Every year, the holidays and birthdays bring a familiar challenge — what do you get the kids who already have so many toys?
This year, consider giving something that lasts far longer than plastic or packaging: an experience gift.
Why Experience Gifts Are Better Than Another Toy
Experience gifts give families the chance to make memories together — something no toy can match. Whether it’s a day at the slopes, a membership to a favorite indoor playspace, or tickets to a live show, these gifts create moments that kids (and parents!) will remember long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Here are just a few benefits:
- They don’t add clutter. Less to clean up, store, or donate later.
- They build anticipation. Kids love having something fun to look forward to!
- They strengthen family bonds. Shared adventures mean shared memories.
- They inspire learning and curiosity. From science centers to art classes, experiences spark imagination and discovery.
- They support local businesses. Many experience gifts keep money right here in Maine.
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Experience Gifts & Memberships to Ask for This Holiday Season
Here are some of the best experience gifts for Maine families in 2025 — perfect for adding to wish lists or gifting to other local families:
Outdoor Adventure & Nature
- WinterKids Passport — $40/family
Access free and discounted winter activities across Maine for kids ages 5–12. - Maine State Park Pass — $55 individual / $105 vehicle (recommended)
Unlimited visits to Maine’s beautiful state parks all year long. - Maine Wildlife Park Pass — 4-person pass $150
See moose, bears, eagles, and more up close all season. - Season Passes to Local Farms — Pineland Farms, Smiling Hill Farm, and others offer year-round fun with animals, play areas, and seasonal events.
Museums & Learning
- Children’s Museum + Theatre of Maine Membership — 4-person membership $190
Hands-on exhibits and creative play in Portland. - Maine State Library Card/Pass — Free access to thousands of books, audiobooks, and digital resources.
- Seacoast Science Center — $10–15 admission
Explore marine life exhibits and tide pool touch tanks. - Living Shores Aquarium — $20 admission
Indoor aquarium next to Story Land with hands-on exhibits.
Indoor Play & Active Fun
- Indoor Playspace Memberships
- PlayLot ($75/month or $675/year)
- Raise ($85/month)
- Sunflower ($50/month)
Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers during cold or rainy months.
- Trampoline Parks — Gift cards for FunZ or Urban Air ($22–27 per visit).
- It at Jordan’s Furniture — $10–15 per ride on this indoor ropes course and zip adventure!
- Rock Climbing at Salt Pump Climbing Co. — $19/day pass.
- Happy Wheels or Rollerdrome — $16 including rentals for classic roller skating fun.
Family Outings & Entertainment
- Seacoast Adventure Snow Tubing — $35–50 depending on combo tickets.
- Disney on Ice Tickets — $25–85 each for a magical family outing.
- Maine Mariners or Maine Celtics Tickets — $18–50 each for local sports fans.
- Movie Passes — Always a hit for families who love a cozy theater day.
- Bowling Passes — Fun, active, and great for mixed-age groups.
Classes & Creative Gifts
- Music Lessons at Crescendo School of Performing Arts — $150 for 6-week session.
- Art Classes or Pottery Painting — Local studios often offer gift cards for family sessions.
- Baking Classes — Great for kids who love helping in the kitchen.
- Swim Lessons or Gymnastics Classes — Practical and fun skills that last a lifetime.
Subscription & Learning Gifts
- KiwiCo Subscription — $288/year for 12 creative monthly crates.
- Highlights Magazine Subscription — $48/year for 12 issues.
- Developmental Toy Subscription Box — Age-based play boxes that promote learning and imagination.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Whether it’s a state park pass that encourages outdoor adventures, a trampoline park gift card for rainy days, or a science museum membership that sparks curiosity — these experience gifts bring families closer together and create lasting joy beyond the season.
🎁 This year, trade clutter for connection.
Give the gift of shared experiences, and watch your child’s eyes light up with memories that truly matter.
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