Indianapolis Area Has Several Free And Fun MLK Jr. Day Events

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 15, and while all post offices and several school districts and government offices across Central Indiana are closed to observe this holiday, several attractions across the Indianapolis area will be open for all to enjoy.

Conner Prairie: The Fishers spot invites all to come out for the day, saying to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of what can be achieved through non-violent protests. In collaboration with Asante Children's Theatre, there will be special performances of short plays highlighting African-American stories in Indiana's history. See connerprairie.org in January for the day's program schedule. Lunch options are available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Welcome Center.

Submitted by Downtown Indy, Inc.:
Here are several special offerings as attractions offer free admission to top attractions downtown, volunteer opportunities and more help make this year's tribute to the iconic civil rights leader a fun, meaningful one for the family. To view all these events online, visit: http://www.downtownindy.org/event-collection/42/martin-luther-king-jr-day-/

Harlem Globetrotters: Tickets start at $26 – Saturday, Jan. 15, 2 p.m.; The iconic Harlem Globetrotters come to Bankers Life Fieldhouse Monday, Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. See incredible ball handling wizardry and enjoy some good laughs with the family.

Newfields: Free admission with donation on Sunday, Jan. 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Spend the afternoon at Newfields and reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Immerse yourself in experiences presented by youth of Tan-Za-Mania Dance Company, Indy Pulse poets and the Teen Arts Council. Donations can include canned goods, personal care items and art supplies.

White River State Park: Receive free admission Monday, Jan. 15 with a donation of one non-perishable food item per person, per attraction for Gleaner's Food Bank. The Park is also offering complimentary parking. Visitors may park in the underground garage located off Washington Street just west of West Street, in the surface parking lots at the Indianapolis Zoo and Victory Field and in the surface parking lot across from Victory Field next to the Park's Visitor's Center.

• Eiteljorg Museum: Enjoy the museum's holiday exhibit, Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, a one-of-a-kind G-scale model train experience. Visitors can also immerse themselves in Native American and Western cultures with the museum's many exhibits. Be sure to check out the lunch specials at the Eiteljorg Museum Cafe.
• Indiana State Museum: See rare copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment from the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, both signed by Abraham Lincoln himself. You'll also enjoy interacting with roaming historical characters, participating in Indiana Trivia, watching videos of Dr. King's speeches and more.

• Indianapolis Zoo: Walk the grounds and see animals, especially the ones that love the cooler temperatures. Favorite activities will include petting sharks, looking eye-to-eye with orangutans and gazing at dolphins.

• NCAA Hall of Champions: A new permanent children's exhibit "It All Begins With A Dream" by artist Jingo Illo, will make its debut. Illo will be on hand to talk to guests about the mural. Children can post their dreams to the display. Visitors will find two new interactive exhibits on the second floor: "Make the Grade" and "Trivia Blitz." Guests can participate in a scavenger hunt and register for hourly raffle prizes.

• IMAX Theatre: Amazon Adventure (presented in 2D) will be shown for free as space permits throughout the morning and early afternoon. Make sure to get your IMAX tickets early (before noon) as there is limited seating. The film tells the true story of explorer Henry Bates' fascinating 11-year journey through the Amazon rainforest, as a young man who risks his life for science in the 1850s. Audiences will experience the compelling clues Bates unearths in his discovery of the phenomenon of mimicry, whereby certain animals adopt the look of others that helps them deceive predators and gain an advantage to survive.

Indiana Historical Society: Free admission on Monday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Head to Indiana Historical Society for performances, programs and service opportunities, as well as free admission to the award winning Indiana Experience. Participate in a dialogue regarding Civil Rights today at 11 a.m. The theater will also be home to a special performance by the Griot Drum Ensemble at 1:30 and 3:15 p.m. Learn about the history of the Bethel AME Church at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Guests can fill in a dream cloud with words or pictures featuring their own hopes for the future. The IHS traveling exhibition Who is a Hoosier? will also be on display.

Guests are invited to help pack care packages to benefit HealthNet Homeless Initiative Program, with items provided by Target, Hilton and the Gentle Dentist. Stay for a Homelessness Talk at 2:30 p.m. or 4:15 p.m.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Free admission Monday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; At The Children's Museumenjoy activities, storytelling by Portia Jackson about courageous children from the Civil Rights Movement and performances by The Griot Drum Ensemble. Take this opportunity to visit all of the exhibits including American POP, DANCE!, Circus – Starring YOU!, Dinosphere and more.

Rhythm! Discovery Center: Free admission Monday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Hear a special performance at 2 p.m. by Jazz Trio Allen Burke, Steve Weakley and Gene Markiewicz thanks to the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. Be introduced to the world of percussion. Journey through the Time Tunnel to see how cultures have made rhythm a part of their lives. Experience hands-on instruments including drum sets, cymbals and more.

Day of Service at IUPUI: Monday, Jan. 15 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Hundreds of students, faculty and guests will volunteer at various sites around Indianapolis for the IUPUI Day of Service – a tribute to Dr. King's commitment to service and social justice. Participants meet at the IUPUI Campus Center.

Landmark for Peace Memorial: Of course, if you are headed to Downtown Indy, stop by Martin Luther King Park (1702 Broadway St.), the site where Robert Kennedy gave his memorable speech the night King was assassinated in 1968. The park is home to the Landmark for Peace memorial sculpture, designed and created by Indiana artist Greg Perry. The sculpture – showcasing King and Kennedy reaching out to each other – honors the contributions of both leaders.

Email information for MLK Day events or closings to rebecca.bream@patch.com

Photo credit: David Goldman/Associated Press