You might be just getting started on your holiday shopping or maybe you started months ago and have just a few special people left on your list. Either way, this holiday season, consider gifting the kids in your life an experience rather than something tangible. It’s often said that people find happiness in moments of joy and learning, while the excitement from a physical gift can often fade by New Year’s Eve. If this thought speaks to you, check out the following 12 kid-friendly ideas for giving the gift of an experience this holiday season.
1. San Jose Children’sDiscovery Museum
Start your children off with curiosity from birth. The Children’s Discovery Museum, located in San Jose, has something fun for ages 0-16.
- Membership Cost: $175 per family
- Information: https://www.cdm.org/connect/join/memberships/
- Location: San Jose
2. Gilroy Gardens
Gilroy Gardens boasts beautiful gardens, but also fun new water features, a petting zoo, camping on the grounds, and special seasonal events.
- Membership Cost: $91/family member 3+
- Information: www.gilroygardens.org/tickets/memberships
- Location: Gilroy
3. Monterey Bay Aquarium
The MBA aquarium is known worldwide as a leader in ocean conservation science. By purchasing a membership, you’re in fact donating to this cause and helping to support ocean sustainability. Even the baby with love walks through the aquarium with it awesome marine life and mesmerizing presentation. Membership offers a family discount at the gift shop and special event (like sleepovers at the aquarium!!), special entrance, steal previews and more!
- Membership Cost: $75-$300
- Information: www.montereybayaquarium.org/members
- Location: Monterey
4. My Museum in Monterey
My Museum is a national company focused on creating an environment where children can explore their curiosities and the whole family can enjoy the learning experience together. Members also receive a 50% off admission discount at over 200 other My Museum locations nation-wide.
- Membership Cost: $100-$125 per family
- Information: https://mymuseum.org/get-involved/
- Location: Monterey (and nationwide)
5. Cooking Workshop
Happy Girl Kitchen has been voted Best Restaurant for vegan and vegetarian cursing 4 years in a row! These folks are well-known for their incredible talent for making tasty preserves and so much more. They offer great workshops throughout he year, including specific workshops and even camps for kids!
- Cost: $95/workshop (pricing may vary)
- Information: https://happygirlkitchen.com/collections/workshops-in-pacific-grove
- Location: Pacific Grove
6. Monterey Museum of Art Workshop
If you’ve got an artist in the family or want to invoke an appreciation for the arts in your children, grandchildren or niece/nephew, look no further. The Contributor Pass also get you discounts on special events and fun workshops.
- Cost: $35+
- Information: http://www.montereyart.org/membership/levels/
- Location: Monterey
7. Monterey Zoo Pachyderm Package
Give your kids the hands-on experience of socializing with African elephants, right here in Monterey! Guests will get be escorted through the park and have the opportunity to learn about and care for the elephants, even assisting with bath time.
- Cost: $250 for 2 people
- Information: https://montereyzoo.org/tours-old/pachyderm-tour/
- Location: Monterey
8. Tickets to The Nutcracker at The Sunset Center
Take part in a long-time tradition of seeing the Nutcracker with the family this holiday. The Dance Kids of Monterey are celebrating 25 years of performances. Catch their version of The Nutcracker at The Sunset Center in December.
- Cost: $35-$49
- Information: https://www.sunsetcenter.org/event-calendar.htm
- Location: Carmel
9. 49ers Tickets
For that sports fan, give him/her the awesome experience of a football game. Enjoy a memorable day at Levi’s Stadium and be the one to take your child to their first professional game.
- Cost: $85-$375 average
- Information: http://www.levisstadium.com/sbl-pricing-map/
- Location: Santa Clara
10. Scuba Diving
For kids 12+ help them enjoy the most from our beautiful location and infamous marine life by starting them early with diving lessons.
- Cost: $100+
- Information: http://www.divetosurvive.com/scuba-diving-scuba-training
- location: Monterey
11. Great America Theme Park
There’s something for everyone at Great America Theme Park, especially the thrill-seekers of the bunch!
- Cost: $59.99+
- Information: www.cagreatamerica.com/tickets-passes/season-passes
- Location: Santa Clara
12. Exodus Escape Room
If you’ve never participated in an escape room event, Exodus Escape Room is new to Monterey and you might want to check this out! Reserve a private event for 10 people ages 13 and up. The whole family can make memories solving Sherlock’s mystery together.
- Cost: $20-$30/person
- Information: https://exodusescaperoom.com/monterey
- Location: Monterey
These gifts may not fit snuggly into a wrapped box, but the memories made from the experience will last a lifetime!
Tara Tudisco is grateful to raise her family on the Monterey coast. You can find her hiking or testing recipes for her blog, which she shares along with helpful wellness tips and relatable mommy moments at essentialstothrive.com.