How to Have a “Yes Day” With Your Grandchild—And Make It One They’ll Never Forget)

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Have you ever heard of a “Yes Day”? It’s a special day where, instead of saying “no,” you say “yes” to your grandchild’s fun (and reasonable) ideas.

That means yes to extra sprinkles, yes to wearing silly outfits, and yes to jumping in puddles if they ask! It’s all about making them feel loved, heard, and filled with joy.

If you’ve never heard of a “Yes Day” before, here’s what it means:

A Yes Day is a fun day where you say “yes” to your grandkids’ ideas—as long as they’re safe and reasonable. The idea comes from the movie Yes Day, starring Jennifer Garner. It’s a great way to try new things together and let your grandkids use their imagination and creativity.

If you’re ready to make some big memories, here’s how to plan a “Yes Day” your grandchild will talk about for years to come.

10 Tips to Make Your “Yes Day” Unforgettable

There’s no wrong way to have a Yes Day, but I like to follow a few simple rules to help it go smoothly. These tips are just a friendly guide:

1. Set some ground rules ahead of time

Before the day begins, it’s smart to lay out a few rules. Think of it like bumpers in a bowling lane—still fun, just a little guidance.

Let them know things like:

• We need to stay nearby
• We won’t do anything dangerous
• We’ll stick to a set budget

This way, they can dream big without going too wild.

2. Let them make a “Yes Day” wishlist

Ask your grandchild to write down or tell you everything they’d love to do on Yes Day. Even if the ideas are a little silly or messy, just smile and nod. That’s part of the fun! You don’t have to say yes to everything—but seeing what they come up with will be half the giggles.

3. Say yes to that silly breakfast

Want cookies for breakfast? Or pancakes shaped like dinosaurs? Say yes! Start the day with a breakfast that makes them light up with happiness. You can even wear funny hats while eating—why not?

4. Dress the part, even if it’s wacky

Let them choose your outfit—or better yet, pick costumes together! Maybe you’re superheroes for the day. Maybe you both wear socks on your hands. Being silly together is what Yes Day is all about.

5. Do something you’d normally say “no” to

If they usually ask to splash in the mud and you usually say “maybe later”—today’s the day to say YES. Whether it’s dancing in the living room, playing video games longer than usual, or running through the sprinkler, it’s their moment to feel free and joyful.

6. Turn errands into adventures

If you do need to run an errand, turn it into part of the fun! Let them push the cart, pick a fun snack, or pretend you’re on a treasure hunt. You’ll be surprised how magical even a grocery run can be.

7. Snap lots of photos (or let them take some)

Bring your phone or camera and snap away! Better yet, hand it to your grandchild and let them take pictures. Capture the smiles, the messy faces, and the goofy outfits. These pictures will become treasures for both of you.

8. Take a break, guilt-free

All that fun can wear a person out! Say yes to a little rest. Maybe you cuddle on the couch for a movie, read a book, or just sit quietly with some snacks. Sometimes, a peaceful moment together is the sweetest part.

9. End the day with a sweet surprise

Before bedtime, add one last “yes.” Maybe it’s a small gift, a special bedtime story, or a silly dance party. You could even give them a “Yes Day” certificate they can keep as a memory.

10. Reflect together before bed

As the day winds down, talk about what you both loved. Ask, “What was your favorite part?” or “Should we do this again next year?” It helps them feel special and gives you both time to feel thankful for the day you shared.

Here’s an Example of a Yes Day With My Grandkids

One of my grandsons asked, “Can we start our Yes Day at Home Depot?” I had no idea why, but I said yes—and I’m so glad I did!

We spent the morning walking up and down the aisles, dreaming up wild DIY inventions. He picked out a small toolbox, a roll of duct tape, and some wooden dowels “to build a robot arm.”

(Spoiler alert: it didn’t work, but we sure had fun trying!) After that, we grabbed donuts from the shop next door, then headed home to turn the garage into a workshop.

Later, we made grilled cheese sandwiches with cookie cutters shaped like stars and dinosaurs. We finished the day with a homemade obstacle course in the backyard—Grandma even crawled under a pool noodle tunnel. My knees were sore, but my heart was full.

It was weird. It was silly. It was perfect.

Final Thoughts

A “Yes Day” isn’t about spending tons of money or doing huge things. It’s about saying yes to being present, playful, and connected. Your grandchild won’t remember the rules you usually set—they’ll remember that, for one magical day, Grandma or Grandpa said YES.

And chances are, you’ll remember it forever too.

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