We are lucky to have great options for experience gifts in DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland! Whether it's a simple coupon for a hot chocolate + playground date or tickets to a cool indoor play area, I love giving experience gifts to my kids! Below are some top picks in the area as well as some ideas for how to gift them in fun, creative ways.
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Why Give an Experience Gift?
We love giving our kids Experience Gifts for Christmas because it extends the gift beyond the day to create a memory! Such gifts often mean quality time spent with loved ones, aiding in the development of strong social skills and the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles. They contribute to a clutter-free environment and are adaptable to suit the interests and developmental stages of children of all ages, nurturing their creativity and imagination in a uniquely personal way.
How to "Wrap" one of these Experience Gifts for DC or VA
The only problem with experience gifts is that they are hard to wrap! A great idea I am trying this year is to use Scratch Off Sticker Labels from Amazon. You can write the experience (or maybe each letter since you get 150 stickers!) and then add the sticker on top. Kids then scratch off with a coin and reveal their gift!
There are also larger 4x4 cards here which you can also customize. Pack of 50 so you can save for a birthday party too.
Experience Gifts DC
National Building Museum
A wonderful museum in Chinatown NW DC with a beautiful atrium, interactive displays and the super cool, Play Work Build Kids area. This area has a world-class architectural toy collection, a block play area, and digital interactives.
Gift Idea: Purchase tickets for the family or consider a family membership at $90.
Protocols: All visitors 2 and older are required to wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status.
Cost for a family of 4: Adults are $10 each and youth ages 3-17 are $7. $34 if kids are above age 3.
Physical Gift to Open: My kids love these fort-building kits (however ours is a bit flimsy. This one has better reviews!) or this book looks fantastic: Look at That Building! The first book of Structures.
National Zoo - One of the best Experience Gifts in DC
What could be more a more iconic experience gift in DC than a trip to the National Zoo! What I love about "our" Zoo is that it is also a scientific research institution. There is always so much going on at the Zoo whether indoors or out.
Gift Idea: While the museum is free, you could perhaps buy a cute panda or Zoo book (see below) to go with your outing. Membership at the Zoo pays off if you plan to park and go just 3 times a year! Note: Free passes must be reserved ahead of time.
Cost for a family of 4: Free if you don't park, Parking is $30. And differentMembership tiers depending on what you are look for.
Physical Gift to Open: Tons of gift shops at the Zoo but can get pricy. I can't believe I found my favorite childhood Pop Up Zoo book on Amazon (I still have mine from 30 years ago!) as well as a tiny stuffed Panda.
Website and I've written more tips for the DC Zoo here.
National Children's Museum
The National Children's Museum is a "wonder-filled space" filled with incredible hands-on STEAM exhibits. Some include the Dream Machine a 3 story climbing structure with a super slide, an infant and toddler play area, Innovation Sandbox, Art and Tech including Nickelodeon characters, Tinker Studio, and more.
Gift Idea: Purchase tickets to the museum or membership for more visits. (Note: The museum will be open for special hours for winter break between Monday, Dec 27 and Friday, Dec 31, check out the website for more details)
Cost for a family of 4: $15.95 per person over the age of 1. So 4 people would be $63.80. Membership starts at $190.
Photo courtesy of National Children's Museum.
St. James Super, Awesome and Amazing Entertainment Zone and Waterpark
Huge entertainment zone with an indoor waterpark/splash park in Springfield. Non-members can still visit the Kids Zone which has 30,000 feet of fun: climbing obstacles, esports, and more. The water park is open only on the weekends and they highly recommend booking in advance via calling them at 703-239-6870.
Cost for a family of 4: Waterpark is $15 per person for nonmembers so $60 for a family of 4. Active Entertainment Pricing: $15 for 1 hour and 2 hours for $27.
iFly Loudoun
Have you heard of indoor skydiving? You are in a vertical wind tunnel and actually fly! I have not done this but looks so cool if you have a thrill-seeking kiddo. The age requirement is actually 3 years old but definitely check out the website first to see if your kid would want to go!
Cost for a family of 4: $70-$100 per person for 2 flights depending on the time of the week. Includes gear rental, pre-flight training, and one-on-one flight instruction.
Physical Gift to Open: This skydiver ornament is too cute! And can be personalized.
Maryland Experience Gifts
ICE! at Gaylord National Hotel Charlie Brown Experience
A perfect holiday gift, ICE! at Gaylord National Hotel brings the beloved Charlie Brown characters to life in stunning ice sculptures. It’s a winter wonderland experience for all ages, featuring interactive ice slides and holiday scenes. Offering a yearly membership priced at $229, this makes a unique experience gift, giving families unlimited access to this festive and magical display, along with other seasonal events at the hotel, making it a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.
Read more about it here on the Holiday Lights Blog.
Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore is an engaging destination for curious minds, offering hands-on exhibits in science, space, and technology. Ideal for families, this membership brings the joy of discovery all year round. A yearly membership starts at $75, making it an affordable and enriching gift that encourages exploration and education, allowing unlimited access to exhibits, planetarium shows, and special programs.
Read more about our visit to the Maryland Science Center and Parking tips here!
Port Discovery Children's Museum
Port Discovery is a children’s museum in Baltimore known for its interactive exhibits that promote learning through play. It’s the perfect gift for families with young kids, offering hours of creative fun. With a yearly membership starting at $135, this gift ensures children can enjoy playful learning experiences all year, while parents appreciate the educational value. Membership perks include exclusive event invitations, priority access, and discounts on workshops.
Read more about Port Discovery here!
National Aquarium
A membership to the National Aquarium in Baltimore is a gift of wonder, providing year-round access to one of the nation's premier aquatic exhibits. Featuring thousands of marine species and engaging conservation-focused programs, this experience appeals to nature lovers of all ages. A yearly membership starts at $195, making it a meaningful gift that supports marine conservation while offering families the chance to explore the underwater world anytime they wish.
Read more about our visit to the National Aquarium and Baltimore here!
500+ Places to Explore this Holiday Season!
There are tons of other experiences this holiday in the DMV region! From bowling to hiking to epic playgrounds, 412 spots are located in the free DMV with Kids Database. You can sort by outdoor/indoor, free/paid, good for babies, type of parking etc.
Full List of Experience Gifts in DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
- National Building Museum Kids Architecture - Washington, DC
- National Zoo Membership - Washington, DC
- National Children's Museum - Washington, DC
- St. James Super, Awesome and Amazing Entertainment Zone and Waterpark - Springfield, Virginia
- iFLY Loudoun - Loudoun, Virginia
- National Aquarium - Baltimore, Maryland
- Maryland Science Center - Baltimore, Maryland
- Port Discovery Children's Museum - Baltimore, Maryland
- ICE! Charlie Brown Experience - National Harbor, Maryland
