We can all agree that most kids have plenty of ‘stuff’, but we’re lucky enough to live in a city with amazing activities and experiences all around us. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the toy catalogs and holiday shopping, try one of these non-toy gifts just for Dallas kids!
1. Membership to The Dallas Zoo
Of course, everyone knows about the Dallas Zoo, but you might not realize that a membership is the perfect Christmas gift. It is home to a fabulous children’s area, a place to feed the giraffes, and a restaurant where you can eat while watching the lions take a nap. That’s not to mention the exhibits – our family loves seeing the gorillas, elephants, and amphibian house. You will see something new every time you visit. New in January-April 2016, The Dallas Zoo is hosting a LEGO® brick art exhibit with 24 sculptures made entirely of LEGOs. (Family memberships starting at $99)
2. Goodnight Dallas Book
This sweet book is all about Dallas. Featuring dozens of landmarks from around the Metroplex, little ones will be introduced to the city while older ones will have fun pointing out all the places they’ve been.
3. Tickets to Reunion Tower
Take your kids to the top of the world – or at least pretty high up there! Kids will love exploring a Dallas landmark and seeing the city from above. You can see our full review of Reunion Tower here. (Tickets – Adults: $16 | Seniors (65+): $14 | Youth (4-12): $8)
4. Classes in Dallas
There are dozens of classes all over the metroplex for every interest and imagination. Whether your kids like art, music, or being active, you can find a class they will love. Some of our favorites places to find classes include Kidville, Kindermusik, FIT Family, and The Little Gym.
5. Membership to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science
A membership to the Perot Museum is a great gift for families because there are hundreds of learning experiences, a fabulous children’s museum, and an opportunity to get in out of the snow and the sun. You can read more about why we love the Perot Museum. (Family memberships starting at $110)
6. Lone Star-opoly
Lone Star-opoly is the perfect board game for Texas-loving families. With famous landmarks and references to the greatest parts of Texas, this fun Monopoly-style game is sure to be a hit for family game night.
7. Tickets to Dallas Summer Musicals
Every year, Dallas Summer Musicals hosts broadway throughout the year right in the middle of the city at Fair Park. You can read our experience at Cinderella, The King and I, and The Wizard of Oz. If your child is interested in theater, this is a great way for them to experience broadway!
8. Membership to the Dallas World Aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium is more than just a fish tank. You can see a shark feeding while standing underneath of a shark tunnel and watch the manatees being fed by their trainers. You can also see land-loving animals like sloths and alligators. This non-toy Christmas gift is ideal for kids with a wild side. (Family memberships starting at at $195)
9. Tickets to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center in Grapevine is the perfect excuse for the whole family to act like kids again! There is a princess area with pink and white LEGOs and a place to build a race car. They even have a DUPLO Land for little ones. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center features a whole section of the city of Dallas made entirely with LEGO®. Your kids will love seeing Cowboy’s stadium, Great Wolf Lodge, Reunion Tower, and many other DFW landmarks. (Tickets starting at $19.95)
10. Membership to the Dallas Arboretum
If your kids are tired of being ‘city kids’, let them get back to nature with a membership to the Dallas Arboretum. They offer events and classes for little ones throughout the year and gardens that change with the season. (Family memberships starting at $128)
11. Trip to the American Girl Doll Bistro and Salon
If your little girl loves her American Girl Dolls, give her the gift of an experience she’ll never forget. You can share a meal in the Bistro at the American Girl store and have the doll’s hair done at their special salon.
12. Library Card
When you show your kids how to use the library, a whole new world is opened to them. The Dallas Public Library has 29 branches, not to mention the dozens of libraries in the surrounding cities. Of course you can check out books, but did you know that libraries also have movies and audiobooks? They also offer classes, events, and story times – most of which are often free.
13. Season Passes to Six Flags Over Texas
If your kids like thrills, season passes to Six Flags Over Texas will be the perfect Christmas gift. Bonus: if you buy your season passes before the year is over, you can attend Holidays in the Park through the end of the year. (Season passes start at $62.99/person)
14. Coupon for Date Night
Not a date with your hubby (although that would be nice!), I’m talking about a date night with your kiddo! Give them a gift certificate for movie tickets and a special treat like one of Dallas’ famous donut spots, Steel City Pops, or Pie Emporium.
15. Staycation
Whether you stay at the Great Wolf Lodge or the Gaylord Texan, or maybe take a trip to Austin, Glen Rose, or Roanoke. A staycation is the perfect time to get unplugged and enjoy quality time with the family. Kids will make memories that will last for a lifetime even though you might only be a few minutes from home.
Those are my top 15 ideas for non-toy gifts for Dallas kids! Did I miss anything on your list? Share it in the comments below!
One year, a library card topped my child’s Christmas wish list, and I was happy to comply. It really is a neat gift for them to have their very own library card!