Co-create an Awesome Day

This is a playful, collaborative activity where you and your child (or the whole family) imagine, design and co-create an awesome day you’d all enjoy.

It’s not about planning the “perfect” day.

It’s about working as a team, listening to each other, making choices, and having fun while you create something together.

Why?

Kids love being part of the planning process—when we give them a voice, they feel heard, capable and valued.

And for you? It turns “what are we going to do today?” into a shared moment of connection and curiosity.

Skills you'll be developing

Creative and visual thinking
Negotiation, prioritisation and decision making
Time and sequencing awareness
Building confidence in sharing thoughts and ideas

How?

You don’t need much. Sticky notes, pens, and about 20 minutes of open time.

Step 1

Start with a discussion

Ask: "What makes an awesome day? What do we enjoy doing? What have we done in the past that we've enjoyed? What have we always wished we'd done?"

Encourage all ideas—nothing is too big or too small!

Step 2

Capture ideas

Write or draw each idea on a separate sticky note. One idea per note. Stick them all up on a wall, door or window as you go.

If your child’s too young to write, let them draw or tell you their ideas while you jot them down.

Step 3

Group similar ideas

Look for overlaps—maybe a few ideas all relate to being outdoors or happen in the same place, like the park. Group them by theme, location or vibe.

Step 4

Dot vote

Give everyone 3–5 sticky dots (or just use pens to draw them).

Ask: "Which ideas are you most excited about?"

Everyone dots the ideas they love most.

Step 5

Map your awesome day

Take the most-voted ideas and map them on a simple timeline for day.

What should we do first? When do we need lunch? What happens where?

Encourage your child to sketch on the “map” to bring it to life. Doodles or stick figures work great.

Stick your map somewhere everyone can easily see it, like on the fridge.

Take a photo to refer to whilst your out and about.

The Wow!

You’ll be surprised how much ownership kids feel when they help shape the day.

It’s a simple activity—but it teaches design skills, emotional intelligence, time awareness and teamwork.

It’s not just a schedule. It’s a memory you’ve made—together.

Tried this at home?

We’d love to hear how it went! What did your child come up with? What surprised you? What made the day awesome?

Share your story, a photo of your timeline, or even a doodle of your “awesome day” map with the Design Thinking Dad Community on LinkedIn.