic carvings among the stones. It’s like a nature scavenger hunt!
Another fun option is to hike to a waterfall. There are so many great waterfalls in Ohio and many are easily accessible. Use our guide to find a trail near you and spend the day in nature.
You can also check your nearby Metroparks for themed activities and special naturalist-led hikes planned for the day.
Burn Off Energy at an Indoor Fun Center
Depending on the weather or if your family prefers to stay warm and cozy during the cold days, there are plenty of fun things for you to do inside too. For active fun try a new indoor play center or obstacle course.
And there is no need to wait until summer to play a round or two of mini golf. Instead, head to one of these Glow in the Dark Indoor Mini Golf Courses.
Plan a Weekend Getaway
With the kids off school for a long weekend, you may want to load up the car and head out on a mini road trip. Not sure where to go, we’ve got you covered! Our top picks for weekend getaways in Ohio include big cities, small towns, and outdoor adventure options. Where will you go next?!
You may also be interested in: Winter Fun Guide – 100+ Things to Do this Winter
Hartville Marketplace is having Kids@play day.
Cleveland History Center at Western Reserve Historical Society located in University Circle is free on MLK Day. I believe the carousel rides will be $3.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is free on this day .
Free fun day at Pennitentiary Glenn.