Forget about the latest gaming system, gadget and gift craze. This year, give friends and family an experience to create a memory, instead of most stuff they’ll get bored with in a few weeks.
You can find adventures and fun geared toward kids, adults and the whole family in Georgia and in nearby states.
Here are few suggestions:
For kids
Cooking class: Being able to feed yourself is an important life skill, and a cooking class teaches kids early on how to make their meals instead of getting them via the drive-through. Young Chefs Academy has four locations in metro Atlanta, with programs ranging from workshops to camps to weekly classes and memberships. Individual classes are $40 each for nonmembers, or $129 a month for members.
Horseback riding: Get your city slicker up on a horse and out on a trail. At Chastain Horse Park, experienced riders lead groups “all inability levels,” so kids as young as 6 can take part. “Our program is a great way to make friends and embrace teamwork! With over 20 school horses and ponies, we have amazing animals for all abilities and personalities,” the website states. Contact Chastain for availability and pricing.
Music lessons: At Gwinnett School of Music, your future “America’s Got Talent” winner can learn to play piano, guitar, violin, ukelele, drums and more. They also offer voice lessons, if that’s where your little star shines. For more information, call (770) 988-6300.
For adults
The grown-ups on your list also will enjoy getting a memorable experience this holiday.
Wine tasting and tour: Just 90 minutes north of Atlanta is Yonah Mountain Vineyards. Bob, Jane and Eric Miller, and their winemaking team have curated a 90-minute program that’s held in the vineyard ballroom.
Scavenger hunt: Help a friend or family member get to know their neighborhood by organizing a scavenger hunt. Or better yet, let Scavenger Hunt Atlanta do it for you. “We can keep it family friendly or get a little dirty. We don’t judge, we just make it happen. By coming up with ways to integrate your specific wants with fun filled challenges, creative puzzles and creative photo missions.” Price is based on the hunt you choose.
ASO performance: Founded in 1945, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is now under the direction of Nathalie Stutzmann. You can buy a single ticket for their favorite piece of music or set them up with a subscription for the season. Check the website for upcoming concerts and ticket pricing.
A getaway to Serenbe: It’s only half an hour away, but your gift recipient will feel like they’re in another world. Serenbe charmed Oprah Winfrey and her crew, and was the backdrop for the April 2019 edition of O magazine. Serenbe has an inn with 27 rooms, a theater and trail riding, among other experiences.
For the family
Match tickets: Atlanta United is often the hottest team in town, and everyone seems to be a fan. The Five Stripes are again offering the holiday ticket pack, and this year they’re doubling your options for “giving the gift of the beautiful game this holiday season.”
Swim with the fishes (and mammals): The Georgia Aquarium offers the unique opportunity to scuba dive with whale sharks, manta rays and thousands of other sea creatures in the Ocean Voyager exhibit. For $355.95 (members) or $374.95 (nonmembers), you get equipment, a 30-minute dive, a certificate of participation, shirt and photo. You have to be at least 12 to participate, however, and be able to show proof of open water scuba certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization. No certification? Your recipient won’t need one to hang out with the harbor seals. After a behind-the-scenes tour of the seal facility, they’ll get to participate in a training session alongside the aquarium’s staff. The Harbor Seal Encounter costs $75.99 for nonmembers and $68.99 for members.
Mountain memories: If Disney World isn’t in your budget, head about four hours north to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in the Great Smoky Mountains. Yes, you can go to Dollywood, which closes the first week of January and reopens in April, but there is more to see and do. The country’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge has been a big hit since it opened, and it’s decked out for the holidays through Jan. 31. The 680-foot-long SkyBridge is part of SkyLift Park at the top of Crockett Mountain in Gatlinburg. Or drive over to Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park and ride a roller coaster that’s unlike any other. It’s part zip line, part coaster.
Don’t let this list limit you. A little online research can yield myriad ideas for gifts that will create memories instead of clutter.
Need ideas for where to eat and things to do around Atlanta? Check out our Atlanta Winter Guide on ajc.com.
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