Kids have too many toys? Consider giving the gift of local experiences instead

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton provides an outlet for learning and creativity. CONTRIBUTED

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton provides an outlet for learning and creativity. CONTRIBUTED
GEM CITY FAMILY
By Pamela Chandler – Gem City Family
7 hours ago
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If you were to walk in to my house on any given day you would see an abundance of toys. Barbies and baby dolls litter the playroom floor and I’m constantly finding stuffed animals lining my sofa.

The last thing my kid needs is a new toy. Rather than add more plastic junk to the playroom purgatory this Christmas I’ve asked our family and friends to think about gifting “experiences” and making memories with our child. Here are a few we have tried and loved in the past years that you may want to add under your tree this year.

Boonshoft yearly membership

This has by far been the best gift we’ve ever received. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is a Dayton children’s science museum and we can spend hours there every week without getting bored. The museum does a great job of having a full calendar of programs for kids and rotating displays to keep it fun and engaging for members. It has varying prices and information is online at boonshoft.org.

Pass to a place that offers playtime

Nothing is better than when someone gifts my child an experience and then takes them to the place to run off all that energy. We frequently go to Capabilities in West Carrollton (capabilitiesplay.com) because we were gifted a pass when it first opened. It rotates the play spaces to keep the variety new for monthly members.

There are also many other play places in the Miami Valley that would make excellent gifts this Christmas. Here’s a few of our favorites:

  • Kid’s Clubhouse
  • Get Air
  • Sky Zone
  • Capabilities
  • Nova Adventure Park
  • The Magic Castle

Horse riding lessons

This is a gift that teaches a new skill. We started horseback riding lessons thanks to a gift from a friend last Christmas and our daughter found a love for horses we never would have found otherwise. Rebound Equestrian is a riding academy located in Xenia, has Tiny Trot lessons specifically for beginning riders. You can book online at their website and try out a lesson with no monthly commitment which makes for a perfect gift. Get details at reboundequestrian.com.

Dayton Dragons tickets

Baseball season comes quickly each spring, so this gift won’t have to wait too long after the holidays to get used. The Dayton Dragons do a great job involving the team’s littlest fans and have something for everyone at the games, including a Fun Zone to run off extra energy. Right now it is offering season ticket deals for the holidays. People may purchase a gift card that can be applied to a future ticket purchase by emailing dragons@daytondragons.com.

The Dayton Dragons baseball games are full of fun for all ages in a family and passes to games are a good gift for experiences instead of toys. CONTRIBUTED

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If you are still undecided on what toy to give this holiday I urge you to find an experience for your child instead. There is no greater gift than making memories together.

Pamela Chandler is a local mom who writes the Gem City Family column for the Dayton Daily News. Reach out to her at thechandlercrew3@gmail.com.

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About the Author

Pamela Chandler