National Kid Inventors' Day is celebrated on January 17 each year. It honors young inventors and encourages children to use their creativity to solve problems. The date is the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, born in 1706, who invented his first known creation, a pair of swim fins, when he was about 11 years old. Many everyday items, from popsicles to earmuffs, were invented by kids.
History of National Kid Inventors' Day
Benjamin Franklin was a lifelong inventor. As a boy in Boston, he made wooden paddles for his hands to help him swim faster. As an adult, he invented bifocal glasses, the Franklin stove and the lightning rod, and he famously chose not to patent his inventions so that everyone could benefit.
Other kids followed in his footsteps. In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson left a cup of soda with a stirring stick outside on a cold night in California. The next morning, it had frozen. Years later, he patented the idea, which became the popsicle. In 1873, 15-year-old Chester Greenwood of Maine created ear protectors to keep his ears warm while ice skating, and he later patented earmuffs.
In 1824, Louis Braille, then 15, developed the raised-dot reading system for blind people that bears his name. Today, young inventors compete in science fairs and invention competitions, and some even receive patents.
Why National Kid Inventors' Day Matters
Kid Inventors' Day shows children that their ideas matter and that age is no barrier to innovation.
Inventing builds important skills, including problem-solving, persistence, creativity and learning from failure.
Celebrating young inventors also encourages interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.
How to Celebrate National Kid Inventors' Day
- Invent something: solve an everyday problem with simple materials.
- Learn about kid inventors: read stories of young innovators.
- Host an invention fair: let kids present their ideas.
- Use a maker space: visit a library or museum workshop.
- Keep an idea journal: write down problems and possible solutions.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share stories of kid inventors or invite employees' children to present inventions at a family event. In classrooms, teachers can hold an invention challenge, asking students to design a solution to a classroom problem with recycled materials. At home, families can set up an 'invention box' of tape, cardboard and string and let kids build. Praise the process, not just the result.
Fun Facts About National Kid Inventors' Day
- Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706.
- Frank Epperson invented the popsicle at age 11 in 1905.
- Chester Greenwood invented earmuffs at age 15.
National Kid Inventors' Day FAQs
When is National Kid Inventors' Day?
National Kid Inventors' Day is celebrated on January 17 each year.
Why is Kid Inventors' Day on January 17?
It's Benjamin Franklin's birthday; he invented swim fins as a boy.
What did kids invent?
Kids invented the popsicle, earmuffs and Braille, among other things.
Who invented the popsicle?
Frank Epperson, who was 11 when he discovered the idea in 1905.
Who invented earmuffs?
Chester Greenwood, who created them at age 15.
Can kids get patents?
Yes. There's no minimum age to apply for a U.S. patent.