As parents, we all want our children to be happy. We want to see their faces light up with excitement when they receive a gift from us. But have you ever considered giving them an experience instead of an actual gift? Here are a few reasons why experience gifts might be a better option for your kids.
First of all, experience gifts create memories that last a lifetime. While a toy might provide temporary entertainment, an experience provides a lasting memory that your child can cherish forever. Whether it’s a trip to the zoo, a visit to an amusement park, or a cooking class, experiences are something that your child will never forget.
Secondly, experience gifts promote family bonding. When you give your child an experience gift, you’re not just giving them a gift, you’re giving them an opportunity to spend quality time with you. It’s a chance to create memories together and strengthen your family bond.
Thirdly, experience gifts teach your child valuable skills. Whether it’s learning how to cook or how to ride a bike, experiences provide your child with hands-on learning opportunities that they can apply in their everyday life. These skills will stay with them for years to come and help them grow into well-rounded individuals.
Lastly, experience gifts teach your child the value of giving. When you give your child an experience gift, you’re not just giving them something, you’re also giving them an opportunity to give back. For example, you could give them a gift certificate to a local animal shelter and have them volunteer their time to help out.
We believe that experience gifts are a wonderful way to show your child that you care. They create lasting memories, promote family bonding, teach valuable skills, and teach your child the value of giving back. So the next time you’re thinking about buying your child a gift, consider giving them an experience instead.
Check out this compiled list of places to go and things to do around Minnesota that is perfect for finding a gift that will give your kids learning experiences over stuff. Another grat spot to find ideas is your list of family favorites!
They are broken down into three categories. Check them out here:
Experience Gift Ideas Around Minnesota-
Here’s a diverse list of over 100 gift experiences for kids in Minnesota.
Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe
Science Museum of Minnesota
Spend a day at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory and grab lunch
Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium at the Mall of America
Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth
Cascade Bay Water Park
Cooking Classes at Way Cool Cooking School
Guthrie Theater’s Family Series
Valleyfair Amusement Park
Duluth Children’s Museum
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Minnesota Transportation Museum
Can Can Wonderland mini-golf and arcade
Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing
Bunker Beach Water Park
Minnesota Twins baseball game
Minnesota Wild hockey game
Minnesota Vikings football game
Minnesota Timberwolves basketball game
Minnesota Lynx WNBA game
Minnesota United FC soccer match
St. Paul Saints baseball game
Dinosaur Park in Mankato
Mill City Museum
The Works Museum (engineering and science)
Wheel Fun Rentals (bike rentals)
American Swedish Institute
Minnesota History Center
Richfield Outdoor Pool
Membership for an Indoor Playground – Find over 30 listed here!
Fishing trip on one of Minnesota’s lakes
Fort Snelling State Park
Canoeing adventure on a lake or river
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Art Shanty Projects (seasonal ice shanty art installations)
Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona
James J. Hill House
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board children programs
Minnesota Streetcar Museum
Wild Mountain Waterpark in Taylors Falls
Wilderness Inquiry (outdoor adventures for all abilities)
The Raptor Center (bird of prey educational programs)
Minnesota Lynx Camp for young basketball enthusiasts
Minnesota Orchestra Young People’s Concerts
Crayola Experience at the Mall of America
Minnesota Youth Symphonies concerts
Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum
MN Bouldering Rock Climbing Pass (indoor rock climbing)
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Minnesota Sinfonia concerts
Minnesota Fringe Festival (family-friendly shows)
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Children’s Theatre Company performances
The Bakken Museum
Minneapolis Queen paddleboat ride down the Mississippi River
FlyOver America (virtual reality ride at Mall of America)
Edinborough Park Indoor Playground
Minnesota Thunder Academy soccer camp
Wabasha Street Caves tours
Minnesota United FC Youth Camp
Minnesota Zoo Farm Babies exhibit (seasonal)
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Winter Lights
Rum River BMX track in Isanti
SMAAASH (arcade and virtual reality experiences)
Ballet Minnesota performances
Smash Park in Roseville
Buy them Movie Tickets
Bowling Passes
Bring them to see a show at a Community Theatre
Mini Golf Passes
Gift them a week of Summer Camp
Daddy/Mommy Date with Child
Kids Concert
Arcade Gift Cards
Bring them to see a Magic Show
Kids Classes & Experience Gift Ideas Around Minnesota –
- Dance
- Sports
- Cooking
- Art/Craft
- Swimming
- Coding
- Music
- Karate
- Sewing
Family Membership Ideas Around Minnesota –
- Children’s Museum
- Community Center
- Swimming Pools
- Ice Skating
- Zoo
- Theme Park
- Trampoline Park
- Science Museum
- Art Studio
- State Park
- Cooking Kits
Online Memberships Gift Ideas for Kids
- Learning Programs
- Music Subscription
- Podcast Subscription
- Games Subscription
- Highlights Magazine Subscription
- Koala Crates
- Kiwi Box
- Little Passports
- Raddish Cooking Box
- Mark Rober- Crunch Lab
- We Craft Box
Do you have an idea that isn’t on our list? Share it below in the comment section!
