This holiday season, we love the idea of “less stuff, more fun”. For kids with toys, gadgets, and gizmos aplenty, holiday gifts of experiences can be exciting for the whole family. These types of presents can include activities that yield memories to last a lifetime. We’re happy to present some gift-giving ideas that skip the clutter and offer family fun for the year ahead.

Family Adventures

Tickets, passes or gift cards for a family activity make a great present that the whole gang can enjoy. You can also be a tourist in your own city, or plan a day trip nearby.

• Want to try skydiving without having to jump out of an airplane? iFLY Austin is an indoor skydiving facility in North Austin that creates true free-fall conditions with a vertical wind tunnel that feels just like skydiving.
• Give tickets to one of the awesome drive-thru safari experiences that lets you enjoy a wild adventure without leaving your own car.
• Spy fish and turtles in San Marcos’ Spring Lake in a glass-bottom boat tour at the Meadows Center. Read about it here.
• Fly through the treetops on a zipline tour with Zip Lost Pines or Lake Travis Zipline Adventures.
• Have a need for speed? Check out COTA Karting where you can zoom around the track like F1 racers, or K1 Speed Austin for indoor go-karting.
• Ride the rails with the Austin Steam Train and feel like you’re traveling back in time aboard the historic train cars that travel through the Texas Hill Country. With several rides and special events, this can appeal to all ages.
• Hop aboard a Sightseeing Cruise or rent a swan paddle boat, donut, or Duffy boat from Capital Cruises to take in the beauty of Austin’s Lady Bird Lake and enjoy a relaxing activity.
• Try stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on Lake Austin. Click here for a list of where to rent watercraft.
• Day passes to try rock climbing at Austin Bouldering Project or CRUX Climbing Center make a great gift for some indoor winter fun.
• Gift cards to one of the arcades in Austin, such as Pinballz, Main Event, and Austin’s Park will be sure to make your video game fans feel like they’re winning big.
• The whole family can take a swing at some fun at Top Golf Austin. Or if mini-golf is more to your liking, how about a gift card to one of Austin’s awesome mini-golfing spots?

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Theatre & Concert Tickets

With such great live performances and plenty of music concerts in Austin, you can give the gift of top-notch entertainment. Get tickets to an upcoming show! Click the links below to see what’s coming up at these local venues.

• ZACH Theatre
• Long Center
• Paramount Theater
• Bass Concert Hall
• Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park
• ACL Live at the Moody Theater
• H-E-B Center at Cedar Park

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Memberships

Memberships provide a gift that keeps on giving. It’s always nice to have a place to go when you want to get the kids out of the house, especially if you don’t have to worry about admission fees. Check out the membership options at these fun locations for families:

• Texas State Parks Annual Pass
• Texas Science and Natural History Museum
• LCRA Parks Annual Pass
• Thinkery
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Bullock Texas State History Museum
• Blanton Museum of Art
• The Contemporary Austin
• Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary
• Science Mill

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Staycations & Camping Experiences

A night or two at a getaway nearby (that doesn’t require big travel hassles) is a great gift for both parents and kids. Check out the following for ideas on places with amenities for children.

• Weird and Wonderful Places to Stay in Texas
• Best Camping Spots
• Family-Friendly Resorts Near Austin
• Airstream Stays at Matagorda Bay Nature Park
• Glamping in North Shore Park
• Open Air Resort – Spicewood
• RV Camping Near Austin
• Kalahari Resort
• Hyatt Lost Pines Resort & Spa
• Horseshoe Bay Resort
• Lakeway Resort & Spa
• Jellystone Park Resorts
• Collective Retreats – Wimberley

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Classes for Kids

Sign the kids up for lessons and classes that will give them the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, and build confidence. Check out some of our suggestions for where to find music, art, movement classes, and more: Classes and Camps for Kids in Austin.