Give Gifts of Experiences

GIVE EXPERIENCES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

If 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. MEMBERSHIPS

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: 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. The National WWI Museum and Memorial: Enjoy free admission and special events. You may also purchase additional museum tickets for guests at half price. 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.

Kansas City Zoo THE

GUIDE

GIVE EXPERIENCES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Tickets to Shows Coming to Town: Follow our Kansas City calendar to discover the latest shows coming to town. Summer Camp: Register now for summer camp. Search “Camp Guide” on KCParent.com for the scoop on the best local camps.

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

Rock Wall Climbing: RoKC Olathe is an indoor rock wall climbing facility featuring 35- to 50-foot walls for all skill levels from beginner to expert, 15-foot bouldering walls, fitness equipment available for ages 14+, cardio equipment, elliptical equipment, Jacob’s Ladders and facilities for Advanced Climbing Training (for those with a year of experience). The attraction is great for single-day visits (purchase a day pass or multiple visit punch card), memberships and parties. Escape Rooms: Tick Tock Escapes is our favorite local escape room company. Their Pyramid Paradox room is a favorite with incredible special effects reminiscent of an Indiana Jones film. Teams of six to 10 people are “locked” in a room for an hour, and they solve puzzles trying to figure out how to escape. Each room features a different theme and a different set of puzzles. Find even more escape rooms in our Going Places Guide on KCParent.com. Ice-Skating: There are many great places to ice-skate this winter, and you’ll find them all in our Going Places Guide. We especially love outdoor ice-skating at Crown Center Ice Terrace. In the Northland, enjoy skating at The Rink at Zona Rosa, an outdoor rink surrounded by shopping and dining options. Movie Tickets: Treat the family to a movie. Save money and head to the theater during a matinee or discount night, or splurge on a dine-in theater or 4D experience. Paint Your Own Pottery: Ceramic Cafe offers clay building, ceramic painting and glass fusing. Enjoy Creative Story Time for little ones, special classes or their walk-in programs to make gifts and holiday decorations. RoKC Olathe

Classes, Plants, Landscaping: Family Tree Nursery boasts three local locations. This beautiful local nursery not only offers everything you need for landscaping, they also offer home decor and a variety of classes. Colonial Gardens in Blue Springs offers a Kids Club and great family classes as well.

This list should get you started. For even more local inspiration, search our Going Places Guide on KCParent.com where you can search local attractions and discover some great unique options from indoor skydiving and inflatable places, to go-karts, arcades and more!

Kristina Light loves the wide variety of local attractions across the metro. She blogs regularly about the best of Kansas City on KCParent.com.