How to Plan the Best YES Day Ever: Silverwood Edition

If your family is anything like mine, you’ve probably seen ‘Yes Day‘ on Netflix, and now the kids are begging for one of their own. Here’s how we turned the idea into something manageable and took it to Silverwood!

But first, what exactly is a Yes Day?

It’s a special day where the kids are in charge (within reason, of course). They get to decide what we eat, what rides we go on, and what fun we say yes to.

Yes Day is a great way to give kids a sense of control while taking some of the pressure off parents to make all the decisions. It is an opportunity to connect more deeply with our children and truly enjoy the experience of being parents.

Step 1: Earn It First (Optional)

According to the rules in the movie, Yes Day has to be earned. Kids accumulate stickers for chores, kindness, reading, and reading using a simple sticker chart. Once they reach the goal, the day is theirs! However, if your life isn’t a movie, you may choose to skip this route and have a Yes Day just for the heck of it.

Step 2: Set Clear Boundaries

Set expectations and make sure everyone is on the same page:

● Budget: Set a limit for food, games, and souvenirs. Use cash bands to keep spending in check and Package Express to keep things manageable. Decide if you want to set a spending limit per child or per family, for us we set a limit per child. Tip: keep the food budget separate from the kids spending budget.
● Time: Define a time range (e.g., 11am–8pm)
● Date: Parents choose the day for Yes Day
● Safety: Life jackets, staying in sight, and age-appropriate choices are non-negotiable.
● Food: Yes to fun treats. Make sure it’s known they can’t have things outside of dietary restrictions (like things they are allergic to) and they can’t just eat sweets all day.
● Veto Power: Explain ahead that some things are off limits (e.g., spinning rides that make Mom sick!). However, if a veto is used outside the original guidelines you should find a fun compromise to keep the fun flowing. Like the parent needs to spin around 3 times or break into a silly dance.

Step 3: Plan Smart

Save money and time by planning in advance:

• Buy tickets early to save online and to check hours.
• Pack essentials: sunscreen, hats, swimsuits, towels, diapers, water bottles, sanitizer, a change of clothes, and anything else your family might need.
• Plan for extra money if you need to utilize a locker that day, rent a stroller or get other accommodations.
• Let the kids help plan by having them create a list of their top 3-5 “big asks” for the day. This builds excitement and gives them a sense of ownership over the adventure.

Step 4: Let the Kids Lead

Once you’ve got your coffee, hand over the reins:

• Let them pick the rides, even if it’s the Ferris Wheel 3 times. (If one child wants something different than another, find ways to take turns or split time fairly. We made the rule that they had to decide on the activities together and no arguing!)
• Let them choose where to eat (or pack a special lunch).
• Say yes to the Candy and Toy stores but make sure to set that budget ahead of time.
• And don’t forget to say YES to those fun midway games or the arcade! The fish and duck game is perfect for little ones, they win a prize every time.

Step 5: Be Flexible, Be Fun

You might get soaked on Thunder Canyon or stuck at the toddler splash zone, embrace it! You’re here to be part of the fun, not just plan it.

• Join the fun: ride, race, splash, and be silly.
• Suggest fun “yes” options if they get stuck.
• Take breaks as needed!
• Try to make screen time for quick photo ops only, stay present and enjoy the moment.

About the Conductor

I’m Amanda! I have been the city manager of Mom What’s Next CDA since 2023. I am passionate about helping families explore our local area and helping new families in the area find connections & adventures. I have developed a wide network of connections within the community, while becoming a reliable resource for families. In my free time, I’m usually having fun with my children, reading books, or going for a run. My family of 5 moved back to North Idaho from Oregon in 2023.  As a family we enjoy a variety of activities & adventures. In the summer you can find us outside at the park, in the mountains camping or off exploring.

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