It’s true to say that each generation of children is better off than their parents were, your children probably have way more bought for them than you did at your age.
Many years from now, your child won’t remember the presents you bought them, but they will remember the time and experiences they had with you. As Martin Luther King Jr said “Our children need our presence, not our presents”.
If you are looking for ideas for experiences that you might like to give your child, this round up of 60+ amazing experience gift ideas for families will give you lots of inspiration.
Experience Gift Ideas for Families
Making one-on-one time can be tricky in our busy family lives, but it is important to try to make time at least once a month with each parent and each child separately.
Some families like to give their children experiences as gifts, either for this one-on-one time, or for birthdays or other celebrations. Use our list to get ideas for things to offer or get your child that are experienced-based, and we also have vouchers you can print and download for free.
Maybe your child gets to choose a reward of an experience upon completing their chores or homework regularly. Or they have a birthday coming up and you want to avoid buying them even more stuff. Or you’ve bought them everything they need, then here’s the time to gift an experience.
While some of the ideas on our list do cost money, there are some free and low-cost things on our list that just cost time and/or transport. Whatever your budget, this will hopefully inspire you to offer the gift of presence this year.
Entertainment Gift Experience Ideas
I still remember my first time at the ballet and the theatre, these are experiences that will stay with your child through their life. Here are some entertainment experience gift ideas:
- Concert
- Ballet
- Theatre
- Cinema
- Drive-in movie
- Visit a museum – it could be one you’ve never been to before or else your child’s favourite
- Amusement park
- Mini golf
- Aquarium
- Zoo
- Water park
- Trampoline center
- Bowling
- Skating
- Sporting event
- Stadium tour
More Adventurous Experience Gift Ideas
Why not try something together that is more adventurous or that pushes you and your child out of your comfort zones?
- Horse riding
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Surfing
- Paddleboarding
- High ropes/adventure experience
- Go karting
- Climbing wall
Take a Class Together
Spend time together learning something fun and new:
- Dance lesson
- Archery
- Pottery
- Art or drawing
- Cookery lesson
- Creative writing
- Yoga
- Photography
More Puzzling Experiences
Why not try your hand at something puzzling that you have to figure out together:
- Escape room
- Treasure hunt (here are ideas for creating a treasure hunt at home)
- Go geocaching in your neighbourhood or out for a day somewhere
- Orienteering
Heading Away Experience Gift Ideas
For something a bit further afield you could head off for a night together, for example:
- AirBnB or hotel stay
- Glamping or camping
- Day trip to a new town or city you haven’t visited before
Food-Themed Experience Gift Ideas
Here are some ideas for food-related experiences you could give your child:
- Lunch or dinner out
- Go for afternoon tea
- Go out for ice cream
- Chocolate factory tour
- Visit a café for a treat
Experience Gift Ideas That Offer Something a Bit Different
Now for some more unusual ideas for experiences to enjoy with your child:
- Animal experience e.g. visit llamas (or just head out to a pet farm for the day)
- Nature or marine centre
- Train ride
- Boat tour
- Stargazing / observatory visit
- Visit a lighthouse
- Walking tour
- Fruit picking
- Whale watching
- Sailing
- Spa day or get your nails done
Low Cost/Free Experience Gift Ideas
Not every experience has to cost money, here are some great ideas for free or low cost experiences:
- Hiking
- LEGO-building date
- Jigsaw puzzling
- Art and craft session
- Kite-making and flying
- Beach day
- Rock painting
- Picnic at the park
- Camping in the back yard
About the Author: Jill Holtz
