Let’s face it, kids don’t need more toys and our homes don’t need the clutter. Instead, give them an unforgettable experience in the Twin Cities. From hands-on fun at the zoo to thrilling indoor adventures, the Twin Cities is full of local experiences that create lasting memories for the whole family. Here are our top five experience gift ideas for children.
MUSEUM OR ZOO DAY
The Twin Cities are full of museums and zoos that kids can’t get enough of! Consider a membership to the Minnesota Zoo or one of these favorites: Children’s Museum of Minnesota, Science Museum of Minnesota, Bakken Museum, The Works Museum, or Bell Museum. Not only is it fun, but kids are learning so many new things along the way. A membership keeps the excitement going all year long, with perks like special events and exclusive discounts.
CREATIVE OR STEM CLASSES
For creative kids, local classes are a fantastic way to explore their passions! STEM enthusiasts will love Snapology’s hands-on programs, while budding bakers can try classes at Way Cool Cooking School or Dorothy Ann Bakery. Theater lovers can dive into classes at Children’s Theater Camp or Hanifl Theater. Aspiring artists will find inspiration at North Star Art Club, Silverwood Park, and Kidscreate Studio. For those in Duluth, also be sure to check out Lake Superior Art Glass pendant making classes for kids! Whether it’s a class today or an I O U for a summer camp, your child will have a blast learning, creating, and making lasting memories!
GET ACTIVE INDOORS
The Twin Cities has so many amazing indoor options for kids to burn off energy! Some offer memberships, while others have day passes, but all are worth checking out. For younger kids, indoor playgrounds like Eagles Nest, Shoreview Community Center, or Edinborough Park are perfect for climbing, running, and imaginative play. There’s also indoor waterparks at Shoreview Community Center and Great Wolf Lodge for extra splash-filled fun. Older kids will love trampoline parks such as Sky Zone or Zero Gravity, or activity hubs like The Fun Lab, Grand Slam, Can Can Wonderland, or Slick City. For a full-day adventure, the Mall of America has endless options including Nickelodeon Universe, ClimbZone, Crayola Experience, Sea Life Aquarium, and more!
TICKETS FOR THE SHOW, PERFORMANCE, OR GAME
The Twin Cities is packed with unforgettable experiences for kids who love shows and sports. Theater fans can enjoy performances at Children’s Theatre, SteppingStone Theatre, Hanifl Performing Arts Center, Stages Theatre Company, or The Ordway. For high-energy, kid-friendly spectacles, check out Monster Jam shows, Disney on Ice, or Circus Juventas. Sports enthusiasts will also have plenty of options with games from the Saints, Twins, Timberwolves, Lynx, Vikings, Wild, Frost, Minnesota United, and Minnesota Aurora. There is no shortage of action, excitement, and memories to be made.
A SPECIAL TRIP
Sometimes the best gifts are experiences to enjoy later. A thoughtful “gift for later” can bring holiday magic while giving your family something exciting to look forward to in the new year. You could create a fun ticket or invitation for a bigger adventure, like a family vacation, or something smaller like a weekend camping trip. If a big trip isn’t on the plan this year, consider special local outings such as visiting a holiday light show like GLOW Holiday Festival or Sam’s Christmas Village, trying ice skating or cross-country skiing at a park with equipment rentals, or playing tourists in a nearby city! These experiences make memorable gifts that kids and families will treasure.
BONUS: A PORTRAIT SESSION
Document your child at this age and stage with a portrait session. Whether you are gifting a family session, a senior session, or an annual membership to our Birthday Club subscription for ages 1 to 16, a portrait experience is a meaningful way to celebrate your child or grandchild and boost their confidence. These portraits become treasured keepsakes that capture who they are right now, their personality, their growth, and their story. In addition to offering portrait sessions, we can also provide you with a gift certificate to give now and book the session later! Set up a Discovery Call if you’d like to learn more!
At the end of the day, the best gifts for children are the ones that create stories they will tell for years. Whether it is learning a new skill, seeing something amazing, or spending intentional time with family, these gifts build confidence, curiosity, and connection. If you are ready to give something meaningful this year, choose an experience that brings joy, encourages growth, and makes memories that last.
GIFT A PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE
These memories will last longer than any toy.
