I don’t know about you, but I am tired of all the toys and stuff we acquire from holidays and birthdays. I much prefer giving and receiving experience gifts instead, especially when it comes to gifting my kids. Thankfully, Collin County is rich with such experiences, so ditch the clutter and start making memories with these experience gifts.
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Classes and Lessons
Most months, our budgets don’t allow for passion projects, so the means to attend a class or lesson that piques your child’s interest will be a cherished gift indeed.
1. Emler Swim School :: multiple locations :: Give the gift of water safety! Lessons at Emler Swim School are available year round at locations in Allen, Frisco, and Plano. Swimmers can start lessons at two months old. Each 30-minute class provides fun while kids strengthen their swimming skills.
2. The Little Gym :: Allen, Frisco, McKinney :: The Little Gym offers a variety of gymnastics classes for kids as young as four months old. Membership pricing starts at $99 per month.
3. Musikgarten :: Prosper :: Musikgarten at Texas Amps and Axes provides group music classes for kids ages nine and younger. Infants and toddlers enjoy classes with their parents in tow. There are also group piano classes for older kids. Classes are $100 per month.
4. North Texas Performing Arts :: multiple locations :: Gift the experience of after-school theatre classes, fall or winter break camp, or private lessons. There are also inclusive classes for actors with disabilities. Most classes meet once a week with pricing starting at $249 per seven-week session.
5. Soccer Shots :: Allen, McKinney :: Kids ages 2 – 8 gain soccer skills and confidence on the pitch during Soccer Shots classes. Each seven-week semester is $132. Preschoolers enjoy learning through song and games, while school-aged kids engage in friendly competition.
Concert Venues
Collin County has several concert venues that offer a variety of unique experiences.
6. Cox Playhouse :: Plano :: Cox Playhouse is black-box style theater located in historic downtown Plano. This venue often hosts Outcry Theatre, a local theatre group with professional and youth performances.
7. District 121 :: McKinney :: District 121 is a mixed-use development with several restaurants and a large lawn with yard games. There is a large stage offering free concerts, including cover bands you’ll love to sing and bop along to.
8. McKinney Performing Arts Center :: McKinney :: Located in historic downtown, the Center provides a variety of theatre, concerts, and comedy shows.
9. The Sanctuary Music and Events Center :: McKinney :: The Sanctuary hosts concerts featuring local musicians. Most shows are all ages and have food and drink options. Tickets start at $20 for balcony seating and $40 for individual seats at a table on the floor level.
Gift Cards and Punch Passes
A gift card to any of the places below will be cashed in for a day free of stress and full of smiles — and that is priceless.
10. Color Me Mine :: Plano :: Kids paint pottery and explore their creativity at Color Me Mine studios. This is a great activity to do with your kids, plus you get to bring home a beautiful piece of art to commemorate the experience! Gift cards are available online.
11. Kid Mania :: Plano :: This massive indoor playground has slides, climbing nets, and tunnels. With an arcade and cafe, your family could easily spend hours here . . . even the littles who get their own toddler-only area.
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12. Play Street Museum :: multiple locations :: Suited for toddlers and children up to eight years old, Play Street Museum promotes imaginative play that educates. Each location has its own unique theme (city, farm, outdoors, etc.) equipped with costumes, life-size shops and storefronts, and hands-on activities. Reserve a play session Monday through Friday, or gift a bundle of sessions with the Gift of Play Pass for $55, which includes five visits. Adults and older kids are free. Note that the passes are location specific and unable to be used at all museums.
13. Walls of Clay :: McKinney :: Kids of all ages get creative with pottery painting, candle pouring, or glass fusing. Prices range from $17 – $70, depending on the activity. Digital gift cards are available online, or you can buy a physical card in studio. Walk-ins for one or two kids are welcome, but groups of three or more should make a reservation online.
Museums and Memberships
Museums and play places are a treat to visit, but often too pricey. The gift of admission will be greatly appreciated.
14. Sci-Tech Discovery Center :: Frisco :: There are many exciting, educational exhibits such as construction challenges, bubble tables, and a giant nose that sneezes! Family memberships for up to five people are $120 per year, and offer exclusive discounts and early summer camp sign-ups.
15. Frisco Water Park :: Frisco :: A Frisco-resident favorite (for its discounted admission), this outdoor water park is open all summer to help your family beat the heat. Enjoy the slides, the lazy river, and plenty of shade. Summer Splash Passes allow for unlimited admission. Individual passes are $95, and family passes are $185.
16. Heard Museum :: McKinney :: Bird watching, walking trails, and gardens that span a 289-acre nature preserve bring people together in nature. Individual memberships are $70 per year, and family memberships start at $95 per year. Members get discounts to special events such as badge workshops and family campouts.
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17. Heritage Farmstead Museum :: Plano :: With a passion for educating visitors about the Blackland Prairie in North Texas, the museum offers tours to see the farmstead, livestock, and exhibits showing what life was like on the farm in the early 1900s. On Fridays, guests enjoy crafts, hayrides, and stories for kids ages 2 – 6. Memberships start at $60 per year.
18. National Video Game Museum :: Frisco :: This is so much more than a museum! It’s a re-creation of a 1980s bedroom . . . an entire wall of classic and modern games to play . . . and a well of nostalgia for us parents who remember the days of joysticks and Nintendo 64 cartridges. Individual membership is $34.99, and family memberships start at $99.99.
19. Safari Run :: Plano :: Kids run, slide, and swing on this jungle-themed indoor playground. Gamers enjoy its arcade Monday through Friday. Memberships are $200 per year, and include a t-shirt and special discounts.
20. The Texas Pool :: Plano :: Visiting this huge, historic (opened in 1961), Texas-shaped pool is a great activity for a hot summer day. The saltwater pool has slides, a volleyball net, and a wading area for littles. Guests can bring outside food and use the gas grills. Family memberships start at $295 per season.
21. Urban Air :: Frisco, McKinney :: Trampolines, climbing walls, and a ropes course are just a few of the many adventures available for kids of all ages. Memberships start at $11.99 per month.
Sporting Events and Experiences
Here are some awesome gifts for the sport fans in your life.
22. Allen Americans :: Allen :: Collin County has its own minor professional ice hockey team that plays at Credit Union of Texas Event Center. Game tickets are affordable, often under $30 each. These fast-paced games are a blast for all ages.
23. FC Dallas :: Frisco :: Soccer fans will love attending an FC Dallas match at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. Single match tickets and season tickets are available at a variety of prices.
24. Frisco RoughRiders :: Frisco :: The Frisco RoughRiders are a minor league baseball team. Games at Rider Field are a blast, featuring a lazy river that is the largest water feature in a professional sporting venue! The Lazy River is open for all ages on Sundays and requires a designated ticket to gain access.
25. Texas Legends :: Frisco :: The Texas Legends are a minor league basketball team affiliated with the Dallas Mavericks. They play at the Comerica Center in Frisco. They also offer basketball camps year round for kids ages 6 – 14. Game tickets or a camp session would make excellent gifts for your basketball lovers.
26. The Star :: Frisco :: The Star is the headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys and home to their indoor practice facility. There are many dining and entertainment options, as well as guided tours starting at $45. A visit to the Star is a must for Cowboys fans.
