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6 Experience Gifts to Give Kids in the Twin Cities (Instead of Toys)

You might be hearing a common voice among parents you know these days about how their kids have too many toys.  Sure, a new toy is a shoe win for unboxing excitement.  But an experience gift is something you can enjoy together.  These will not clutter your home!  Check out our favorite:

Zoo Membership

Winter, spring, summer or fall–the Minnesota Zoo is a great place to bring kids.  With indoor and outdoor exhibits, and animals from all over the world, there is something for everyone.  Pack a lunch or eat in the cafe and you can extend your time on site. Or grab the Household Plus membership.  This allows you to bring your whole family each trip plus a guest.  So it will pay for itself in just a few visits.


Sea Life Aquarium Annual Pass

If you typically find yourself at the Mall of America more than twice a year with your kids, you’ve got to pick up an Annual Pass to Sea Life Aquarium.  Especially with kids under three, you won’t feel bad when they cruise through the whole experience in less than 20 minutes.  You can just do it again the next time you’re back.  The Family Pass pays for itself in just two visits.


Live Theater Productions

Give the gift of a good performance at the Children’s Theater Company in Minneapolis. Purchase a single performance or a subscription that can be used to see several performances throughout the year.  The lineup includes How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Hobbit, and Matilda.  Or visit The Stages Theater in Hopkins, MN where they will be showing Mary Poppins through the end of the year.  Check with each site regarding age recommendations.


Professional Sporting Event

Ask for tickets to a sporting event this year.  There are so many winter sport options to enjoy in Minneapolis or St. Paul.  Know a basketball fanatic? Catch a game of the Minnesota Lynx or Timberwolves. The T-Wolves have a great promo called Kids Day Sunday. Kids can meet and greet Crunch the mascot and find $5 Kids Meals in section 225. Or go to a WILD Hockey game with your granddaughter.  December 15 is Girls Hockey Day.

A Museum Trip

Take your grandchildren to any one of these great museums that Minnesota has to offer.  The completely overhauled Chidlren’s Museum in St Paul is a great spot for younger kids.  Or visit The Science Museum’s  special Living in the Age of the Airplanes exhibit and Omnitheater movie.

Indoor Playgrounds

When winter comes, parents of preschoolers are always on the lookout for active things for their kids to do indoors.  Give the gift of a membership to an indoor play facility like Good Times Park in Eagan.  It’s a fabulous option for kids who like to move. 

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We hope these ideas help you choose a great experience for the kids you love!  If you plan to visit Phoenix this winter, check out our suggestions for experience gifts there as well. 

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2 thoughts on “6 Experience Gifts to Give Kids in the Twin Cities (Instead of Toys)”

  1. Pingback: The Best Free Holiday Events in Minneapolis and St. Paul This December 2018 - We Adventure Well

  2. Pingback: 6 Experience Gifts for Kids in Nashville (Instead of Toys)

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