These are Gift Ideas That They’ll Love Experiencing
Aren’t Christmas activities fun? It’s because it’s the gift of time. It’s doing something special with loved ones.
What better way to keep the holiday cheer going than to give more experiences for gifts this year?
Experience gifts give kids wonderful memories, especially if it’s something that you do with them.
And parents love them because they don’t take up any more space in the toy box and don’t end up in the donations pile after a few months.
No matter what or how you celebrate the season, we hope that you’ll find moments to make great memories with the people you love. Happy Holidays!
Gifting an Experience? Here are Clever Ways to Wrap it Up
-Wrap a zoo membership card in a map of the zoo or tie it around the neck of a stuffed animal.
-Wrap theatre or concert tickets in a giant box to throw them off the trail.
-If the gift is dance lessons, wrap the studio’s brochure with a new tutu.
-Make an adventure part of the gift by drawing a map and sending the recipient on a treasure hunt as they search for the gift!
Grand Rapids Gift Experiences
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.
Give the Gift of Play
Grand Rapids Children's Museum Membership or Gift Certificate
11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The Grand Rapids Children's Museum is two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits and daily drop-in programs located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.
GRCM celebrates the power of play and inspires wonder, discovery, and the joy of childhood.
Looking for a holiday gift idea? Gift of the gift of play with a GRCM membership!
At GRCM, we have a variety of memberships to best serve your needs. Whether you're a business, caregiver, or family of two or 12, we have a membership for you!
Members enjoy many exclusive perks, including:
*one year of unlimited FREE admission
*participation in the Cultural Membership Exchange
*one free guest with each visit
*invitations to members-only events and exhibit openings
*exclusive members-only playtime hours
*10% discount in the Playroom Gift Shop
*subscription to the GRCM monthly newsletter
*digital membership cards
*and more!
Give the gift of play today at www.grcm.org/join!
GRCM celebrates the power of play and inspires wonder, discovery, and the joy of childhood.
Looking for a holiday gift idea? Gift of the gift of play with a GRCM membership!
At GRCM, we have a variety of memberships to best serve your needs. Whether you're a business, caregiver, or family of two or 12, we have a membership for you!
Members enjoy many exclusive perks, including:
*one year of unlimited FREE admission
*participation in the Cultural Membership Exchange
*one free guest with each visit
*invitations to members-only events and exhibit openings
*exclusive members-only playtime hours
*10% discount in the Playroom Gift Shop
*subscription to the GRCM monthly newsletter
*digital membership cards
*and more!
Give the gift of play today at www.grcm.org/join!
"The best. Well worth the membership. Always well kept. So many fun things to explore. Good for toddlers and up."
Give the Gift of esports
BattleGR Gift Certificate
284 Dodge NE Suite 100, Comstock Park, MI 49321
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, Axe Throwing, ESports. 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 teen night and Holiday Break Camp.
BattleGR keeps things fun & interactive with different activities: open Gym, Tactical Laser Tag, Archery Tag, Axe Throwing, ESports. 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 teen night and Holiday Break 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!
Give the Gift of a Wild Time
John Ball Zoo Membership or Gift Certificate
1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Give the Gift of Wildlife and Wild Places this Holiday Season!
November 25th – December 12th, get 10% off a John Ball Zoo Membership.
Membership includes:
- Unlimited free admission to visit more than 2,000 animals
- Discounts and early registration opportunities for John Ball Zoo camps, classes, special events and birthday parties
- Exclusive members-only access to special events
- 20% off purchases at gift shop, concessions, and experiences
- Free or reduced admission to over 150 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums across North America
Visit jbzoo.org/membership. Enter Code: 2022GIFT
November 25th – December 12th, get 10% off a John Ball Zoo Membership.
Membership includes:
- Unlimited free admission to visit more than 2,000 animals
- Discounts and early registration opportunities for John Ball Zoo camps, classes, special events and birthday parties
- Exclusive members-only access to special events
- 20% off purchases at gift shop, concessions, and experiences
- Free or reduced admission to over 150 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums across North America
Visit jbzoo.org/membership. Enter Code: 2022GIFT
Give the Gift of Dance Classes
Hearts in Motion Gift Certificate
4336 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
523 Ada Dr., Ada, MI 49301
Give the gift of dance this season!
Dance is the perfect experience to gift your child. Dance helps students to gain confidence, build creativity, and explore their artistic side through movement.
With locations in both Northview and Forest Hills, we offer something for everyone at every age!
Dancers who enroll by January will be eligible to participate in our annual Spring Recital and experience the excitement of a large scale stage performance.
Mention GRKIDS for our special December holiday offer: $99 includes your membership, first month of class, leotard, tights, and a skirt or tutu ($150 value) at either location!
Dance is the perfect experience to gift your child. Dance helps students to gain confidence, build creativity, and explore their artistic side through movement.
With locations in both Northview and Forest Hills, we offer something for everyone at every age!
Dancers who enroll by January will be eligible to participate in our annual Spring Recital and experience the excitement of a large scale stage performance.
Mention GRKIDS for our special December holiday offer: $99 includes your membership, first month of class, leotard, tights, and a skirt or tutu ($150 value) at either location!
We love Hearts in Motion! The teachers truly care about the full well being of the dancers. Every lesson is very well rounded and keeps the kids engaged!
Give the Gift of Fine Arts
Interlochen Online Class Registration
4000 J Maddy PKWY, Interlochen, MI 49643
Interlochen Online allows your child to experience Interlochen from anywhere in the world, connecting them to the world’s leading arts educators and a community of youth seeking to engage with, and learn from, each other.
Whether through courses or private lessons, Interlochen Online is your child's year-round source for inspiration and developing their abilities in music, theatre, creative writing, film & new media, visual arts, and more.
Learn on a schedule that works for your child, while interacting with gifted teachers and fellow students in an online environment that inspires creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
Whether through courses or private lessons, Interlochen Online is your child's year-round source for inspiration and developing their abilities in music, theatre, creative writing, film & new media, visual arts, and more.
Learn on a schedule that works for your child, while interacting with gifted teachers and fellow students in an online environment that inspires creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
"My daughter had a great experience with Interlochen Online. The teachers were so supportive and knowledgeable. I've noticed a huge difference in her confidence and self-esteem after taking the program."
Give the Gift of History
Grand Rapids Public Museum Membership or Gift Certificate
272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
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.
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.”
Give the Gift of Backyard Play Equipment
Backyard Fun Zone Gift Certificate
5668 Alpine ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321
1619 12th Street, Martin, MI 49070
We have been in the business of building childhood memories for over 26 years.
So for this Holiday season why not give a gift that does just that and Create Childhood Memories right in your own backyard?
We offer the world's safest trampolines, the best playsets and high quality basketball hoops! These all are meant for the whole family to enjoy so it wouldn't just be a gift for the kids, but for the whole family.
Contact us today for more information.
So for this Holiday season why not give a gift that does just that and Create Childhood Memories right in your own backyard?
We offer the world's safest trampolines, the best playsets and high quality basketball hoops! These all are meant for the whole family to enjoy so it wouldn't just be a gift for the kids, but for the whole family.
Contact us today for more information.
Give the Gift of Music Lessons
Academy of Music in Grand Rapids and Jenison Academy of Music Gift Certificate
6159 28th St SE, Ste 24, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
7647 Riverview Dr, Jenison, MI 49428
STUFF THE STOCKING WITH MUSIC LESSONS AND SAVE $92.50!
Get your loved one a special gift for under the tree by registering them for music lessons at West Michigan’s largest music school.
Register for lessons with a FREE $30 registration, and take home a fully stuffed stocking to include:
-Gift certificate for one FREE LESSON (value $32.50) for piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, singing, drum, violin, viola, or cello
-$15 Amazon gift card to purchase books
-Instrument specific gift
-Academy Christmas ornament
-Holiday candy
It’s easy to purchase — just call/text us, or stop by in person, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Get your loved one a special gift for under the tree by registering them for music lessons at West Michigan’s largest music school.
Register for lessons with a FREE $30 registration, and take home a fully stuffed stocking to include:
-Gift certificate for one FREE LESSON (value $32.50) for piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, singing, drum, violin, viola, or cello
-$15 Amazon gift card to purchase books
-Instrument specific gift
-Academy Christmas ornament
-Holiday candy
It’s easy to purchase — just call/text us, or stop by in person, and we’ll take care of the rest.
We have a great experience at Academy of Music GR! My daughter enjoys her lessons and not only improved musically, but gained confidence in herself. -Carrie B.
Give the Gift of LEGO® Family Fun
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan
4240 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
This HO-HO-Holiday season is more EPIC at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center!
The mini builders in your life will LOVE gift tickets or membership to Michigan’s ONLY indoor LEGO® playground.
They’ll enjoy two interactive LEGO rides, the 4D cinema showing different movie shorts, MINILAND Detroit—where dozens of local landmarks are built entirely out of LEGO bricks, the Creative workshop where they can take a class from an expert builder, Build & Test play zones, and more.
This attraction is best suited for groups with children ages 4-10. Adults must be accompanied by a child in order to enter.
The mini builders in your life will LOVE gift tickets or membership to Michigan’s ONLY indoor LEGO® playground.
They’ll enjoy two interactive LEGO rides, the 4D cinema showing different movie shorts, MINILAND Detroit—where dozens of local landmarks are built entirely out of LEGO bricks, the Creative workshop where they can take a class from an expert builder, Build & Test play zones, and more.
This attraction is best suited for groups with children ages 4-10. Adults must be accompanied by a child in order to enter.
I took my grandchildren here. It is a cute place and they really enjoyed it. They spent 5 hours there and were disappointed when we had to leave. -Joann B.
Give the Gift of an Aquarium Visit
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Gift Certificate or Membership
4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Give the gift of fishy fun this holiday season!
Gift tickets or membership to SEA LIFE, Michigan’s largest aquarium, are a FIN-tastic present for the underwater explorers in your life.
They’ll come face to flipper with over 250 species of marine creatures including sharks, stingrays, green sea turtles and more as they journey through the freshwater lakes of Michigan all the way to the depths of the ocean.
They’ll even have the chance to pet sea anemones and sea stars at the Interactive Touchpool exhibit and stroll through Michigan’s ONLY underwater Ocean Tunnel!
Gift tickets or membership to SEA LIFE, Michigan’s largest aquarium, are a FIN-tastic present for the underwater explorers in your life.
They’ll come face to flipper with over 250 species of marine creatures including sharks, stingrays, green sea turtles and more as they journey through the freshwater lakes of Michigan all the way to the depths of the ocean.
They’ll even have the chance to pet sea anemones and sea stars at the Interactive Touchpool exhibit and stroll through Michigan’s ONLY underwater Ocean Tunnel!
Had the best time! It has so much to see and see it UP CLOSE. Definitely worth the trip for both adults and children 👍🏽🌊 -Marena G. (Facebook)
Give the Gift of Playing in Peppa Pig's World
Peppa Pig World of Play Michigan
4362 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Give the gift of guaranteed snorts & giggles at Peppa Pig World of Play!
Your little piggies will enjoy exploring (and playing in!) more than a dozen free-roaming play areas, all lovingly inspired by the cherished TV series.
They'll discover Peppa's Treehouse, Rebecca Rabbit's Underground Adventure, George's Fort, Granddad Dog's Garage, Madame Gazelle's School Bus, and more!
This indoor attraction is designed for children ages 1-8 years old.
Your little piggies will enjoy exploring (and playing in!) more than a dozen free-roaming play areas, all lovingly inspired by the cherished TV series.
They'll discover Peppa's Treehouse, Rebecca Rabbit's Underground Adventure, George's Fort, Granddad Dog's Garage, Madame Gazelle's School Bus, and more!
This indoor attraction is designed for children ages 1-8 years old.
Great place to visit with your little ones who love Peppa Pig! Totally immersive world that lets them act out Peppa's adventure. -Jennifer B. (Google)
Give the Gift of College Tuition
Michigan Education Trust (MET)
, Statewide, MI
It’s a wonderful time of year for a gift that will last a lifetime — future college credits at today’s prices through the Michigan Education Trust (MET).
MET is Michigan’s 529 prepaid college tuition savings program.
With open enrollment beginning Dec. 1, there’s no better time than the holidays for contributing to a MET plan.
And investing in MET offers a tax advantage. To qualify for a deduction on this year’s Michigan tax return, purchases or contributions must be made by Dec. 31.
The Michigan Education Trust: Because while you can’t predict the future, you sure can prepare for it.
MET is Michigan’s 529 prepaid college tuition savings program.
With open enrollment beginning Dec. 1, there’s no better time than the holidays for contributing to a MET plan.
And investing in MET offers a tax advantage. To qualify for a deduction on this year’s Michigan tax return, purchases or contributions must be made by Dec. 31.
The Michigan Education Trust: Because while you can’t predict the future, you sure can prepare for it.
“The Michigan Education Trust is the gift that keeps on giving for our family. It was the best gift I ever received. Now, we’re passing it on to our son."
Give the Gift of Creating Keepsakes
The Mud Room Gift Certificate
1971 E Beltline Ave NE, Ste. 103, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
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!
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!
Give the Gift of Discovery
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center Membership or Gift Certificate
6151 Portage Rd., Portage, MI 49002
Inspire imagination 360+ days with an Air Zoo family membership!
With more than 100+ air and spacecraft, hands-on learning stations, a world-renowned restoration center, and exciting flight-based rides, the opportunities are endless.
Members enjoy exclusive events, and discounts on camps and hundreds of items in the Fly Buy Gift Shop.
Family memberships are only $100/year. New members in December get a free copilot pass, too!
Imagine, explore, and discover at the Air Zoo and airzoostore.org
With more than 100+ air and spacecraft, hands-on learning stations, a world-renowned restoration center, and exciting flight-based rides, the opportunities are endless.
Members enjoy exclusive events, and discounts on camps and hundreds of items in the Fly Buy Gift Shop.
Family memberships are only $100/year. New members in December get a free copilot pass, too!
Imagine, explore, and discover at the Air Zoo and airzoostore.org
Give the Gift of Horseback Riding Lessons
Legacy Stables & Karin's Horse Connection Gift Certificate
8001 Patterson Ave, Caledonia, MI 49316
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.
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.
Give the Gift of Nature
Blandford Nature Center Membership or Wildlife Care Experiences
1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Make memories through experiences in nature! Blandford Nature Center offers memberships and wildlife care experiences for you to enjoy all year.
Blandford’s memberships include FREE year-round admission, discounted prices for programming, and so much more.
Wildlife Care Experiences are a fun, hands-on way to explore the world of wildlife! Feed the animals and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wildlife Department.
Visit our website to read more about membership benefits and wildlife care experiences!
Blandford’s memberships include FREE year-round admission, discounted prices for programming, and so much more.
Wildlife Care Experiences are a fun, hands-on way to explore the world of wildlife! Feed the animals and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wildlife Department.
Visit our website to read more about membership benefits and wildlife care experiences!
Give the Gift of Virtual Reality
Amped Virtual Reality Gift Certificate
2923 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512-1624
4.9-star Rated & Unique!
ON SALE NOW!
Amped Virtual Reality Gift Cards offer something for every age and interest - great for individuals, couples, or families.
There are over 40 experiences, including multiplayer options: be inside the MINECRAFT video game, battle zombies with your friends, draw with light, swing like SPIDER-MAN, complete spy missions, be inside a DISNEY movie, Create 3-D art, swim with dolphins, be inside the human heart or travel the world! Virtual Escape Rooms, too!
ON SALE NOW!
Amped Virtual Reality Gift Cards offer something for every age and interest - great for individuals, couples, or families.
There are over 40 experiences, including multiplayer options: be inside the MINECRAFT video game, battle zombies with your friends, draw with light, swing like SPIDER-MAN, complete spy missions, be inside a DISNEY movie, Create 3-D art, swim with dolphins, be inside the human heart or travel the world! Virtual Escape Rooms, too!
Give the Gift of Pottery Painting
Paint a Pot Gift Certificate
390 E 8th St Suite 6, Holland, MI 49423
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.
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.
Give the Gift of a LEGO Brickday Party
Bricks & Minifigs Grand Rapids Gift Certificate
2927 Breton Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Give the gift of LEGO® creativity and play with a Brickday Party gift certificate!
LEGO® Brickday parties are for any age and any occasion, from birthdays to milestones to just because. Parties include LEGO® free building, LEGO® race car building & racing, minifig builds for every participant and more.
Brickday Party certificates & Party Package details are available on our website. Bookings begin in 2023. Call us today for more information!
LEGO® Brickday parties are for any age and any occasion, from birthdays to milestones to just because. Parties include LEGO® free building, LEGO® race car building & racing, minifig builds for every participant and more.
Brickday Party certificates & Party Package details are available on our website. Bookings begin in 2023. Call us today for more information!
Give the Gift of Ropes Course Climbing
Allegan Event Gift Certificate
439 River St., Allegan, MI 49010
Give the gift of adventure this year!
Get active and make thrilling memories that will last long after the presents are opened.
Conveniently located 30-minutes from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland, Allegan Event features Michigan’s largest indoor ropes course and offers heart-pumping activities for the whole family to experience together.
Get active and make thrilling memories that will last long after the presents are opened.
Conveniently located 30-minutes from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland, Allegan Event features Michigan’s largest indoor ropes course and offers heart-pumping activities for the whole family to experience together.
Give the Gift of a Disney or Universal Studios Vacation
Jennifer at Love the Mouse Travel
, Caledonia, MI 49316
This holiday season, give the gift of MEMORIES!
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, 25+ years hospitality experience, and complementary concierge-style services that will make your vacation dreams a reality.
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, 25+ years hospitality experience, and complementary concierge-style services that will make your vacation dreams a reality.
Give the Gift of Roller Skating
Tarry Hall Roller Rink
3330 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Roller skating makes a great experience gift to give this Holiday season!
Gift cards available that can be used toward admission, beginner lessons, our snack bar, birthday parties, even a new pair of skates.
We're open all year round to all ages and host special events & guests too!
Gift cards available that can be used toward admission, beginner lessons, our snack bar, birthday parties, even a new pair of skates.
We're open all year round to all ages and host special events & guests too!
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The links under “More Holiday Fun” looks like they’re from 2020. Is there an updated list of those activities somewhere for 2021?
Hi Stephanie! You found the links before we had a chance to update them for 2021 – they should be all set now – please take a look.