16 Amazing Experience Gifts for Kids
Brittany Barber
Contributor
When it comes to gift-giving for little ones, toys and clothes often take center stage—but experience gifts for kids can a meaningful and memorable choice. Instead of another gadget destined for the donation bin, children's gift experiences offer something deeper: time, exploration, and creativity. They can spark curiosity, encourage movement and create moments that kids (and parents!) will remember long after the wrapping paper is gone.
The best experience gifts for kids usually offer something many parents secretly wish for, too: Less clutter. Whether it’s a cooking class, a unique Airbnb experience or a pass to a local zoo, these types of kids’ gifts tend to keep on giving. They foster learning, family connection and stimulation in a way that toys, as great as they can be, can’t really compete with. Many even provide education and support developmental growth through play, problem-solving or imaginative thinking.
From big-ticket adventures to budget-friendly ideas, the options are as varied as the children you're shopping for. Some are one-time outings, while others stretch the fun across weeks or months. No matter their age or interest—whether they're budding artists, little explorers or young thrill seekers—there’s an experience gift for everyone.
In the list below, you'll find 25 standout experience gifts for kids of all ages. These ideas range from creative kits they can enjoy at home to exciting day trips and party entertainment experiences they’ll be talking about for months to come. If you’re looking to give something special (not to mention screen-free), look no further than these unique children’s gift experiences.
1. Kids Edition Scratch-Off Book
This interactive book features 30 surprise activities designed to spark creativity and adventure in children. Each scratch-off challenge encourages kids to engage in fun tasks, from building snack houses to playing nature bingo, which is meant to encourage imagination and active play. It's a great experience gift for kids, as well as a tool to reduce screen time and promote hands-on learning.
2. Redwood Forest Steam Train Ride
The Redwood Forest Steam Train Ride in Felton, California, offers a captivating journey through towering redwood groves aboard a historic 19th-century steam locomotive. This 75-minute round-trip adventure ascends Bear Mountain, traversing trestles and winding narrow-gauge tracks, all while conductors share engaging tales of the area's rich history. Great for children and families, this experience gift for kids combines the thrill of vintage rail travel with the awe-inspiring beauty of ancient redwoods.
3. Throw them a Murder Mystery Party
Photo: EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/Getty Images
Hiring a kid-friendly murder mystery troupe offers a fun and immersive adventure packed with problem-solving, storytelling and teamwork. Designed for older children or tweens, these interactive mysteries turn your kid’s party into a live-action game where kids become detectives, suspects or witnesses in a playful whodunit. The troupe guides them through clues, puzzles and dramatic twists, encouraging creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.
4. Make Bedtime an Adventure
Transform bedtime into an exciting journey with stories that include interactive elements and mini challenges. This children’s gift experience is all about reading and sparking their imagination, which can make nighttime routines more enjoyable for kids (and parents). Each night, you’ll read a new part of the story and then scratch off the adventure that goes with it. It’s a sweet experience gift for kids between the ages of 3 and 8.
5. Enroll in a 5-Day Cooking Series
This cooking series is an immersive culinary camp designed for children aged 7 to 11. Over five consecutive days, young chefs engage in hands-on cooking sessions, each lasting around two hours, under the guidance of professional chef instructors. The program emphasizes fundamental cooking techniques, kitchen safety and creativity, encouraging confidence and a love for cooking.
6. Ride on The Tall Ship in NYC
The Tall Ship Sailing Experience offers a captivating maritime adventure for children and families. Aboard New York's only passenger tall ship, participants embark on a 90-minute voyage through the harbor, passing iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Kids can engage hands-on by assisting the crew in raising the sails, providing an interactive glimpse into historical seafaring. This fun experience will educate them about nautical traditions all while providing a sense of adventure and appreciation for maritime history.
7. Head to LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE Aquarium
Taking a trip to the LEGOLAND California Resort and SEA LIFE Aquarium is an exceptional experience gift for children, blending creativity, adventure and education. Over two days, families can explore over 60 rides, shows and attractions, including the interactive THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD and the prehistoric-themed Dino Valley. The SEA LIFE Aquarium complements the excitement with engaging marine exhibits, featuring sharks, rays and interactive touch pools.
8. Enjoy the Family Advent(ure) Calendar
Countdown to the holidays with 12 days of surprise activities that families can enjoy together. Each day reveals a new challenge to scratch-off, which will amp up everyone’s anticipation and festive spirit throughout the season. It also comes with adhesive stickers to attach photos, which will turn the calendar into a super cute keepsake filled with holiday memories.
9. Go Indoor Skydiving in Loudoun, Virginia
The iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience in Loudoun, Virginia offers an exhilarating and safe adventure for kids aged 3 and up. This 1.5-hour session includes a pre-flight orientation, all necessary flight gear and personalized guidance from expert instructors. Children can experience the thrill of free-fall in a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel, simulating the sensation of skydiving without the need for an actual jump.
10. Family Edition Scratch-Off Book
Photo: Adventure Challenge
With 50 unique adventures to reveal, the Family Edition Scratch-Off Book is made to strengthen family bonds through shared experiences. Inside, you’ll find all kinds of activities, ranging from outdoor explorations to creative indoor projects. There are designated spots in the book to stick photos in, too, turning the book itself into a family scrapbook. Gifting this book is a fantastic way for families to spend some quality time together—and try out something new.
11. New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise
The New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise is an exceptional experience gift for children, offering an unforgettable adventure into the marine world. Departing from Boston Harbor, this 4-hour excursion takes families to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a renowned feeding ground for various whale species, including humpbacks, finbacks and minkes. Guided by knowledgeable naturalists from the New England Aquarium, ocean-loving kids will gain insights into marine life and get to see some pretty awesome wildlife.
12. NYC VIP Ticket to Museum of Ice Cream
The NYC VIP Ticket to the Museum of Ice Cream offers an awesome experience gift for kids, blending imagination, play and endless sweetness. This VIP pass grants anytime access, allowing families to skip the lines and explore at their own pace. Children can dive into a giant sprinkle pool, ride a three-story slide, and indulge in unlimited ice cream treats across whimsical, interactive installations. The ticket also includes a complimentary drink from the MOIC café and a 10% discount at the gift shop.
13. Hire a Face Painter
Hiring a face painter turns an ordinary day into a colorful celebration. Whether it’s for a birthday, graduation or playdate, a professional face painter brings imagination to life—transforming children into tigers, superheroes, butterflies or anything they dream up. It’s not just party entertainment; it’s interactive art that lets kids express themselves and feel special. Plus, the experience is social, making it perfect for creating memories with friends or siblings.
14. Houston Kids Treetop Journey
The Kids Treetop Journey is an exhilarating outdoor adventure designed specifically for young explorers. This 1-hour experience features over 20 tree-to-tree obstacles and two ziplines, all set at heights up to 20 feet. With a continuous belay system and professional supervision, safety is paramount, allowing kids to focus on the fun. This exciting adventure promotes physical fitness, problem-solving and resilience, making it a memorable gift that combines fun with personal growth.
15. Hire a Magician
Hiring a magician as a gift experience for kids brings wonder and excitement right to your doorstep. Perfect for birthdays or special occasions, a live magic show captivates young audiences with disappearing acts, levitating objects and playful audience participation. Children are drawn into the mystery and fun, laughing and gasping as tricks unfold before their eyes. Many magicians even offer personalized performances or teach a simple trick or two!
16. The Personalized Goodnight Little Me Book
This adorable, personalized book is a heartwarming bedtime story tailored specifically for your child. Authored by Jennifer Dewing and illustrated by Mary GrandPré, this beautifully crafted book incorporates your child's name throughout the narrative and illustrations, creating a unique and engaging experience. Designed for kids aged 0 to 6, the story features a cast of charming characters—dogs, sheep, owls and crickets—all coming together to wish your little one sweet dreams.
Find more gift ideas here on The Bash.
