Schools are closed Monday, January 20, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it’s a great opportunity to plan family activities. From commemorative programs to free admission to area attractions, there is plenty to do. Check the list below to plan your family’s day to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Enjoy free general admission, connect with scientists, take part in hands-on activities and more. 10 a.m., 1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, cmnh.org
Great Lakes Science Center Free Admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Science Center will have special programming throughout the day. Plus, check out Super Human: Power of Technology – and discover how technology can help improve our lives and make tasks easier. GreatScience.com
MLK Day Free Admission to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Rock Hall is offering free admission with advance reservations. Reserve your tickets below by selecting Monday, January 19, 2026. Maximum of four tickets per order Reserve tickets here.
2026 MLK Day at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Enjoy free Admission to Cleveland Botanical Garden on MLK Jr. Day! Visitors are invited to explore our exotic glasshouses and play in our Perennial Playspace. Be sure to stop by our tree cookie activity table from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to make a craft you can take home, participate in a community art project, and learn about how to access more benefits from plants and trees. 10 a.m. -5 p.m. holdenfg.org
Free Admission to the Cleveland History Center for MLK Day. The Cleveland History Center will open on MLK Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests will enjoy free admission all day with $3 rides on the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel. All exhibits will be open. Weber’s Premium Custard will be on site selling Euclid Beach Vanilla and Higbee’s Frosted Malt. In addition to the ongoing museum exhibits, there will be special materials on view in the library related to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other material from the African American History Archive. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. wrhs.org/plan-your-visit/history-center/
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art opens its doors for a free daylong celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Explore how the moving passages of Dr. King’s writings and speeches shed light on the museum’s collection and create a work of art inspired by his legacy. clevelandart.org/events/martin-luther-king-jr-day-celebration-0#
MLK Free Community Day. Come in from the cold and immerse your family in music, art, and community at Severance Music Center on Monday, January 19. Join us 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. 1 p.m. Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com
MLK Day at the Akron Zoo. Enjoy free admission for all guests in honor of Dr. King. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Akron Art Museum. In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Akron Art Museum will be open and FREE to all. View artwork with a specially designed gallery guide, spend time with friends and family in Open Studio, and pop into the auditorium to enjoy the New York International Children’s Film Festival’s Celebrating Black Stories short films. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron, akronartmuseum.org
MLK Day Celebration. Enjoy free admission, family crafts, film screenings, and special tours honoring the life and work of Dr. King. 10 a.m. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org
January 17-19
United Black Fund Difference-Maker Days at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Explore aquatic life, celebrate STEM pioneers and save $6 Greater Cleveland Aquarium admission Saturday, January 17 – Monday, January 19, 2026. Interactive signage and activities highlight African American trailblazers in marine science, biology, conservation zoology and scuba diving throughout MLK Day Weekend. The Aquarium is donating $1 for every general admission guest ticket purchased onsite during Difference-Makers Days to United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland (UBF), Ohio’s only Black Federated human service organization empowering nonprofits and entrepreneurs driving shared prosperity and community change. greaterclevelandaquarium.com/event/ubf-difference-makers-days/
