Wave to a swimming Santa at Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Photo courtesy of Adventure Aquarium
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The Turtle Back Zoo holiday lights show in West Orange is one of our top picks for family fun this Christmas. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.
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More than 50,000 illuminated tulips will line the fields of Holland Ridge Farms' Winter Wonderland show. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
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How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021 With NJ Kids

The Arts Council of Princeton is giving away a limited-edition coloring book to celebrate the history of notable Black Princetonians to commemorate MLK Day. Photo courtesy of the Arts Council
The Arts Council of Princeton is giving away a limited-edition coloring book to celebrate the history of notable Black Princetonians to commemorate MLK Day. Photo courtesy of the Arts Council
1/11/21 - By Laurie Rein

Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for the civil rights movement, is memorialized annually on the third Monday in January. This floating holiday has evolved into more than just a day off from school; it's now deemed a National Day of Service. MLK Day encourages volunteers across the country to donate their time to make a difference in their communities while honoring the civil rights icon. This day reminds us of hope, compassion, and the ongoing potential for social change.

While most volunteer opportunities are virtual or drop-off this year, there are still plenty of ways to support Martin Luther King Jr.'s mission throughout New Jersey. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place on Monday, January 18, 2021. 

Editor's note: While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our Event Calendar to find something else to do.

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Hear a reading of 'I am Every Good Thing,' by Derrick Barnes at Princeton's MLK celebration. Photo courtesy of Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James/Penguin Young Readers
Hear a reading of 'I am Every Good Thing,' by Derrick Barnes at Princeton's MLK celebration. Photo courtesy of Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James/Penguin Young Readers

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021 Events in New Jersey

Community Day: MLK Jr. Day Celebration—Breaking Down Barriers

Online
The Newark Museum of Art's virtual celebration honors the life and legacy of one of this nation’s greatest heroes: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year highlights how barriers were broken with a woman of color and Asian descent soon to become Vice President of the United States. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Fanwood Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Scotch Plains and Online
Join the Scotch Plains Fanwood community for its annual day of service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Service projects include volunteer opportunities like card-making and food and clothing drives. READ MORE

West Windsor Arts Council MLK Day Service 2021 Project

West Windsor and Online
The West Windsor Arts Council hosts a virtual panel discussion and volunteer opportunities on MLK Day. Service projects may require advanced preparation for drop-off on the day. READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Coloring Book Pickup

Princeton
The Arts Council of Princeton welcomes families to learn about the impact and influence of Black Princetonians by picking up a free, limited-edition coloring book. READ MORE

Virtual Story Hour with jaZams

Online
jaZam’s Jeff and Dean share some favorite new books celebrating stories of social justice, civil rights, and equality for all people, accompanied by ukulele tunes. READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Opportunites at Summit Area YMCA

Summit
The Summit Area YMCA offers everyone the chance to make a difference by giving back on MLK Day. Donation opportunities include a coat drive, an art supply drive, and an essential drive collection.  READ MORE

MLK Day Challenge

Westampton
Burlington County Library hosts this drop-off donation event, in honor of Dr. King's legacy. Make it a "day on" by meeting the needs of the community with donations of food, animal supplies, cards, and more. READ MORE

Jersey Cares Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Various locations and online
Jersey Cares Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service welcomes children and adults to take part in virtual and in-person projects to strengthen communities and build a stronger New Jersey. Projects require registration. READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Summit
Stop by the patio of Reeves-Reed Arboretum to pick up supplies to create valentines that will be delivered to clients of SAGE Eldercare. On this important day of service memorializing Martin Luther King Jr., participants can warm the hearts of our neighbors.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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