Yes Day! 40 Ideas and Ground Rules for the Perfect Yes Day
Have you ever had a Yes Day? Here are some fun Yes Day Suggestions as well as a free printable to help your kids have the best Yes Day EVER!
While it was made popular by a recent movie starring Jennifer Garner, I first heard about having a Yes Day from a friend while I was in the trenches of baby, toddler, preschool, elementary school mom life. It sounded so fun, but with a tight budget and so many littles, it felt overwhelming.
Yes Day doesn’t have to be a big extravagent day full of expensive outings. Most of the time, all our kids want is our attention and our presence.
What is Yes Day?
Yes Day is a day where parents, or caregivers, have to say “Yes” to everything the kids ask for. Within reason, of course.
Rules
While there are essentially no rules on “Yes Day,” it is important to remember:
- you will not say yes to anything dangerous or illegal
- there is a budget
- you will only say yes to activities and things regarding the present time, not to things happening in the future
- you will not say yes to screen time
- HAVE FUN!
Feel free to add you own rules if necessary.
How to Say No
There will be times that you will have to say “No” to protect your kids or your sanity. During those moments, remember these No alternatives:
- Yes, later.
- Let me think about it.
- Let’s talk about it later.
- Instead of that, what if we __?
- That sounds like fun, but it’s too much for our budget.
- That’s a good idea, do you have another suggestion?
- That sounds like a fun idea for another day.
Yes Day Ideas for Kids
1. Skip your chores
2. Stay in your pj’s all-day
3. Have ice cream for breakfast
4. Have chips
5. Stay up past your bedtime
6. Sleep out in the treehouse
7. Ride our bikes to the park
8. Have breakfast in bed
9. Visit the waterpark
10. Have a family dance party
11. Bake a double batch of brownies
12. Have a picnic on the living room floor
13. Visit a fun restaurant
14. Dinner, with dessert first
15. Have a family water fight
16. Play in the mud
17. Play board games
18. Family campout in the living room
19. Build an epic fort (inside or outside)
20. Do messy science experiments
21. Karaoke
22. Have a fun photoshoot
23. Make an obstacle course
24. Have a thrift store scavenger hunt
25. Bake cookies
26. Have an outdoor backyard movie night
27. Dress up with crazy props
28. Play minute to win it
29. Have a pillow fight
30. Go to the trampoline park
31. Visit the arcade
32. Go to a museum
33. Make playdough
34. Go bowling
35. Play paintball
36. Play laser tag
37. Have a silly string fight
38. Have a nerf war
39. Family soccer
40. Go on a road trip
The Most Important Rule
I said it once but I’ll say it again.
The most important rule for Yes Day is to have fun. Spend time together. Be present. Reconnect as a family.
And say YES!
Grab Your Yes Day Ideas Free Printable
Grab this list of suggestions and add to them for the best Yes Day EVER!!
Yes Day Ideas for Family Resources
Before having your own Yes Day, you can prepare little ones by reading books and watching the movie Yes Day! so they understand what to do and aren’t caught unprepared. This is especially great for those who thrive on routine and don’t do well when thrown into new situations without preparation.
You are going to have so much fun! Feel free to share your adventures on Instagram. Use the hashtag #simplifyingfamilyyesday and have the best, most magical time together as a family!
Hi! I can’t get the Yes Day printable to work.. any tips?
It should be working now! Let me know if it isn’t. Somehow the segment was attached to the STEM email list. I apologize for that. Let me know if it isn’t working.
I have clicked all over this post, signed up for emails and looked in the shop and the printable are no where to be found 🙁
I am so sorry about that! It looks like the Yes Day segment was linked to the STEM email. I think it is fixed now. Let me know! Thank you!!
Do I need to sign up for your emails to get the yes day printable?
Yes! They are the same as the blog post if you would rather not.
NEVER DO THE KIDS TAKE IT TOO FAR BAD IDEA
@jeff, What did your kid do?
Lol so fun😂😂😂
I guess we’ve all seen that great movie about a lovely family, their conflict, and their way to happiness and understanding. And, of course, as much as we want t teach kids to respect the rules, we also want them to have some fun. Organizing a “Yes” day for kids can be a wonderful way to create cherished memories. Begin by setting clear boundaries and rules to ensure safety and maintain balance. Ask your children what they’d like to do or experience throughout the day, within these established guidelines. Create an itinerary together, including their chosen activities, treats, and surprises.
Great ideas!