Photo release Disclaimer:

By entering the BYCTWD event at the Pentagon on Thursday, April 24, 2025, you acknowledge that you are entering an area where photography, aerial drone photography, audio, and video recording may occur. You also acknowledge that
such photography, audio, and video recording may be used for the following limited purposes:
DoD websites and publications, and Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).


Photography by participants will be allowed in Center Courtyard ONLY.

Bring Your Child to Work Day 2025
Location: Pentagon Center Courtyard and surrounding areas
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025


 

Welcome!

The Washington Headquarters Services and Pentagon Athletic Center are excited to host this year’s Bring Your Child to Work Day (BYCTWD)—an annual event that connects the next generation to the vital missions of the Department of Defense.

Our 2025 theme, “For a New Generation,” highlights the importance of inspiring children to explore future career paths, gain exposure to military and civilian roles, and learn more about our nation’s defense community.

This event is open to all Pentagon employees and their children ages 3 and older. Get ready for a day filled with hands-on learning, live demonstrations, and fun-filled activities for the whole family!

Weather Advisory
In the event of inclement weather, all activities within the Center Courtyard will be canceled; however, limited activities will take place throughout the building.

What to Expect

Join us for a full day of exciting, educational, and interactive experiences, including:
• Live performances by military and local school bands
• Magic shows, face painting, and robotics demos
• Military OneSource resources & career exploration booths
• STEM and arts activities
• And much more!

The event kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with welcoming remarks, the National Anthem, and the Posting of Colors in the Center Courtyard.

Important Information

Registration is required for all children and accompanying adults.
You must register at least 48 hours in advance using the following links:
Children under 18: Register here
Adults (18+): Register through PFPA Visitor Management

Sponsors:
Sponsors must have active building access to the Pentagon. Each child must be accompanied by a Pentagon-cleared sponsor with authorized building access. Up to four pre-registered guests may be escorted per sponsor. 
 
Additional guests will require prior approval by PFPA
For exception to the request for over four (4) guests, please contact Lt. Sobecke via email at pfpa.pentagon.hqs.mbx.bring-your-child-to-work-day@mail.mil
 
Any visitor 18+ without an approved visit and a valid government ID will be denied entry. 
As a reminder, sponsors must remain with their visitors at all times.

Pentagon Access:
The primary entrance for the 2025 BYCTWD event is the Corridor 2 Pedestrian Entrance, which will be operational on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Corridor 2 – Only approved entrance for BYCTWD sponsors and their guests from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Corridor 3 – Will remain open for Pentagon employees and event staff.
  • Children will not be allowed entry at any entrance other than Corridor 2.
After 11:00 a.m., the only entrance BYCTWD sponsors and their guests will be permitted to enter through is the Visitor Control Center (VCC).

Event Packet Pick-Up: 
Event packet, badge, and T-shirt pick-up will be offered on the day of the event starting at 7:30 a.m. while supplies last from Pentagon Room 2C113, which is located directly across from the florist shop.
Transportation & Shuttles

Mark Center to Pentagon:
Special Event shuttles will run every 10–15 minutes from 6:45 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. and return trips from 12:55 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. 

North Parking (Corridor 2):
Shuttle A runs every 10–15 minutes between 6:55 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with departures from North Parking Stops 3, 4, & 5
to Corridor 2. The 10N Circulator will run at normal schedule in the afternoon to support passengers.

Shuttle B runs every 10–15 minutes between 6:55 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with departures from North Parking Stops 6, 7, & 8
 to Corridor 2. The 10N Circulator will run at normal schedule in the afternoon to support passengers.

South Parking (Corridor 2):
Special Event shuttles will run every 10–15 minutes between 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with departures from the Eads Street and Fern Street Stops
to Corridor 2. The 10S Circulator will run at normal schedule in the afternoon to support passengers.


Parking & Accessibility
• Parking must be pre-coordinated through your agency’s parking representative. Please use normal channels to request parking through appropriate agency parking reps.
• PFPA will enforce normal procedures, so please plan accordingly to avoid any violations


Special accommodations:
• Scooters: 703-693-3683
• Wheelchairs: 703-697-7351
• ASL support: whs.asl.interpreting-services@mail.mil


Smoking Policy
Smoking will be prohibited within the Center Courtyard on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.


Guided Building Tours
• Departures every 5 minutes from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. from the 3rd Floor, Apex 1/2.
• ASL-interpreted tours are available at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Guests requiring ASL services should arrive 15 minutes early

Pentagon Athletic Center (PAC)

Operating Hours – Thursday, April 24, 2025
Main Facility: 4:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Mark Center & Taylor Building Annexes: Closed

Special BYCTWD Activities:
• Face painting
•Space Force planetarium
• WOW Wheelz: Interactive driving experience

Note: Liability forms must be signed prior to participating in WOW Wheelz. All Lines for these activities will close at 2:00 p.m.


Additional Notices:
Basketball courts will 
be closed starting Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and will reopen on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Kids will not be permitted in:
• Functional fitness area (blue floor)
• Weight area, pool, cardio room, running track, and back lounge

Children must remain with their sponsor at all times


Food & Concessions
Please consider food options in advance, pre-order if bringing a large group, and be prepared to make alternate selections.


For additional support, please call (703-695-2295) or (703-892-0476).  A map of food locations, each vendor's contact information, and the email address to direct general inquiries are available online at https://www.whs.mil/DoDCC

Vendors Offering Special Kid-Friendly Items (while supplies last):

o Dunkin’ will offer 3 free Munchkins for kids.
o Fresh Kitchen will offer a kid-friendly menu featuring chicken nuggets,
cheese pizza, grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, milk, orange juice, and
apple juice.
o Hissho Sushi will offer kid-friendly fruit-flavored sushi and tote bags.
o Lebanese Taverna will offer a kid-friendly menu to include a coloring sheet
and salad or hummus.
o Market Basket will offer a free kid’s goodie bag with a purchase of a $1 or
more.
o McDonald’s will offer kid’s meals with a toy.
o Panda Express will offer free cookies and candy.
o Popeye’s will offer a free kid’s word search bag.
o Potbelly will offer a free cookie with purchase.
o Subway will offer a free cookie with purchase.
o Tropical Smoothie will feature a 12 oz kid’s smoothie.


Event Feedback

We’d love to hear from you!
Share your feedback here

Contact Information

For additional information or questions about the 2025 BYCTWD Event, please email
whs.pentagon.esd.mbx.bring-your-child-to-work@mail.mil

                                                                                              BYCTWD Events/Displays

Army:

  • PEO Soldier: Enhanced Night Vision Goggles-Binoculars (ENVG-B)
  • PEO Soldier: Nett Warrior (NW)
  • PEO Soldier: Integral Visual Augmentation Systems (IVAS)
  • PEO Soldier: Prolonged Patient Care
  • U.S. Army Reserve: Exploring Veterinary Care through Cutting-Edge Technology
  • National Museum of the U.S. Army: Revolutionary War 250
  • MDW: Army Old Guard Period Actors
  • 312th PSY-C: Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)

Marine Corps/Navy:

  • Scavenger Hunt within Pentagon
  • Naval Research Lab – Diamonds as Ice
  • Marine Corps Recruiting (2) Pull-Up Bars
  • National Musuem of the Marine Corps
  • Naval STEM
  • NCIS 
  • USMC/USD Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Robot Demo
  • National Museum of US Navy
  • Float a Boat STEM Challenge
  • National Call to Service Coloring Activity

Joint Chiefs of Staff:

  • Photos with Charlie and Rosie (Mascot) at JS Flag Room 2D852

PFPA:

  • Drone display
  • K-9 Demo
  • EOD Robot
  • CI – Spy Fest Equipment
  • Police Vehicle (2) Display
  • Lost and Found Booth

Personnel and Readiness:

  • Military OneSource
  • Military and Family Life Counseling Program

DoD:

  • CIO - Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS)
  • ASL Interpreters
  • ​DHRA - DoD Civilian Careers

Coast Guard

  • Coast Guard Recruiting and Giveaways
Air Force/Space Force:
  • Space Force Planetarium (PAC)
  • Introduction to Ciphers and Edison Robots
  • JAG Giveaways
  • SAF/IA Coloring and Trivia
  • Gas Mask Try On
  • Civil Air Patrol Demo
  • Rocket Carnival Games
  • Air Force/Space Force Recruiting
  • Meet Air Force Exec Dining Chefs
  • Paper Plane Challenge
  • Cryptologic Activity
  • Space Age Innovation (4th Floor, 8 Corr)
  • USAF Chaplain Corp
  • SAF/FM Games/Giveaways
  • HAF A2/6 ISR and CEO Giveaways
  • Superheroes and M&FRC Activities

Public Affairs

  • Young Journalists’ Mock Press Briefing (2E973) 1100 – 1130 & 1300 – 1330
  • Pentagon Guided Tours (Apex 1/2, 3rd floor): 1000 – 1130 & 1230 – 1400
  • ASL interpreters will support tours at 1000 and 1330
  • Self-Guided Tours - Brochures provided

WHS:

  • Face Painting (Center Courtyard, PAC, and Main Food Court)
  • Inflatable Animal Head and Wrist bands
  • Tattoos
  • PAC - Wow Wheelz (PAC), Zumba, Corn-Hole, Soccer Goal
  • Alexandria City High School Titans STEM Robotics Team Display
  • WHS HRD Talent Acquisition and Outreach Team
  • Mission Match Military Themed Activity 
Facilities Services Directorate
  • Office of the Pentagon Fire Marshal (Sparky the Fire Dog)
  • Occupational Safe and Health Branch (Confined Space Demo and Knot Tying)
  • ​Hands-On Activities

DiLorenzo Pentagon Health Clinic:

  • Oral Health Activities
  • Tricare Young Adult Info
  • Fit to Win
  • Acute Care