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Northwest Arkansas Experiences Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Ideas for Experiences instead of Toys

By Kara Ault, Macaroni Kid Fayetteville & Rogers-Bentonville Publisher December 23, 2022

Looking for some out-of-the-box gift ideas? Gifts that aren't toys but experiences, instead? 

Here are a few of my favorite local experiences and places:

Annual Pass to The Amazeum-  Play all year with an Amazeum membership! All memberships offer free, unlimited admission for an entire year along with other exclusive benefits. Join and play today!  No batteries or re-charging necessary. Fun all year, guaranteed! For the best chance of delivery by December 25, purchase your gift membership by December 15. Memberships are active within 72 hours (Monday - Friday) and expire on the last day of the month one year from the date of purchase.
Members are essential to the Amazeum family. Your membership supports new programs, exhibits, and makes every day amazing for our curious, creative community. Azameum members also receive half-price admission at over 200 Children’s Museums, including the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs.

Lessons from parent-owned NWA Martial Arts Academy- NWA Martial Arts Academy is an instructor and parent-owned martial arts studio, focused on the Korean martial art style Tang Soo Do, Self-Defense, and Sport Karate tournament training.  They pride themselves on being an energetic, welcoming, family-oriented martial arts studio. Our studio is the realization of Master Michael Felix's lifelong goal to have his own studio grounded in positive mental attitude, inclusivity, and fun.
Karate 4 Christmas
Give the gift of Martial Arts! You’ll notice a difference in focus, respect, confidence and discipline.
We will even gift wrap it for you for FREE!
1 Week of Lessons
A Training T-Shirt
White Belt
A $75 value for ONLY $30!
Give us a call or come in and pick up your gift package today! 479-276-8271


Swim lessons from Goldfish Swim School- Rogers NWA- Every square inch of our unique facility is designed to enhance learning, fun and safety for every child and parent who joins the Goldfish family. We offer award-winning swim lessons, backed by experienced and professional instructors, from ages 4 months to 12 years. We keep our lessons small, with no more than a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio – so you can be sure your child is greeting the care and attention they need. 


Tickets to Walton Arts Center shows: Walton Arts Center makes shopping for holiday gifts easy with a ticket that’s just right for everyone on your list, from children’s shows to jazz, comedians and everything in-between. There has never been a better time to gift an experience, especially a ticket to a thrilling and unforgettable show.
There are lots of ways to give and save. If you purchase tickets to three or more shows at the same time – for you or as gifts – you can save with a Create Your Own Subscription offer. Gift certificates are also available, totally customizable, and valid for shows at both Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP. Don’t forget to reserve and pay for parking ahead of time too!

Kids Club Membership for Naturals Baseball- Does your son or daughter love the game of baseball? If so, then they should join the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Kids Club presented by J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. The Naturals are offering two (2) great membership options -- the Wednesday Kids Club Membership and the Sunday Kids Club Membership -- this season and each are ONLY $25! Both memberships include tickets and a 25% discount at the Naturals Team Store - valid at any game by showing your membership card. Kids Eat FREE every Wednesday night while Sunday features $1 Hot Dogs and Kids Run the Bases. Strike and Sinker want to see you at Arvest Ballpark so join our Kids Club today!

Membership to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks- Members receive free admission to the Gardens year-round, including on Wednesdays to the popular nature-themed storytime, Little Sprouts! Members also receive discounts to most special events.