Experiences as gifts

Experiences as Gifts

Do your kids need more toys? If you’re asking yourself that question, maybe it’s time to consider gifting experiences instead. With the help of our advertising partners, we’ve rounded up 31 “out of the box” ideas that would provide gifts of family fun, skill building and more. We hope the gifting of these experiences provides your family with wonderful memories in the upcoming year.

Membership, Admission & Tickets

Sam Noble Museum Give a gift of natural wonder this holiday season with a membership to this family favorite museum. Family memberships start at $45 and provide unlimited admission and numerous other perks. This gift gives back all year! Find more and purchase at www. samnoblemuseum.ou.edu under the “Get Involved” tab.

Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink Enjoy the colder weather this season by skating at this fun ice rink, open through Jan. 6 at Mitch Park. Tickets for the family to enjoy the day skating are only $12 each for adults, $8 each for children ages 5 & under (includes skate rental). Details at www.edmondoutdooricerink.com.

My Gym Edmond Classes and birthday parties at this fun indoor gym are perfect for your active little one. Give the gift of fun this holiday! Contact them at 405-324-9182 or www.mygym.com/Edmond

Oklahoma City Museum of Art Encourage your child’s interest in art, including hands-on activities and projects with a membership to this downtown museum. Free admission, discounts on workshops and camps and more are included. Family Memberships start at $85. Learn more at www. okcmoa.com under the “Join & Give” tab.

Chickasaw Cultural Center This center located in Sulphur allows visitors to explore and learn about the unique history and vibrant culture of the Chickasaw people. With their exhibits, films, demonstrations, storytelling and special events, this cultural center is perfect to visit as a family. Consider a gift of a family membership (starting at $50) or admission tickets. Find more at www.chickasawculturalcenter.com under the “Rates” tab.

Harn Homestead For a perfect stocking stuffer, purchase a Family Four Pass to this fun historical center near the Capitol for just $10 (half off). Purchase by calling 405-235-4058.

Chester’s Party Barn & Farm Join Club Chester and enjoy free admission to monthly private events all year, unlimited

visits to Chester’s Pumpkin Patch in the fall and other perks. Private events include themes such as Princess Party and Summer Movie Night. Membership offered at a discount of $99 plus tax for a family of four (typically $125). Call 405-373-1595 to take advantage of this great gift idea.

National Cowboy & Western

Heritage Museum Free admission, discounts, exclusive access, special family activities & learning opportunities...for the entire year? Your family will love this gift! Family memberships start at $75 and can be purchased online at the “Join” tab of www.nationalcowboymuseum.org or by calling 405-478-2250, ext. 251.

Myriad Botanical Gardens Memberships at this uber-popular urban park come with many perks. The Family PLUS membership at $100 provides free admission to certain events like Pumpkinville, discounts at other events and unlimited rides on the new Mo’s Carousel. Find details and purchase on their website under the “Support” tab. www.myriadgardens.com

SkateGalaxy OKC

Roller skating is a great way to get physical exercise while bonding over family fun. Purchase a holiday gift certificate at a savings (just $20 for $25 value) and use it towards open skate times, Family Skate Nights and more. To purchase your certificates, call 405-605-2758.

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Oklahoma History Center Family Membership to the Oklahoma Historical Society is only $50 and includes free admission to the Oklahoma History Center and many other perks. Purchase at the “Support OHS” tab on their website. www.okhistory.org

Dust Bowl Lanes Located in Midtown, this bowling alley takes it retro with a fun vibe for bowling and food, making it a perfect spot for family fun. Stuff a gift card in your child’s stocking and make a date of it! Purchase at www. dustbowllounge.com.

Tot Town This fun attraction in South OKC caters to families with young children (6 and under). Give the gift of family fun with their Play Passes or monthly memberships. Find more at www.tottownokc.com.

The Sooner Theatre Give the gift of live theatre! Gift certificates from The Sooner Theatre can be purchased in any amount, used for any of the theatre’s concerts, productions or classes (based on availability). And they don’t expire. Purchase by calling 405-321-9600.

Classes & Sports Leagues

Artsy Rose Academy Offering art lessons in a wide variety of mediums for all ages plus social painting events parties and more, Artsy Rose believes everyone—young and old—should celebrate their creativity, originality and imagination through the wonderful world of art. A gift certificate can be purchased by calling 405-603-8550.

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma Give the girl in your life an experience that will build her leadership, develop her entrepreneurial spirit and expand her passion for S.T.E.M. To purchase a membership call them at 405-528-GIRL or email info@gswestok.org.

Velocity Dance Center Give the gift of confidence with classes at this award-winning dance studio. Classes start at $60. Contact them today at 405-721- 8807 or admin@oklahomcitydancestudio. com to purchase classes or a gift certificate.

Edmond Fine Arts Institute Give the gift of art by enrolling your child in a class or camp at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute. Enroll online at www.edmondfinearts.com or contact them at 405-340-4481 to purchase a gift certificate.

Goldfish Swim School This holiday, skip the usual presents and gift the joy of swimming via lessons at this stateof-the-art facility. Kids learn safety skills while having fun, making friends, building confidence and learning life lessons. Call them today at 405-347-8383.

Oklahoma Contemporary

Art Center Classes, workshops and camps are taught by local teaching artists and arts professionals and are offered year-round in their studios. Help your child explore painting, drawing, ceramics, performance, poetry, filmmaking, robotics and animation by purchasing a gift certificate. Or consider one of their popular adult classes as the ultimate gift of creativity, with upcoming winter classes in ceramics, drawing, painting and fiber arts. 405-951-0000.

Artsy Learning Center A gift certificate to this fun art center in Norman could provide art classes for any age or be used towards other parties and product offerings. Contact them at 405-343-4064 or artsylearningcenter@yahoo.com.

Cadence Equestrian Give the gift of horsemanship with a certificate for a 30-minute introductory lesson for $40 or a five-lesson package for $195. Offered for ages 4 and older and for all levels of expertise, including beginners, the lessons are taught by professionals using only safe lesson horses. The program is a USHJA certified riding school. Call 405-348-7469 or find more at www.cadenceequestrian.com.

SoccerCity OKC Enroll your child (ages 18 months to 9 years) in Soccer City’s Lil’ Kickers program, an age-appropriate soccer development program. Sessions last 10 weeks and cost about $165 which includes a jersey. Sign your child up at 405-748-3888 or by email at hayden@ soccercityokc.com. Mention MetroFamily and get 2 free lessons.

Central Oklahoma Youth Lacrosse Encourage your child to try the sport of lacrosse through this non-profit youth organization for girls and boys in kindergarten to 8th grade. Find more at www.centraloklacrosse.com or email info@centraloklacrosse.com.

Donate/Volunteer

Oklahoma Hall of Fame Support the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Teen Board’s effort to provide free Field Trips to students statewide. Donate $50 and you will

receive a copy of “Will Rogers: Our American Legend,” autographed by author, Governor Frank Keating. In addition, Sonic, America’s Drive-in, will donate a book to an Oklahoma educational institution on your behalf.

Pet Angels Rescue Make a difference in the life of a homeless animal. Families can visit Pet Angels Rescue or their adoption events and choose their new family member together based on the specific needs of the family and animal. Family not ready to adopt? Consider volunteering together as a family, picking items from the wish list or fostering a rescue animal. www.petangelsrescue.org

Other Experience Ideas

Unpluggits Paint & Play This fun venue in Edmond provides ceramic making among other fun offerings. Bring the whole family in to paint a cookie jar for Grandma then fill it with her favorite treats! She’ll treasure her special gift. Find more at www.unpluggits.com or by calling 405-340-7584.

Project Princess Book a visit with your child’s favorite hero and create memories that will last a lifetime. During the month of December, their Holiday Home Visit is just $100 for 30 minutes. Choose from over 50+ characters including favorites such as Elsa, Anna, Belle, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Spiderman, Batman and Superman. Call 405-777-2411 or visit www.projectprincessok.com to book today.

K9 University, LLC Fido’s manners need a brush-up? Give the gift of dog training and get your pup in shape before the family arrives for the holidays. Or give a certificate to your favorite dog owner. Six weeks of obedience classes are only $175. Find more at www.myk9u.com or by calling 405-231-4335.

learning tree toys, books & games The experts at this beloved locally-owned store in Nichols Hills can help you pick out special games, some old favorites, some new challengers, that will take your “Family Nights” to the next level. Find them at 7638 North Western. www.learningtreeokc.com.

Hilton Anatole Dallas Consider the gift of a family trip to Dallas to stay at the beautiful Hilton Anatole. Check out their Christmas at the Anatole special, available through Dec. 23, or schedule a fun weekend for later to enjoy their Jadewaters water park. Make reservation at www.hiltonanatolehotel.com.

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