On January 16th this year (2017), we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While his birthday is actually on January 15th (born in 1929), this national holiday is observed on the third Monday of January. What will you do to celebrate?

If you and your kids have the day off, how about participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The Corporation for National and Community Service suggests that this day is the perfect excuse for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. You can search for a nearby project on their page, or check around your community to see what help might be needed.

If you are looking for a creative way to celebrate this special day, browse through this collection of ideas.

Peace Hand Prints Flower Craft
Learn how to make a flower using 3 hand prints.

Martin Luther King Hand Print Poem
Discover how to make an educational craft using a printable template.

Books for Kids to Celebrate MLK Day
If you are looking for some reading material for your kids, here are 3 great options.

M is for Martin
Learn how to make a cool collage that looks like MLK.

Celebrating Skin Color
Learn how to teach kids more about different skin colors using paint.

Puzzle People Craft
You can create a variety of people using orphaned puzzle pieces and paint.

Printable Puzzles for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
This site offers printables for each grade level.

The MLK Jr. Research and Education Institute
Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.

Multicultural Mask
Use construction paper, yarn, and a popsicle stick to make a puppet.

Dove Garland
Learn how to make this traditional peace symbol out of coffee filters.

Helping Hands Wreath
Encourage kids to share how they can help others by making a wreath using colorful paper and paper plates.

I Have a Dream
Read the famous speech that was delivered by by Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Craft
Use this printable template and a toilet paper roll to make a miniature MLK.

I Have A Dream Poster
Use this craft to teach children about this famous speech and then encourage them to share their dreams.

No matter how you celebrate this special day, please share your stories and ideas with us.