Does it feel like your kids already have more toys and stuff than they know what to do with? Experience gifts can be a great gift option not only for kids, but parents and other gift-givers too. With an experience gift, your child can create great memories while enjoying something they may not have had the opportunity to try otherwise.
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Whether you’ve got tough-to-impress teens or preschoolers with more toys than they know what to do with, we’ve got loads of ideas for experience gifts for kids in and around Des Moines:
An Annual or Season Pass to a Local Attraction
The gift that keeps on giving, an annual pass to a local attraction will provide entertainment long after the holidays are over. Some Des Moines area attractions to consider are an Adventureland Season Pass, Blank Park Zoo membership, Science Center of Iowa Membership and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center Membership.
Classes and Camps Registration
Consider giving the gift of prepaid classes or camps that fit your child’s interests. Luckily, Des Moines is a mecca for extracurricular opportunities for kids! Ideas include cooking classes, art classes, swimming lessons and riding lessons. The options are almost endless with more ideas here.
Tickets to a Concert, Game or Show
Tickets to a favorite sporting event, concert, or show is a great idea for a gift for the whole family. Combine the gift with a T-shirt to wear to the event or a backstage tour to make the day more memorable. The Civic Center, Des Moines Playhouse, I-Cubs, Iowa Wolves, Iowa Wild, and Des Moines Symphony, all have great family friendly shows and events year round.
Sports and Recreation Gifts
For the energetic child, look for experience gifts that give them a chance to try something that will keep them active and engaged. Some ideas could include golf passes, local pool passes, bowling, rock climbing, escape rooms or a day at a gym with an obstacle course or trampolines.
Winter Adventure Experiences
Take advantage of the season and gift an outing to a nearby ski resort or go ice skating for some quality family time this winter. Check out our post about our favorite ski spots close to Des Moines. A few of which offer snow tubing or sledding, too. Or take the family ice skating at a local rink.
A Day or Night on the Town
Whether it’s an overnight to a nearby indoor water park or a staycation at a local hotel a quick getaway or day trip is a great way to build family memories. Other fun activities for a day or night on the town include a limo ride and dinner night, movie tickets or manicures and pedicures at a local spa.
Donation to a College Savings Account
Lend your child a hand with a monetary contribution that supports their future and ensures they start freshman year of college or trade school on the right foot. Under the Iowa 529 College Savings Plan, different people can open separate accounts for the same student.
