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, including live science shows such as Bubblemania and Seeing Sound, and NASA Glenn’s African Heritage Advisory Group will be present to discuss career and internship opportunities within the agency. Guests can also participate in hands-on activities while learning about NASA’s contributions to aeronautics and space exploration. GreatScience.com
MLK Day Free Admission to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Monday, January 20 in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. Become inspired to find your voice and do your part to contribute to a more equitable world, just as artists have done throughout history through their music. Timed ticket reservations required. Reserve tickets here.
2025 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 from 10:00am-5:00pm. 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. Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) celebrates the history, spirit, and life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. one of America’s greatest heroes of social justice and equality. In honor of this occasion, admission to the museum is free. 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. Enjoy performances by The Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra. 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. Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with free admission. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron, akronartmuseum.org
MLK Day Celebration. Free to attend. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org
January 18-20
United Black Fund Difference-Maker Days at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Learn about pioneering individuals who have left their mark on STEM and conservation fields over the years while supporting United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland (UBF), an organization making a positive impact on the Black communities in Northeast Ohio today. In addition to highlighting the achievements of African American innovators, during Difference-Makers Days (Saturday, January 18 – Monday, January 20, 2025, 10am – 5pm) the Aquarium is discounting same-day admission by $7 per person for every person donating at least $1 to United Black Fund during MLK Day Weekend. greaterclevelandaquarium.com/event/ubf-difference-makers-days/
Camps and Programs
Holden Arboretum Day Camp. A special day-long program where campers will honor Dr. King’s legacy by exploring his values of equality and service through the interconnectedness of nature. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenfg.org
Vacation Camp: MLK Jr. Day. An action-packed school’s out program for school-aged kids. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mandel JCC, 26001 S. Woodland Rd., Beachwood, mandeljcc.org
Youth Day Camp. Kids ages 5-14 can enjoy gym games, swimming, rock climbing, and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cleveland Clinic Akron General LifeStyles, locations in Bath, Green, and Stow, my.clevelandclinic.org
MLK All The Arts Day Camp. Kids aged 5-13 explore dance, music, visual arts and theatre while connecting to the life and impact of Martin Luther King, Jr. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, fineartsassociation.org