Kid Inventors’ Day is celebrated on January 17 every year. This day celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of young people all around the world. You would be surprised to know how so many of the things that we use every day have been made by kid inventors! Kids have invented all sorts of things that have become common fixtures in our life. This includes earmuffs, popsicles, trampolines, Braille, and even the television. However, Kid Inventors’ Day in particular celebrates the extraordinary life of Benjamin Franklin – one of the earliest known kid inventors. He invented swim flippers at the mere age of twelve!
History of Kid Inventors’ Day
The origin of Kid Inventors’ Day is credited to those who wanted to set aside a day to celebrate the achievements of young inventors and encourage creativity among the younger population. Kid Inventors’ Day is a celebration of the remarkable creativity and purposefulness that every child is born with. With only a few tools and lots of freedom, a child can end up creating a unique contraption.
January 17 was chosen as Kid Inventors’ Day since it is also the birth anniversary of the respected polymath, politician, and child inventor Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Franklin is a man of many achievements but his earliest achievement was inventing swim flippers at the age of 12. He is a great model for every child – after all, children are naturally curious and creative. Franklin wasn’t the only kid inventor and he isn’t the last – over the years other children have invented many other things we continue to use today.
Things that we use every day such as trampolines, ear muffs, and popsicles were all invented by children. Some inventions by children have changed the lives of millions for the better. The most prominent example is the language of the blind, Braille, which was invented by kid inventor, Louis Braille. Examples such as these show that with proper encouragement, often brought along with celebrations such as Kid Inventors’ Day, our world can be a better place with innovations pioneered by children. The day is celebrated at school and community centers with competitions, exhibits, and more.
Kid Inventors’ Day timeline
Benjamin Franklin invents swimming flippers at the age of 12.
Louis Braille, who was blinded at the age of three, invents the system in 1824.
Frank Epperson invents popsicles at the age of 11.
George Nissen and Larry Griswold invent the first trampoline.
Kid Inventors’ Day FAQs
How do you celebrate Kid Inventors’ Day?
You can celebrate Kid Inventors’ Day by researching kid inventions, learning about patents, inventing together, demonstrating the role of STEM, or planning a field trip.
Who is the youngest kid inventor?
Samuel Thomas Houghton is a British inventor. In April 2008, at the age of five, he received a patent for his “Sweeping Device With Two Heads” invention. He is thought to be the youngest person to have been granted a patent for their invention.
How old do you have to be to get a patent?
As long as you are the inventor, you can get a patent at any age.
Kid Inventors’ Day Activities
Spend time with your child
If you have children, Kid Inventors’ Day can be one of the most educational and fun holidays to celebrate together. You will be astounded by the innovative ideas that your kid has.
Take your kid to the museum
If you live nearby a museum, Kid Inventors’ Day is the perfect day to take your children there to look at all of the amazing things people have invented. This is a wonderful way to inspire them.
Start a project
Start a project with your kid on Kid Inventors’ Day. A scientific or creative project can be a lot of fun for you and your kid.
5 Facts About Benjamin Franklin That Will Blow Your Mind
Only two years of formal education
Franklin spent just two years attending Boston Latin School and a private academy.
Franklin invented the glass armonica
This musical instrument was used by Mozart and Beethoven.
Franklin created a phonetic alphabet
His phonetic alphabet ditched C, J, Q, W, X, and Y and added six new letters, each designed to represent its own specific vocal sound.
Franklin was a fashion icon in France
Franklin’s plain dressing and fur hat became a rage all over France.
International Swimming Hall of Fame
Franklin had a lifelong love of swimming that began during his childhood.
Why We Love Kid Inventors’ Day
Facilitates bonding
Kid Inventors’ Day is the perfect day to bond with your kids. Visit a museum together, bounce ideas off each other, or participate in a fun project.
Makes kids enthusiastic
Learning about kid inventors can ignite a special enthusiasm for creativity and learning in our kids. This day is a perfect opportunity to do that!
Acknowledge that every child is special
We get caught up in our busy lives and tend to forget that every child is special. With proper care and encouragement, every child is capable of doing spectacular things. Kid Inventors’ Day urges us to be kind and appreciative to kids.
Kid Inventors’ Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 17 | Friday |
| 2026 | January 17 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 17 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 17 | Monday |
| 2029 | January 17 | Wednesday |
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