GIVE EXPERIENCES THIS
I
f your family is like our family, you don’t need more “things.” I’ve long believed that stuffed animals replicate themselves at night. If you have multiple children, you undoubtedly have plenty of toys. I’ve always been a fan of “experience” gifts. They are my favorite gifts to give and to receive. I love watching my girls’ faces light up when they experience a new show or try something new. This holiday season, consider gifts of experiences—not toys—for your family and friends.
Johnson County Museum: Family memberships are affordable, and members enjoy free admission, as well as discounts on museum programs and events and a 10 percent discount at the gift store, in addition to other perks like invitations to exhibit openings and special events.
MEMBERSHIPS
Powell Gardens: Members enjoy free admission to top-notch annual festivals (including the Festival of Butterflies and Festival of Lights) and free or discounted admission to more than 200 gardens and arboretums across the country and discounted classes and programs for families.
We love family memberships to local attractions. Members enjoy free admission, special members-only events and, in many cases, reciprocal relationships with other venues in other cities for discounted or free admission. Some favorites include:
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures: You decide to buy a pass for up to two, six or 12 guests per visit and bring any combination of guests each time you visit. This is a great way to share a favorite local attraction with out-of-town guests.
Kansas City Zoo FOTZ Membership: You can choose your membership level to include just admission or add on unlimited rides (a favorite for families with young children). In addition to enjoying our fabulous zoo year-round, members enjoy special events and discounted or free admission at zoos across the nation.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial: Enjoy free admission and special events. You may also purchase additional museum tickets for guests at half price.
Urban Air Trampoline Park: You may choose a membership at the Overland Park or Lenexa locations or buy a combo membership to enjoy both parks year-round. They offer three levels of memberships so you may choose the value. Attractions include virtual reality, Sky Rider, ropes course, climbing walls, Leap of Faith, Wipeout, ProZone performance trampolines, Warrior Course, Battle Beam, Drop Zone, indoor tubes playground and basic trampolines. Science City Membership: Science City is a great indoor venue for families to enjoy year-round. Members enjoy special events and discounted admission for ticketed exhibits. Membership is reciprocal with other science museums across the nation, meaning you can enjoy free or discounted admission when you travel. Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun: Enjoy unlimited visits and free parking to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun with your season pass. Best of all, your Gold Pass includes exclusive discounts, early park access and more!
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The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Members enjoy free admission to featured exhibitions and free parking. Upper levels also include free admission to other art museums. Pool Passes: Buy a membership to your local indoor pool at the neighborhood community center or YMCA or buy next summer’s outdoor pool pass. Sports Season Tickets: Kansas City is home to several terrific sports teams—tickets to one game or the entire season make a great gift. Buy season tickets for Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting KC and KC Mavericks. Theater Tickets: Our local theaters offer a variety of shows for all ages. Season tickets are often less expensive than the per show ticket price. Families with children will enjoy season tickets to the Coterie (you may choose shows for older or younger children or a mix). KCRep offers shows that are typically suited to teens and adults, but A Christmas Carol is fun for all ages. Midwest Trust Center at JCCC offers shows for all ages throughout the year, and KC Ballet or other local live theater groups are other great options. You may purchase single or season ticket packages as a great gift for theater buffs.
