The holiday season is a time for creating memories, and a great way to do that is with experience-based gifts! Instead of toys that may lose their appeal by spring, consider giving the kids in your life an adventure, a skill to learn, or a unique local experience. From hands-on workshops to exciting outings, we’re highlighting local businesses that offer one-of-a-kind experiences sure to delight the kids!
Experience Gifts for the active:
Play Grounds of La CrosseÂ
Location: 3320 Mormon Coulee Road, La CrosseÂ
Hours: Daily 7 AM – 8 PM
Play Grounds of La Crosse is a gift that keeps on giving! With over 17,000 square feet of fun, the facility includes multiple playgrounds tailored to different age groups, a ninja warrior course, a jumping pillow, a toddler area, a race track, a basketball court, and so much more. Families can enjoy a café serving specialty coffee and kid-friendly snacks, too! It’s a perfect gift for active play and making lasting memories.
Wild Child Indoor Playground
Location: Valley View Mall, Unit 171, La Crosse
Hours: Monday – Friday 9 AM – 6 PM | Saturday – Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM
Wild Child Indoor Playground is the perfect spot for kids to burn off energy in a safe, engaging environment. With climbing structures and interactive play areas, little ones can play to their heart’s content while parents and caregivers relax on the sidelines! Kids can have fun, and caregivers can find a moment of respite and community. Day passes, memberships and gift cards are available, making it a perfect gift for a kiddo!
La Crosse Area YMCAÂ
Locations: 1140 Main Street, La Crosse and 400 Mason Street, Onalaska
Hours: Monday – Friday 5 AM – 9 PM, Saturday – Sunday 7 AM – 6 PMÂ
A membership to the La Crosse Area YMCA is a gift of health and fun! It gives kids access to activities like swimming, sports, and creative classes. It’s a great way to keep them active, engaged, and building lifelong skills while being part of a welcoming community!
Jump Start Adventure Park
Location: 3939 County Road B, La Crosse
Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 PM – 8 PM, Friday – Saturday 12 PM – 9 PM, Sunday 12 PM – 8 PM
Looking for another way to burn some energy, especially in the winter months? A ticket to Jump Start Adventure Park is an action-packed gift that a kid is sure to love! With trampolines, obstacle courses, and more exciting attractions, it’s an experience that guarantees fun and unforgettable memories.
Experience Gifts for the creative:
Children’s Museum of La Crosse
Location: 207 5th Ave South, La Crosse
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9 AM – 5 PM
With three floors of exhibits, you’re sure to keep your kiddos entertained with a membership to the Children’s Museum of La Crosse! The museum offers endless opportunities for kids to explore, create, and learn. From interactive exhibits to hands-on activities, it’s a place where curiosity is sparked and imaginations run wild. It’s not just a present—it’s a year of discovery and fun!
All Glazed UpÂ
Location: 313 Pearl Street, La Crosse
Hours: Monday – Thursday 10 AM – 8:30 PM, Friday – Saturday 10 AM – 9 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
Inspire an inner artist with a gift card or day trip to All Glazed Up! Here people of any age can get creative with paint-your-own pottery, canvas, or board sign, or explore other art forms like mosaics, fused glass, string art, pottery wheels, tie dye, mixed media, and more!
Laura’s Baking Delights | Dessert Baking ClassÂ
A baking class from Laura’s Baking Delights is a perfect experience gift that lets kids get hands-on in the kitchen while learning a valuable skill. From mixing ingredients to decorating treats, it’s a fun and creative way to build confidence, spark culinary curiosity, and make delicious memories.
Experience Gifts for the outdoorsy:
Mount La CrosseÂ
Location: W5549 Old Town Hall Rd, La Crosse
Encourage kids to get outside on the slopes this winter with a gift card to Mount La Crosse! Gift cards can be used towards lift tickets, equipment rentals, lessons, apparel, and more.Â
Wisconsin State Park Pass | Anywhere in Wisconsin!
A Wisconsin State Park pass is a gateway to outdoor adventures, offering kids endless opportunities to explore nature, hike trails, and discover new wonders year-round. It’s the perfect gift for fostering a love of the outdoors while creating lasting family memories in the beauty of Wisconsin’s natural landscapes.
