Every year, Kid Inventors’ Day shines a spotlight on the creativity and ingenuity of young minds. Observed on January 17, this day not only encourages children to think outside the box but also reminds us that some of the most influential inventions in history were created by kids! It’s a chance to celebrate these young inventors and motivate more children to explore their imaginations and embrace the world of innovation.
The date, January 17, was chosen to honor the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most famous inventors, who created his first invention at the age of 12. Franklin’s early invention, swimming fins worn on the hands, is a testament to how the curiosity and creativity of children can lead to groundbreaking ideas.
Notable Inventions by Kids
Many everyday items we use today were invented by young people. These stories show how children have played a key role in shaping the world of innovation:
- Popsicles: In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson accidentally invented the Popsicle. After leaving a cup of soda with a stirring stick outside overnight in the cold, he awoke to find a frozen treat that would become a summer staple.
- Braille: At just 15, Louis Braille developed the tactile writing system for the visually impaired after being blinded at a young age. His invention remains the primary reading and writing system for the blind to this day.
- Trampoline: George Nissen, a teenager, invented the trampoline in 1930 after watching trapeze artists fall into safety nets. His love for gymnastics and acrobatics led him to create the first model of the trampoline, an invention now used in sports and recreation worldwide.
These are just a few examples of how young inventors have made a significant impact, proving that age is no barrier to innovation.
When Is Kid Inventors’ Day Celebrated?
Kid Inventors’ Day is celebrated every year on January 17. If you’re ready to mark your calendar and start fostering innovation in the young minds around you, here’s a quick look at upcoming dates:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | January 17, Friday |
| 2026 | January 17, Saturday |
| 2027 | January 17, Sunday |
| 2028 | January 17, Monday |
| 2029 | January 17, Wednesday |
| 2030 | January 17, Thursday |
How to Encourage Your Child to Become an Inventor
Kid Inventors’ Day is the perfect time to inspire children to think like inventors. Here are a few supportive ways to encourage your child’s creative problem-solving skills and foster their love for innovation:
- Provide them with materials to tinker with. It could be old electronics, craft supplies, or building blocks—what matters most is giving children hands-on tools to explore their ideas and learn through doing.
- Encourage curiosity and questioning. If a child asks why something works a certain way or how it’s made, encourage their curiosity. These moments of inquiry are often the spark for new inventions.
- Celebrate failures as much as successes. Many great inventors have experienced failure before success. Teaching kids that mistakes are part of the learning process will help them build resilience and stay motivated.
- Look for invention competitions. There are numerous contests for young inventors that provide opportunities for children to share their ideas with others and even win prizes. These events can be a great way for kids to develop their skills and gain recognition for their efforts.
Fun Facts About Kid Inventors
Kid Inventors’ Day is full of fascinating stories and surprising contributions from young minds. From accidental creations to world-changing innovations, here are some fun facts that show just how impactful kids’ inventions have been throughout history:
- One-third of all patents filed in the United States are by inventors under the age of 18. This fact highlights just how much children are contributing to technological advancements.
- The youngest person to receive a patent was a 5-year-old named Sara Buckey. She invented a device that helps children learn to put on their socks without assistance.
- Kid Inventors’ Day is celebrated worldwide, with schools, museums, and science centers hosting special events and activities to encourage young minds to invent.
Ways to Celebrate Kid Inventors’ Day
Celebrating Kid Inventors’ Day is all about encouraging creativity and supporting young innovators. From hosting fun challenges to exploring invention stories, here are some exciting and simple ways to inspire kids to get inventive:
- Watch documentaries or read books about famous inventors. This can spark interest in the lives of inventors and show children that anyone can become an innovator.
- Create an invention journal. Encourage kids to draw or write down their ideas for new products or ways to improve everyday items. Keeping track of their ideas helps them stay engaged and shows the value of creativity.
- Visit a local museum or science center. Many places offer hands-on exhibits or workshops for children that can introduce them to the world of invention in a fun and interactive way.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
