The holiday season means one thing: gift overload. If you’d rather not spend the first few weeks of the new year making space for new junk that your kid will eventually lose interest in, consider an experience gift instead.
Experience gifts are presents that give the receiver the chance to do something and make memories, rather than a toy that will inevitably sit in the bottom of a toy chest collecting dust or the latest tech that will quickly be phased out by the newest model.
Here is a list of gift experiences perfect for kids that live in metro Detroit — or somewhere nearby. Pick one for the child in your life and give the gift of lifelong memories this holiday season and beyond.
This article was recently updated on Nov. 8, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the best info on experience gifts for metro Detroit kids. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@metroparent.com.
Amusement park season passes
Is your child into roller coasters? Gift them a pass to Cedar Point or Michigan’s Adventure so that they can enjoy the adrenaline all year long! If that’s too pricey, consider passes to C.J. Barrymore’s or a local trampoline park.
Animal and nature experiences Â
Kids who love critters will love a membership to the Detroit Zoo. You can get single parent admission for one named adult and up to four kids that live at the same address for $140. Add a second adult for just $9 more.
If that’s out of your price range, consider purchasing a Michigan Recreation Passport to visit the Belle Isle Nature Center or any of the state parks. They’re just $13 for residents with your license plate renewal or $20 at any state park. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks also offer a yearly pass for $40 for residents.
Tickets to a sporting event
Lions, Tigers and Pistons, oh MI! Michigan is home to a lot of great sports teams and you don’t even have to spend big bucks to treat your kiddos to a game. Check out these Detroit sports ticket packs that include food, beverages and even souvenirs!
Art classes
Does your child love to draw, paint or sculpt? Help them hone their art skills by gifting them an art class this year. Pewabic Pottery and Art and Scraps in Detroit offer all kinds of classes for artists of all ages.
Mini vacation
You don’t have to hop a plane to make memories with the kids. Instead, gift the kids a trip to Frankenmuth where they can enjoy shopping, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, indoor swimming and more. You can also consider a trip Up North to check out Mackinac Island or Traverse City.
Family museum memberships
Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor are packed with all kinds of museums that are sure to ignite your child’s passions for art, history, science and more. Some family-favorite museums in our area that offer year-long memberships include the Michigan Science Center, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and the Detroit Institute of Arts.
See a stage show
Metro Detroit welcomes all kinds of kid-friendly theater shows throughout the year and you can reserve your seat to many of them well in advance. Consider a gift certificate to the Detroit Opera House, too.
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