The long weekend in Champaign-Urbana brings us many opportunities to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as have some out-of-school fun

Families can choose from many events and activities happening this weekend in Champaign-Urbana

January is racing on through and we have found ourselves at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. Community celebrations are happening this weekend and we feature those below. For a full round-up of ways families in Champaign-Urbana can honor the life of this hero this weekend, check out our article here.

Are you considering taking a day trip on Monday? Many Indianapolis museums and attractions will have free days on Monday (some even on Sunday) but many require reservations to limit numbers. Get the full scoop on that idea here. For a list of entities that are closed for MLK Day, go here.

Chambanamoms thanks Countryside School for presenting this weekend’s planner. 

Countryside School

Join Countryside for their Middle School (grades 6 – 8) Admissions Webinar on Tuesday, January 27 at 7 p.m.

Virtually visit their classrooms, hear from faculty and current students, learn about how to apply for admission, find out about financial aid, and submit questions.

For more information and to register in advance: https://www.countrysideschool.org/webinar

Countryside School is the area’s first and only ISACS-accredited, independent, K-8th grade school. They offer an accelerated, hands-on curriculum – including world languages (Spanish, Chinese, and Latin), visual and performing arts, and music. Their mission is simple: “Joy in Learning, Excellence in Education.” They are non-profit, and they offer financial aid.

For more information, visit: www.countrysideschool.org. If you cannot attend the webinar, call Larry Simmons, the Director of Admissions, for your personal in-person tour at 217.355.1253.

For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

A few events to check out this weekend

Looking for something to do with your family? You’ve come to the right place! Our events calendar aggregates family-friendly events happening in the Champaign-Urbana metro area. We know you’re busy and looking for a bang for your buck, so we put an emphasis on including free and low-cost events that you can plan to attend on the fly. Please note that events are subject to change without notice.

Thank you to Herriott’s Rents, Tents & Events for presenting the chambanamoms events calendar. 

Find the complete chambanamoms.com event calendar by clicking here now.

Remember, many sporting events and outdoor activities are subject to change without notice or at the last minute. Check with event organizers when in doubt before heading out to an event. 

United Way Screenings

FREE developmental screenings are available for children from birth to age five in Champaign County, offering families helpful insights into how their child is growing and developing. These screenings look at areas like communication, social skills, and motor skills and are a simple way to check in on your child’s progress and connect with support if needed.

Offered through a partnership between Birth to Five Illinois, United Way of Champaign County, the Champaign County Home Visiting Consortium, and local schools, screenings are accessible and family-friendly.

Learn more and find out how to schedule a screening that works for you now.

For more information: Website

Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service

An opportunity for kids of all ages to participate in service with their families.

Monday, January 19 – drop in between 10 a.m. and noon

McKinley Foundation, 410 E. Daniel St., Champaign
Free parking on the street and in University Lot C6 on the corner of Daniel and Fourth Street.

Help with the following projects: folding newspapers for the Humane Society, creating snack packs for the Canteen Run, packaging diapers and pet food for the Garden Hills food pantry, creating lunches for an overflow shelter, making blankets for foster kids and making cards for children in the hospital.

If you’d like to support this event by donating supplies for one of the projects, please click here for a list of requested donations.

Sponsored by McKinley Presbyterian Church and McKinley Foundation

For more information: Website or Instagram

iRead ● iCount®

Volunteering just one hour week can help kindergarten and first grade students reinforce and master basic reading skills, putting them on the path to academic success. Choose a school, day and time that works for your schedule!

For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

Academy High Middle School Trivia Night

Sunday, January 25, 5 – 7 p.m.

Academy High is excited to invite all middle school students to an unforgettable evening of intellect, camaraderie, and pizza delight at the Middle School Trivia Night at Academy High! This is not your average night – it’s an adventure that promises a mix of fun, competition, and the chance to win fantastic prizes.

Bring your team or fly solo –  everyone is welcome! It’s a chance to make new friends, showcase your skills, and enjoy a night of friendly competition. No fees – just show up, have a blast, and leave with awesome memories (and maybe some new knowledge).

Safety first! The event will be supervised by Academy High administrators, parents, and current students, ensuring a secure environment for everyone.

To register for the event, visit their website! Please register by January 22.

For more information: Website

Smile Doctors

At Smile Doctors, their mission is to create confident smiles by inspiring the best in their patients, each other, and the communities they serve.

Smile Doctors wants to give you the power to share your confidence with the world through your smile. That’s why from the moment you step into a Smile Doctors clinic, they promise your smile journey will be awesome. They offer affordable monthly payment plans, easy online scheduling, remote care options with your orthodontist and more.

Dr. Nimeri brings a wealth of experience, academic insight, and clinical excellence to our practice. She began her dental education in Sweden, earning her DMD, and later continued her training in the United States, where she received her orthodontic certificate and Master of Science degree from the University of Alabama Birmingham.

Dr. Nimeri is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation in the field.

Location: 1715 Broadmoor Dr., Champaign

For more information: Website, Facebook, Instagram or call (217) 356-2222