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. Although 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 (NIST), 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.

Kids learned about temperature and different states of matter by filling disposable gloves with dry ice (the gloves inflated as the ice evaporated) at NIST’s Take A Child to Work Day event. Credit: Fran Webber/NIST

As you prepare to host your own event, here are some tips to make it engaging, safe, educational, and fun for everyone involved.

Planning a successful TACTWD event

Safety and engagement

Safety should always come first. Before bringing children into your facility, review potential hazards and ensure that everyone has the proper personal protective equipment. Do a walk-through 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 might need a break.

Know your audience

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 that 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.

Plan engaging activities

Creative and interactive activities will keep children entertained while teaching them about manufacturing. Here are some ideas.

Robot demonstrations: Kids love watching robots in action. Show how collaborative robots work alongside people to assemble products or move objects.

3D printing: Let children see how ideas quickly come to life with 3D printing. Consider sending them home with small 3D-printed souvenirs as a reminder of the event.

Factory tours: Offer guided tours where kids can see raw materials transformed into finished products. Consider adding quick challenges or puzzles at different stops to keep them engaged.

Robot races: Set up races using remote-controlled robots, allowing children to compete and learn in a fun, hands-on way.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): Let kids explore virtual factory environments or assemble virtual products. You can even show them how AR helps with quality control and training.

Hands-on experiments: Engage kids with simple experiments that illustrate key manufacturing principles. Examples include assembling circuits, making slime to demonstrate chemical reactions, or building structures with everyday materials.

Rehearse the event

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 so transitions between activities are seamless.

On the big day

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 schedules to keep things running smoothly while accommodating the natural flow of the day.

NIST physicist Angie Hight-Walker shows an auditorium full of kids just how cool liquid nitrogen can be at this Take A Child to Work Day event. Credit: Jason Stoughton/NIST

Designate roles for those who will guide the children, assist with any medical needs, and capture photos and videos of the day. And if you’re 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.

Recognition and follow-up

Recognizing participation will help kids remember the experience and might inspire them to consider a future in manufacturing. Even if your company doesn’t have a 3D printer, 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.

Community benefits

Participating in TACTWD benefits both your company and the local community. Here’s how.

Boosts employee engagement: Hosting TACTWD can improve team morale and foster a positive company culture. Employees enjoy demonstrating their work to children, and the shared experience creates lasting memories.

Promotes a positive company image: By engaging in community events, you show your commitment to both your employees and their families.

Contributes to the talent pipeline: TACTWD might inspire the next generation of workers to consider careers in manufacturing, helping you build a strong future workforce.

How MEP can help

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, you can make your TACTWD event a memorable and valuable opportunity for the kids, your employees, your community, and your business.

Published April 1, 2025, in NIST’s Manufacturing Innovation Blog.