If you’re like most families with kids in Kansas City, your home is probably overflowing with toys, books and quite frankly junk. With Christmas fast approaching, we’re starting to wonder if everyone really needs to wake up to all those presents under the tree. Why not give the gift of a family experience instead?

If you have little ones, there’s no better place to spend cold blustery days than at Wonderscope. You can buy an annual membership that gives you unlimited playtime and access to special events. Starting to think more towards spring? You’ll want to become a Friend of the Farmstead and take advantage of all the outdoor fun at Deanna Rose.  

For those sports lovers in your life, it’s an awesome time to be a Kansas City fan. We’re home to the 2013 MLS cup champions, Sporting KC. You can reward your little soccer fan with pre-season tickets. Love baseball? You’re in luck. Your little ones will love T-Bones games and the whole family will have fun at the Royals.

Happen to have a girly girl? Well, you’re in luck. Your princess will love a trip to the Kansas City Ballet to see Cinderella in May. If you haven’t had the pleasure to visit the Toy and Miniature Museum, it is a little girl’s dream come true. And, who wouldn’t like a carriage ride on the Plaza?

Older kids are often hard to please so we’re lucky that Kansas City has so much to offer. Worlds of Fun season passes are already on sale. And, you can get ready to try out the world’s tallest water slide at Schlitterbahn next year.

While yes, all these experiences cost money, the entire family can take out their calendars and plan for the big events. That way, when presents are opened on Christmas Day, there’s less stuff and more fun. And, they’re gifts that keep on giving all year long.