Gift Experiences Around Central Florida

So you’ve decided to scrap the toy gifts and gift an experience ... but now, where do you start?  
 
There’s really not a right or wrong to what to get, but you have to make sure that the gift is genuine and coming from YOU!  Make sure that the gift of choice is something you’re willing to carve out the time to do, and that its the perfect gift for the child receiving. 

Consider these points when making a gift choice -
 
1. Make it reasonable. Shopping for a toddler is very different than for an older kid, so make sure the experience is appropriate for the child of choice. There are places some kids can't enjoy because they don’t meet the age or height requirements, or it’s just no longer a right fit.  Make sure whatever you’re planning on doing, it something the receiver would enjoy doing too! 
 
2. Cost doesn’t matter! And by this, we don’t mean you have to splurge to make it special. The gift could easily be FREE! Bottom line, there isn’t a minimum or maximum to spend to make it the best gift ever! It’s the experience, not the price –  DO NOT break the bank trying to get the right gift. Make it right for them and you!  
 
There’s also an unspoken pact that you’re also picking up the child’s gift only. So if your child still needs parent accompaniment, don’t worry about picking up the parent or other siblings’ cost (unless you feel called to).  There’s an understanding that sometimes we just need to be there but it’s not for us, it’s for them. 
 
3. Make it memorable. Most of all, make sure that it’s something that will last forever.  There should be no burden in the gift, only happy memories!  And memories that fit the children at play.  

Here are some of our favorite ideas that have either been given or received that we can recommend as a great starting point when shopping! I’ve outlined activities by price categories and at prices (current as of May 2019).  The cost is for a single pass for the gift receiver (or a promo deal when noted), so remember the cost of your own and your child’s ticket too.  And that all these can change - visit each particular companies website for current pricing. 

FREE

Never underestimate the benefits you’re already paying for!  Most annual passes have some kind of complimentary pass program, where a few will be handed out for use throughout the year.  Use those perks to gift a priceless experience, especially for a child that doesn’t get to experience it!  

• Orlando Science Center – offers guest passes depending on membership level.  Gift a ticket with a $5 dollar bill to help cover parking cost in the garage! 
• SeaWorld & Aquatica – offers free passes throughout the year for Silver Passholders and up, so offer to carpool to the park together (to save on parking for your guest) and treat the kids to ice cream in the park!  If the child is old enough, this is one of those activities that can be accompanied by the gift giver only. 
• Crayola Experience – offers free days and would be great to capitalize.  If you want to add something special, pick up lunch at Crayola as they often offer great meal prices. 

Under $10

• Park Playdates – pick a park, pack a lunch.  If you want to add in any additional activities, bring them along.  This is the perfect date and uniquely yours.  Many parks also have splash pads and can be a great full day out! 
• Chick-Fil-A – Too hot to play outside?  Never underestimate the power of Chick-Fil-A.  Meet at your local CFA and pick up the cost of lunch for the birthday kid (and family too).  
• Movies – Matinees are a great time to go since ticket prices are cheaper (usually run about $7 ).  If you want more flexibility in time of day but you can make a weekday work, one of our favorite theaters, Plaza Cinema Cafe (Cobb Theaters) in downtown Orlando offers $5 movies all day Tuesdays! 
• Butterfly Encounter - Lukas Nursery to visit their butterflies and even have the chance to get a couple to land on you!
• Gymanstics – Take them for an open gym hour and let them run all that energy out. Reflex Gymnastics offers $5 preschool rates/ $10 for school-age kids.
• Food making classes - a few location locations offer a small group price of $10 per child to make their own pizza (Blazing Tomato) or popcorn (Gourmet Popcorn Club), so make it a group date and pick up the cost of your special guest!  

Under $15

• Find an indoor playplace, like Millie Moos and let them enjoy some creative play time.  Weekday rates for Millie Moos starts at $10 for parent and child, $12 if you're limited to the weekend. 
• Painting - If you're looking for an activity with the best souvenir, treat them to an afternoon of art.  All Fired Up in Winter Park offers ceramic pieces starting at $10 available to paint and glaze for later pick up!  
• If they're looking for thrills, take them racing at Andretti Indoor Karting.  At $11.95 for a single junior race its sure to be an unforgettable experience!
• Is your little one a Dinosaur Fan?  Dinosaur World is their stop!  Its a little drive out in Plant City but worth it for a unique experience.  A child ticket starts at $11.95. 
• Monkey Joe's - At only $11.99 to bounce, it is a great option for preschoolers and young elementary kids - go  on a Wednesday and take advantage of their awesome BOGO deal for unlimited bounce time.
• Sealife - If you have an ocean loving toddler and are looking for a great deal, SeaLife offers $12 child admission on Tuesday during toddler time.
• Putt Putt - Who doesn't love mini golf?  And at Pirate's Cove $12.95 for a game (age 3 and under are free) is a steal for a perfect gift to have keep them busy! 
• Chuck E. Cheese - Playcard alone starts at $12.99 for 45 minutes or points of play time! 
• Central Florida Zoo - Have an animal fan?  Check out the zoo in Sanford!  A child's ticket is only $13.75, a minimal price for a maximum day of fun.  Have them bring swimsuits for the splash pad (and treat them to a train ride at the end)!
• Bowling - With games running an average of $5 and show rentals at $4 you an offer a pair of games for a competitive afternoon. 
• Roller Skating - Runs an average of $7 for a session plus the cost of skates.  Take them out for a day on the rink! 
• Planet Obstacle  - Currently offering a spring deal for a weekday unlimited play at $14.95.  This is the place to check out with older kids, especially if you can sneak some after school time!
• Orlando Science Center – If you don’t have comp passes but still want to spend a day, general admission starts at $14.95 for kids. 
• Have you ever been on Lake Eola?  If not, here's your chance to ride around on an iconic swan boat!  It's $15 for 30 minutes, but this deal is frequently on sites like Groupon or Livingsocial that if you know you'll do it, buy ahead and save!
• Sports fan?  You can easily find tickets to a game for under the $15 mark.  Plan a day/night together with the family and pick up the birthday kid's cost.  It doesn't matter where you sit for little ones, its all about being there for the experience!

Under $25

• Trampoline Parks - Want to bounce? Airheads starts at $12.99 for toddler pricing (3 and under) while older kids will pay $21.99 for unlimited jump. 
• Crayola Experience – If you don’t have comp passes but still want to spend a day, general admission starts at $21.99 for kids.  ​
• Gatorland - Come visit some of the locals up close and personal at $19.99 for a child ticket.
• Dave and Busters - Enjoy an eat and play package (with a $10 playcard) starting at $19.99!
• Super Awesome Cool - If you're looking for a hands on activity, let them make their own clay sculpture at $25.

Under $35

• Chocolate Making - Got a sweet tooth? You can plan a Monday night family gathering at Farris & Foster's for $34. The price pays for a family of 4 for a few hours of chocolate making and a whole pound of self made chocolate to take home! Personally, this is one of our favorite gifts to give, because its one that keeps on giving!  
• Tea Party - Time for tea?  With a child over 5, this is a great gift to give - allowing them for an afternoon for dressing up and treats at $11.50 for a child at The Tea Room Experience.

And these are just a handful of what there is out there!  Orlando has a lot more to offer that is popping up and can make an amazing experience gift (for adults too).  We've only been able to get so far, but plan to keep searching for more one-of-a-kind dates!

​Any big ideas we missed?  Let us know so we can add to our list of gifts to give someone that wonderful experience!