These 2024 Grand Rapids Experience Gifts for Kids Will Land You “Best Gift Giver” Status. (And Save on Gift Wrap?)

Experience Gifts for Kids That They Will Love

Why are Christmas activities so fun? Maybe it’s because we are getting the gift of time with loved ones.

Experiences give us the gift of memories for years to come and moments to cherish.

Gifting experiences to the kids in your life is another way to give the precious gift of time, especially if it’s something that you do with them.

If you’re looking for the best Grand Rapids experience gifts for kids, you’ve found them. Get our your pencil and paper – the list is loaded with things to do.

Happy Holidays!

17 Grand Rapids Experience Gifts for Kids

These local experience gifts keep in-home clutter to a minimum and lets the gift last much longer, spreading the holiday cheer throughout the year.

Whether you’re mom or dad, the best auntie ever, or a grandpa looking for a fun way to spend time with a grandchild, any one of these ideas will be a hit with that special kid you’re buying for.

Holiday Gift Guide

A Private LEGO ® Event to Bricks & Minifigs Grand Rapids

Experience Gift Idea for LEGO ® Lovers
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Gift the gift of LEGO® fun with a private LEGO® event!

Our LEGO®-themed private events are for any age and occasion, from birthdays to milestones, to family celebrations, to just because! We’ve hosted 50th birthday parties, Hanukkah parties, end-of-year celebrations, and many other occasions.

This year, stuff the stockings with a LEGO® experience for the whole family or for your child and their friends! Every private event includes activities such as building and racing LEGO®-built cars, competitions, or mosaics, as well as LEGO®-themed decorations, a dedicated host to run the fun, and a free minifig for every participant!

Add-on packages include goody bags and/or additional activities if desired.

We'll provide the space, supplies, activities, set-up, clean-up and hosting so you can enjoy the party, too!

To book your special occasion, visit our website.

Had my child’s birthday party here. It was amazing! They raced LEGO® cars, built a kit, and built minifigs to take home. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. I highly recommend them!
(616) 719-1973 | Email | Visit Website

2927 Breton Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Certificate to BattleGR

Experience Gift Idea for Gamers
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Looking for a fun & different gift for the kids (and big kids) that have everything already? Why not give the gift of memories?

BattleGR keeps things fun & interactive with different activities: open Gym, Tactical Laser Tag, Archery Tag and Axe Throwing. With over 30 different laser tag games to play, no one will be bored.

You can give a gift certificate or bundle it with one of our cool shirts or sweatshirts.

We are perfect for families, kids, & adults.

Check out our website for our special events like Family Nights, Parent’s Night Out, trivia nights, and holiday day camp.

Absolutely amazing time with the most amazing staff ever!! Kids and Adults had the best time ever! So unique and fun! And great food!! Visit for a great time!
(616) 345-0698 | Email | Visit Website

284 Dodge NE Suite 100, Comstock Park, MI 49321 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Membership to Grand Rapids Public Museum

Experience Gift Idea for Curious Kids
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Give the gift of history, science and culture with a gift membership to the Grand Rapids Public Museum!

Memberships can be purchased at grpm.org/membership, and can be shared electronically with the recipient.

Family and Grandparent Memberships include FREE admission all year for up to 2 adults and all children in the household.

Members also receive discounts to planetarium shows, concerts, Camp Curious summer camps and in the Museum Cafe and Curiosity Shop - and FREE parking.

Local and National membership reciprocals allow you to use your GRPM membership at other museums and cultural centers.

“My dad buys us a membership every year and now I bring my children and they love it! It's amazing to be able to pass down traditions to my children.”
(616) 929-1700 | Email | Visit Website

272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Membership to John Ball Zoo

Experience Gift Idea for Animal Lovers
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Give the Gift of Wildlife!

Enjoy 10% off of a John Ball Zoo membership from November 28 - December 18, 2024. Make memories visiting more than 200 species in a beautiful setting while learning how to care for and save wildlife and wild places.

With 20% off of food, beverages, gift items and FREE access, a John Ball Zoo membership provides great value and fun.

We love visiting the zoo, the price is affordable, and we use the discounts when we travel to visit other zoos. --Current Zoo Member
(616) 336-4300 | Email | Visit Website

1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Certificate to Altitude Trampoline Park

Experience Gift Idea for Energetic Kids
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Get ready to add an extra dose of joy to your holiday season with Altitude Trampoline Park!

This year, include us in your holiday festivities and make memories with friends and family.

Our park offers an escape where the holiday spirit meets gravity-defying fun.

Bounce your way through the season, enjoying our climate controlled park with attractions for all ages.

Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure, a unique venue for holiday parties, or just a break from winter weather, Altitude is the perfect place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

Took my 3 and 6 year old here and they LOVED it. The staff was friendly and helpful. The pricing was so reasonable and well worth it. 10/10, great experience
(616) 419-3146 | Email | Visit Website

3495 Alpine Avenue Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Cards to THE MUD ROOM @ KNAPP'S CORNER

Experience Gift Idea for Families That Love Arts & Crafts
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Does your child love arts and crafts? Are you looking for a fun play date with friends or the whole family? The Mud Room offers creative fun and unique gifts for all ages!

Visit the studio to paint pottery or make handprint keepsakes with your precious little ones. A Potter's Wheel Class is another unique offering for ages 7-adult.

Can't decide? Gift Cards are perfect to tuck in a stocking or under the tree!

(616) 259-7269 | Email | Visit Website

1971 E Beltline Ave NE #103, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Card to Craig's Cruisers

Experience Gift Idea for Any Fun Occasion
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Give the gift of unforgettable experiences, action-packed adventures, and endless fun!

A gift card to Craig's Cruisers is the ultimate gift for your favorite person's birthday, Christmas gift or graduation!

Plus our digital gift cards make it easy! Purchase the gift card in your desired amount and receive a QR code via email. Bring the QR code into Craig's Cruisers by showing the QR code on your phone or print it out and start playing!

(616) 530-2900 | Email | Visit Website

5730 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 | Map It

651 Chicago Drive, Holland, MI 49423

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Certificate to Rebounderz - Jenison, MI

Experience Gift Idea for Kids Who Like Fun
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Looking for the perfect gift?

Look no further than a GIFT CARD from Rebounderz! It’s fast, it’s easy, and you know they’re going to love it! Three options are available online:
$25 Gift Card
$75 Gift Card (we’ll throw in a bonus 500 point Arcade Card)
$100 Gift Card (we’ll throw in a bonus 1,000 point Arcade Card)

Purchase yours today!

(616) 455-5600 | Email | Visit Website

7500 Cottonwood Dr, Jenison, MI 49428 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Music Lessons to Academy of Music in Grand Rapids

Experience Gift Idea for Music Lovers
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STUFF THE STOCKING WITH MUSIC LESSONS

Get your loved one a special gift for under the tree by registering them for music lessons at West Michigan’s largest music school - the Academy of Music in Grand Rapids or Jenison Academy of Music!

Save big with this once a year special, to include:

Fully stuffed stocking ready for the hearth as pictured:
• One month lessons certificate
• Free registration $30 value
• $15 Amazon gift card for music books
• Holiday treats
• Academy Christmas ornament or Practice Buddy
• Student Assignment Book
• Instrument specific gift

VALUE $199 |

I wholeheartedly recommend this music academy! The staff is incredibly friendly, and teachers are fantastic. The atmosphere and support make it a top-notch choice for anyone looking for music lessons.
(616) 965-1655 | Email | Visit Website

6159 28th St SE, Ste 24, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | Map It

7647 Riverview Dr, Jenison, MI 49428

Holiday Gift Guide

Membership to Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center

Experience Gift Idea for Explorers
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Inspire imagination 360+ days with an Air Zoo family membership! With more than 100+ air and spacecraft, hands-on learning stations, memorable exhibits, a world-renowned restoration center, and exciting flight-based rides and simulators, the opportunities are endless!

Members also enjoy:
- member-only events
- discounts on camps
- hundreds of STEAM and Air Zoo items in the Fly Buy Gift Shop
... and more!

Free copilot pass for December purchases for new members!

Imagine, explore, and discover at the Air Zoo and airzoostore.org.

(269) 382-6555 | Email | Visit Website

6151 Portage Rd., Portage, MI 49002 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Certificate to Legacy Stables & Karin's Horse Connection

Experience Gift Idea for Horse Lovers
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Give the gift of HORSES, FRESH AIR, EXERCISE and great MEMORIES!

At our peaceful farm with friendly staff and over 25 well trained horses & ponies, we have something for EVERYONE ~ all ages, skill levels, and abilities are welcome!

Sign up or purchase a Gift Certificate for
-Lessons (starting at age 2)
-Equestrian Vaulting
-One-Time Rides
-‘Own-A-Horse’ Camp
-Therapeutic Riding
-And More!

Two large indoor arenas allow riding in any weather.

(616) 570-1106 | Email | Visit Website

8001 Patterson Ave, Caledonia, MI 49316 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Adventure to Allegan Event

Experience Gift Idea for Kids Who Like Thrills
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Give the gift of adventure this year! Michigan's largest indoor ropes course is just 30 minutes away from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland. It offers an exciting and thrilling experience.

Additionally, you can enjoy 16 climbing walls, an awesome arcade, and indulge in delicious pizza, snacks, and drinks.

(269) 430-3961 | Email | Visit Website

439 River Street, Allegan, MI 49010 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Certificate to Paint a Pot

Experience Gift Idea for Artists
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Create a memory at Paint a Pot in Holland!

Paint a creation and relax with friends or family. No appointments required, stop in anytime.

We offer banks, figurines, boxes, plates, platters and many more creative pieces to choose from. Check us out on Facebook or on our website.

(616) 355-6442 | Email | Visit Website

390 E 8th St Suite 6, Holland, MI 49423 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Retro Arcade Fun to Pinball Land

Experience Gift Idea for Arcade Game Lovers
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Give your friends and family the ultimate arcade experience at Pinball Land, the retro arcade with a twist. Just pay admission and all the games are free to play!

We have tons of pinball machines and all your favorite video arcade games from the 80s and 90s!

114 Courtland Street, Sparta, MI 49341 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Swimming Lessons to Goldfish Swim School of Grand Rapids

Experience Gift Idea for Young Swimmers
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We are offering 3 AMAZING packages! All packages include Bubbles and friends squish toy, bag tag, car sticker, and Bubbles plushie toy! Holiday Packages come with over $400 local business coupons! (while supplies lasts)

SERIOUS SWIMMER 12 Consecutive Weekly Group Lessons.

GOLDEN GIFT 26 Consecutive Weekly Group Lessons. ROLL BACK 2023 PRICING! Holiday Savings!

FINOMENAL 52: 52 Consecutive Weekly Group Lessons. ROLL BACK 2023 PRICING! Biggest Holiday Savings!

CALL TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR HOLIDAY PACKAGE!

(616) 259-0725 | Email | Visit Website

2845 Thornhills Ave. Suite S, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Certificate to Action Wake Park

Experience Gift Idea for Water Sports Enthusiasts
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Give the gift of a water sports experience at Action Wake Park!

Our inflatable Aqua Park Course and Cable Wake Park deliver a watersports experience like none other.

We bring the joys of water sports to a whole new audience and promise to deliver you a premium experience each visit.

Holiday Season Sale: Discounted Gift Cards, Riding Tickets, Summer Camps and More.

Come ride with us!

(616) 827-7903 | Email | Visit Website

3320 Hudson Trails Dr, Hudsonville, MI 49426 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Membership to Grand Rapids Children's Museum

Experience Gift Idea for Children Who Love Fun
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Give the gift of PLAY this holiday season!

Purchase year-long memberships, one-time passes, or unique play-based gifts from the Thingamajigs Gift Shop.

Support local and help the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum inspire imagination—every dollar goes towards supporting our programming, exhibits, and access.

(616) 235-4726 | Email | Visit Website

11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Certificate to Allegan Event

Experience Gift Idea for Adventurers
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Looking for an exciting indoor destination that will leave you in awe?

Inside this amazing facility, visitors will find Michigan's largest indoor ropes course, 16 thrilling climbing walls, an awesome arcade, delicious pizza, snacks, and drinks.

Allegan Event is located just 30 minutes from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland.

(269) 430-3961 | Email | Visit Website

439 River Street, Allegan, MI 49010 | Map It

Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Certificate to Jennifer at Love the Mouse Travel

Experience Gift Idea for a Family Vacation
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There is nothing more magical than knowing your family vacation is being taken care of by a local, former award-winning Disney Cast Member with insider knowledge, 28+ years hospitality experience, and complementary concierge-style services that will make your Disney destination or Universal Orlando / Hollywood vacation dreams a reality.

(616) 536-8211 | Email | Visit Website

, Caledonia, MI 49316 | Map It

Top Voted West MI Experience Gift for Kids

We asked our readers what their favorite experience gifts are in our annual Best of Grand Rapids awards.

Here’s what you picked:

winner icon 70x70 Winner: Membership to John Ball Zoo

  1. Membership to John Ball Zoo

  2. Membership to Frederik Meijer Gardens 

  3. Membership to Grand Rapids Children’s Museum 

  4. Animal Encounter at John Ball Zoo 

  5. Unlimited Monthly Play Sessions at Children’s Village Cafe 

  6. Membership to Grand Rapids Public Museum 

6. Swimming Lessons to Goldfish Swim School of Grand Rapids

8. Gift Certificate to TreeRunner Adventure Park

9. Gift Certificate to Bricks & Minifigs Grand Rapids

9. Gift Certificate to The Mud Room

Clever Ways to Wrap Experience Gifts for Kids

Experience gifts don’t come in traditional packaging, so it’s time to get creative with how you present them. Here are some ideas.

The first thing to do is consider what makes your gift unique and add a themed touch to it. For example,

  • Wrap a zoo membership card in a map of the zoo or tie it around the neck of a stuffed animal.
  • Wrap concert or other tickets in a giant box to throw them off the scent.
  • Gifting lessons? Wrap them up with a new tutu or hockey skates.

Or, don’t wrap it at all! Make an adventure part of the gift by creating a treasure hunt for the gift.

Pin this image for future reference!

2024 Gift Guide

2 thoughts on “These 2024 Grand Rapids Experience Gifts for Kids Will Land You “Best Gift Giver” Status. (And Save on Gift Wrap?)”

  1. The links under “More Holiday Fun” looks like they’re from 2020. Is there an updated list of those activities somewhere for 2021?

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