If you know my family well, you know that we don’t give each other a ton of physical presents for Christmas. Instead, we always do an experience gift for the kids as our largest present. For birthdays, we always do the same. One thing that I’ve learned is that it truly isn’t the amount you spend on the present, but the experience itself. Some of our family’s favorite experiences include free or relatively cheap spots, such as nature centers or a coffee shop date. The people we love truly enjoy time with us, whether it looks like an extravagant spot or not. Here is my ultimate list of experiences to give for families of all ages. There’s mixes of activities to do for all age groups within all price ranges. Hopefully, this can help you find an experience or two to give this Christmas season. We just give our experiences and don’t present them with anything, but tickets or a picture of the spot. Yet, I know some families like to gift something physical with the experience. Attempting to make it easier for you, I included one or two physical gift ideas to go with some of the experiences.
For Animal Lovers:
Sustainable Safari: If you have someone in your life that would love to hold a baby kangaroo, get yourself to Sustainable Safari. By far, holding a baby kangaroo was my favorite animal experience we’ve done. I could easily have done this several times and never tire of their adorable big brown eyes. This spot has a mix of so many different animals, both common and uncommon. Unique experiences made our visit even more memorable. See my full blog here for more information. A physical gift for this experience could be a book about one of the animals featured at Sustainable Safari or a stuffed animal of one of the animals.
Silent Run Adventures: The ultimate Minnesota experience, this is a dogsledding business that also, has barnyard and kennel visits. Located in Monticello, Silent Run Adventures has 35 Siberian Huskies that you get to see. Not only do you get your own personal mushing experience, but you get to meet the dogs and take pictures with them. Provided with the mushing experience, you also, will be able to visit miniature horses, alpacas, goats, sheep, turkeys, chickens, bunnies, and cats. Perfect for all ages, this is one of those activities that every Minnesotan needs to do at some point in their life. A physical gift for this experience would be a new warm hat, gloves, or a scarf.
National Eagle Center: Located in Wabasha right along the river, this spot is another must-visit for every Minnesotan. Filled with educational facts and fun activities for the kids, this museum will be one that kids will remember. The real star of the show here is the eagle show, presented outside in the summer, and inside during colder weather. Not only will you leave filled with lots of facts about eagles, but the presenter was clearly made for this job and is able to entertain people of all ages. Don’t forget to step outside to catch the beautiful views of raptors along the river before you leave! A physical gift for this experience would be a book about eagles or a pair of binoculars to bring along to view raptors outside up close.
For the Music Lovers:
RiseFest: One of my absolute FAVORITE experiences of the summer was this Christian music festival located in Sheldon, Iowa. If you buy tickets for the event now, they are cheap for the entire two day festival. Kids 10 and under are free! Tickets include: access to listening to all singers and speakers for the weekend, but also all teen and kid activities. Bounce houses, sports, games, and crafts are all things that happen throughout the weekend. A family friendly event, all members of the family will enjoy this festival. It is rain or shine, but even through some rain, we had a blast! Matthew West is headlining this summer and dates are June 20th to 21st, 2025. There is a campsite right outside of the festival for those who want to camp for the weekend. A physical gift for this experience could be a camping chair or sunglasses to use during the festival.
On a side note, I always feel people give experiences to be used right away at Christmas or for birthdays. This is an experience you would have to wait for and in my opinion, there is beauty in the waiting for an experience gift. Not only can the person continue to get excited for the event, but they can also, prepare more. For instance, before music festivals, we always make a play list of songs from the artists who will be there and play those on repeat to get our kids excited. Another bonus of this is it’s an event that will be coming later, but you will have bought the tickets cheaper.
LifeLight Festival: A completely free Christian music festival in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this event is a cheap experience that will leave lasting memories. Over Labor Day weekend, this is a one-day music festival that has several Christian artists, kid’s entertainment including bounce houses and sports for the older kids, and BMW racing/tricks. Another favorite event for my family, this experience packs a lot of things into a small amount of time. Not only can you enjoy this festival, but you can also, check out all that Sioux Falls has to offer families. Newsflash…it’s A LOT! A physical gift for this experience could be a camping chair or a fun shirt with a Christian saying on it.
For the Thrill-Seekers:
Water-Skiing Shows: We got lucky and were able to attend two water-skiing shows this summer. They were highlights for everyone in our family. Both shows we went to had story lines or some kind of acting to go along with the water-skiing. This held everyone’s attention and made each show more memorable. One show we attended was in Aberdeen, South Dakota and was called the Aberdeen Aqua Addicts Water Ski team. The other show we attended was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was called Catfish Bay Greatest Show on H20. Two other locations that have water ski shows are in Shakopee, MN (presented by the Shockwaves water ski team) and the Twin Cities River Rats. These two locations offer free water-skiing shows for the public. A physical gift for this experience could be new sunglasses or a hat for watching.
Snow-shoeing: This is another experience that every Minnesotan should try once. Yes, even kids! One year for my birthday several years ago, I requested we go snow shoeing and my kids still talk about it. No matter your athletic ability, this is a sport that almost everyone can do. It’s also, a sport that kids can do at their own level…they don’t have to be fast or master a ton of skills in order to do it. If you want to rent snow shoes for FREE, check out the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center in Carver, MN or the Super 8 in Wyndham St. James, Minnesota. Many state parks (specifics can be found on website) offer snowshoe rental for $6/day. A physical gift for this experience would be mittens, a hat, or a scarf or hot cocoa mix to enjoy after this adventure.
Mystery Cave State Park: If you only wanted to go to one state park in the whole state of Minnesota, this would be the one! There are several different tours available. Located in Southern Minnesota, this cave tour is sure to keep all members in your family engaged throughout. Check out my blog post about Mystery Cave State Park here. A physical gift for this experience would be a book about caves or a light jacket that you will need to visit as it gets chilly down in the caves.
State Park Pass: For only $35, you can grab a state park pass for the entire family that gets you into every Minnesota state park for an entire year. This is perfect for the nature lover, someone who wants to explore Minnesota more, or someone who is just starting to enjoy nature. From waterfalls to bison to history to caves to hiking in every kind of terrain imaginable, state parks are the best way to see Minnesota in all its beauty. It’s an experience gift that will just keep giving every time you explore a new park or visit a familiar park in a new season. A physical gift for this experience would be a passport book for the state parks or a mini hiking kit complete with binoculars, a wildlife book, and candy to keep everyone content on the long hikes.
Quarry Hill Fossil Class: Available in the summer months, this is a class for the whole family that teaches everyone how to find fossils. Ideal for dinosaur or fossil lovers, the whole family will leave with more knowledge and an appreciation for the beauty of the quarry. Located in Rochester, Minnesota, this nature center could be my favorite one in the state boasting lots to see, do, and experience. This class is ideal for kids who are willing to hike a little bit and cover some rough terrain as you hike up and into the quarry. Be sure to check out my guide here to Rochester if you visit Quarry Hill. A physical gift for this experience would be a book about fossils, a magnifying glass, or binoculars.
High Ropes Course: Last fall, I tried a high ropes course with my son and my daughter did a younger kids course closer to the ground. One thing I was shocked about when we finished is how much closer we felt after defying gravity and screaming our heads off as we ziplined through the course. It was truly a bonding experience. We did a high ropes course down in Omaha at TreeRush Adventures in Fontenelle Forest. Yet, there are local options to Minnesota. Kerfoot Canopy Tours in Henderson and Sand Creek Adventures in Jordan are both options close to the cities and Mankato area. A physical gift for this experience would be tight fitting pants, capris, or shorts to wear on the course.
For the Family:
ASTC Passport Museum Membership: Another gift that continues to keep giving is a membership to any ASTC passport museum. Most years, we get a membership to one of the museums within the program for our family. This has included the Science Museum of Minnesota and The Works Museum. With this membership, you obtain discounts or free admission to over 300 museums around the country (and even some out of country). There are certain guidelines, such as your passport doesn’t work at other museums within a 90 mile radius of both your membership museum and your residence address. With our ASTC passport memberships, we have been able to visit the Omaha Children’s Museum, Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls, and the Children’s Museum of La Crosse. Memberships are pretty reasonably priced, usually between $100 and $150 per family for the entire year. A physical gift for this experience would be a disposable camera or a journal to write about each museum you visit.
Children’s Museum memberships: This is a no-brainer for an experience gift. Yet, you don’t have to get a membership if it’s not beneficial for your family. For instance, we did an experience gift for one of our daughter’s birthdays to a children’s museum we hadn’t been to. Yet, we didn’t buy a membership because we knew we probably wouldn’t be back in that area. While the Children’s Museum of Minnesota is great, I have become a huge fan of the smaller children’s museums throughout the state instead. With less people, less exhibits, and less stimuli, I’ve found my kids to enjoy and thrive at the smaller children’s museums more. These would include: Wheel and Cog (Hutchinson), the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (Mankato), and SPARK (Rochester). If you have multiple kids, their prices are more reasonable and it’s easier to keep track of kids at all three of these spots. I would not recommend any physical gift for this experience.
Nickelodeon Universe: This is an experience that kids of all ages can appreciate. It also, is an experience that can be enjoyed at any time of the year, no matter the weather. A trip to Nickelodeon Universe allows everyone an opportunity to try different rides from the roller coasters to the merry-go-round. If the rides aren’t exciting enough, there’s always the default of going to the Crayola Experience, Sea Life, the Rainforest Cafe, the Lego store, ClimbZone at Mall of America or Rock of Ages Black Light Mini-golf. Truly, any of these spots would be enjoyed by kids of most ages and have been experience gifts at some point for our kids. No physical gift is recommended for this experience.
Storybook Land: This is one of those special places that will rank in the top of your kid’s favorite destinations. Located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, this is a free park that is completely magical for kids toddler through school age. Around every corner is a new playground, ride, or animal ready to be explored. My kids loved the eight rides that weren’t too scary, didn’t have long lines, and left each of them thrilled. Aberdeen is a family-friendly, super affordable vacation destination. Truly, there are plenty of things to do that are free or low-cost if desired. If you’re willing to spend a little, there’s even more to do. Within driving distance of most big towns in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska, this is an easy spot to road-trip to. Visiting Storybook Land is sure to be a memorable and special experience for all!
Private/Group Swim Lessons: A life-saving skill that every Minnesotan should know, this is a practical experience gift that could save your child. In my opinion, this could easily be given as an experience gift because it is needed for every child and allows your child to get excited for this activity. We have had the best luck with private or private group swim lessons for making the most progress for our kids. Most recently, we have loved private and group swim lessons for both of our older kids at the Lake Crystal Recreation Center. A physical gift for this experience are new swim goggles, swim suits, or water toys that could be used with their new skills after swim lessons.
Stages Theater: This is the experience gift we gave last Christmas. We went to see Cinderella with the whole family and even our two year old was engaged throughout. A perfect family theater, this spot has plays for all ages and interests. I love that the plays are short enough to hold young one’s attention spans and enjoyable for even the adults. Tickets are cheaper than other children’s theaters and easier to get to than going downtown in the Twin Cities.
For a Unique Experience:
Artifact: This is one of those experiences that leaves you with a wonderful souvenir that will remind you of your time at ArtIfact for years to come. A cute pottery painting studio in Old Town Mankato, this spot has something for everyone to create and use. To read more about this spot, read this blog here. If you’re desiring a way to unleash some creativity, this is the experience gift you’ll want to give.
Picklebarn: An experience perfect for all ages from school age on up! Whether you’re a beginner at pickleball or an expert, everyone can enjoy some time playing at the Picklebarn. Make sure to read this blog about this location if you’re interested in giving an experience at the Picklebarn. A physical gift for this spot would be pickleball paddles or pickleballs for you to use during your time.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum: Located in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, this museum is educational and enjoyable for all ages. Whether your kids are well versed in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life or not, you are bound to cherish your time at this museum. For more details, read this post here. A great physical gift for this experience would be one of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books.
SPAM Museum: You might laugh reading this experience, but truly my kids LOVE this spot! A completely free museum, there is a kid’s play section, many opportunities for hands-on learning, and free samples of Spam. Austin, Minnesota is an adorable town that has a lot to offer families and many activities are free. This is a great spot to take a day trip or a quick weekend trip to explore. For a full itinerary for Austin, check out this blog post here.
Flower Picking Experience: In the last few years, this has become a favorite experience for me during the summer. This summer, we went flower picking together as an entire family and we also, attended a kid’s class where they learned about flowers and picked their own bouquets. Both times, I was completely shocked at the teamwork this took. Flower picking farms in Southern Minnesota include: Hilltop Harvest in Redwood Falls, Meadow Forge Flower Farm in Lakefield, Valley Veggies & Flowers in Mankato, and Little Roots Flower Farm in Mankato. Some of these locations do have u-pick punch cards for next summer. Again, this is an experience that leaves you with a beautiful momento of your time flower picking.
Donut Crawls: The PERFECT experience for ALL age groups, this can be arranged in so many different ways and changed to fit the needs or desires of the group. A donut crawl consists of buying one or two donuts from several different bakeries, saving them until the end, and then sampling each one while voting for your favorites. This is an example here of a donut crawl we did and how we arranged our time.
Adventure Day each month: A friend gave this to her kids one year and I loved the idea so much! She gifted an adventure day (pre-planned) with an activity for each month. Adventures ranged in interests of the kids and allowed the kids an assortment of adventures throughout the year. What a great way to keep Christmas going throughout the whole year and give kids/adults something to look forward to each month! This could be adapted to the family and kids as much as you wanted. Adventure days could be the same “adventure” each month in different locations such as a play, an indoor playground, or a special restaurant each month or different “adventures” each month.
Date each month: My brother gave this experience gift to my dad prior to him getting sick. Then, he just continued to give it year after year until my dad passed away. At that point, my brother began it with my mom. Each month, he takes her out to lunch at a different spot. They try a new restaurant each time and have been able to not only try new spots, but taste unique foods. Each month, my brother gets the gift of time as he gives the date. This could be adapted to any kind of date that fits the person…coffee shop, brewery, ice cream, or bakery date.
Education For All Squid School: Although our family has not personally taken these classes yet, we love the idea and philosophy behind the school. This is a drown-prevention class where participants learn how to survive, in all sorts of obstacles, that life could throw at them near water. Kids will master swimming with a wide variety of clothing on and entering the water in all different ways. One thing that I really love about their philosophy is it’s truly for all. If your child has a disability, Education for All Squid School will not only teach them, but help them to thrive. What a gift to give kids drown-prevention lessons in the Land of 10,000 Lakes! Check their Facebook for information.
Hope this list helps make Christmas a little easier this year and beautiful memories are made within the experiences given!
Until my next adventure,
Allie
Adventures with Sota Mama 
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