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 Martin Luther King Jr. Open House and Day of Music – Monday, January 19, 2026 – With FREE, unticketed general admission, join in for a festive and inspiring celebration of Dr. King’s legacy, featuring a full day of diverse, dynamic performances and interactive activities suitable for all ages. In addition to free admission for the entire day, guests will enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, interactive activities throughout the building, and free family portraits. {Find Out More}
FREE MLK Day at the Akron Art Museum – Monday, January 19, 2026 – The museum is offering free admission (registration recommended) on Martin Luther King Day. View artwork with a specially designed gallery guide, play games in the lobby, and pop into the auditorium to enjoy the New York International Children’s Film Festival’s Celebrating Black Stories short films. {Find Out More}
FREE Community Day at Akron Children’s Museum – Monday, January 19, 2026; 9:30am-3pm – The museum is offering free admission. They are also hosting a book drive. If you can, please bring a book to donate for Akron Public Schools. {Find Out More}
FREE Discovery Day at Cleveland Museum of Natural History – Monday, January 19, 2026 – Enjoy all-day free admission (no registration required) to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Highlights include screenings of the award-winning 3D movie T. REX, a Winter Skies Planetarium Show, Jim and Josh Animal Encounter Jamboree, wildlife talks, and hands-on activities. {Find Out More}
FREE MLK Day Celebration at the Community Arts Center – Monday, January 19, 2026 – Enjoy a special day of public programming, outside regular open hours. In celebration and honor of Martin Luther King Jr., participate in art making, see live performances, and engage with local artists and partners. {Find Out More}
FREE Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Community Celebration at the Maltz Museum – Monday, January 19, 2026 – The museum is offering free admission on Martin Luther King Day. Enjoy free admission, family crafts, film screenings, and special tours honoring the life and work of Dr. King. {Find Out More}
FREE MLK Day at the Great Lakes Science Center – Monday, January 19, 2026 – The science center is offering free admission on Martin Luther King Day. Enjoy free general admission to the Science Center, $5 DOME movies, special programming, big science shows, and more. {Find Out More}
FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Cleveland Botanical Garden – Monday, January 19, 2026 – The center is offering free admission on Martin Luther King Day. Enjoy free admission to the Cleveland Botanical Garden on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, plus stop by the tree cookie activity table to make a craft, explore our exotic glasshouses, play in the Perennial Playspace, and more. {Find Out More}
FREE Admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Cleveland History Center – Monday, January 19, 2026 – Enjoy free admission all day with $3 rides on the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel. {Find Out More}
FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Rock Hall – Monday, January 19, 2026 – In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Rock Hall is offering free admission with advanced reservations. Reserve your tickets below by selecting Monday, January 19, 2026. (Maximum of four tickets per order.) {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 that 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 out of 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.