Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Children

Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Children

Martin Luther King Jr. Day takes place on the third Monday of January annually and has been a holiday observed as a federal holiday in all 50 states since 2000. While many enjoy an extra day off from schools and workplaces, parents may consider taking the opportunity to talk with children about the meaning of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and why we celebrate to honor his legacy.

Who was Martin Luther King Jr.?

The concept of Civil Rights and the intricacies of the movement that Dr. King inspired might be too big for preschool and Kindergarten-aged children. However, even at a young age, children understand the core message of fairness and kindness. Simply put for young children, Dr. King was a man who was treated differently because of the color of his skin so he stood up for himself and those like him who were also being treated unfairly. Others who listened to Dr. King speak agreed with what he was saying and joined his team to help everyone who was being treated unfairly. Some people called him a hero. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is when we remember him and honor the message of kindness and fairness that he spread.

Martin Luther King Jr. Facts

• If Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today, he would be 93 years old.
• There are more than 900 streets across the United States in 40 different states named for MLK Jr. 
• There is a memorial statue of Dr. King located in Washington D.C. Worldwide, other countries have honored Dr. King with memorials including Hungary, South Africa, Israel, Ghana, India, London, and Sweden.
• Martin Luther King Jr. graduated high school early and began college at the age of 15 years old. 
• MLK Jr. is the youngest person at age 35 years old to have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which he won for nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice.
• Martin Luther King Jr. graduated high school early and began college at the age of 15 years old. 
• MLK Jr. is the youngest person at age 35 years old to have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which he won for nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice.

Resources for MLK Jr. Day

Taking the time to talk about Dr. King’s legacy on this day is an important way to honor his work. Here are a few kid-friendly resources to share with your children: 

• A Kids Book About Systemic Racism and A Kids Book About Racism – A Kids Co. publishes books meant for kids and tackles big topics about the important stuff in life. 
• We March – focusing on the March on Washington and Dr. King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech, this book is great for kids ages 4-8 years.
• The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Kid President – Kid President tells the incredible story of Dr. King.

Fun Activities to Honor MLK Jr.

Children always love to do arts and crafts. Here are some great printables and ideas to get crafty while remembering Martin Luther King Jr.

• Peace Paper Plate – Use painter’s tape or masking tape and make a peace sign on a paper plate. Have kids paint all over. When dry remove the tape!
• “I Have a Dream” Printable Journal Sheet – This is a fun way to start a conversation and get your child thinking. It always warms my heart to hear of the kind things they think of. Designed and created by The Whimsically Wonderful Blog. You can download it here.
• “I Have a Dream” Printable Color Sheet – This is a free color sheet as a part of the One Love Activity Collection created by Olive & Eve Co. Download it here.
• “I Have a Dream Journal” Printable – This entire journal is free and can be printed at home. Have fun filling it out as a family and putting it together with fun ribbon and yarn. Created by The Show Gals. You can download it here.

Honor MLK Jr. with Children

The history of Martin Luther King Jr. is extensive and his contributions to modern-day society live on. Here are three simple ways you can encourage your children to honor Dr. King’s legacy:

• Do some good and give back to your community. Volunteer locally and encourage children that serving others can be a year-round opportunity.
• Talk with children about current events that are continuations of Dr. King’s work, such as the Black Lives Matter movement. Help them understand their role in spreading and supporting Dr. King’s message of equality today and into the future.
• Create and share! Help kids use the inspiration from Dr. King to make and share artwork, stories, poems, or music. Whatever your child’s talent, encourage them to use it to spread messages supporting inclusivity, equality, and kindness. 

12th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Prayer Breakfast 

When: January 20, 7:30 a.m. to 9

Where: Parents Hall, Drake University Olmsted Center 2875 University Ave, Des Moines

The YMCA’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Prayer Breakfast brings together residents, business and government leaders, and representatives of community nonprofit organizations to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and promote his message of peace, justice, and opportunity for all. The 2025 Breakfast, “Everyone Deserves a Place to Call Home”, will feature a panel discussion centered around housing equity in our community. The event will also feature the presentation of the Make A Difference Awards, recognizing individuals for their work to advance opportunity and build a stronger, more inclusive community. Learn more here.

West Des Moines MLK Day Celebration and Multicultural Reception

When: January 20, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex 6500 Grand Ave West Des Moines

All individuals and families are welcome to attend. The event will feature a keynote speaker, and will be filled with great musical performances, food, educational exhibits, and scholarships and community awards. This year’s keynote speaker is Al Womble, West Des Moines Citizen of the Year and Political Director for the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO. Learn more here.

WDM MLK Day Service Opportunities with Meals from the Heartland

When: January 20, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Meals from the Heartland, 357 Lincoln Street, WDM

Package meals to give back to our community. Learn more here.

Martin Luther King Jr Day Celebration

When: January 20, 4 p.m.

Where: Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines

Join Forest Avenue Library for an annual celebration in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The keynote speaker is a well-known community leader, business owner, voting rights activist, multiple board committee member, and newly appointed President & CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood, Deidre DeJear. Learn more here.