10 Experience Gift Ideas for DFW-area Families

Over the last few years, “experience” gifts have been trending over material gifts. I’m all for it. I’d much rather give my kids a memory than more plastic junk that accumulates in their rooms.

Fortunately, in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, there are tons of options for cool experiences to gift your family members. Here are some ideas. Note: If you don’t live in the DFW area, I hope this list will inspire you to look for similar experiences near you.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Little Elm

In the suburbs north of Dallas, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is now open through January 13, 2024. This is an outdoor, nighttime walking experience that takes 60-90 minutes. Ticket prices vary by date but start at around $34 for kids 12 and under and $49 for adults. Family bundles and group bundles are available for a discount. My daughter is a huge Harry Potter fan, and we are going to this next month!

World of Barbie in Frisco

The World of Barbie experience is coming to Stonebriar Centre in Frisco later this month. Walk through Barbie’s Dreamhouse, check out her DreamCamper Van, take a photo in a life-size Barbie box and more. This experience runs November 17, 2023 through January 31, 2024. Ticket prices vary by date but start at $25.50 for kids 12 and under and $34.50 for adults. Military/first responder/student/senior and group discounts are also available. My daughter is not currently into Barbie, but she sure was when she was in early elementary school. I’m considering wrapping this up as a present for her to experience in January, when the mall will be less crowded.

Broadway Show in Dallas or Fort Worth

Broadway Dallas has a variety of upcoming shows that would make great gifts. Upcoming performances include MJ the Musical, Les Miserables, Tina – the Tina Turner Musical, Bettlejuice the Musical and Hamilton. Broadway at the Center also has some great shows coming up including Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, Jagged Little Pill, Annie and Chicago. Bass Hall in Forth Worth has the Nutcracker and Disney’s Aladdin. Dates and ticket prices vary.

Concert Tickets

DFW always has good music artists coming to town. A few concert events coming in the next few months that would make good gifts include P!nk, Jingle Ball, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Fall Out Boy, Billy Joel/Stevie Nicks, Madonna, blink-182 and New Kids on the Block with Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Six Flags Season Tickets in Arlington

Six Flags theme park is a bit of a hike from my house, but my son still loves to go there for the extreme thrill rides. If you live a bit closer, a 2024 season pass makes a good gift. Passes start at $85 and include the water park. I recommend waiting to buy until Black Friday/Cyber Monday, as they are usually on sale then.

Dallas CityPASS

Even if you live in the DFW area, chances are you haven’t been to some of these attractions in a while. Dallas CityPASS is one ticket that includes admission to Perot Museum of Nature and Science and Reunion Tower GeO-Deck. Plus, visit 2 out of 3 of the following: Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, Dallas Zoo or George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Adult CityPASS tickets are $54, kids 12 and under are $36.

Pogo Pass

For a variety of experiences around the DFW area, the Pogo Pass is a great deal for $99.98. Participating venues include Hawaiian Falls water park, Fort Worth Zoo, National Videogame Museum, SeaQuest, Sci-Tech Discovery Center and more.

AT&T Stadium Tour or Globe Life Field Tour in Arlington

Check out the home of the Dallas Cowboys at the AT&T Stadium Tour in Arlington. Meet Jerry Jones via hologram technology, and throw a ball on the field. Tours range from self-guided to VIP and Owner’s Experience tours. Prices vary.

Globe Life Field, home of the World Series Champion team the Texas Rangers (wohoo!) also offers tours. Tour types and prices vary.

Delta Charlie’s Dinner Flight in Grand Prairie

Enjoy dinner followed by a flight in a private plane over DFW at Delta Charlie’s. This experience is often on Groupon for $179.

Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine or Kalahari Resort in Round Rock

An overnight stay at a water park hotel is fun for all ages. A night at Great Wolf Lodge is great for younger kids, while my older teens prefer Kalahari Resort in Round Rock (even though it’s a 3-hour drive for us). Read my post that compares the two resorts. Check Facebook pages for special rates.

DFW folks, what else would you add to this list?