This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 18, 2021. Because schools are closed to observe the holiday, you may be looking for fun things to do. 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.

If you know of any other events that should be included, please submit the details here. Thanks for letting us all know about the best things to do on Martin Luther King Day!

FREE or Discounted Admission to Area Museums on MLK Day

FREE Admission to the Akron Zoo
Monday, January 18, 2021; 11am-4pm
Free admission for all guests. Parking is $3. Tickets must be reserved online.

Hear Our Voices: FREE MLK Day Celebration at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
Monday, January 18, 2021; 11am-5pm
Tour the Maltz Museum’s core collections at no cost. Free admission with advance registration. Limited, timed tickets available.

MLK Day Event: Remember the Dream from Lorain County Metro Parks

This 7-day event will have a virtual component, online activities, and outdoor experiences for everyone to enjoy. {Find Out More}
When: January 15-22, 2021
Where: Online via Facebook
Cost: FREE [REGISTER]

MLK Day Take-Home Kit from Lorain County Metro Parks

Learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and find out why he has a holiday in his honor through an engaging take-home kit. Pre-register for a kit online by Jan. 17th. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, January 18, 2021
Where: Wellington Reservation Visitor Center, 535 Jones Rd., Wellington, OH 44090
Cost: FREE [REGISTER]

Hear Our Voices: MLK Day Celebration at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage + Virtual Program

Online programs and self-guided museum tours. The all-day celebration includes free Museum admission, virtual family activities, and a special online program featuring Dr. David Pilgrim of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, January 18, 2021
Where: Online
Cost: FREE [REGISTER]

Self-Guided MLK Day Hike at Summit County Park District

Enjoy a self-guided hike along Alder Trail inspired by the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, January 18, 2021; 9am-11pm
Where: Goodyear Heights Metro Park, 2077 Newton St., Akron, OH 44305
Cost: FREE

Canton Museum of Art's School's Out FREE Mondays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Join in virtually for a “stay safe” edition of the Canton Museum of Art's School's Out FREE Monday event! Inspired by the current exhibit, “Ceramics for the Anthropocene: Dennis Meiners,” students will enjoy animal-themed art activities and a virtual scavenger hunt. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, January 18, 2021; 10am-3pm
Where: Online
Cost: FREE

Akron Art Museum's Virtual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Throughout the day, the museum will stream videos about works from the collection that highlight significant moments in the Civil Rights Movement, in tandem with readings of work by black authors and poets on both our Facebook and Instagram sites. Each session will feature selections for both adults and children. To wrap up the day, join a local art teacher for an art-making demonstration using supplies from the museum’s new Creativity Care Kit, which you can pick up in advance for FREE. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, January 18, 2021; 10am-3pm
Where: Online
Cost: FREE

Akron Art Museum Family Day: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Join the museum and the Akron-Summit County Public Library in a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout the day, the museum will stream videos about works from the collection that highlight significant moments in the Civil Rights Movement, in tandem with readings of work by black authors and poets on both our Facebook and Instagram sites. Each session will feature selections for both adults and children. To wrap up the day, join a local art teacher for an art-making demonstration using supplies from the museum’s new Creativity Care Kit, which you can pick up in advance for FREE. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, January 18, 2021; 10am-4pm
Where: Online via Facebook
Cost: FREE [REGISTER]

Great Lakes Science Center's Virtual Celebration for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

In addition to the following videos, a special Artemis Astronaut Reveal video will play on YouTube throughout the day explaining why NASA is going back to the moon and how this goal will benefit all humankind. The video features stunning images, video and animation, and is narrated by each of the 18 astronauts from NASA’s astronaut corps who have been selected to participate in the Artemis program. Three people of color from the corps, astronauts Stephanie Wilson, Victor Glover, and Jessica Watkins, will have their inspiring stories highlighted in additional video profiles during the event. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, January 18, 2021; 10am-5pm
Where: Online
Cost: FREE

The Cleveland Museum of Art's Martin Luther King Day Virtual Program: Becoming a Beloved Community

The program includes opening remarks by Reverend Dr. Jawanza Colvin, the pastor of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, a museum trustee, and the inaugural chair of the museum’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee; original poems recited by Cuyahoga County poet laureate Honey Bell-Bey; and acclaimed poet Orlando Watson; and a moderated discussion. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, January 18, 2021; 6pm
Where: Online
Cost: FREE [REGISTER]

More Fun Options

Go Sled Riding – Be sure to bundle up and be careful out there!

Indoor & Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks – Details on all the local indoor and outdoor rinks.

Ice Rink Open at Wade Oval

Enjoy skating at The Rink. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, January 18, 2021; 12pm-7pm
Where: 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
Cost: General: $2 Admission, $3 Skate rentals, Student: $1 Admission, $2 Skate rentals

Indoor Play Centers – All the fun places where kids and families can play indoors (playgrounds, arcades, laser tag, and more). Many are offering discounts and special hours for MLK Day.

20 Indoor Activities – Here are some ideas for fun things you can do from the comfort of your own home.

If you know of any other events that should be included, please submit the details here. Thanks for letting us all know about the best things to do on Martin Luther King Day!

We Hope to Enjoy These Martin Luther King Day Events Again Next Year:

FREE or Discounted Admission to Area Museums on Martin Luther King Day

FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Day Virtual Community Open House
TBA

FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert at Severance Hall
TBA

FREE Admission to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
TBA

Discounted Admission to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
TBA

FREE Admission to the Great Lakes Science Center
TBA

FREE Admission to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
TBA

FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2020: MLK Had a Dream, What is Yours? at the University of Akron
CANCELED FOR 2021

FREE Ice Fest at North Coast Harbor

Ice displays are set up on the walkway between the Science Center, Rock Hall, Harbor Verandas, and Nuevo Cleveland. In addition, the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum will have free admission for the day. Enjoy crafts, hot cocoa, and swag giveaways in Nuevo Cleveland. {Find Out More}
When: CANCELED FOR 2021
Where: 1180 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, OH 44114
Cost: FREE

FREE X-TREME Winter Fun Day at Geauga Park District

Spend the afternoon of your day off having an “X-TREME” amount of winter fun outside with friends! Try snowshoes, bring your sled for some fun downhill rides, learn about winter wildlife and warm up by a fire with hot cocoa and s'mores. This is a drop-off program. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Orchard Hills Park, 11340 Caves Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
Cost: FREE [Register]

MLK Day at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium

In addition to regularly scheduled Sharks & Scuba talks and animal encounters, the Aquarium will highlight African Americans influential in the fields of marine science and scuba diving through an MLK Day Search for Greatness Scavenger Hunt and the chance to win an annual family pass. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Cost: Each guest who donates $1 or more to UBF on Martin Luther King Jr. Day will receive discounted same-day $10 admission to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

FREE Kids Fun Day at Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market

Activities such as board games, inflatables, mechanical horses, lunch combos from Sarah’s Market Fresh Grill, and more! {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
Cost: FREE

FREE Fun Day: Bird Quest for Kids at Lake Metroparks

Come to the Nature Center and explore the world of birds through fun activities, such as scavenger hunts, a craft, and live animals – all at your own pace. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd., Willoughby, OH 44094
Cost: FREE

FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2020: MLK Had a Dream, What is Yours? at The University of Akron

Martin Luther King Jr. inspired millions with his “I Have a Dream” speech. To honor his legacy, visit the International Lounge from 8-5pm on January 21st to share your dream. {Find Out More}
When: CANCELED FOR 2021
Where: The University of Akron Student Union, 303 Carroll St., Akron, OH 44325
Cost: FREE