Disclosure - I receive a small commission on sales from the experiences listed below
The allure of experience gifts stands out as a beacon of thoughtful and meaningful giving, especially for parents who want to minimize the amount of "stuff" in their homes. The desire for memorable moments over tangible items has become a prevailing trend in recent years. Enter the realm of experience gifts – a unique and cherished way to celebrate special occasions, deepen connections, and create lasting memories.
In this age of abundance, where it's easy to accumulate possessions, experience gifts offer a refreshing alternative. Rather than adding to your "stuff", experience gifts enrich lives through shared adventures, learning opportunities, and moments of joy. This shift towards experiential giving reflects a growing understanding that the true value of a gift lies not in its price tag, but in the emotions and memories it evokes.
Luckily, we live so close to so many places, including the Anaheim Convention Center, Knott's Berry Farm, Aquarium of the Pacific, and more! Here are a few ideas for some nearby experience gifts, along with promo codes to help you get the best deals too!
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1. Davey's Locker Whale Watching, Newport Beach, CA
Located in Newport Beach, Davey’s Locker has been providing whale watching cruises for over 40 years to both residents and visitors from throughout Southern California. Year-round whale watching & dolphin cruises view giant blue whales, humpback whales and finback whales during the summer and fall months.
Giant gray whales are viewed during their annual migration during the winter and spring months along with humpback whales and minke whales. Over half dozen different species of dolphin are also viewed including the giant risso dolphin over 12 feet in length, bottlenose dolphin, white sided dolphin, common dolphin, and more. Often dolphin can be seen in large or even super pods number in hundreds to over 1000 and has jumping dolphin for as far as the eye can see. Harbor seals, sea lions, and all sorts of other marine life can also be viewed in our 2-2.5 hour cruises.
Why is the whale watching so good off Newport Beach? Just outside of Newport Bay is the beginning of one of the largest marine protected areas in southern California created to protect this rich ecosystem for future generations. The protected marine sanctuary covers over 60 square miles off Newport & Laguna Beach and provides a haven for all marine creatures including whales and dolphin.
Join Newport Landing’s whale watching cruises offered daily and view the largest creature on earth.
The Deal - Save up to 55% off by clicking here!
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2. Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA
Take a journey of discovery through the world's largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Meet more than 12,000 animals and see over 100 exhibits in sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Discover all the exhibits including sea otters, sharks, sea jellies, frogs and more.
Also, don’t miss the newest exhibit Babies! Meet the newest members of the Aquarium family and discover how they hold the key to our future. From rescued sea otters, mesmerizing little cuttlefish, and miniature sea jellies to tiny translucent fish and a young desert tortoise, experience the heart-warming joy of baby animals while learning their fascinating behavior and biology, how they care for them, threats to their survival, and what their future means for their species and our ocean planet.
The Deal: Save 30% off by clicking here!
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3. Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park
Knott’s Berry Farm is a world-renowned theme park built from the humblest of beginnings. What started as a small berry farm soon grew into a family theme park destination now bursting with attractions and entertainment for all ages, including first-class roller coasters, stage shows, interactive experiences, delicious food creations and family friendly fun.
Plan your family vacation and create memories for a lifetime!
The Deal: Save up to 50% by clicking here!
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4. Knott's Soak City Water Park, Buena Park
Knott’s Soak City Waterpark is located adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm theme park and offers fun in the sun for everyone. Soak City boasts 23 speed, tube and body slides, a 750,000-gallon wave pool, and three-story Beach House with 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers and other fun surprises. Little splashers love Gremmie Lagoon, a hands-on water playground.
The Deal: Save up to 50% by clicking here!
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5. Jurassic Quest, Anaheim Convention Center
Jurassic Quest is roaring into Anaheim, CA from December 28th - January 1st!
See for yourself why Jurassic Quest is the world’s biggest and most popular dinosaur event and walk among the dinosaurs! Loved by millions, Jurassic Quest can’t-miss-moments include:
-Walk among animatronic dinosaurs created with paleontologists to be true-to-detail (and size – watch the teeth)!
-Ride aboard some of the largest touring dinosaurs in North America.
-Become a Junior Dino Trainer at the Raptor Training Experience.
-Navigate “The Quest”, an interactive adventure leading guests through the show. Ready, Set, Quest!
-Live your best dinosaur life with activities like fossil digs, inflatables, a “Triceratots” soft play area & MORE!
-Meet the babies – hatched only at Jurassic Quest – Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops. And you may even catch a star dino trainer: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty!
-Dig for fossils, and check out real T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull at the Fossil Experience.
-With exciting and unique experiences for the whole family, Jurassic Quest guests have a dino-mite time!
The Deal: Save 25% by clicking here!
Happy holiday shopping!
