Instead of Presents, Give Your Keiki the Gift of Experience

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Have a Ball at Kids City Hawai‘i

We love a good outdoor playground, but sometimes the heat just beckons us indoors. That’s where Kids City Hawai‘i comes into play. Literally. The 30,000-square-foot indoor playground space boasts ball pits, bounce houses, interactive play stations and at the Honolulu location, a rock-climbing wall.

From $22 for two hours for children, $5 for adults, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd. and 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, kidscityhawaii.com, @kidscityhawaii

Photo: Courtesy of Kids City Hawai‘i

Go VIP at Wet ’n’ Wild Hawai‘i

Treat yourself and the keiki by reserving a VIP Hale Niu cabana for the day. Centrally located above the Hawaiian Waters Wave Pool, each hut comes with a flat-screen TV, mini fridge stocked with refreshments, mobile food ordering and so much more. Adults can relax in comfort as the little ones explore the slides, splash pads, wave pool, the lazy river and the new Lil’ Kahuna Beach.

$250 non-peak season, $350 peak season, 400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, wetnwildhawaii.com, @wetnwildhawaii

Photo: Courtesy Wet’n’Wild Hawai‘i

Photo: Courtesy Wet’n’Wild Hawai‘i

Discover More at Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center

Become a member of Children’s Discovery Center and enjoy hands-on learning year-round. Membership includes free admission for one year, discounts in the center’s gift shop and kids café, free or discounted fees for workshops and special events and more. Programs target a variety of age groups—Toddler Time for keiki 18-36 months old, Preschool Play for 3- and 4-year-olds, Preschool STEAM Lab for 4- and 5-year-olds and Discovery Camps for 5- to 8-year-olds. (STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.)

Memberships from $150 (for two people), 111 ‘Ohe St., discoverycenterhawaii.org, @hawaiichildrensdiscoverycenter

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center

Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center

Be Inspired at KidzArt Hawai‘i and Club Scientific

Keiki can bring out their inner artist at KidzArt Hawai‘i and Club Scientific. Sign up for single art and science classes that take place after school, in the mornings and on weekends, or opt for an extended learning experience by choosing a camp session. Seasonal themes center around Thanksgiving foods, winter celebrations and gingerbread houses, to name just a few. What’s more? There’s a Parents Night Out offering every third Friday of the month, where keiki can make art and learn problem-solving skills, while parents enjoy some alone time!

From $50, 93 N. Kainalu Drive, Room 102, Kailua, kidzart.com/franchise/windward, @kidzarthawaii

Photo: Courtesy of KidzArt Hawai‘i

Tour the 100-Year-Old Kahuku Farms

Head to the country for a one-hour tour of Kahuku Farms, a family operation that’s been nourishing Hawai‘i’s people for more than 100 years. A tractor-pulled wagon takes you through the fields, and you’ll learn about farming practices, techniques and what it really takes to get fresh food on the shelves of your favorite local grocery stores. You’ll get to taste freshly picked, in-season fruits and even some chocolate made from cacao grown on the farm. Before or after the tour, you’re going to want to try the good eats at the farm’s on-site café.

$50 for adults and teens, $40 for children ages 5-12, children 4 and under are free and there’s a $4 optional food sampling charge, 56-800 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, kahukufarms.com, @kahukufarms

Photo: Courtesy of Kahuku Farms

Explore Dole Plantation By Train

Play tourist for the day and hop aboard Dole Plantation’s Pineapple Express (or Aloha Express, ‘Ohana Express or Lady Liberty)! After all, the pineapple plantation is full of history—it’s the actual site where James Drummond Dole laid the foundation for his world-famous agricultural empire.The 20-minute narrated train ride takes you on a scenic tour showcasing the beauty of the area.

$12.25 for kama‘āina and military adults, $11 for ages 4-12, kids 3 years and younger are free when accompanied by an adult, 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawā, doleplantation.com, @doleplantation

Photo: Courtesy of Dole Plantation

MĀLAMA ‘Āina at Kualoa Ranch

Keiki 5 years and older and adults can spend a few hours at an ahupua‘a (land division), learning the importance of sustainability. You’ll also learn about kalo, its importance to Hawaiians and its significance to Kualoa Ranch. The two-hour eco-adventure can include thatching for Hawaiian hale, harvesting kalo or taking care of medicinal plants, depending on the needs of the day. Either way, expect to get your hands dirty, tending to the land. Be prepared—it feels good to give back.

Adults $51.95, children (5-12) $36.95, 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, kualoaranch.com, @kualoaranch

Photo: Courtesy of Kualoa Ranch