It's that time of year with images of holiday shopping coming at us from all directions. You are barraged online, during commercials, receiving circulars in the mail and somehow discovering various catalogs piled up on the kitchen counter. And YET, its still hard for kids to find just the right present for your grandparents, godparents, special aunts and uncles and those same people have difficulty finding gifts for the young children that they love. Studies indicate that most people just want some quality time with their loved ones. What a great concept. Isn't that what everybody truly wants? Instead of stuff? The gift of time and the gift of experiencing something with those you love cannot be measured. So in that spirit, here are some great ideas for "experience" gifts this season.  

Boy playing in water at Impression 5 Museum

Impression 5 Science Center Membership

Kids ages 1 to 101 can enjoy playing, creating memories and discovering the wonder of science together. I mean really, who doesn't like to play with bubbles, fly paper airplanes or create an image on the giant light screen? Impression 5 is where all generations can learn or re-learn all about science. A membership allows free admission, exclusive member night events, discounts at the gift shop plus free or discounted admission to more than 350 ASTC science centers worldwide.

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Junie B. Jones at Wharton Center

Wharton Center for Performing Arts

If you check out the Wharton Center schedule, in addition to all their great Broadway shows and concerts, they have a great line-up called Act One Families Series. The weekend matinees are a super opportunity for kids and their grandparents to see a show that's age appropriate and that everyone will enjoy. Take a bow because exposing children to a theatre setting in this way is rewarding in years to come.

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Three people cheering on Lansing Lugnuts

Cheer On the Lansing Lugnuts

What's cuter than seeing children and their grandparents at the ballpark together? Whether it's a six pack of tickets, a ten pack of tickets or the whole season, tickets to the Lansing Lugnuts will get you scheduled times on the calendar. Add some pop, a giant pretzel and maybe a hot dog, and it's a home run.

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Women and kid high five on a golf course

Golf Dates at Little Hawk

Little Hawk putting course is an 18-hole course complete with sand traps and water hazards. They say that golf knows no age, and this is a great way to introduce the younger ones to a great life-long sport, and will help improve the putting skills of everyone.

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Pool at Best Western

Book a Hotel with a Pool

Book an overnight weekend right here! You do not need to make a long drive to have a fun vacation. A hotel with dedicated pool time is guaranteed to make memories to last a lifetime.

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Fenner Nature Center

Fenner, Harris, or Woldumar Nature Center Dates

Discovering nature, walking the trails and learning about our natural surroundings is a great bonding experience for everyone in all seasons. The Lansing area is fortunate to have Fenner, Woldumar and Harris Nature Centers. Get a family membership, attend and support their festivals and get in touch with your wild side.

Family looking at an art piece of topographical Michigan

Get Your Greater Lansing Experience Pass

The Lansing Experience Pass is your guide to top attractions, cultural museums, exciting entertainment centers, and family-friendly opportunities throughout Michigan’s Capital region. Download the free digital pass to access deals and discounts as you check into dozens of attractions and accumulate points to earn prizes.

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The best thing about these ideas is that these gifts can work both ways. Whether it's grandparents gifting these to their grandchildren and their families or children giving these to their grandparents, time spent together is truly a priceless holiday gift.

Photo Credit: James Lennon, Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Alfred Laurence, Val Gill, Ruslan Gilmanshin from Pixabay

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