Take Our Kids To Work Day

Take Our Kids To Work Day (formally known as Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day) is observed annually on the fourth Thursday of April. In 2026, it falls on April 23. This educational program encourages parents to bring their children to their place of employment to give them a hands-on introduction to the professional world and inspire their future career aspirations.

See also: Take Your Child To The Library Day, Working Parents Day

History of Take Our Kids To Work Day

The holiday was founded in 1992 by Gloria Steinem and the Ms. Foundation for Women. Originally titled “Take Our Daughters to Work Day,” the initiative was specifically designed to address self-esteem issues in young girls and encourage them to explore career paths that were historically male-dominated. The first official event took place on April 22, 1993, and was an immediate success, with millions of girls participating across the United States.

In 2003, the program was officially expanded to include boys, becoming “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.” The organizers recognized that boys also benefit from seeing the diversity of the modern workforce and understanding the balance between work and family life. Today, the program is managed by the Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Foundation, and it has become a global phenomenon, with companies in over 100 countries hosting events to mentor the next generation.

Why is Take Our Kids To Work Day important?

The day serves as a critical bridge between the classroom and the real world. While school provides the theoretical foundation for knowledge, seeing a workplace in action helps children understand why they learn certain subjects. It demystifies the concept of “going to work” and shows kids the practical application of skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. By exposing children to a variety of roles, the day helps break down gender stereotypes and broadens their view of what is possible for their own futures.

For employers and parents, the day fosters a deeper sense of community and transparency. It allows coworkers to see the “human side” of their peers as parents, which can improve office culture and empathy. For the children, it provides a unique opportunity to see their parents as competent professionals, which often leads to increased mutual respect. It also allows businesses to engage in early workforce development, planting the seeds of interest in specific industries like STEM, healthcare, or the arts.

• It encourages children to dream big and set long-term career goals.
• The day promotes the importance of work-life balance and family support.
• It helps children develop “soft skills” by interacting with diverse adults in a professional setting.
• Many participants report that the day helped them choose their college majors.
• The program highlights the value of all types of labor, from manual trades to corporate leadership.

How to Observe Take Our Kids To Work Day

The hallmark of the day is the workplace tour. Many companies organize structured activities, such as mock board meetings, “junior” engineering challenges, or department presentations tailored to a younger audience. If your workplace doesn’t have a formal program, you can still participate by having your child “shadow” you for a few hours. This can include sitting in on non-confidential meetings, helping with simple filing or organization, or learning how to use specific software or tools.

To make the most of the experience, it is helpful to have a “debrief” session at the end of the day. Ask your child what they found most interesting, what surprised them about your job, and if they could see themselves doing something similar. For those who work in remote or hazardous environments where children cannot visit, many parents celebrate by hosting a “virtual office visit” via video call or by bringing home tools of the trade to explain their daily tasks.

• Check with your HR department to see if your company is hosting a formal event.
• Prepare a “kid-friendly” version of your daily tasks to keep them engaged.
• Take your child to lunch at your favorite work spot to show them the social side of the job.
• Encourage your child to ask your colleagues questions about their roles.
• Share a “Work Buddy” photo of you and your child on social media to inspire other parents.

Take Our Kids To Work Day Dates Table