20 Ideas for Experience Gifts

Zip lining

Zip lining is a thrilling way to take in some beautiful views and enjoy the great outdoors. Many ski resorts offer zip lining in the summer, and sometimes year-round. You can also checkout canopy tours, which include exploring the tree tops on elevated footbridges, zip lining, and more!

Horseback riding

If you live near a more rural area, you can probably find a stable or farm that offers horseback trail riding. Horseback riding is a relaxing and fun activity that lets you commune with nature and get up close and personal with animals. Be sure to find a stable that offers a lesson or beginner rides if you’re gifting to someone who doesn’t have experience riding.

State or national parks pass

The U.S. national parks are home to some incredible natural wonders, and state parks are an amazing way to see the beauty of regional natural areas. Park passes are quite affordable and make great gifts for outdoorsy friends and family. State park passes are awesome for those who like to hike and get outdoors close to home. For people who like to travel, a national parks pass will give them access to over 50 gorgeous parks throughout the U.S. 

If you’re not in the U.S., there may still be a similar system in your country as well!

Glamping

Give the gift of the outdoors in complete luxury by booking a glamping trip! Glamping (glam camping) is a fun way to relax and enjoy nature without the less-than-desirable aspects of camping. You can find glamping options on AirBnB and Hipcamp.

Canoe or kayak rental

Few things beats the serene experience of gliding along a calm lake in a kayak or canoe. It’s a wonderful way to get outdoors and enjoy some time on the water. You can see local wildlife, enjoy the fresh air, and get in some exercise. Larger lakes often have rentals available by the hour or day.

White water rafting

If you’re looking for a gift for someone who’s always looking for an adventure, a white water rafting trip could be just the thing! Many rafting businesses offer beginner-friendly trips so you can safely experience the thrill of white water! If there is a river near you, see if there are any white water tours available.

Snorkeling

If you (or the person you’re finding a gift for) live near beautiful underwater areas, grab tickets for a snorkeling trip! Snorkeling is a great way to explore and experience parts of nature you won’t see everyday. Most snorkeling is available in the ocean, but even if you live inland there may be options!

Snowmobile tour

Snowmobiling trails are usually plentiful in areas where it snows, and there are often businesses which offer snowmobile rentals and tours. In the cold winter months, this can be a great way to get outdoors! For adventurous friends and family, this may be the perfect gift.

Sled dog tour

Less common than snowmobile tours, but equally exciting, sled dog tours are another option for experiencing the thrill of travel over snow. Plus, sled dogs are a more environmentally friendly option (and they’re cute)!

Skating (or roller) rink admission

Whether you’re more hockey or figure skating, admission to the rink is a fun activity for all ages. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of gliding over the ice. If ice rinks aren’t an option, roller rinks are just as much fun! 

Ski or tubing tickets

For the skiers and snowboarders in your life, lift tickets will be greatly appreciated. For everyone else, tubing is the way to go! Many ski resorts offer lift-served tubing, so you can get all the fun of going down the hill without the trudge back up the hill.

Escape room gift card

You’ve got 60 minutes and just the wits of your group to solve the puzzles and find your way out of the room! Escape rooms are a lot of fun and a gift card to a local escape room business makes a great gift for those who love to flex their mental muscles. And since escape rooms are a group activity, this makes an awesome outing for you and whoever you give this gift to!

Dungeons and Dragon session

For anyone who loves tabletop roleplaying games, hire a professional GM to run an adventure just for them! You can find pro game masters on startplaying.games. 

Museum membership

Your local museum needs support, and your friends and family need a museum membership! Whether it’s a natural history museum, a regular history museum, an art museum, or any other type of museum, a membership makes a great gift. Memberships might also get the holder access to exclusive events at the museum!

Trampoline park voucher

Unless you’re getting this gift for a child, the person you give it to probably won’t have been to a trampoline park since they were a child. Imagine the excitement they’ll have when they realize they can totally go as an adult! Do a backflip!

Sports game tickets

For sports fans, tickets to a game are a great option. You could even check out season passes for their favorite team! One of the classic experience gifts, but always a winner.

Racetrack driving experience

If you need a gift for someone who channels Sonic the Hedgehog’s ‘gotta go fast’ mantra, driving on a racetrack could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Check local tracks to see if they offer this unique activity. You might also find driving experiences for high-end sports cars, perfect for the car enthusiast in your life.

Amusement park or water park tickets

Whether your giftee is getting in line for the biggest roller coaster or finds the lazy river more their speed, tickets to an amusement park or water park are a fantastic gift. After all, these places are specially designed to be a total blast.

High tea

This might be a bit of a long shot gift idea, but sometimes you can find restaurants (or even places like the Boston Public Library) that offer high tea. This is a very special, very fancy tea party for adults, and is one of the most fun and unique experience gifts that no one will be expecting.

Restaurant gift cards

Find a unique or new (or both) restaurant in the area, and give a gift card. Or, give a few gift cards to the hippest places in town and encourage your friends or family to get out and about for some culinary exploration.