Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and more — with them comes plenty of joy and also plenty of clutter. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of new toys and mess, you’re not alone.
That’s one of the reasons we love experience gifts in my home. Whether you’re looking to cut back on clutter, break away from materialism, or create more family bonding, experience gifts can be a great alternative to tangible gifts!
While experience gifts can be pricey, they don’t have to be. We’ve put together a list of local options for different budgets and ages. Read on to discover the best experience gifts in Denton County.
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Classes
With the help of a skillful instructor, classes are a great place to make lasting memories with and for your loved ones.
Art House :: Highland Village, Southlake :: This studio inspires a love and appreciation of art. Kids ages four and up learn drawing, painting, and even sculpture with guidance from professional artists. Classes start at $25, with multi-class packages available.
Color Me Mine :: Highland Village :: For budding creators and artists ages five and up, gift a visit to this DIY pottery studio. Choose a ceramic project, from mugs to animal figurines, then pick your colors and paint your masterpiece — the studio will handle the glazing. Studio prices are $10 per adult and $6 per child (plus the ceramic cost starting at $19).
Fit Family Yogi Kids :: Flower Mound :: This family-oriented yoga studio offers classes for all ages and abilities, including accessible chair yoga for those who use wheelchairs! It holds preschool play classes for ages 3 – 5, kids camps, and even a tween yoga series. Daily class passes start at $30.
Flour Power :: Denton :: Junior chefs learn baking skills in the cooking studios for kids. Classes include cupcake wars, breakfast creations, and holiday-themed events. Each class is catered to specific ages, from the littlest bakers of three years to old to tweens and teens. Prices start at $40 per person.
Institute for Creative Music :: Denton :: Its early childhood program emphasizes dance and music awareness starting with babies, while kids ages six and up can learn piano, guitar, voice, and more. Individual classes start at $33, and group classes are offered on a sliding scale.
Budget-Conscious
Create your very own experience worth remembering.
Cross Timbers Center :: Flower Mound :: Denton County boasts several parks perfect for family outings. Cross Timbers has hiking, biking, playgrounds, and a fishing pond! Access to the park is free.
Denton Community Market :: Denton :: On Saturday mornings, families can explore local artisans, food trucks, and free live music. Admission is free, though items and food are available for purchase.
Library Cards :: For a budget-friendly option, consider a library card to one of the many Denton County libraries. Libraries aren’t just for books (although that’s a fun outing by itself)! They also offer events for kids of all ages — baby story times, Lego clubs, trivia and escape rooms for teens, and so much more. Make it a regular outing for a gift that keeps giving.
LLELA Nature Preserve Day Pass :: Lewisville :: For outdoor-loving families, LLELA offers miles of hiking trails, river access for fishing, and areas for bird watching. Day passes are just $5 per vehicle.
Scavenger Hunts :: Can’t spring for an expensive outing? Create your own with a hometown scavenger hunt. Make clues featuring parks, courthouse lawns, or libraries, and have fun running around town while your kids solve clues, take pictures, and channel their inner Sherlock Holmes. If you’re in Denton, don’t forget the infamous purple door — a rite of passage for any Denton family!
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Concerts and Performances
Concerts at Harvest House :: Denton :: A hidden gem to non-natives of Denton, Harvest House is an outdoor concert venue, bar, and coffeeshop all in one. Many shows are family-friendly, and kids love hanging out on the patio listening to local artists show off their talent. Prices vary based on event.
Grandscape :: The Colony :: From Cirque du Soleil to improv musicians, it’s a fun spot for enjoying live music while exploring shops, restaurants, and attractions like the indoor skydiving center. Prices vary based on event.
Lewisville Lake Symphony :: Lewisville :: Held at the Lewisville Grand Theater, this local orchestra gives live performances throughout the year, including classical music concerts, pops performances, and special family-friendly events. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids.
Theatre Denton :: Denton :: Visit a musical or play at the historic Campus Theater, supporting local artists and providing an evening of entertainment for the whole family! Even little theater-goers will love performances such as Cinderella or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — and there are plenty of shows for an older audience, as well. Tickets start at $30 for adults and $20 for children.
Music Center at UNT :: Denton :: Widely known as a great music school, UNT offers plenty of concerts and recitals. Check out piano, bass, choir, or jazz band performances to get the music-loving family inspired. Ticket prices vary, with many events being free!
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Memberships
Memberships at these Denton locales pay for themselves after only a handful of visits.
Denton Natatorium :: Denton :: Families enjoy year-round swimming with access to a full-length lap pool and a children’s splash area, perfect for families with kids of all ages. Monthly family memberships start at $30 for Denton residents.
Explorium Denton Children’s Museum :: Denton :: At this STEM-based interactive museum and play space, kids do art, puzzles, magnet mazes, giant blocks, and robot building. They can even create mini-movies with stop motion animation. The chicken coop and PVC pipe slide are big hits that can’t be missed. With a baby corner (and a private nursing room), the Explorium is designed for ages 10 and under. Annual memberships are $149 for the whole family, or opt for the daily rate of $5 per adult, $6 per child, and free for non-walkers.
Flower Mound Community Activity Center :: Flower Mound :: There is something for everyone here — foosball tables, an outdoor water park, air hockey, an indoor pool and toddler spray pad, along with sports leagues and concessions. Prices start at $4 per child and $6 per adult for a day pass. You can also purchase monthly memberships, including a family membership for $50 for Flower Mound residents and $70 for non-residents.
Kid Strong :: Flower Mound :: This gym is designed to foster confidence and connection. Kids ages 1 – 11 participate in research-backed games that build physical and emotional skills and are plenty of fun. Memberships start at $99 per month.
The Little Gym :: Flower Mound :: Little movers or gymnastics enthusiasts develop balance and coordination (and put their energy to good use)! Classes are for ages four months to 12 years. Memberships begin at $99 per month, and first-time intro classes are free!
One-Day Experiences
Gift your loved ones a yes-day of sorts at these family favorites in Denton County.
Free Play :: Denton :: With two stories of classic games, from Pacman to Streetfighter, along with an entire wall of themed pinball machines, parents will have just as much fun as the kids at this family-friendly arcade on Denton Square. Did I mention the two bars available as well? Entry cost is $12 per person and gives you access to games all day. You can also snag half-price entry during the first hour on weekdays. Free Play is best for ages five and up.
Interskate Roller Rink :: Lewisville :: Get ready for retro skate vibes and a good time for ages three and up. If your kids haven’t learned how to skate, visit on Saturday mornings at 9:45 a.m. for $5 beginner lessons (skate rental included). General admission for open skate is $10 per person and $5 for basic skates.
Legoland Discovery Center, Sea Life Aquarium, and Peppa Pig World of Play :: The Grapevine Mills mall boasts the ultimate trifecta of experience gifts! You can visit any of the three or purchase combination packages. While Sea Life is perfect for all ages, Peppa Pig is geared toward littles five and under, and Legoland is ideal for ages three and up.
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Main Event Entertainment :: Lewisville :: With its mix of bowling, laser tag, and arcade games all under one roof, it’s an excellent gift for a full day of family-friendly activities. Game packages and all-access passes start at $20 per person.
Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch :: Pilot Point :: Kids see exotic animals up close at Sharkarosa. Guided tram tours and animal encounters make it an educational experience. Tickets start at $10 for kids and $15 for adults.
Slick City Action Park :: Denton :: A new attraction in Denton, Slick City is an indoor slide and air court. Kids slide down giant ramps, crawl through web mazes like Spiderman, or play in a traditional climbing structure. Tickets start at $14 for kids ages three and under, and are $26 for ages four and up.
Sporting Events
Denton Diablos Soccer :: Denton :: Head to the UNT soccer fields to cheer on Denton’s semi-professional soccer team in the National Premier Soccer League. Home games offer a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with passionate fans. Single-game tickets are $10 for adults, with discounts for kids.
North Texas Mean Green Sports :: Denton :: UNT’s college sporting events give kids a great introduction to live sports. Catch a Mean Green football game at DATCU Stadium, and feel the excitement of the home team atmosphere. Tickets typically start around $15.
North Texas Roller Derby :: Denton :: Catch the excitement of local roller derby at the Lone Star indoor sports complex. This family-friendly event showcases fast-paced action for older kids who enjoy high-energy sports. Tickets are $12 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under.
Texas Legends Basketball :: Frisco :: Located just outside Denton in Frisco, the Texas Legends are a minor league basketball team affiliated with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. Legends games are an exciting way for families to lean into a love of basketball. Tickets start at $10.
Texas Woman’s University Pioneers Sports :: Denton :: TWU is another great way to check out a college sporting event — especially for future female athletes! Events include gymnastics, volleyball, soccer, and more. Try a Pioneer basketball game at Kitty Magee Arena with ticket prices starting at $5.
With so many great experience gifts in Denton County, there’s something for everyone! Opt for something different, memorable, and special for every season and celebration.
