5 Budget-Friendly Experiences To Give as Christmas Gifts for Under $100
Written by
Dawn Allcot
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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Do you have picky teens, children with a playroom already overflowing with toys, or friends with kids on your list who prefer to opt for a minimalist lifestyle? Experiences are poised to be the gift of choice this holiday season.
Eight-in-10 Americans (82%) would rather receive an experience than a physical gift, according to a survey by Tinggly reported at TotalRetail. According to the article, 68% of Tinggly shoppers chose an “experience gift box” which is essentially a curated collection of adventures, over an e-gift card. Three-quarters (76%) of gifts given to partners were experiential in nature, while more than half (51%) of shoppers chose experiences for family and friends, too.
If you’d rather give (or get) an experience than a material object for the holiday this year, you’re not alone. The curated experiences on this list are fun for kids of all ages, and also something the entire family can enjoy.
Indoor Go-Kart Racing
Kids measuring at least 48 inches tall can enjoy the adrenaline of indoor electric go-kart racing. K1, with 107 locations across the world, and RPM Raceway, with multiple venues in the northeast and the world’s longest multi-level indoor go-kart track on Long Island, NY, are two of the most well-known.
Prices vary, so check your local area racetrack for deals. Two races should cost $75 or less, and may include extra perks or additional races at discounted prices.
Six Flags Entertainment Passes
Since Cedar Fair and Six Flags regional theme park companies merged in 2024, savvy season pass holders with the all-parks add-on can access 40+ theme parks across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Grab Gold Passes for $79 to enjoy free parking and access to all the parks for the rest of 2025 and through 2026. Choose the home park carefully, as the passholder will have to visit that park first to activate their pass.
GoCity Attractions Pass
GOCity offers multi-attraction, discounted passes to the top tourist attractions in more than two dozen cities across the world, including New York, San Antonio, and Sydney, Australia. Choose any two attractions in a U.S. city of your choice for under $100, or an all-inclusive one-, two- or three-day pass for less than $200. Prices vary depending on the city you choose. International cities may cost more.
Trampoline Park
Consider gifting a day, six months, or a full year of high-flying action at Urban Air Adventure Parks. The company has more than 350 franchisees nationwide, but keep in mind a membership only works at the location where it was purchased.
In addition to trampolines, many locations have adventure courses, climbing walls, ropes courses with ziplines, video games, virtual reality and everything a little — or even teenage — adventurer might want.
Three Months of Movies
With movies hitting your favorite streaming service weeks after their theatrical release, going to a movie theater is almost a nostalgic experience, often reserved for special occasions. The price of movie tickets keeps many people away.
Normalize silver screen entertainment with a Regal Cinemas Unlimited movie pass that gives you unlimited movies every month for around the price of two movie tickets. Choose from a 3-month or 12-month commitment; a 3-month subscription costs just $21.49 a month, or upgrade to Plus or All Access for a few dollars more. The tier you choose depends on ticket prices at the theater closest to the subscriber.
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