The upcoming long weekend is a time to remember and appreciate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contributions to our country, so while your kids may be jockeying to watch their favorite movies or play video games, why not look for ways to observe this important holiday? Your family can give back in the spirit of Dr. King with a “Day of Service” activity, take part in an MLK Jr. donation drive, honor his legacy at a celebration, or do a little bit of all three. Make use of your kids’ day off by making Monday a day on—and teach them the valuable lessons of kindness and service at the same time. And for more ways to give back, check out our guide to charity events this month. (featured photo credit: iStock.com/Sean Pavone)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events
Winter Clean-Up: MLK Day of Service
January 18 at 9 AM
This day of service is a wonderful opportunity to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by picking up litter and removing invasive shrubs and plants in the woods. They will provide work gloves, hand warmers, and tools. Please dress for the weather and pack a snack and a drink.
Cost: Free
250 MacArthur Boulevard, Haddon Township, NJ 08033
Jersey Cares’ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
January 18-19, various times
Your whole family can help out at this event virtually or in person. For a virtual project that doesn’t require leaving home, have the kids draw an e-card for seniors and military members. In-person project opportunities include coat sorting at several locations around New Jersey, an “I Have A Dream Walk” in Millburn, kit assemblies in Parsippany, Princeton, and Woodbridge.
Cost: Free
Virtual and in-person locations
Gloucester Township’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
January 19 at 8:30 AM
Be part of fun, worthwhile service projects that will impact the entire community. Activities will include creating kits for the homeless, helping animals, volunteering with seniors, and more, all of which will take place on-site and at locations around Gloucester Township.
Cost: Free
Charles W. Lewis Middle School, 875 Erial Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Ocean City’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony
January 19 at 9 AM
This event brings the community together to remember Dr. King through a city-wide clean-up. From 12 PM – 2 PM, there will also be a ceremony and soul food lunch with words, songs, and dance at 6th and Asbury Avenue.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Music Pier – 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Stockton University MLK Day of Service
January 19 at 9 AM
This event brings together over 500 students and community members, encompassing 15+ projects on and off campus in Galloway, Hammonton, Atlantic City, and Woodbine. Events include clean-ups, food donations, card making, assembling crafts for nursing homes and hospitals, and more.
Cost: Free
Various locations in Atlantic County
National Day of Service at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
January 19 at 9 AM
Families can stop by the Arboretum (on the patio outside the Stackhouse Education Center) to create Valentine cards to be delivered to the SAGE Eldercare to brighten their day. The Arboretum will supply paper, ribbon, yarn, and other recycled and saved materials for your thoughtful card.
Cost: Free
Reeves-Reed Arboretum – 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901
Fanwood-Scotch Plains MLK Jr. Day of Service
January 19 at 10 AM
Adults and families can join the Scotch Plains/Fanwood community to learn, remember, and volunteer. There will also be musical performances, inspiring teachings, and a SP-F MLK Day of Service Award.
Cost: Free
Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA- 1340 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
A Day of Service In Nature
January 19 at 10 AM or 1 PM
Friends of Princeton Open Space, a nonprofit dedicated to land preservation, is hosting a Day of Service in Nature in honor of Dr. King at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton. Have the whole family join (a parent must accompany kids under 16) to help restore native habitat for birds and other wildlife and make space for future native plantings.
Cost: Free; complete a waiver form
Mountain Lake House Parking lot: 57 Mountain Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08540, walk as a group to the project site.
West Windsor Arts Council’s MLK Jr. Day of Service 2026
January 19 at 10 AM
Bring donations and help organize basic necessity kits for babies, moms in need, kids, and homeless shelters.
Cost: Free
West Windsor Arts Center – 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
Volunteer Center of Burlington County’s 19th Annual MLK Day Challenge
January 19 at 10 AM
Burlington County residents can join hundreds of thousands of Americans nationwide in remembering and memorializing Dr. King by participating in activities such as collecting food for the Oaks Integrated Food Pantry, collecting animal supplies for the Burlington County Animal Shelter, making greeting cards for seniors, and donating newborn supplies.
Cost: Free
Burlington County Library, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton, NJ 08036
Community Day Martin Luther King Jr: Stronger Together
January 19 at 12 PM
Head to the Newark Museum for a day to come together and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, vision, and legacy. The theme, Stronger Together, reminds us that no matter what happens, we are always stronger together.
Cost: Free
Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
January 19 at 12:30 PM
Drop in to paint rocks to contribute to the community rock garden. You will have the chance to spread messages of peace, love, and hope, or create an image that is all your own. The finished rocks will live in the Art Center’s rock garden for the community to enjoy.
Cost: Free
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey- 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901
MLK Day Poster-Making Workshop
January 19 at 1 PM
Join the Arts Council of Princeton as they celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, with a free poster-making workshop. The workshop is open to all ages, and they will provide the materials to create a poster highlighting civil justice. Please bring a non-perishable food item for their food drive.
Cost: Free
Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
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