About Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day 2026

What is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day?

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is a national educational programme in the United States that encourages parents and guardians to bring their children to work for a day. The event provides young people with the opportunity to explore careers, learn about the working world and gain insights into the skills and education needed for different professions. It is one of the largest public awareness campaigns in the country, with millions of workplaces participating each year.

The programme is now operated by its own independent foundation, which provides resources, activity guides and promotional materials to help employers and families make the most of the day.

When is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day?

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is held on the fourth Thursday in April each year. In 2026, it falls on Thursday 23 April.

Why Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day Matters

The programme was designed to broaden young people’s horizons by exposing them to a wide variety of careers and workplaces. By spending a day alongside working adults, children gain first-hand experience of professional environments, learn about teamwork and problem-solving, and begin to think about their own future career paths.

The day also plays an important role in challenging gender stereotypes. Originally launched as a girls-only programme to address the gender gap in many professions, it has evolved into an inclusive event that encourages all young people to explore careers without limitations based on gender, background or expectations.

Employers also benefit from participating. Many companies use the day as an opportunity to engage employees, build team spirit and demonstrate their commitment to the community. The programme encourages workplaces to invite not only employees’ children but also young people from shelters and residential programmes, ensuring that the benefits reach those who might otherwise have fewer opportunities.

History of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

The event began in 1992 when the Ms. Foundation for Women launched Take Our Daughters to Work Day. The first celebration was held on 22 April 1993, with schools across the United States provided with literature and resources for incorporating career exploration into their curricula around the event.

The programme was a significant cultural moment in the early 1990s, drawing widespread media attention and participation from major corporations, government agencies and small businesses alike. Gloria Steinem, the renowned feminist activist and co-founder of the Ms. Foundation, was a key advocate for the initiative.

In 2003, the programme was officially expanded to include boys, becoming Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. In practice, many participating companies had allowed both girls and boys to take part since the beginning, and the formal change reflected this reality whilst reinforcing the message that career exploration should be open to everyone.

In 2007, the programme became its own separate, independent foundation, no longer operated by the Ms. Foundation for Women. Gloria Steinem continues to serve as a member of the programme’s board of directors, maintaining the connection to its founding mission.

How to Get Involved

• Register your workplace through the official Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day foundation to receive planning resources and activity guides.
• Bring your child to work and introduce them to your colleagues, show them what you do and explain how your job fits into the wider world.
• Organise activities such as office tours, career talks, hands-on projects or Q&A sessions with employees from different departments.
• Include children from the community by partnering with local shelters, schools or youth organisations to extend invitations to young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
• Share the experience on social media using the hashtags below to inspire other workplaces and families to get involved.
• Encourage conversations at home about careers, education and goals, using the day as a springboard for ongoing discussions.

#TakeOurDaughtersAndSonsToWorkDay #TODASTWD #BringYourKidToWorkDay #CareerExploration #FutureLeaders

Upcoming Awareness Days

2 AprNational Burrito Day

2 AprWorld Autism Acceptance Week 2026

2 AprWorld Autism Awareness Day 2026

2 AprNational Peanut Butter and Jelly Day 2026

2 AprInternational Children’s Book Day 2026

2 AprPassover (Pesach) 2026