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MLK Weekend 2026 in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: 15 Best Things To Do With Kids

Make a bird feeder at Ladson Park this weekend. Photo courtesy of Lasdon Public Gardens
Make a bird feeder at Ladson Park this weekend. Photo courtesy of Lasdon Public Gardens
1/14/26 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this long MLK weekend? From parades to civil rights activities and more, here are our top picks for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

MLK weekend is upon us and packed with family-friendly fun, from a Free DJ Skate Party at the Palisades Center to lots of outdoor nature programs, including Raptors of the World at the Hudson Highlands Nature Center and Winter Bird Feeder Making at Lasdon Park and Arboretum. 

On Monday, kids can honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by posting on the Dream Wall and learning about his legacy in the Book Nook at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. Or the whole family can get out and volunteer during the MLK National Day of Service at multiple locations throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Westchester and Hudson Valley Events Calendar is packed with great family activities for every day of the week—and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not receiving our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

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Hit the rink for a DJ party at the Palisades Center. Photo courtesy of Palisades Center
Hit the rink for a DJ party at the Palisades Center. Photo courtesy of Palisades Center

Top Things To Do this MLK Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

Animal Habitats in Winter - Pound Ridge Library

Pound Ridge – FREE
Saturday, January 17
Discover how animals survive the cold! In this hands-on science activity at the Pound Ridge Library, children will explore hibernation, migration, and winter adaptations while creating their own mini winter habitats for animals. Using craft materials and toy animals, kids will build cozy homes, learn why animals need shelter, and share their creations with the group.  READ MORE

Palisades Center DJ Skate Party

West Nyack – FREE
Saturday, January 17
Enjoy free skate rentals, admission, and a DJ performance at this free skate party at the Palisades Center Ice Rink. Skate rentals are free for the entire month of January.  READ MORE

Free Family Tour at Olana State Historic Site

Hudson – FREE
Saturday, January 17
Experience learning, looking closely, and conversation as a family during this series of special museum gallery tours at Olana State Historic Site. Each month, The Olana Partnership educators will lead an exploration of two to three works of art on the second-floor galleries through family-friendly dialogue and other hands-on activities.  READ MORE

Raptors of the World at Hudson Highlands Nature Center

Cornwall
Saturday, January 17
Calling all bird lovers! Join veterinarian and falconer Dr. Laura Jaworksi at the Hudson Highlands Nature Center for an up-close look at her team of raptor ambassadors as you learn about raptor behavior, evolutionary adaptations, and what you can do to help with their conservation. READ MORE

Snow Stories at Teatown

Ossining
Sunday, January 18
Snow is an essential part of a New York winter, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Each snowflake has a story to tell. Join Environmental Educator Elissa Schilmeister at Teatown Lake Reservation on this World Snow Day to find out the features of these flakes, hear a snowy story, and learn to read ice like a book.  READ MORE

Reptile Show with NJ Snake Man at the Kartrite

Monticello
Sunday, January 18
Families can enjoy a unique one-hour interactive learning experience with exotic snakes and fascinating reptiles! The Kartrite welcomes the NJ Snake Man for an up-close adventure with a variety of cold-blooded creatures. Guests will discover fun facts, explore hands-on learning opportunities, and even have the chance to safely interact with some of these amazing animals.  READ MORE

Winter Arts & Crafts - Cranberry Lake Preserve

White Plains – FREE
Sunday, January 18
Come out to the Cranberry Lake Preserve nature center for free, winter-themed crafts and make some stellar seasonal artwork. READ MORE

Dream Big: Dream Wall & Book Nook - Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

Poughkeepsie
Monday, January 19
Celebrate creativity, history, and the achievements of African Americans and inspire young dreamers at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. Children can take part in an I Have a Dream Wall activity where they can write their dreams on colorful strips of paper and add them to the Dream Wall. READ MORE

Beacon Annual Martin Luther King Day Singing Parade

Beacon – FREE
Monday, January 19
Join in the celebration of Martin Luther King's legacy at this special singing parade founded by Pete Seeger, an activist and resident of Beacon. The parade steps off from the Springfield Baptist Church. READ MORE

MLK National Day of Service

Multiple Locations – FREE
Monday, January 19
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year, Americans are encouraged to step up to make communities more equitable, and to take action to create the beloved community of Dr. King’s dream. Examples include cleaning up a public space, mentoring a young person, or helping those who are food insecure. READ MORE

Civil Rights Struggles & Triumphs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at St. Paul's Church National Historic Site

Mount Vernon – FREE
Monday, January 19
This free program explores the civil rights struggles and triumphs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in recognition of the national holiday at St. Paul's Church National Historic Site.  READ MORE

Celebration of Community/MLK Day Celebration at Clermont State Historic Site

Germantown – FREE
Monday, January 19
Take a free tour of the Clermont Mansion, explore the new exhibit, and enjoy family-friendly activities in the visitor center at this free, family-friendly celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. READ MORE

Winter Bird Feeder Making at Lasdon Park

Katonah – FREE
Monday, January 19
Come to the studio between 1 and 2pm to make a simple bird feeder using pinecones and sunbutter. Make one to take home and one to hang up at Lasdon. READ MORE

Colonial Candle Dipping Workshop at Westmoreland Sanctuary

Mt. Kisco
Monday, January 19
Looking for a fun, hands-on activity for the school holiday? Join Westmoreland to explore the art of candle making in colonial America! The workshop will start with a short, engaging presentation about the history, significance, and natural origins of candles, then you’ll get to dip your own candlestick to take home. READ MORE

Winter Holiday Puppet Theater - Westchester Children's Museum

Rye
Monday, January 19
Enjoy a fun and engaging Puppet Show presented by LMC Kids at the Westchester Children's Museum! Designed especially for preschoolers, this interactive show features friendly puppets, catchy songs, animations, and short adventures that teach important life lessons and community values. READ MORE
Make a glowing work of art at the Neuberger Museum, Photo courtesy of the museum
Make a glowing work of art at the Neuberger Museum, Photo courtesy of the museum

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Be sure to take in the region's winter splendor on a day trip. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
Be sure to take in the region's winter splendor on a day trip. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar

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Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Katherine Dhurandhar
Katherine Dhurandhar is a Community Publisher for Mommy Poppins, representing the Westchester and Hudson Valley region of New York, and a freelance copyeditor for Westchester Publishing Company. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with her husband and son.
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