We've all heard that experiences make wonderful gifts, but sometimes it's hard to put that into practice because it's so fun to watch kids open a tangible present. However, research shows that experiences mean more to children. I've partnered with the Minnesota Children's Museum to share why a membership (or even a one-day visit) will make a wonderful gift this holiday season.
The first time we visited the Minnesota Children's Museum, Harper was a little over two and Lincoln was about two months from joining us earthside! We live about an hour and a half from the museum, and we went with cousins who were visiting from out of state. As soon as we walked through the doors, I knew it was a place we'd want to visit many times with our kids. Since Lincoln was born, we've been to the museum countless times. Anytime we have a free day to head down, we do, because the kids absolutely love it.
The museum has many exhibits that stay the same or change just slightly each month. Both Harper and Lincoln have their favorite areas, and we can easily spend an entire day exploring. Some favorites are the Post Office in Our World and the car wash in Forces at Play. I can't begin to explain how much they learn each time we visit, without even realizing it!
Along with the standard exhibits, there's a room that is constantly changing at the Minnesota Children's Museum! Our kids absolutely loved the Wild Kratts Exhibit, and most recently we visited when Curious George was in town. The traveling exhibits change and so do the options in The Studio. If I could describe The Studio, I'd say it's where you can showcase your creativity best at the museum. Once, you could make anything you wanted out of cardboard to add to the growing city in The Studio. Other times, our kids learned how to run an electrical circuit, and how to sew!
When it's seasonally appropriate, the museum also has outdoor areas for learning and exploration. This summer the Tip Top Terrace was filled with bird houses and a variety of herbs that the kids could smell and touch. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the opportunities for learning here are endless. We homeschool, and I feel like the Minnesota Children's Museum is the perfect field trip location.
When the weather isn't great (which is often over the next few winter months!), you can head inside to The Scramble. Our kids will spenda large portion of their day climbing the four-story climber up to the giant spiral slide! There's a 40-foot high catwalk, but don't worry; everything is enclosed for safety. The Scramble is a great way to burn off energy and engage with other children.
When you're thinking about Christmas gifts this year, do you feel like the kids in your life have enough stuff? I certainly feel like our kids do, and research shows that children get more out of experiences than they do from presents anyway. Consider gifting a day trip or a family membership to the Minnesota Children's Museum this holiday season! Any child in your life will be so lucky and excited to experience the rich environment of this fantastic place.
Give the gift of play with a membership to Minnesota Children’s Museum! They’ll get free admission to the museum all year, exclusive access to member events and more. Use my code AMBER to get $20 off a gift membership or $3 off gift tickets. To see more exhibits up close, see my post on why you need to visit the museum!
Tell me, will you gift an experience this Christmas?
Disclosure: I am an ambassador for the Minnesota Children's Museum and receive a complimentary membership in exchange for sharing events and discounts to the museum.
Paige Cassandra Flamm says
This is such a great idea! I got my daughter a pass to the local children's museum on her birthday and It's something that we've done so much this year!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com