Photo Release Disclaimer:
By entering the “Bring Your Child to Work Day” event at the Pentagon on Thursday, April 23, 2026, 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 on DoD websites, publications, and Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), and other promotional materials related to the event.

 


Photography/recording is allowed in the Center Courtyard ONLY
Welcome!


Bring Your Child to Work Day 2026
Location: Pentagon Center Courtyard and surrounding areas
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 
Washington Headquarters Services and the Pentagon Athletic Center are excited to host this year’s Bring Your Child to Work Day (BYCTWD). This annual event introduces the next generation to the missions of the Department of Defense through hands-on activities, educational displays, entertainment, and live demonstrations.


To see photos and videos from previous Bring Your Child to Work Day events, click here 
 
 
 
Theme:
The event is “Building Your Future.”  This annual event is designed to help children experience the workforce and showcase different roles within the Military and  the Department of War.

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

 

Mandatory Registration:  


1. Register Your Child for the Program. All children participating in the event must be registered.

    Register your Child :  Register here
 

2. PFPA Registration Required for All Visitors 18+

     All visitors 18 years and older must complete PFPA registration at least 36 hours before the event.

    ·Valid REAL ID–compliant government ID is required for entry.

    ·Anyone not registered or without proper ID will be denied entry.

  Sponsors must remain with their visitors at all times.

     To register visit the Visitor Sponsor Website at https://visitorsponsor.pfpa.mil/invite/. When registering, please select “BYCTWD 2026” under               event type.

Transportation:  

Shuttles will be available to transport BYCTWD attendees to and from the event.  All event shuttles will drop-off and pickup at the Pentagon Transit Center (PTC).  An ADA-accessible shuttle will also be available at the PTC to transport participants with mobility needs. Attendees should follow directional signage at the PTC for the event’s main entrance and afternoon departure locations. 

 

 

Mark Center to/from the Pentagon:  Use Metrobus A90 from Bus Bay 1 at Mark Center Station to Bus Bay U6 at the PTC.  Metrobus A90 operates every 10-15 minutes from 5:40 a.m. to 6:58 p.m.  BYCTWD attendees will be able to ride for free when accompanied by DoW personnel with a valid CAC/PFAC.                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                  

 

North Parking to/from the Pentagon:  For BYCTWD attendees parking in North Parking, special event shuttles are available from Lane 57 to Bus Bays U1/U2 at the PTC.  Special event shuttles operate every 10 minutes, from 6:55 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  BYCTWD attendees may also use the employee shuttle - Pentagon Circulator North – 10N when accompanied by DoW personnel with a valid CAC/PFAC.  This employee shuttle runs every 10 minutes between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with six stops in North Parking to Bus Bay U8 at the PTC.  
                                                                                   


South Parking to/from the Pentagon:  Use employee shuttle – Pentagon Circulator South - 10S.  This employee shuttle runs every 10 minutes from 6:05 a.m. to 6:05 p.m.       with stops at Fern Street and Hayes Street Parking Lots to Bus Bay U8 at the PTC.  

                                                                                   


 Special Accommodations:
·       Scooters: 703-693-3683
·       Wheelchairs: 703-697-7351
·       ASL support requests, please email whs.asl-interpreting-services@mail.mil
 

 Smoking:

· Smoking will be prohibited within the Center Courtyard on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

Guided Building Tours:

·     Departures every 5 minutes from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. from the 3rd Floor, Apex 1/2.

·     ASL supported tours will be offered at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  Guests requiring ASL interpretation are advised to arrive 15 minutes early.

 

Pentagon Athletic Center (PAC):

·    PAC Operating Hours for Thursday, April 23, 2026:

·    Main PAC Facility:  12:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m/ 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

·    Mark Center and Taylor Building Annexes:  Closed

·   The PAC will host the following indoor activities starting at 9:30 a.m.:     

·    DMV Rugby - DMV Rugby will host a training session on one half of the PAC basketball courts from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

·    Double Dutch Team Training - The Double Dutch Team will host a training session for all attendees on one half of the basketball courts from                     12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please feel free to jump in!

·     Outside of these activities, the basketball courts will be open for play starting at 9:30 a.m. and will close at 3:00 p.m.

 

·   The PAC will host the following outdoor activities in the Center Courtyard:

·    Football

·    Corn Hole

·     Volleyball

·     Soccer

·      Rugby

 

 Parking:

·       Pre-coordination of parking is required.  Please use normal channels to request parking through appropriate agency parking reps.

·       PFPA will enforce normal procedures, so please plan accordingly to avoid violations.

·       Permit holders must park in their designated area.

·       Parking availability is extremely limited due to high demand.  Please consider using alternative transportation, including metrorail, local bus                     networks, and slug lines.

 

 

  
 


  Pentagon Access:
  · The primary entrance for the 2026 BYCTWD event is the Corridor 2 Pedestrian Entrance, which will be operational on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 7:00             a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
  ·  Corridor 2 – Only approved entrance for BYCTWD sponsors and their guests from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 am.
  · Corridor 3 – Will remain open for Pentagon employees and event staff ONLY.
  · BYCTWD sponsors and guests arriving after 10:00 a.m.
  · BYCTWD sponsors with guests age 17 and under may enter through any of the Pentagons standard open entrances.
  · BYCTWD sponsors with guests age 18+ must enter through the Visitor Control Center (VCC).

 

 


   Sponsor Guidelines:
  · Sponsors must have active building access to the Pentagon.
  · The event is open to personnel stationed on the Pentagon Reservation, to include the Pentagon, Mark Center, Taylor-Polk Building, Suffolk Building, Crystal city      and Raven Rock.
  ·  Sponsors may escort up to 4 pre-registered attendees. To request an exception to the current guest/escort limit, please submit request                                       to pfpa.pentagon.hqs.mbx.bring-your-child-to-work-day@mail.mil.
  ·  Any visitor 18+ without an approved visit and a valid government ID (REAL ID compliant) will be denied entry.
  ·   Sponsors must remain with their visitors at all times.


  Pre-Event Bag Pick-Up: 

  BYCTWD bags will be available for pickup prior to the event.  Attendees must register to receive event bags.  Attendee registration will be verified during bag        pickup.  Bag distribution will take place in the PAC International Squash Court (BF716) on the following dates and times while supplies last.    

  · Monday, April 13, 2026, to Friday, April 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  · Monday, April 20, 2026, to Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  · Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

 


  Event Badge Policy: 
  To maintain Operations Security (OPSEC), all attendees must remove their identification badges prior to entering all BYCTWD event spaces. This is a required        measure to protect personnel and prevent the unauthorized collection of information.

  Event and displays: