Giving the Gift of Experiences: STL Edition

Looking for the best places in STL to gift experiences from? We are re-sharing this list, just in time for the holidays!

Every year we say that we are “cutting back on Christmas”. It has become so much about the material things. The dump trucks and dinosaurs, the GIANT plastic play houses and kitchens, the millions of tiny piece gifts that you only have ALL of the pieces for on December 25^th… when you first open them. Don’t get me wrong, I cannot wait to get my boys the Spider-Man web shooter that they have obsessively been asking for over the past 2 months. But this year, we are changing things up a bit and focusing on gifting experiences.

I recently came across an article about gifting experiences in lieu of regular/wrapped presents under the tree and I was inspired! I have listed 50 options, exclusive to Saint Louis, below to share with family and friends as ideas to get your loved little (and big) ones for the upcoming holidays!

*links included for some as others are generic ideas with many options in the area*

• 1. The Saint Louis Zoo
  2. Grants Farm
  3. The Saint Louis Science Center
  4. The History Museum (they have a great kids area!)
  5. The Museum of Transportation (take a ride on the train and don’t miss out on the Creation Station)
  6. The Magic House
  7. The City Museum
  8. Horseback Riding Lessons
  9. The Escape Room (definitely for older kids but loads of fun…and frustration!)
  10. Saint Louis Blues Tickets
  11. Saint Louis Cardinals Tickets
  12. Movie passes (did you know that Marcus Theaters does $5 Tuesday’s?)
  13. The Fabulous Fox Theater
  14. The Saint Louis Symphony
  15. The Muny Outdoor Musical Theater
  16. Hidden Valley Ski Resort
  17. Myseum (science based museum for kids)
  18. Pampering Day (think Sweet and Sassy or mani/pedi time!)
  19. Tickets for upcoming shows (i.e. Paw Patrol Live, Disney on Ice, concerts, etc)
  20. St. Louis Aquarium
  21. Saint Louis City Tickets (Soccer)
  22. The St. Louis Wheel
  23. HealthWorks! Museum
  24. Purina Farms
  25. Bowling (multiple options available)
  26. I9 Sports Programs
  27. Swim Lessons
  28.  Kickaroos Indoor Soccer Lessons
  29. Bounce U Indoor Bounce House Area
  30. SkyZone for Air Sports and Jumping Fun
  31. Miniature Golf
  32. Arcade Day (love this spot and this one)
  33. Monkey Joe’s
  34. Cooking Classes for Kids (check out these and these)
  35. Upper Limits Rock Climbing and Obstacle Course
  36. School of Rock Music Lessons
  37. Spanish Clubhouse
  38. Olympia Gymnastics (my boys love the “ninja” class!)
  39. Karate Classes (multiple options available)
  40. Arts in Motion Dance Classes
  41. Gymboree Play & Music
  42.  Yucandu Arts and Crafts
  43. The Little Gym
  44. Chuck E. Cheese Day!
  45. Grandma’s Playroom Play Area
  46. Magic Camp/Classes for the Magician in Training
  47. Play Street Museum (the cutest museum you’ve ever seen!)
  48. Painting Classes
  49. The Botanical Garden (don’t miss all of the programs and classes they offer!)
  50. Steinberg Ice Skating with the Family

Some other things to think about in gifting experiences: A weekend out of town. Check out some of our sister sites that are within driving distance for cool things to do (Nashville, Kansas City, and Indianapolis are a few of our favs)!

And finally, don’t forget the reason for the season. I try to use this time of year to teach my boys about the joys of giving as well (in addition to being the recipient of these gifting experiences)! Head over to our recent post on places to donate in Saint Louis if you are interested in clearing out some of your gently loved (or new) items to gift to an individual or family in need.

Happy Holidays from this St. Louis Mom!