Activities for Kids, Teens and Families to Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Find many family activities in Ann Arbor
in celebration of MLK Day!

With most of the area schools closed Monday in remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it leaves a parent with thoughts on what to plan for the kids. Thankfully, there is a lot going on that are both educational and fun. Check out some of these great activities for kids to do on Monday, I've included local free activities, low-cost events and some interesting featured programs.
All of the area libraries are including some wonderful programming available throughout the day. Start your celebration with a free movie and craft project at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Watch ‘Ruby Bridges’ followed by TAG members reading excerpts from MLK’s I Have a Dream speech. Then you’ll do some craft activities.  For more information on this drop-in program visit your local YDL branch or call 482-4110 ext. 1390.

The Ann Arbor District Library is also providing a wonderful program with local author Paula Young Shelton. From 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Downtown Library, Shelton will be discussing her book "Child Of The Civil Rights Movement", which brings a child's unique perspective to an inspirational chapter in America's history. This event includes a book signing where books will be for sale.

If an afternoon full of activities is what your teen is looking for, consider taking them to the Drop-In Wii Sports and Crafts for Kids and Teens at the Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine St., Dexter MI) from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
 
The meeting room will be divided in half and on one side for the kids to play Wii Sports (Bowling, Tennis and Baseball) and enjoy some snacks with a craft available on the other side of the room. For more information, call 734-426-4477. This program is geared for kids and teens ages 8 and up.

Music is a wonderful way to fill the day and celebrate a man with a dream. At 2:00 p.m. at the University of Michigan Power Center (121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor), the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance is hosting a free musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. For more information call 734-763-3333 or check out the calendar of all MLK events at the University of Michigan offered that day.

For families who can not participate in a daytime celebration, consider taking your family to a free Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) at 5:30-8:30 p.m. hear patriotic and freedom songs, watch a documentary and celebrate MLK Day during this free event for the whole family.

In the evening, Trinity Episcopal Church (11575 Belleville Rd., Belleville) is hosting a dramatic Dramatic performance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches at 7:00 p.m. The event "The dream Lives On" is a joyful celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and contains exercerpts from his well known speaches as well as powerful music and audience participation.