National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day

Celebrated on 10/14/2026

Quick Fact

National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day was created by the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation to encourage intergenerational bonding. The day emphasizes the importance of family connections and gives parents a chance to experience their children's world over a shared meal.

Origins and Establishment of National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day

National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day was established in 2017 by the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation, the same organization behind the popular Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. The foundation recognized a need to balance the focus on children with opportunities for parents to be celebrated. The first official celebration took place on the Wednesday of the third full week in April, chosen to complement the existing Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, which occurs the following day.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, the day has grown from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized occasion. Many schools, workplaces, and community organizations now host special lunch events or encourage families to dine together. The day has also expanded to include virtual celebrations, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing families separated by distance to share a meal via video call. Modern commemoration often involves children planning and preparing the meal or choosing a restaurant, fostering a sense of responsibility and appreciation.

Facts & General Observations

• Nearly 40% of families report that they eat dinner together fewer than five times a week, making National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day a timely reminder of the importance of shared meals.
• The day is observed by over 1 million people annually, according to the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation.
• Studies show that children who regularly eat meals with their parents are more likely to have better academic performance and lower rates of substance abuse.

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