By Erin Sernoffsky
The Grinch had a point; this time of year, all the noise and the stuff can be overwhelming. The folks in Whoville had a point, too. The holidays are about showing love to the people you care about. So, what’s a gift-giving Grinch to do? Give an experience, rather than a thing.
Experiential gifts don’t just create lasting memories; they also can get us through the long winter months. Below are ideas for everyone on your list.
FOR ADULTS:
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
All aboard for a beautiful trip through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Purchase gift tickets for the two-hour scenic railroad tour to view the lovely landscape, or book a ride for amazing events like The Grape Escape, a 90-minute wine-tasting expedition aboard the train.
Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Gardens
Membership grants free access to both the Holden Arboretum and the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, and gives year-round joy to your favorite horticulturists and nature lovers.
Cooking Classes at Gervasi Vineyards
For the foodie in your life, cooking classes at Gervasi Vineyards will hit the spot. Expert chefs demonstrate their techniques as they walk participants through some incredible dishes.
Give the gift of laughter with tickets to “The Play Where Everything Goes Wrong,” or music with Lin Manuel Miranda’s smash hit, “In The Heights,” at the nation’s oldest regional theater.
Stan Hywet is an Akron icon but offers much more than house tours. A membership gift gives your loved one free or reduced admission to activities, events and festivals year-round in addition to access to its beautiful gardens.
FOR TEENS:
Teen artists at any level will have a great time at Akron Art Works, whether you pick splatter painting at their popular Teens Night Out, or sign up for classes like Print Making, Sculpture or even Fantasy Illustration.
For the adventurous teen in your life, check out Kendall Cliffs Rock Climbing in Peninsula. Pick from daily passes or register them for a class to build confidence and test their strength.
Did you know Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort is also home to the Polar Blast Snow Tubing Park? No skis or snowboards are necessary to make some high-velocity memories as your teens fly down the hills.
Older adults may roll their eyes at endless selfies, but sending a teen to a selfie studio for an afternoon of laughter, pictures and silliness with their friends is an amazing gift.
If you want to be the favorite of the teens in your family, give them the gift of speed with passes to K1 Speed indoor go-kart racing in Canton.
FOR KIDS:
Winter months can be long for parents and kids alike, but places like Adrenaline Monkey are perfect for kids who are literally climbing the walls.
The Magical Theater Company in Barberton has been making their magic since 1989. Their family productions are always captivating. Why not give your little thespian registration to one of their great camps or classes?
Amazing themes, fun music, skate rentals and drop-in lessons—passes to United Skates of America are perfect for families with kids at different ages and stages.
A family membership to the Akron Zoo is always a great option. The size, accessibility, and ease of visiting are perfect for families with young kids, while still keeping older kids engaged and entertained.
What could be better than something weird, fun, interactive and memorable? Alien Vacation Mini Golf in Medina packs all of that in and more in an immersive min-golf experience like no other.
