25 Meaningful Experience Gift Ideas for Kids (With a Free Printable Coupon Book!)

As a parent, there’s nothing better than seeing my kids light up with excitement—not from a new toy, but from the promise of an adventure or special time together. Experiences don’t just bring joy in the moment; they create memories that last a lifetime. That’s why I absolutely love experience gifts for kids.

One of my favorite family traditions is the coupon book my kids receive every Christmas from their grandparents. It’s filled with experiences tailored to them: camping trips, ice cream outings, sleepovers with cousins, and so much more. The joy isn’t just in redeeming the coupons but in the anticipation and the stories that come afterward.

If you’re looking for unique, meaningful ideas to give your kids (or grandkids), here are 25 experience gift ideas that fit a variety of ages and budgets, along with a FREE printable coupon book to make your experience gifting even easier!

1. Movie Night Out (or In)

Plan a special movie outing to the local theater, complete with popcorn and candy. For a cozier option, create a “home theater” experience with blankets, pillows, and their favorite snacks. Bonus points for a themed movie night with matching pajamas!

2. Zoo or Aquarium Pass

A trip to see animals is always a hit, especially for younger kids. Many zoos and aquariums offer day passes or even annual memberships that let you return for more fun.

3. Mini Golf or Bowling Day

This is a classic activity that works for kids of all ages (and parents, too!). Whether it’s a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course or a retro bowling alley, it’s always a fun time.

4. Bookstore Experience

A quiet but magical gift idea is a trip to a bookstore where your child gets to choose a book (or several!) and spend time reading together. My kids love curling up on the couch as we dive into a story they picked themselves.

5. Cooking or Baking Class

If your child loves helping in the kitchen, gifting them a class or a home baking session can be incredibly rewarding. My in-laws once gifted my kids and their cousins a home baking class with a local chef. The kids laughed their way through the class and were so proud to present us all with their homemade dinner and dessert.

6. Museum Membership or Day Pass

Children’s museums, science centers, and art museums often offer interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids. Many even have programs or special days with hands-on activities.

7. Trampoline Park Pass

For high-energy kids, there’s nothing like bouncing the day away at a trampoline park. Many offer gift cards or day passes that make for an exciting surprise.

8. Camping Adventure

Camping is one of the coupons my kids cherish the most. Whether it’s a backyard campout or a weekend at a state park, kids love the novelty of sleeping under the stars, roasting marshmallows, and telling stories around a campfire. Bring along their cousins or a best friend and you’ll find you have built in entertainment for your adventure.

9. Music or Theater Show Tickets

Take your child to see a live concert, play, or musical. Whether it’s a local children’s theater or a big production, it’s an opportunity to introduce them to the performing arts.

10. Outdoor Adventure

Try something active like zip-lining, paddle boating, rock climbing, or a family bike ride along a scenic trail. Tailor the activity to your child’s age and sense of adventure!

11. Ice Cream Outing

Simple but sweet—literally! Let them pick their favorite ice cream shop or even plan a “tour” of a few local spots to taste-test.

12. Sleepover Party

Nothing beats a sleepover with cousins or best friends. Set the stage with fun snacks, games, and maybe a little gift like matching pajamas. My kids absolutely love the coupon for a cousin sleepover—it’s always a highlight of the year!

13. Art or Craft Workshop

Let your budding artist explore their creativity with a painting, pottery, or crafting class. Alternatively, create an at-home art day with supplies like paints, canvases, and clay.

14. Escape Room Challenge

Older kids and tweens will love the thrill of solving puzzles and working together in an escape room. Look for kid-friendly versions or host your own DIY escape room at home!

15. Theme Park or Water Park Day

This is a bigger-ticket item but can be a memorable gift for special occasions. The excitement of roller coasters or water slides is hard to beat!

16. Sports or Dance Lesson

For kids passionate about soccer, tennis, gymnastics, or dance, gifting a class or private lesson with an expert can inspire them and build their confidence.

17. Seasonal Fun

Think sleigh rides in the winter, berry picking in the spring, beach trips in the summer, or pumpkin patches in the fall. These activities are a wonderful way to celebrate the changing seasons.

18. Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Create a custom scavenger hunt around your neighborhood, a park, or even your house. Tie it to an outing—like a trip to the park or a nature walk—and let them explore and discover along the way.

19. Farm or Petting Zoo Visit

For animal-loving kids, a trip to a farm or petting zoo can be a magical experience. They’ll love feeding goats, petting bunnies, or riding a pony.

20. Geocaching Adventure

Introduce your kids to geocaching—a modern-day treasure hunt! All you need is a smartphone and the geocaching app. It’s a fun way to explore new places and work together as a team.

21. Horseback Riding

A horseback riding lesson or trail ride is a memorable experience for kids who love animals and the outdoors. Many places offer beginner rides, making it accessible for younger children or first-timers.

22. DIY Science Experiment Day

For a hands-on, educational experience, set up a DIY science experiment day at home. You can make slime, volcanoes, or simple chemistry experiments with everyday supplies. There are tons of fun and easy projects that are both entertaining and educational!

23. DIY Photography Session

Create a fun, themed photography day where your child is the star! You could do a “fairy tale” session in a park or a dress-up fashion shoot at home. Let them help with choosing outfits and props to make the experience even more personal.

Want to really win Christmas? Dress up with your child and allow them to take pictures of you too. You’d be surprised how much pride and joy kids get out of looking at photos they took themselves. Plus it’s a great opportunity to be silly together. 

24. Rock Climbing Adventure

For adventurous kids, a visit to an indoor rock climbing gym can be an exciting way to challenge themselves. Many places offer beginner classes or family-friendly climbs, making it a fun and active outing.

25. Fishing Trip

Whether it’s a quiet day by a lake or a trip to the beach, a fishing outing can be a peaceful, bonding experience. Even if you don’t catch anything, it’s the perfect way to spend time outdoors and teach patience and perseverance.

Make It Personal with a Coupon Book

What makes experience gifts so special is that they aren’t just about the activity—they’re about the time spent together. To make your gift even more personal, consider packaging it creatively:

• Coupon Books: Just like my kids’ grandparents do, you can create a coupon book with multiple experiences to enjoy throughout the year. I’ve designed a FREE printable coupon book for you to download and use for your own gifting! You can customize it with the experiences that matter most to your child. Simply print, cut, and fill out the experiences that will create lasting memories.
• Calendar or Countdown: Help your kids mark the dates for each experience to build anticipation. My kids love making countdown chains to help them visualize “how many more days” until the event.

No matter which experience you choose, the memories you create will far outlast any toy. And who knows? You might just start a new tradition that becomes as cherished as the activity itself.

Download your FREE Printable Coupon Book by entering your info below:

What are your favorite experience gifts to give (or receive)?