Celebrate MLK weekend with free interactive workshops and enriching activities. Photo courtesy of The Please Touch Museum
MLK Weekend 2026 in Philly: AAMP, Please Touch, Constitution Center, and More Things to Do
A winter oasis, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest houses a skating rink overlooking the Delaware River, a ski chalet-style lodge and more. Photo by Danielle Smith
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 40 Best Things to Do with Kids in Philly
Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
100 Free Things To Do in Philly with Kids
Playing in the snow: a favorite winter activity for Philly kids
GUIDE
Philly Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
Celebrate winter at Peddler's Village with live fire artistry and ice carving demonstrations. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Philly in January 2026, According to MP Editors
Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
15 Free Things To Do Indoors in Philadelphia: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin
Best Kids Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Philadelphia
Kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill @creativishmom
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Philly
Check out the amazing WildWorks Ropes Course at the entrance to the Philadelphia Zoo.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Ultimate Pennsylvania Bucket List: 35 Things To Do With Kids in PA
Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Farms with Animals and Petting Zoos near Philadelphia that are Perfect for Preschoolers
School Calendars 2025-2026: Important Dates for Philadelphia School District
Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.
Visiting Historic Philadelphia: Top Things To Do in the Historic District with Kids
Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
3 Days in Philadelphia with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Phildephia's Magic Gardens are covered by magical mosaics and found objects. Photo by Liz Baill @creativishmom
Best Philly Tours for Kids: Art Hunts, Food Tours, Ghost Tours, and More
Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
9 Walkable Neighborhoods near Philly for Family Outings
Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author
Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families
Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
Best Indoor Birthday Parties for Kids in Philly
Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC
11 Kid-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Spots
Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Things To Do in Philly with Kids Before They Grow Up
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia
Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air
Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Philly: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!
Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with Kids: Creative Family Time at the Art Museum
Six Flag Great Adventure brings big-time thrills and is one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.
Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey
Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Top Attractions in Philadelphia: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
12 Philly Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.
GUIDE
Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways
No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
10 PA Weekend Getaways for Families
You won't want to miss the flaming hot shows at Fire & Frost Fun. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village
PECO Family Jams, Fire Frost & Fun, Friday Night: Dreamworld Edition, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend

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!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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

More Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley This Week With Kids

Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in January 2026, According to MP Editors

Put your wallet away: These fun January events are all FREE. READ MORE

70 Free Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

Enjoy our big list of no-cost things to do and see throughout the region. READ MORE

Guide to Free Fun Things to Do with Westchester Kids

Find the best FREE kids activities in Westchester. READ MORE

Free Museum Days (and Always Free Museums!) in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Check out these great museums that won't cost a cent! READ MORE
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

Fun Winter Things To Do With Kids

Westchester & Hudson Valley Winter Vacation Guide

Discover the best things to do with kids in Westchester & the Hudson Valley this winter. READ MORE

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 30 Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Beat the winter blues with these picks for must-do seasonal fun. READ MORE

Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC for Families

Drive to one of these family-friendly getaways for a quick weekend escape. READ MORE

22 Free Things To Do Indoors in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Escape the elements with free fun at these indoor destinations. READ MORE

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.
Recent Articles By Katherine Dhurandhar:
Read more articles by Katherine Dhurandhar.