How to Give Kids a Perfect Yes Day

Have you seen the Netflix movie Yes Day starring Jennifer Garner? In it, parents agree to say “yes” to their children’s requests for an entire day. That’s right — no saying “no.”

Now, imagine bringing that idea to your family vacation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Give your kids the chance to plan one day of the trip (with a few safety rules in place). It’s exciting for them and surprisingly fun and rewarding for you, too.

Plan for Your Yes Day Adventures

Spontaneity is part of the fun in the U.P., but even a Yes Day benefits from some behind-the-scenes planning. Talk with your kids ahead of time about what their “best day ever” looks like, then map out where you’ll play, eat and sleep. Some experiences can book up quickly or require tickets, reservations or an early arrival, so it pays to plan ahead.

Keep the Day Fun for Everyone

Let every kid have a say

• If you have multiple children, rotate the choices so that one picks the destination, another the activity and someone where to eat. If time allows, give each child their own Yes Day during your trip.

Set a few fun-loving ground rules

• Budget it: Set a spending limit for each child or for the entire day.
• Think long-term: Avoid choices with permanent consequences (like buying a pet or an ATV) unless parents give the go-ahead.
• Limit the loot: Some parents choose to take toys, games and souvenir shopping off the table.
• Watch the miles: The U.P. is big! Set a travel zone so you don’t spend most of the day in the car.

Ideas for a Yes Day in the U.P.

Say YES! to Memorable Adventures

Eastern U.P.

• Take a ferry under the Mackinac Bridge, and then head to Mackinac Island. Bike or ride a horse-drawn carriage around the island and climb up to Fort Mackinac to watch a real cannon blast.
• Defy gravity and logic at the Mystery Spot. Explore optical illusions, test your senses, tackle the maze, play mini golf and ride two ziplines.
• Rent a side-by-side vehicle on Drummond Island and explore trails packed with adventure at every turn.
• Splash and play in the river by the Lower Tahquamenon Falls. Rent a rowboat to paddle to the island for even more fun

Central U.P.

• Take a turn at the hand-operated raft at Kitch-iti-kipi and peer into the bubbling depths of Michigan’s largest natural freshwater spring.
• Pick out any souvenir you want (within budget) at Da Yoopers Tourist Trap.
• Ride the Riptide Ride around Grand Island for high-speed views of Pictured Rocks’ sandstone cliffs and waterfalls.
• Spend a day at McCarty’s Cove and build sandcastles, swim, play volleyball, picnic and relax.
• Go white-water rafting at Piers Gorge for rapids, splashes and nonstop laughs.

Western U.P.

• Learn to harness and care for sled dogs or take a 10-mile dog-powered fall color tour at Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventure.
• Go on an underground exploration at Adventure Mining Company where you can navigate winding tunnels, rappel down mine shafts and feel the rush of discovering what lies beneath the surface.
• Stay up late to stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the Midwest and, if you’re lucky, see the Northern Lights.
• Paddle Lake Superior or bike forest-lined trails on a guided tour with Keweenaw Adventure Company.

All Across the U.P.

• Eat ice cream in the morning, afternoon or evening.
• Order whatever you want at Clyde’s Drive-In in St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie or Manistique.
• Go Rockhounding and hunt for Yooperlites, lightning stones, colorful rocks and fossils along U.P. beaches.
• Say yes to free fun! There are plenty of free things to do in summer and fall, making it easy to keep saying “yes.

Say “Yes” to a Good Night’s Sleep

Help your Yes Day planners choose a place to stay with the amenities they love, such as a pool for endless Marco Polo games, a make-your-own waffle bar, a roomy suite for extra privacy, a game room or even ATV trails right outside the door.

Then, tuck in and rest up. Tomorrow is another day to say “yes,” whether it’s officially a Yes Day or not.