Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers a valuable opportunity to educate and engage children in the principles of equality, justice, and community service. When kids are off from school, it’s a great opportunity to spend quality time together and explore fun activities that keep them engaged and entertained. Here are some creative and educational ideas to make the most of their time off:

1. Outdoor Adventures

Get hands-on at Cedar Run: Join them for exciting science experiments, hikes, animal encounters and more! K-5th grade. Space is limited to 20 children per group. Children should dress for the weather and plan on spending the entire time outdoors.1:00-4:00pm. $35/child. Members save 10%! Advanced registration required.

2. Educational Exploration

Community Day Martin Luther King Jr. at Newark Museum: On this MLK Jr. Day, we come together to celebrate the life, vision, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The theme Stronger Together reflects our shared commitment to working hand in hand across communities through service, where love triumphs over hate, peace over conflict, and unity over division—because we are truly Stronger Together.

3. Creative Arts and Crafts

Encourage creativity with DIY crafts like making friendship bracelets, painting, or creating sculptures using clay or playdough.School is out but fun is in at The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. Grab your friends and spend some time at the Education Annex between 11am and 3pm on Monday, January 20 to make friendship bracelets. The Museum will also be open from 10am-4pm. $5/child, $10/family, free for members. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All Children’s Art Center hosts a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Camp on January 20th! A day packed with slime, arts, talent shows, and dancing awaits your little ones. Register here.

4. Sports and Physical Activities

Organize a mini sports day with activities like relay races, soccer, or basketball. Award small prizes to keep motivation high.

Girl Scout Daisies-Ambassadors: Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with your family, friends, and Girl Scouts at the Coretta Scott King Classic women’s college basketball doubleheader games at Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. This inaugural event will host four prestigious women’s sports programs from Baylor University, University of Maryland, University of Texas at Austin, and University of California, Los Angeles.

Join I AM Fitness for a FREE Kids & Teen Kickboxing Trial Class-Monday, January 20th at 4:30 PM. This will be an action-packed, fun-filled kickboxing session! Perfect for kids and teens looking to learn new skills, boost confidence, and stay active. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity!

Winterfest Ice Skating at Cooper River Park presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners will open from on Martin Luther King Day from 12-9pm. Located at Cooper River Park near the corner of Cuthbert Blvd. and Park Avenue in Cherry Hill.

5. Cooking and Baking

Bake Together: Choose a simple recipe and bake cookies, cupcakes, or bread together. Decorating the final product can be a fun way to express creativity. Cooking Challenge: Let kids choose ingredients and create their own unique dishes, fostering independence and culinary skills.

Candyland Crafts hosts a Kids & Teen Cooking Mini Camp: During this 1.5 hour children will decorate 6 cookies each . They will go over piping, flooding and decorating using Royal Icing . All supplies are included . Ages 8 and up.

6. Reading and Storytelling

Storytelling Session: Encourage kids to create their own stories and share them with the family. Use props or costumes for an extra element of fun.

Edison Library-North Edison Branch hosts Toddler Tales. Children and their caregivers will use musical instruments in this fun-filled half-hour story time that includes books, rhymes and songs! Open to children ages 2 - 5 and their caregivers. Registration not required. Call or visit the library with any questions.

7. Enjoy a Meal-For FREE!

MLK Day - Kids Eat Free at Chevy’s Fresh Mex Clifton and Linden

These activities not only keep children entertained but also help them learn new skills and discover their interests. Whether indoors or outdoors, there are endless possibilities to make school breaks enjoyable and memorable for the whole family.

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