Take Your Child to Work Day 2026

Children of Clark employees explore campus and participate in hands-on activities during annual event

By Malena Goerl
Clark employee and their family at Take Your Child to Work Day

Balloons and bubbles floated through the Gaiser Student Center on April 23 as Clark employees led their children and family members through rows of activities. It was the annual Take Your Child to Work Day, where kids of all ages got to experience a real day in the life of a Penguin, from picking up a personalized Clark badge from Security to practicing science experiments. 

The event, hosted by the Office of People and Culture, offered an array of activities for children to engage in. 

Kids got creative by designing masks, creating fidget spinners, and coloring fun Penguin-themed pages. 

Child smiles at the camera as he builds a house with legos

Young boy holds a blue balloon and smiles up at his father

Child and an adult sit at a table with coloring pages

STEM faculty members Carol Hsu and Tina Barsotti, along with some STEM students, guided children through hands-on science experiments. Kids were mesmerized by one that created fog-filled bubbles. The Pollinator Club was also on hand to share fun facts about bees. Professor emeritus Steven Clark led the future scientists on a bee walk, where they saw a queen bee.

Child participates in STEM project

ASCC President helps a child with a STEM experiment

Two young girls engage with the Pollinator Club

Two young boys play with a machine that creates fog-filled bubbles

Of course, no Clark event is complete without Oswald! Kids took photos, high-fived, and hugged everyone’s favorite Penguin throughout the day. 

Another beloved animal was on campus; Oso the therapy dog (along with his person, Caitlin Malvar from the Basic Needs Hub) greeted visitors as they entered the Student Center. 

A young girl wearing a paper penguin crown waves at Oswald

Oswald and his handler

A child leans down to pet Oso

Across the hall, children could visit the Security desk for their very own Clark College ID badge, which they could hang on a free Clark lanyard from the bookstore. Ninety-five little Penguins sat with Security to get their photo taken for their badges this year.

Cath Buscha and their son, Oliver

A Clark employee and her daughters in the bookstore

Husband and children of Clark employee, dressed in Clark gear

About Clark's Take Your Child to Work Day

National Take Your Child to Work Day is an annual event held on the fourth Thursday of April where parents are encouraged to bring their children to work for one day. The event is designed to help children learn about different careers and gain exposure to the workplace. 

Take Your Child to Work Day at Clark is a celebration of learning, family, and the joy of curiosity. 

Photos: Clark College/Malena Goerl and Carly Rae Zent

Story by Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications and Marketing