Powered by the Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Every year, employers across the United States open their doors to curious kids, inviting them to experience a day in the life of their parents at work. On April 25, 2025, Take a Child to Work Day and Beyond will give children whose parents work in manufacturing a fun opportunity to explore technologies like robots, simulations and more. While Take a Child to Work Day (TACTWD) isn’t specifically designed to inspire future careers in manufacturing, it offers a great way for children to learn about the innovative side of the industry. For some, it might even spark an interest in working in manufacturing, just like their parents!
At the National Institute of Standards and Technology, we celebrate TACTWD each year with demonstrations and hands-on activities in various labs, featuring technologies like 3D printing, lasers, and robots. Kids are fascinated by the chance to experience things they don’t usually see at home or school, and the activities are both educational and entertaining.
As you prepare to host your own event, here are some tips to make it engaging, safe, educational, and fun for everyone involved.
Safety should always come first. Before bringing children into your facility, plan for their safety by reviewing potential hazards and ensuring everyone has the proper personal protective equipment. Do a walkthrough of your facility to identify potential risks from a child’s perspective. Look for things that might be distracting or unsafe and remove or cover them as needed. Make sure restrooms and quiet spaces are accessible for children who may need a break.
Start by understanding who will attend. Poll employees or require registration to help you plan for the number of children and their age groups. With this information, you can design age-appropriate activities and plan for safety. You might also want to limit participation to certain age groups to ensure the activities are engaging and safe.
For younger kids, consider activities like guided facility tours, simple interactive demonstrations, and games related to your manufacturing processes. Older children might enjoy a more in-depth look at manufacturing through hands-on demonstrations, problem-solving exercises, or short presentations.
Creative and interactive activities will keep children entertained while teaching them about manufacturing. Here are some ideas:
Coordinate with the employees who will be demonstrating equipment or technology, making sure they are prepared and comfortable. Run through a rehearsal two to three days before your TACTWD event to ensure that everything flows smoothly. This will help you work out any logistical issues and ensure transitions between activities are seamless.
Expect the unexpected! Kids bring a lot of energy, excitement, and curiosity to the workplace. Consider using visuals like posters or handouts to help them better understand what they’re seeing. Stay flexible with the schedule to keep things running smoothly while accommodating the natural flow of the day.
Designate roles for who will guide the children, assist with any medical needs, or capture photos and videos of the day. And if you are going to be taking videos or photos of minors, make sure to get permission from their parents or guardians beforehand. It’s also important to have quiet spaces available to help kids decompress if the event becomes overwhelming. Check in frequently to ensure every child is comfortable and enjoying their experience.
Recognizing participation will help kids remember the experience and may inspire them to consider a future in manufacturing. Even if your company doesn’t have a 3D printing machine, consider providing the kids with small giveaways or offering a photo booth to create lasting memories. Personalized certificates are also a meaningful keepsake for each child.
Also, don’t forget to recognize the efforts of your employees who helped make the day a success. After the event, share highlights and photos on social media (with parents’ permission) and engage with local media to generate excitement and interest in your company’s community involvement.
Participating in TACTWD benefits both your company and the local community. Here’s how:
Need some help planning your event? Your local MEP Center has experience engaging children through Manufacturing Day and can offer advice to help make your TACTWD event a success. It can also assist with other business needs, from finding and training future employees to implementing new technologies.
By planning carefully, engaging your audience, and creating an enjoyable experience, your TACTWD event will be a memorable and valuable opportunity for the kids, your employees, your community, and your business.