It’s time for Take Our Children to Work Day again. Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 24, when Penn invites faculty, staff, and postdocs to share their workday with the next generation. This annual event is designed to inspire children and engage with potential future career paths. Through a series of fun and educational activities, children will learn about Penn as a leading employer and renowned institution, while exploring various fields of work.

Advance registration for activities will open on Tuesday, April 1 at 9 a.m. Make sure to sign up early, as activities fill up quickly. Take Our Children to Work Day continues to cater to elementary and middle school children, though children of all ages are welcome. From hands-on projects to engaging educational experiences, there’s something for every young guest. Whether children are interested in robotics, the arts, or learning about cutting-edge research, Take Our Children to Work Day is a chance to spark curiosity and broaden their understanding of the world around them.

Supervisory approval is required for all employees who participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult to all activities. Please note that you may register for as many flexible registration activities as you’d like, but only one special topic activity per employee. Be sure to check out the full list of available activities and plan your day accordingly.

Schools, departments, and groups across Penn are collaborating to offer dozens of developmental activities. Some of the activities for this year include:

• Robots in the University Library—Experience combat robotics firsthand in the battle arena and obstacle course with the 3D-printed robots designed and created by the QuakerBots. Participants will have the exclusive opportunity to navigate a timed obstacle course with a variety of showcased robots or pit the robots against each other in a match. Compete for the fastest time to win a flying drone prize. This session is open to spectators, but only registered participants are guaranteed a spot to control the robot. Suitable for ages 5 and up. 
• Leadership Through Action with the McNulty Leadership Program at the Wharton School—This interactive session focuses on how individual and team performance resides in action and behavior rather than position. Participants will work in teams to complete a problem-solving activity to better understand the power of teams to accomplish a goal.  Suitable for ages 9-15.
• Hands-On Fun with Simulated Patients at the School of Nursing—This interactive session explores the use of task trainers and manikins as a teaching method in preparing nursing students to care for real patients.  Participants will give injections, clean and pack “wounds,” don PPE, visit a patient, listen to heart and lung sounds, feel for pulses, and team up to “treat” the manikin for various illnesses. Most suitable for ages 6-16, but all ages are welcome.
• Building Hope Together: A Day of Discovery at Pennovation Works—Come to the Pennovation Works complex to learn about the exciting innovations and research happening here. There will be demonstrations from member companies featuring robots, the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, and other fun activities to learn more about Pennovation’s start-up companies. Pennovation Center is looking forward to discovering ways innovation can help build hope. A continental breakfast will be provided while pre-registered guests are checking in and signing waivers. Individuals are strongly encouraged to arrive on time to make sure to not miss parts of the experience. Suitable for ages 9-14. 

In addition to these specialized activities, children and their adult guests can enjoy a wide range of attractions around campus, including the Penn Relays, the Penn Museum, getting a Penn KidsCard, ice skating at the Class of 1923 Ice Rink, and much more. 

—Division of Human Resources