My children have too many toys. They have taken over almost every room in our house, the garage, and our cars. For as many toys as I sell at a yard sale, take to Goodwill, pass on to friends, or pitch in the garbage in the middle of the night before garbage day, they still keep multiplying. As spring approaches, so does a string of birthdays in our family, and with birthdays come more toys, until recently.

For the past few years I have asked for passes or memberships to local attractions for the kids birthdays. Last year we received passes to the local zoo, air and space museum, and a historical site. This year we received passes to the local aquarium. This is a great gift because the whole family can enjoy it for a year. Depending on the cost of the pass, this could be a combined birthday gift for all the kids, or several family members could go together in purchasing the membership. Also, most memberships to zoos, museums, and aquariums are reciprocal, so if you travel this year you can visit other places for free!

My children have enjoyed our gift passes enormously. The passes are made even more special when the gift giver visits and we are able to take them with us to the museum, zoo, aquarium, etc… So check out the local attractions in your area, there might be one that would make a perfect gift membership for your family this year.

Enjoying the Maryland Science Center