As you consider what gift to get that special someone for Christmas, imagine thinking outside of the box. There are plenty of opportunities to gift an experience or adventure in the Metro-Detroit area (or thereabouts). Check out some ideas for Unique Adventure and Experience Gift ideas in Detroit, including:
Climbing Wall
There are several businesses dedicated to rock climbing in the Metro-Detroit area:
- Ann Arbor and Pontiac: Planet Rock offers two locations for climbing.
- Detroit: Wayne State University Climbing Wall offers a 30-foot-tall wall with dozens of routes and even a belay ledge.
- Shelby Township: Cajun' Cliffs Climbing Wall is part of the Bayou Adventure Family Entertainment Center that includes bungee trampolines, laser tag, arcade and high-ropes course at Joe Dumars' Fieldhouse.
You or I may never own a Lamborghini or Ferrari, but that doesn't mean we can't experience a drive in one. Buy a gift certificate for four laps around the Grosse Ile Airport or Bosch Automotive Proving Ground in Flat Rock. Alternatively, you can take a passenger ride in a Deronda race car. Cost is approximately $250 a person.
You can book a lane and treat some friends to a game of Feather Bowling for Christmas. The unique sport consists of two teams; a dirt-covered alley; a flattened, wooden ball; and a feather. Cost of a lane is approximately $40 an hour.
What do you get the person who has everything? A fighter-pilot experience! Not only will you man the controls, you'll participate in a simulated dog fight. Prices start at approximately $1,400.
You can book a 45-minute Detroit City Tour or customize your own ride on a Robinson R-44. Price for a three hour tour is approximately $500.
Gift a balloon ride. They generally last about an hour and take in the scenery of Oakland County. The approximate cost is $350 per person.
The idea of receiving a class as a gift sounds a little labor intensive, but sometimes the best thing you can give someone is something new to do. Aside from your standard community-college classes, the Metro-Detroit area has lots and lots of unique lessons for your gifting pleasure.
Once upon a time, Mt. Clemens hosted several bath houses that utilized the healing mineral waters of the Michigan Basin. In fact, "Bath City" became nationally renowned for the healing waters in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These days, you can give the gift of a mineral bath at
Olympia Salon & Spa. The half-hour bath costs approximately $30.
If that special someone loves a good mystery, gift them tickets to a Murder Mystery at Eastpointe Manor in Eastpointe. Tickets include a three-course dinner and show and cost approximately $60 per person.
