Robinson’s Readers invites children ages 4 through 6 and their grown-ups to the Jackie Robinson Museum for an educator-facilitated picture book story time and hands-on craft inspired by the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson. Each month will be different, with featured books and activities highlighting the stories of athletes, activists, historical figures, and young people that are connected to or inspired by Robinson’s achievements on and off the field.

Offered on the Second Saturday of the month at 11:30AM

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What to Expect at Robinson’s Readers

• Interactive picture book reading by a Jackie Robinson Museum educator
• Music and movement breaks
• Light snacks provided (and home snacks allowed)
• Craft activity related to the day’s theme
• Option to borrow Gallery Explorer bags for intergenerational exploration of the Museum
• Grown-ups are expected to stay through the program and welcome to participate as we practice early literacy and active reading skills.

Tickets

This program is included with museum admission, which is free for children under 5. Walk-ins are welcome, though advance registration is appreciated.

New York City library card holders, reserve free admission for Robinson’s Readers using CulturePass.

Cool Culture Family Pass members, show your card at the desk for free admission to Robinson’s Readers.

Next Up:

January 10, 2026 featuring Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson and special guest reader, SONYA PANKEY ROBINSON, Jackie and Rachel Robinson’s granddaughter

Don’t miss your chance to meet Sonya Robinson and hear the inspiring story of the thousands of African American children, motived by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to action, who raised their voices to speak out against inequality in Birmingham, Alabama, and how her family answered the call. After the story, create a mini Speak Out megaphone to bring attention to causes you care about and learn about Jackie Robinson’s work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Winter/Spring 2026 Schedule

Select your preferred date(s) to book your tickets.

December 13, 2025 featuring Testing the Ice By Sharon Robinson

Jackie Robinson’s daughter, Sharon Robinson tells a winter story that celebrates her father’s courage while growing up at their Connecticut home. After the story, craft a mini “My Day at the Jackie Robinson Museum” scrapbook, inspired by the Robinson family scrapbooks on display at the museum!

January 10, 2026 featuring Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson and special guest reader, Sonya Pankey Robinson, Jackie and Rachel Robinson’s granddaughter

Hear the inspiring story of the thousands of African American children, motived by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to action, who raised their voices to speak out against inequality in Birmingham, Alabama. After the story, create a mini Speak Out megaphone to bring attention to causes you care about and learn about Jackie Robinson’s work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

February 14, 2026 featuring Henry Aaron’s Dream by Matt Tavares

Explore the stories of young baseball players Willie Mays and Hank Aaron on their journey to becoming big-league players. After the story, celebrate what you love about your community by creating Team Jersey that represents your neighborhood.

March 14, 2026 featuring Mamie on the Mound: A Women in Baseball’s Negro Leagues by Leah Henderson

Learn about the trailblazing baseball player Mamie Johnson and her journey to becoming the first female pitcher to play in the Negro Leagues. After the story, learn about talented female athletes and figures who left their mark on baseball, and create a Baseball Hall of Fame Plaque or Medal in their honor.

April 11, 2026 featuring Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson Against the Odds by Robert Burleigh

Learn about Jackie Robinson’s barrier breaking first day on the Brooklyn Dodgers, and how it changed the sport of baseball. After the story, craft you own (paper) baseball hat, and cheer on your favorite team and player!

Stop by for fall fun for all ages including guided museum tours, Jackie Robinson trivia, and a chance to view objects not regularly on display at the Museum. Special guest Sonya Pankey, Jackie and Rachel Robinson’s granddaughter, will lead story time featuring selected picture books about her grandfather’s legendary career and legacy. Plus, kids (and their grown-ups) will enjoy hands-on craft activities inspired by Jackie Robinson.

Event Schedule:

12:00PM and 2:00PM – Guided Museum Tours

1:00PM – Story time and Q&A with Sonya Pankey, Jackie and Rachel Robinson’s granddaughter

Ongoing – Trivia, Artifact Showcase, Crafts, Scavenger Hunt

Please Note:

All children must be accompanied by an adult; this is not a drop-off program.

Groups are welcome! Complete the group visit request form and note your interest in this program.

Download the flyer to share this event with your community.

Meet Jackie Robinson, the All-Star athlete through interactive and creative activities to complement your Museum visit. Explore athletic challenges to rival Robinson’s record-setting feats, dig deeper into his experience as a multi-sport athlete, strike a pose in custom photo ops, and learn more about how Jackie Robinson and other African American athlete activists used their platforms to advance social change.

This program is included with regular admission and free for members.

This is not a drop-off experience. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Honor the legacy of Dr. King and the fight for civil rights at the Jackie Robinson Museum, where you can learn about Jackie Robinson and Dr. King’s close friendship and their collaboration during landmark campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement.

Special Holiday Hours: 11AM – 4PM
Activities and Tours: 12PM – 3PM

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What’s Happening

Join one of our guided museum tours showcasing stories and artifacts representing Jackie Robinson and Dr. King’s collaboration

Visitors of all ages are invited to make their mark on our community quilt. Get inspired by Martin Luther King, Jackie Robinson, and the long history of quilting as an activist art form and design your own piece of our quilt while learning about artists such as the Gee’s Bend Quilting Collective, Faith Ringgold, and more!

Families and children, join interactive story time with our Museum educators, featuring picture books selected to introduce the art of quilting and the activism of Jackie Robinson and Dr. King.

Learn and play! Try out the Museum’s scavenger hunt and take a spin at the trivia wheel to put your knowledge into action.

Accessibility: In addition to KultureCity® resources available at all times, we’ll have a quiet zone at this event for any guests who need a sensory break.

Preparing for your visit

This event is included with regular museum admission and free for museum members. All children must be accompanied by an adult; this is not a drop-off program.

Groups are welcome! For groups of 10 or more, complete the group visit request form and note your interest in this program.

Why MLK Day at the Jackie Robinson Museum?

Learn how Jackie Robinson and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. maintained a close friendship that was bound by their shared commitment to the Civil Rights Movement in our blog post. (Photo: Floyd Patterson, Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Jackie Robinson at Sixth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, May 14, 1963. AP Images)