Since publishing my article, “Can You Say YES to Everything Your Kids Ask?“, I’ve received numerous questions, particularly about what activities to include in a Yes Day. To help spark some ideas, here are 20 fun and engaging activities that can make your Yes Day unforgettable:
#1 Go on a Road Trip or Camping Adventure🚗🏕️
Explore new places and enjoy the great outdoors together. Imagine all the fun they will have asking you to do things that normally you may not allow. Such as jumping in the lake, climbing trees or playing in the dirt.
#2 Stay in Your Pyjamas All Day 🛌
Would you stay in your pyjamas all day if your kids asked you to? Imagine adding some fuzzy socks, a cup of hot cocoa, and maybe even building a fluffy blanket fort for the ultimate day of indulgence. However, heading out in pyjamas? I might struggle with that one!
#3 Have Ice Cream for Breakfast or Dessert Before Dinner🍦
Break the rules and indulge in a sweet treat at unexpected times.
#4 Attend a Sporting Event⚽
Share the excitement of live sports with your kids.
#5 Visit a Museum, Theme Park, or Zoo 🏛️🎢🦁
This one is perfect for a Yes Day because it’s all about kids having fun! Though too many rollercoasters and spinning rides, I might end up dizzy and queasy, barely surviving the day! 🤢
#6 Learn Something New Together🧠
Take a class or workshop as a family and pick up a new skill. It’s fun and a great way to bond! My daughter Chloe loves the idea of a makeup masterclass—imagine us both mastering the perfect winged eyeliner (I could use the help!). Or a trampoline class at Bounce where we learn all the cool moves sounds like an absolute blast. We’d be bouncing around like pros in no time! 💄🤸♀️
#7 Have a Movie Marathon🎥
Whether at home or the cinema, enjoy back-to-back films with plenty of snacks. Combine this with Pyjama Day and the DIY Ice Cream Bar, and you’ll be the coolest parent ever! Imagine everyone snuggled up in cosy blankets, munching on popcorn, and indulging in ice cream—pure bliss!
Just a heads-up: make sure to set some ground rules for movie choices to keep everything age-appropriate. For my kids, that means no M, MA, or R-rated movies.🍿🎬🍦
#8 Play Video Games Together🎮
Dive into their favourite games and join in on the fun! A day of Mario Kart or Donkey Kong could be a blast. Just imagine the laughter as you battle it out on Rainbow Road or navigate through jungle adventures. If they prefer to play solo, that’s okay too—whatever they want, it’s Yes Day after all!
#9 Spend a Day with Water Play💦
Head to a pool, water park, or set up a sprinkler in the backyard. My kids absolutely love this! Zipping down water slides, jumping into the pool, and splashing around—it’s like reliving my childhood! 🌊🏊♂️
#10 Board Game Marathon🎲
Dust off your board games and challenge each other to a friendly competition. Maybe we could finally finish a game of Monopoly.
#11 Indoor or Outdoor Picnic🧺
Pack a basket and enjoy a meal in your living room or at a local park. Let the kids ask for what you want you to pack.
#12 Build an Epic Fort🏰
Use blankets, pillows, and anything else you can find to create a cosy hideout. Have that indoor picnic inside the fort.
#13 Set Up an Ice Cream Bar 🍨
Create a DIY ice cream station with various toppings and flavours.
#14 Declare a No-Chores Day🚫🧹
Give everyone a break from their usual household tasks. Chloe took this to a whole new level—she had me doing her chores (we call them “family contributions”). When she asked, I had to say yes! It’s amazing how quickly she caught on to the Yes Day spirit. 😆
#15 Play “The Floor Is Lava”🌋
Turn your living space into an obstacle course where no one can touch the floor.
#16 Set Up a Ninja Warrior Circuit
Design a fun and challenging course around the house for everyone to tackle.
#17 Organize a Treasure Hunt🗺️
Create clues and hide treasures around your home or yard for the kids to find.
#18 Host a Slime and Crafts Party🎨
Get creative with various craft supplies and make your own slime! While this one makes me a bit nervous—who knows where that slime might end up—it’s always a hit with the kids. Just imagine the colourful, gooey creations and the excited giggles as they mix and stretch their masterpieces. Embrace the mess and have fun crafting together!
#19 Have a Pillow, Nerf Gun, or Paint Battle💥
Engage in a playful and safe battle with your kids.
#20 Stay Up Way Past Bedtime🌙
Let the kids enjoy the novelty of staying up late and doing fun activities.
Remember, your Yes Day will be unique to your family and each of your children’s personalities. It’s the perfect opportunity to let your creativity flow and build strong relationships with your children while creating lasting memories.
It will sometimes push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you as you navigate the day as the adult. Remember to set the rules early and then enjoy the day doing what they want. There’s no right or wrong—all you have to do is say YES (as long as it falls within the rules). So, let loose, have fun, and embrace the unexpected! 🎉🙌
What ideas would you add to a Yes Day? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
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