Have you procrastinated on your Christmas list? This time of year seems to be so packed with events, parties, programs, recitals, you may not have even had time to make your list! Add in the complication of what to buy…If you have a little one, or more than one, you know that their toys accumulate quickly! Especially at Christmas time, we can begin to feel suffocated by the decorations, the tree taking up extra space, and the influx of gifts and packages. When there is so little time left, what do you do? Give more time.
A popular trend is to gift experiences and not things. I am all for this, but let’s be real, what child doesn’t lie awake in anticipation of Christmas morning, waiting to see what Santa brought them? But, if you’re anything like me, you might be cutting it too close to delivery deadlines, unless you abuse your Amazon Prime subscription and upset your mailman.
You may be looking for family fun experiences that you can enjoy with your child throughout the year, and I highly suggest an annual pass or membership to some of our area’s most popular attractions.
Buccaneer Pirate Cruise at HarborWalk Village is offering Annual Passes, perfect for your whole crew! What kid (or adult) doesn’t love pretending to be a pirate? Do just that aboard the Buccaneer! Do it as often as you like, with a gift your “little swabbies” will treasure all year long! This Annual Pass even allows your “pint-sized pirates” to bring their mateys at a discounted rate!
Southern Star, Destin’s Original Dolphin Cruise is a local favorite, and an amazing experience for the whole family! Enjoy unlimited cruises, unlimited dolphin watching, unlimited fun, and discounts for guests! If you have a dolphin lover in your family, this Annual Pass is one you can’t pass up!
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is perfect for your budding Marine Biologist. See dolphin and sealion shows, penguin and turtle exhibits, and a colorful aquarium every time you visit. Take advantage of discounted experiences, and they even offer a Pod Pass, perfect for the whole family!
Big Kahuna’s Waterpark is such a great way to enjoy a sunny (or even a cloudy/overcast) day without the whole sandy ordeal of a beach day. (Don’t get me wrong, I love the beach. But my poor husband feels like a pack mule schlepping all the stuff my high maintenance toddler and I require.) The Kahuna Kash Card option offers a reloadable way to gift and gift again for any occasion.
The Track Family Fun Park has go-karts, bumper boats, kiddie rides, arcade, and more! Load up a Points Card to give to the thrill-seeker in your life and watch the thrill on their face when they put it to use!
There are so many other places that offer Gift Cards to give your child the gift of time. We are so busy this time of year, it can feel like we forget to enjoy the experience of Christmas, and our kids are craving our attention even more than the other 11 months of the year. After the glitter, wrapping paper, Santa magic, and Elf dust have settled, go spend intentional time with your kids. Gift them something they will enjoy and something you will love watching them enjoy.
Merry Christmas! May God Bless you and your loved ones in 2022!
