A Houston Moms Guide to a Meaningful MLK Day

Every January, we pause to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—his courage, his dream of equality, and his call to serve others. Celebrating MLK Jr. Day is  important because it helps our children understand both how far we’ve come as a country and how much work still needs to be done. From crafting at home, reading together, or heading downtown for the parade, there are so many simple, meaningful ways to celebrate with your kids Dr. King’s vision for a better world. 

✨ 1. Attend a Local Event Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Gather the kids and hit the streets for these local ways to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

• • • • Childrens Museum of Houston 30th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Saturday January 17, 2026 from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.📍Childrens Museum (1500 Binz St.)  Honor the legacy Dr. MLK Jr with music, a Peace March, a speech reenactment, live music, crafts and more at the Children’s Museum of Houston.
      • Houston’s First ever MLK Unity Parade Monday January 19, 2026  Beginning at 10 a.m.📍: Downtown Houston (Route along San Jancinto Street Near Discovery Green) Watch colorful floats, marching bands and groups celebrate unity and shared humanity. 
      •  Martin Luther King Jr. Family Festival Monday January 19, 2026 Beginning immediately following the MLK Unity Parade📍Tranquility Park (400 Rusk St.) Continue honoring Dr. King’s legacy of unity and peace by heading over for more family fun with giveaways, music, vendors, and kids’ activities.
      •  Rothko Chapel’s Annual MLK Day Observance Monday January 19, 2026 11 a.m. 📍Rothko Chapel In honor of MLK Day each year, the Rothko Chapel plays critically influential speeches from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life throughout the day. Listen to the quiet of the Chapel resonate with MLK’s voice accompanied by local gospel choirs inspired by selected speeches.

📚 2. Read, Watch and Reflect at Home

Before or after the parade, gather your kids for a cozy reading time with age-appropriate books about Dr. King. There are so many amazing children’s books that share his story in ways that inspire empathy, courage, and kindness.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• • • I am Brave by Brad Meltzer
    • Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
    •  Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr. by Jean Marzollo
    • The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by CHristine Platt

Or make it a movie day and enjoy these shows/films that depict the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr or the movement he helped propel.

Here are a few of my favorites Classics:

• • • 🎬 Selma PG 13 (2014)
    • 🎬 Our Friend, Martin NR (1999)
    • 🎬Hidden Figures PG (2016)
    • 🎬Remember the Titans PG (2000)

🧡 3. Serve Together

Throughout his life Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continuously advocated for serving others and left a legacy as an example of true service. Dr. King once stated “Everybody can be great because everyone can serve” . Even small acts make a big impact:

• Deliver cookies or warm notes to neighbors
  
• Collect gently used coats or books to donate
  
  • United Way of Greater Houston Book drive
• Volunteer at a local shelter or food pantry
  • Host a food drive with Houston Food Bank
    

Service teaches compassion in action — and kids feel proud helping others. By participating in service projects, we can create lasting change that will benefit our communities for years to come.

Whether you choose one activity or make a whole day of it, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with intention is a beautiful way to build empathy, educate young hearts, and honor an incredible legacy right here in our great city.