Take Our Children to Work Day

Take Our Children to Work Day is held annually on the fourth Thursday in April and encourages and inspires youth while introducing them to future workplace possibilities. Children learn about Penn as a top employer and institute of higher education, while having fun. The campus activities are geared toward elementary and middle school children, though children of any age are welcome to attend. Numerous schools and centers welcome children to visit and engage, with a range of activities and programs to suit young guests’ varied interests and career goals.

Please note that supervisory approval is required for all staff, faculty and postdoc participants, who must accompany their young guests to all activities. Advanced registration is required and opens Monday, March 31 at 9 am.

The Division of Human Resources is grateful for the support of our partners from departments, schools, and centers who host events throughout the day. New and existing partners are welcome. If your team is interested in hosting a program for Take Our Children to Work Day, please contact the Quality of Work-Life Team at worklife@hr.upenn.edu by February 25, 2026.

Each year, more than 450 faculty, staff, and postdoctoral fellows and their young guests participate in a variety of activities offered by campus partners. Some examples include:

• An Insider’s Look at Public Safety at Penn with the Division of Public Safety
• A Souvenir Penn KidsCard at the PennCard Center
• Building Hope Together: A Day of Discovery at Pennovation Works
• Explore Art and Architecture: Architectural Archives, Materials Library, and Common Press at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design
• Hands-On Fun with Simulated Patients at the School of Nursing
• Kite Coloring and Flying with the Office of Information Security
• Leadership through Action with the McNulty Leadership Program at The Wharton School
• Passport to the World with Penn Global and International Student and Scholar Services
• Penn Class of 1923 Ice Rink Open Skating Hours
• Penn Relays, hosted by the Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics
• Phun with Physics with the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the School of Arts and Sciences
• Robots in the University Library
• Tour of PennVet’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital
• Try Your First Case with Penn Carey Law