Celebrating Christmas in your homeschool just got easier with these fun and easy experience gifts for kids!
Whether you are shopping for Christmas, birthday, or just because, there are many reasons to consider going with an experience-based gift.
Experience-based gifts offer kids a lifetime of memories without any of the clutter or mess. That’s why families everywhere are gravitating towards fun and easy experience gifts for kids.
If you’re shopping for more than one person, you could even take the shopping adventure one step further by searching for whole family gift ideas that are experience-based.
These ideas are particularly useful when you’re shopping for a budget-friendly Christmas gift for yourself or for an extended family member.
But we’ll focus more on that another time. Today’s topic is fun and memorable experience gift ideas for kids.
This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.
Easy Navigation
Why Consider Experience-Based Gifts for Kids?
Toys are fun, board games are exciting, and clothing can be functional. Unfortunately, all of these items often end up scattered all over the floor at best or at worst, broken and destroyed. Gifting cash or gift cards might solve this problem to some degree, but cash and gift cards often feel impersonal.
Experience-based gifts can be both memorable and fulfilling. And if you put a lot of thought and effort into it, an experience gift can also be both educational and entertaining at the same time. Many times, these gifts provide unforgettable adventures again and again.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to take a look at some of the best ideas for experience gifts for kids, then keep reading because I’ve gathered some of my family’s favorite experience gift ideas.
Free Printable Christmas Budgeting Envelopes
Want to stay on top of your budget this holiday season? These free Christmas budgeting envelopes are a great place to start!
Print off the envelopes, fold and assemble them, then label each envelope with a person or category. Then fill each envelope with cash and you’ll always know exactly how much you have left for each item on your to-do list. No more going over budget!
Click here to grab your free Christmas Budgeting Envelopes!
Fun and Memorable Experience Gift Ideas for Kids
As we go through the ideas below, we will offer suggestions as to which may be more appropriate for younger children (ages up to 7) and older ones (7 to 14).
1. Museum Passes or Memberships
Pretty much any major city you live in will have the following amenities. These are great gifts for kids 7-14 years old. We illustrate with an example of Chicago:
City Passes or Equivalent
These passes allow you to visit multiple points of interest within a given period. For example, the Chicago CityPASS allows you to visit major attractions like the Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Adler Planetarium or Shedd Aquarium.
Many cities offer these kinds of passes. Just perform an internet search for (insert city name here) city pass and see what pops up!
Here are just a few cities off the top of my head that offer passes.
Get Out Pass is a company that custom builds city passes for many cities in The United States. Right now there are 11 different cities being included I believe. This is another great option for those looking for general city passes.
Individual Museum Memberships
Depending on what your kids may be interested in – starting from natural history to art to science – get annual memberships in local museums. For example, in Chicago, you can get memberships to the Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute etc.
On the other side of the country, Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, UT also offers memberships to all the museums and venues on the property. Most cities offer several museum options, and most museums offer annual passes that allow you to save money on repeat visits.
Depending on how involved or animated your kids are, your options regarding finding the right experience gift for kids could cover advanced levels of access to spots such as museums and zoos (see below).
Variations for Younger Kids
Some of these attractions may cater to younger kids. Children’s museums are particularly popular for this age group and a membership allows your o enjoy them again and again.
In Chicago, consider getting your youngster a membership to the unique Chicago Children’s Museum. Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, UT also has a fun children’s museum that is included in their venue membership pass.
2. Zoo, Aquarium or Arboretum Memberships
Zoo and aquarium memberships are great for children of all ages. Our favorite local aquarium is the SeaQuest aquarium in Ogden, UT but SeaQuest has many locations around the country if you want to give them a try. Their exhibits are highly interactive and tons of fun.
As your kids get older and more interested, you can invest in higher-level passes. These will allow them access behind the scenes, which could then lead to educational or volunteering opportunities which will stay with them for life.
For example, in Chicago, you can get family memberships to Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (with its butterfly sanctuary), among others. Or in California, the San Diego Zoo or Monterey Bay Aquariums offer tons of experiences and adventures for kids.
3. Choose Memberships that Allow for Deeper Dives
These are likely for older kids, but if they really show interest in an area, upgrade the tickets or the memberships beyond simple admissions and visits.
For example, the Chicago Field Museum allows three levels of tickets:
As you climb the levels, there are more things your kids will experience, from docent-led tours to participation in certain activities behind the scenes.
Other locations throughout the country offer similar options – just ask at the front desk and see what each specific location offers guests.
If your kids are interested, a ticket or membership that allows them to immerse further into the experience can lead to an ultimate symbiotic experience.
4. Tickets or Memberships to Six Flags or Other Amusement Parks
Family excursions to a theme and/or amusement park, or perhaps a trip for your kids and their friends (with adult supervision, of course) can be absolutely awesome. If you get a membership and take them several times during the year, they can get their fill of the experience.
Most major amusement parks offer annual passes or memberships that allow you to save on repeat visits. Six Flags, Disney, Universal Studios, Lagoon, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Hershey Park are just a few popular locations.
Amusement park passes are good for kids of all ages, although some of the scarier or tougher rides may be hard for kids below 7 and they’ll need to stick to the kiddie areas or more family-friendly rides.
5. An Adventure Experience
Most cities will have options for your kids to enjoy adventure experiences. Many may be free, but there are ones that need tickets and these are well worth it.
Activities could include rock climbing, roller skating, ice skating, ice fishing, adventure expeditions or something truly different – like indoor skydiving.
In Chicago, for example, iFly Chicago provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience that your kids won’t forget.
Check with the organizers to make sure that your kid is old and strong enough to participate in such activities.
6. Take them to a Ballgame
If your kids like sports, there will be many options to have a family day out at a ballpark near you – be it a major league game or a minor league venue.
Kids of all ages love picnics, and minor league or local games are often more fun for youngsters who may not follow sports seriously yet but love the ambiance and the camaraderie.
For an early teenager that worships the Bears, Bulls or Cubs, on the other hand, their first ballgame is practically a pilgrimage – make it count!
7. A Farm Stay
Many kids, especially youngsters, will love petting zoos. But if you are really focused on finding the right experience gift for kids, take them on a farm stay. There are many options, such as Amish Country escapes or farms/ranches that welcome kids.
8. Think of a Subscription Box
If you haven’t heard of subscription boxes, find out more. These are literally gifts that keep on giving. If you give them the option, your kids (especially the older ones who have specific and developed interests) can order a wide range of things that are both educational and useful.
Check out this list of the best subscription boxes for kids to get you started.
9. How About an Excursion?
If you can, an ideal thing for older kids to enjoy would be something that is far away from their daily routine. Here are some ideas:
- Take them on a long train ride to a far-away destination.
- Take them on a cruise to watch whales.
- Visit Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone … something they will not forget.
- Visit a National Park – if you have a 4th grader, you can even get in for free with an Every Kid in a Park National Park pass
- Visit the Smithsonian Museum or the Met in New York as part of a trip.
- Take them to natural caverns.
- Arrange for a stay out in the wilderness.
- Go on a horseback riding adventure or excursion
- Take them fishing, or tubing along a local river.
10. Staycation, Anyone?
With very young kids, sometimes it’s hard to find an activity that can really catch their imagination and provide enjoyment before they can understand what’s going on.
Treat your little ones to a staycation with their best friends – they will enjoy every minute of it! A fun staycation could consist of fun screen-free activities that you enjoy as a family or invite a few friends over. Alternatively, plan an at-home summer camp with a week or two worth of fun, themed activities that your kids will love.
If you do like the idea of screen-based staycations? Why not try fun and engaging virtual live classes for kids with a program like Camp Supernow? A monthly subscription to Camp Supernow is extremely affordable and provides kids with hours of fun every single day!
Or plan a virtual play date with a friend or family member. Zoom can be used for anything from virtual family reunions to classes and activities for little ones. It’s free and easy to access all over the world!
100+ More Fun Experience Ideas to Enjoy with Kids
If you don’t like the above ideas, check out this master list of 100+ more fun experience ideas. Some can be used as gifts, and some can be used as a parent child date night. Prices vary from free to cheap to mildly pricey.
Enjoy!
- Go to a coffee shop or book store and write poetry together
- Go on a camping trip at a local (or not so local) campground
- Go bowling
- Go fishing together and then cook the fish you caught for dinner
- Go on a train ride
- Go geocaching
- Hike at a National Park (remember to check out the free National Park pass if you have a 4th grader)
- Go to the zoo (go one time or buy a pass and go regularly)
- Go on a bike ride
- Go to a museum
- Visit an aquarium
- Join a craft club
- Go to a local ceramic store and paint something
- Take a karate class
- Visit a farm
- Stroll the mall
- Go on a playdate with a friend or cousin you don’t see often
- Go swimming (local rec center or river/beach)
- Go on a picnic (at the park or on a hike)
- Go roller skating
- Enjoy some charity work
- Explore world cultures with a subscription box or a virtual vacation pack
- Play soccer
- Grab a movie at the local movie theater
- Take a baking class
- Go fruit picking (wild or at a farm)
- Visit the library
- Go on a day road trip to a semi-local tourist location
- Find and take a local tour
- Go on a lunch or dinner date at a favorite restaurant
- Go to a concert
- Visit the carnival or county fair
- Check out the local fleamarket
- Go to a baseball game
- Visit the local farmer’s market
- Visit a local historic house or farm
- Tour a local dairy farm or cheese factory
- Master a new skill together
- Create or go to a photoshoot
- Go on a canoe ride
- Check out a local drive-in theater
- Host an outdoor movie night
- Have a living room sleepover
- Have a cooking contest (or some other contest)
- Create and maintain a gratitude journal together
- Have a karaoke party
- Designate one night of the week as a surprise (or themed) food night and cook something unexpected or on-theme together
- Visit a favorite event (auto racing, horse track, etc)
- Stay in a hotel for a night or for the weekend
- Go stargazing
- Do some yoga together
- Have a game night
- Create a family time capsule
- Train for and run a marathon together
- Start a garden
- Write or produce a screenplay
- Write a short story together
- Enjoy some Mad Libs together
- Start a collection together
- Play some video games together, either online or at a local arcade
- Go shopping together
- Come up with a secret handshake
- Plan an annual themed trip you take every year
- Fix a special Saturday morning breakfast together
- Go out for a special breakfast
- Start a dream board or a vision board together
- Designate a random act of kindness day (or month!)
- Throw a BBW party
- Throw a pool party
- Create a family podcast
- Go on a trek or scavenger hunt and find some interesting items
- Paint some rocks to hide around town
- Learn some magic tricks
- Buy and read a joke book
- Go to an amusement park
- Go horseback riding (either for an afternoon or as a week-long trail ride)
- Make a bonfire and roast marshmallows (remember to experiment with multi-colored fire)
- Start a lemonade stand
- Learn a new language
- Tour your own city as if you’re from out of town
- Go 24 hours without any screens, radios, internet, etc
- Go to a play
- Fly a kite
- Take some music lessons
- Go on a hot air balloon ride
- Explore a cave
- Go paintballing
- Go drone racing
- Let the kids pick the activity!
- Take flying lessons at a local airport
- Feed some wild birds
- Go dog walking (your own dog or some local shelter dogs)
- Go on a cruise
- Go to Disneyland or plan your own fake Disney adventure at home
- Visit the mountains
- Watch some fun YouTube videos together
- Start a family fun blog
- Have a nail day or spa day
- Go to a Home Depot or Lowes class
- Make a gift for somebody you both love
Is An Experience Gift Right for Your Kid?
The above ideas in terms of finding experience gifts for kids are meant to stimulate your interest and imagination, not just provide you with a cheat sheet. You know your kids the best, find the right experience for them based on their age, interests and aptitudes.
If you are lucky, your kids will gain knowledge and may even become interested enough to immerse themselves in certain productive activities whose effects stay with them for the rest of their lives.
More Fun Winter and Holiday Ideas For Kids
Still looking for more fun ways to celebrate with kids this winter/holiday season? I’ve collected some of the best ideas from some of my blogging buddies!
- Free Printable Valentine Multiplication Worksheets - June 4, 2025
- Free Printable Martin Luther King, Jr. Word Scramble - June 4, 2025
- Digital Math Curriculum | Pros, Cons, and Options - June 4, 2025