Martin Luther King Day is a holiday that I look forward to sharing with my class every January. By the time they reach first grade, most children have some background knowledge on who this important man was, but it’s their comments and conversations about treating people kindly that always stick with me. One of my favorite books that helps explain the story behind MLK Day is Martin’s Big Words. This beautiful picture book puts into kid-friendly words the importance of his non-violent approach to peace and emphasizes just how important it is for us all to be kind to all, no matter the differences between us.
San Antonio’s Martin Luther King, Jr. March
When I moved here almost two decades ago, I learned that San Antonio has one of the largest Martin Luther King Day marches in the country! The MLK, Jr. Commission of San Antonio organizes this annual peace march and rally every year. The route is 2.75 miles long and over 100,000 people have been known to participate in previous parades. This year the march starts at 10 a.m. on Monday 20th January, and you can learn more about the route, and what else the celebration has to offer here. This march is one of the largest in the nation and draws children and adults from all walks of life. This is truly a celebration Martin himself would be proud to attend and what a powerful testament to his true goal: unity among all. Given how many people will be in attendance at the march, many churches and schools organize their own busses to make transit easier. The VIA bus system is also an easy way to get to this event. If you have any tips for making the most of the march experience, please share in the comments below!
Looking for other ideas to get out and enjoy our beautiful city on MLK Day? Here’s a list of open attractions to give you some inspiration for celebrating this holiday!
San Antonio Parks — Check out our top suggestions family friendly parks and hiking!
The DoSeum is open 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
San Antonio Riverwalk — take a walk downtown and enjoy the famous Riverwalk in cool weather!
Visit the San Antonio Zoo, the 2025 Valentine’s Capital of the World, which is open regular hours on MLK day. Bonus: take a ride on the zoo train through Brackenridge Park, or ride the carousel in the Kiddie Park!
San Antonio Botanical Garden — check out what’s blooming at the SABOT! Make a day of it and enjoy brunch or lunch at the kid-friendly on-site restaurant, Jardin.
The Witte Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., check out their new exhibitions on capturing rock art in watercolor, and Black Cowboys: An American Story. You can also see an exhibition of the 2024 winners of the River Clicks contest, which highlights beautiful photos of the San Antonio River Basin.
Fiesta Texas is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on MLK Day, with the Mardi Gras Festival in full swing.
Seaworld San Antonio is also letting the good times roll! Join in the Mardi Gras festival on Monday 20th, the park is open 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Note that the following are closed: San Antonio Public Libraries, San Antonio Museum of Art.
Do you have plans for Martin Luther King Day? Share any fun events you know of with other San Antonio moms by leaving a comment below!
This post was updated for 2025 by Natalie.