From museum memberships and family adventures to weekend getaways and favorite treats, these gifts give kids something to look forward to long after Christmas morning.
With five kids living in a 1,350-square-foot house, we don’t exactly have a ton of extra room for toys. A few years ago, I started noticing that by January, we had toys everywhere, and half of them weren’t even being played with anymore. Not to mention, with five kids, there really weren’t that many new toys left to buy!
So we started shifting toward experiences.
One of our family’s favorite Christmas gifts is a trip to Great Wolf Lodge. Instead of adding more toys to our already crowded house, we’re giving our kids something to look forward to and memories we’ll make together.
And before anyone thinks we’ve taken all the fun out of Christmas, don’t worry. Santa still comes!
Our stockings are filled with things like gift cards, gloves, hats, favorite snacks and other little surprises. Santa might bring new pajamas, snow boots, books, a favorite LEGO set or a bigger gift the kids can share.
My oldest looks forward to the specialty ramen and chocolate-covered cherries Santa brings him every year. It’s become one of his favorite traditions!
For our babies, Santa sometimes brings diapers, wipes and other things we were going to buy anyway. Because, as we tell our kids, “Santa always knows what we need!”
I also love shopping our local marketplace for things like outdoor toys, play kitchens and other bigger items I know our kids would enjoy. This year, bikes and scooters are on a few Christmas wish lists.
The point isn’t to eliminate toys. It’s to be more intentional about what comes into our home and find gifts our kids will actually use and enjoy.
And with five kids, there’s still plenty to unwrap on Christmas morning!
If you’re looking to give your family something a little different this year, or you’re a grandparent wondering what to buy kids who seem to have everything, here are some Arizona experiences, memberships, tickets and gift ideas worth considering.
Museum Memberships: A Gift That Lasts All Year
Museum memberships are a great option for families with younger kids, especially when they include unlimited visits throughout the year. Instead of a toy that might get forgotten in a few months, you’re giving kids a place to explore, play and learn again and again.
Some examples might include:
- Children’s Museum of Phoenix – Give the gift of play this holiday season! With three floors of hands-on exhibits designed for children ages birth to 10, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is packed with opportunities to climb, create, explore and imagine. Kids can navigate the towering Climber, pedal through the tricycle car wash and get creative in the Art Studio. Plus, November 21–December 28, families can enjoy Sock Skating, a winter activity where kids can slip, slide and glide without ice skates! Annual memberships start at $149 and include unlimited admission for a year, including Sock Skating.
- Children’s Museum Tucson – Interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences for younger children.
- i.d.e.a. Museum – Creative, art-focused experiences for children and families in Mesa.
- Arizona Museum of Natural History – A fun gift for dinosaur lovers, with fossils, Arizona history and interactive exhibits.
- Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium – Science exhibits and planetarium shows make this a fun option for older children and space enthusiasts.
Zoos, Aquariums and Animal Encounters
For animal lovers, consider an annual zoo membership, aquarium tickets or a special wildlife experience. These can be especially fun gifts for families who enjoy getting outside together.
- Phoenix Zoo – Zoo admission, annual memberships and special experiences.
- Reid Park Zoo – A Tucson favorite for animal lovers.
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – Wildlife, desert gardens and outdoor exploration.
- SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium – An indoor aquarium adventure in Tempe.
- OdySea Aquarium – Explore marine life at this Scottsdale aquarium.
- Bearizona – A wildlife adventure in Williams that could be paired with a northern Arizona weekend getaway.
Outdoor Adventures: Gifts for Families Who Love Exploring
Arizona has so many opportunities to get outside, and some of the best experience gifts are ones the whole family can enjoy together. Whether your family loves camping, hiking, fishing, hunting or exploring new places, consider a gift that helps make your next outdoor adventure happen.
Arizona State Parks Annual Pass – Give your family a year of outdoor adventures! An annual pass provides day-use admission to participating state parks, making it easier to visit favorites like Slide Rock, Tonto Natural Bridge and Patagonia Lake. Camping, tours and certain other activities require additional fees.
America the Beautiful National Parks Pass – Perfect for families who love road trips! This annual pass covers entrance fees at national parks and thousands of federal recreation sites across the country. Plan trips to the Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park or destinations beyond Arizona. Some activities and reservations cost extra.
Maricopa County Parks Annual Pass – For Phoenix-area families, a county parks pass can make hiking, picnicking and exploring a regular family activity. Participating parks include Lake Pleasant, Usery Mountain, White Tank Mountain and more.
Arizona Fishing Licenses – Have a child who loves fishing? Consider purchasing their annual fishing license or planning a special fishing trip together. Arizona offers a $5 youth combination hunting and fishing license for residents ages 10–17. Children under 10 generally don’t need a fishing license.
Arizona Hunting Licenses – For families who enjoy hunting together, an annual hunting license or a contribution toward a future hunting trip can make a practical gift. Arizona also offers youth combination hunting and fishing licenses. Big-game hunting may require additional permits, tags or hunter education, depending on the child’s age and the hunt.
Camping Trips and Reservations – Consider paying for a weekend campsite, a cabin rental or a family camping trip. You could even wrap the reservation with a new flashlight, sleeping bag or s’mores supplies. For families who enjoy camping regularly, a contribution toward a new tent, camper or other equipment could help make future trips possible.
Skiing and Snowboarding – A day on the slopes, lift tickets or beginner lessons could be a memorable gift for kids and teens. Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff and Sunrise Park Resort in the White Mountains are two Arizona destinations to explore. Consider gifting a lesson, lift ticket, equipment rental or even money toward a season pass.
Guided Outdoor Experiences – For something different, consider a guided fishing trip, horseback trail ride, kayaking excursion, paddleboarding lesson, stargazing experience or family rafting adventure. These can be especially fun for older kids and teens who might be harder to shop for.
Outdoor Skills Classes and Workshops – Have a child or teen interested in fishing, camping, hiking or learning outdoor survival skills? REI offers classes and workshops covering everything from navigation and camping basics to bicycle maintenance. Bass Pro Shops also hosts outdoor skills workshops and seasonal family activities, including fishing events for kids. Many programs are free, while others have a registration fee. Check individual store calendars for upcoming classes and age requirements.
Arizona Game and Fish Educational Programs – The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers educational programs and opportunities for families interested in fishing, wildlife, conservation and outdoor recreation. Look for youth fishing clinics, wildlife education events and other hands-on activities throughout the year.
And if your family has been wanting to purchase a camper, take a longer road trip or plan a special outdoor vacation, Santa or the grandparents could contribute toward that larger family adventure instead of purchasing more individual gifts. Sometimes helping make something possible is the best gift of all!
Classes, Camps and Experiences They’ve Always Wanted to Try
Sometimes the best gift is an experience your child has been asking to try, but that hasn’t quite fit into the family budget.
Maybe it’s a cooking class, horseback riding lessons, a pottery workshop or that specialty summer camp they’ve been talking about. Instead of another toy, consider putting money toward something they’ll remember long after Christmas.
Cooking and baking classes: For kids who love helping in the kitchen, look for children’s cooking classes, cake decorating workshops, pizza-making experiences or even a parent-and-child cooking class.
Winter, spring or summer break camps: Have your kids been asking to attend a specialty camp that’s a little more expensive than you’d normally spend? Santa could bring a certificate or contribution toward a week of gymnastics, horseback riding, theater, robotics, art, sports or overnight camp. Even paying the deposit or a portion of the registration fee can make a great gift.
Horseback riding lessons: A trail ride, introductory riding lesson or a series of lessons could be a fun surprise for an animal-loving child.
Pottery and art workshops: Look for pottery wheel classes, paint-your-own pottery studios, sewing lessons, jewelry making or other creative workshops.
Music lessons: Guitar, piano, drums, voice lessons or even a few introductory sessions to see whether your child enjoys learning an instrument.
Sports and specialty lessons: Rock climbing, ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, golf, tennis, swimming or private lessons to help them improve at a sport they already love.
Behind-the-scenes experiences: Some zoos, aquariums, museums and attractions offer special tours, animal encounters or educational programs that go beyond general admission.
Adventure experiences: Think ziplining, ropes courses, indoor skydiving, guided kayaking, paddleboarding or a family rafting trip, depending on your child’s age.
Photography or filmmaking classes: For kids who are always taking pictures or making videos, consider a beginner photography workshop, filmmaking class or digital art course.
A special overnight camp: For older kids, a sleepaway camp, outdoor adventure camp or specialty sports camp could be something to look forward to all year.
And remember, Santa doesn’t have to cover the entire cost. A certificate that says he’s contributing $100 toward summer camp or paying for the first month of lessons can be just as exciting, especially when it’s something your child really wants to do.
Family Attractions and Adventures
Whether it’s a day at an indoor attraction, a water park or an amusement park, tickets to a favorite destination give kids something to look forward to.
GetOut Pass – Give the gift of a whole year of family adventures! The GetOut Pass offers access to attractions throughout Arizona, including options such as the Phoenix Zoo, Golfland Sunsplash, Uptown Jungle, FatCats and select sporting events. Families can discover new places to explore without paying regular admission prices for every outing. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona and SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium are available as optional paid add-ons. Each attraction has its own redemption limits, so check the current offerings before purchasing. Save $5 with the code: RAK.Â
Weekend Getaways and Family Vacations
Sometimes the best gift is getting away together. A family vacation doesn’t have to be elaborate, either. A night at a resort, a road trip or a weekend exploring somewhere new can be just as exciting as a big trip.
Consider giving your family a getaway to somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit, or letting the kids help choose the destination.
Some ideas include:
- Great Wolf Lodge Arizona – A water park getaway without leaving the state.
- Disneyland Resort – A Southern California adventure.
- LEGOLAND California – A fun destination for younger LEGO fans.
- San Diego Zoo – Combine a zoo visit with a beach weekend.
- SeaWorld San Diego – Marine life, shows and rides.
- Grand Canyon Railway – A train adventure from Williams to the Grand Canyon.
You could also plan a camping trip, rent a cabin in the mountains or spend a weekend exploring another Arizona town. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable.
Creative Experiences and Something New
Not every experience has to involve an amusement park or a big-ticket attraction. Sometimes trying something new together is just as exciting.
Build-A-Bear Workshop is a great example. Rather than simply buying another stuffed animal, kids get to choose, stuff and personalize their own bear. It’s a toy, but it’s also an experience.
Other ideas include pottery painting, art workshops, cooking classes, horseback riding, indoor rock climbing, gymnastics or dance lessons.
You could even purchase supplies for a hobby your child has been wanting to try and pair them with a class or lesson.
Tickets to a Show or Special Event
For kids who love music, theater or live entertainment, tickets to a performance can make a wonderful Christmas gift.
Consider:
- Arizona Broadway Theatre – Live theater productions in Peoria.
- Valley Youth Theatre – Family-friendly theater in Phoenix.
- ASU Gammage – Broadway shows and touring productions in Tempe.
- Ballet Arizona – Ballet performances and holiday productions.
You could also give tickets to a sporting event, concert, monster truck show, rodeo or other event your child would enjoy.
Gaming Memberships and Digital Experiences
If your kids love video games, consider gifting a subscription or membership that allows them to play online with friends, access additional games or enjoy special features.
Options like Nintendo Switch Online, PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass can be great gifts for kids who already have a gaming system.
You can also tuck a gift card for their favorite gaming platform into their stocking so they can choose a new game or download they’ve been wanting.
Just be sure to check which memberships and games are compatible with their system before purchasing.
For kids who enjoy gaming but would love an outing, consider gift cards to a local arcade, virtual reality experience or indoor gaming center.
Subscription Boxes: Experiences Delivered to Your Door
Not every experience gift requires leaving the house! Subscription boxes are a fun way to give kids something they can actually unwrap on Christmas morning, with hands-on activities that keep them busy long after the wrapping paper is gone.
From science experiments and art projects to cooking kits, books and developmental play boxes for babies, there are options for just about every age and interest. Some offer monthly deliveries, while others let you purchase individual boxes or shorter subscriptions.
And for kids who love getting mail, there’s something exciting about having a package arrive just for them!
Baby and Toddler Subscription Boxes
Lovevery – A great option for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Lovevery’s Play Kits include developmentally appropriate toys and activities designed for different stages of early childhood. Families can receive new kits as their child grows, making this a gift that continues well beyond Christmas morning.
KiwiCo Panda Crate – Even babies can get in on the subscription box fun! Designed for little ones from birth through age 3, Panda Crates include developmentally appropriate toys and activities that encourage exploration, sensory play and learning through everyday interactions.
123 Baby Box – Designed for babies and toddlers, these subscription boxes include age-appropriate developmental toys, activities and play materials. It’s a fun way to introduce new activities as little ones grow.
STEM, Science and Engineering Subscription Boxes
KiwiCo – Perfect for kids who love building, creating and figuring out how things work. KiwiCo offers age-based boxes with STEM experiments, engineering challenges, art projects and hands-on activities for babies through teens. Choose a subscription or purchase individual projects.
CrunchLabs – Have a kid who loves taking things apart, building contraptions or figuring out how stuff works? Created by engineer and YouTuber Mark Rober, CrunchLabs delivers hands-on engineering projects that kids can build themselves, along with videos explaining the science behind each creation.
MEL Science – For curious kids who love experiments, MEL Science offers hands-on science kits exploring subjects like chemistry and physics. Each kit includes materials and instructions for activities that bring science concepts to life at home. Check the recommended ages and supervision requirements before purchasing.
Bitsbox – Have a child interested in coding or technology? Bitsbox introduces kids to computer programming through projects that teach them to create their own apps. It’s a fun way to build coding skills while making something they can actually use.
Green Kid Crafts – Combining science, art and nature, Green Kid Crafts delivers hands-on STEAM activities designed to encourage creativity and curiosity. Each themed box includes projects that let kids experiment, build and explore.
Art and Craft Subscription Boxes
We Craft Box – Give your little artist something new to create each month! Designed for ages 3–9, We Craft Box delivers themed art and craft projects with supplies and instructions included. Each box contains multiple activities and enough materials for two children to share, making it a fun option for siblings.
ArtSnacks – Perfect for budding artists and creative teens! ArtSnacks delivers a curated selection of art supplies, encouraging kids to experiment with different materials and techniques. Unlike traditional craft kits, there’s no specific project to complete, giving young artists the freedom to create whatever they imagine.
Art Club Monthly – Introduce kids to famous artists, different styles and new techniques through monthly art projects. Boxes include supplies and activities that encourage creativity while helping children learn about art.
Crafter Kids – A creative option for tweens and teens who enjoy making things. Projects may include weaving, macramé, jewelry making and other crafts, with supplies and video instructions to help kids learn new skills.
Cooking and Baking Subscription Boxes
Raddish Kids – Have a budding chef or baker? Raddish delivers cooking and baking kits with illustrated recipes, kitchen tools and activities that help kids build confidence in the kitchen. Choose from cooking, baking or global cuisine subscriptions. It’s a fun way to spend time together and learn skills they’ll actually use!
Little Passports – Let kids explore the world without leaving home! Little Passports offers subscription boxes focused on geography, cultures, animals, science and even cooking. Each delivery introduces kids to something new through hands-on activities and projects.
Book and Reading Subscription Boxes
Bookroo – Give the gift of reading all year long! Bookroo delivers age-appropriate books right to your door, with options ranging from board books for babies and toddlers to picture books and chapter books for older children. It’s a great gift for building a home library or starting a new bedtime reading tradition.
Owl Post Books – Combine reading with a little creativity! Owl Post Books offers children’s book subscriptions that pair books with craft activities, giving kids something to read and something to make.
OwlCrate – For the teen who always has a book in hand! OwlCrate offers young adult book subscriptions featuring new reads and themed surprises. It’s a fun way to discover new authors and build a reading collection.
Beauty, Self-Care and Lifestyle Subscription Boxes for Teens
IPSY – Have a tween or teen who loves experimenting with makeup? IPSY delivers a personalized selection of makeup, skincare and beauty products each month, along with a makeup bag. It’s a fun way to try new products and discover favorite brands without purchasing everything full-size.
Allure Beauty Box – For older teens who enjoy makeup and skincare, Allure Beauty Box delivers a monthly assortment of beauty products selected by Allure’s beauty editors, including full-size products and samples.
FabFitFun – A fun gift for older teens who enjoy beauty, fashion accessories and lifestyle products. These seasonal boxes include a variety of products, with opportunities to customize selections.
Food and Snack Subscription Boxes
Universal Yums – Give kids and teens a taste of the world! Each box features snacks and sweets from a different country, making it a fun experience to share with siblings or the whole family.
You could also look for specialty baking boxes, international candy subscriptions, snack samplers or other food experiences based on your child’s interests.
Tips for Giving Subscription Boxes as Christmas Gifts
You don’t have to commit to a full year. A single project box or three-month subscription can be plenty, especially if you’re buying for several children. It keeps the gift manageable without creating a new pile of toys every month.
Check for automatic renewals. Some subscription services continue billing until canceled. Look for prepaid gift subscriptions or one-time boxes if you don’t want an ongoing commitment.
Pay attention to age recommendations. Some science kits require adult supervision, and beauty boxes may include skincare ingredients or products that aren’t appropriate for younger children.
Make sure there’s something to unwrap. Wrap the first box and let your child know more are coming! If the subscription won’t arrive until after Christmas, wrap a small related gift with a certificate announcing their upcoming deliveries.
Consider a box siblings can share. Cooking kits, craft projects, international snack boxes and science experiments can be fun activities for the whole family rather than separate subscriptions for every child.
And remember, not every subscription has to be educational. Sometimes a box filled with art supplies, snacks or books your child is excited about is exactly the kind of gift they’ll enjoy!
Gift Cards for Little Adventures
Don’t overlook the little things! A $10 or $20 gift card to a favorite ice cream shop, fast-food restaurant or dessert spot can be a big deal to a kid.
I especially love the idea of giving kids gift cards to places we don’t normally visit. It gives them something to look forward to, and they get to choose when to use it.
Some ideas include:
- Ice cream shops and frozen yogurt stores
- Donut shops, bakeries and specialty dessert shops
- Favorite fast-food restaurants
- Pizza places
- Movie theaters
- Local coffee shops for a special hot chocolate or other treat
- Restaurants the kids have been wanting to try
You can also make it a family tradition to let each child pick a special outing or restaurant during the year.
And don’t forget local businesses! A gift card to a neighborhood restaurant, bakery or family-owned shop can be a great way to support your community while giving your kids something fun.
One-on-One Time Makes a Great Gift, Too
With multiple kids, one-on-one time can be hard to come by. Consider giving each child a special outing with Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa.
It could be breakfast at their favorite restaurant, a movie date, a manicure, a round of mini golf or simply an afternoon doing something they love.
You can even make homemade coupons for special outings throughout the year.
Sometimes the gift kids remember most isn’t where you went or what you bought, but getting to spend time together.
How to Wrap an Experience Gift
Part of the fun of Christmas is having something to open, and experience gifts can still be wrapped!
Pair museum tickets with a small dinosaur toy, a water park trip with new goggles or swim suits, a restaurant gift card with a favorite treat or a family vacation with a new suitcase or travel activity book.
You could also create a little gift basket with clues about the experience or print tickets and tuck them into a Christmas card.
For our family, it’s not about having fewer Christmas traditions. It’s about making room for more memories, without filling every closet, toy bin and bedroom with things we’ll be sorting through by January.
And if Santa happens to bring a few toys along the way, that’s perfectly fine, too!
Have an experience families would love to unwrap this Christmas?
Raising Arizona Kids is featuring Arizona attractions, museums, memberships, family getaways and other experience gifts in our holiday gift guide. Contact us to learn about featured listing opportunities.
