Planning a Best Year Ever, Under-18 Edition
I planned my Best Year Ever when I was single and in my mid-thirties, in response to what was a kind of an early midlife crisis. (I’ve always been an early bloomer.) But nobody should have to wait around for an existential calamity to enjoy a year of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Heck, there’s no reason to even wait until you’re an adult.
Since I have become a father, I spend a lot of time trying to expose my five-year-old son to cool experiences. So far, he’s seen a Broadway show, skied in Colorado, surfed in Mexico, and sat in the Stanley Cup (thankfully as a baby), among other things. That’s why I’ve put together a suggested list of ideas for a child’s Best Year Ever. Obviously, some activities will be better suited for boys or girls, and some will be more appropriate for younger or older kids. But if you’re the kind of incredible parent who thinks about giving your offspring peak experiences, then I hope this list will get you started. If you have better ideas—and I’m sure you will—leave them in the comments.
- Learning a new “extreme” sport. One of the great things about young children is that they are generally fearless, flexible, and have a low center of gravity. What better time to expose them to sports like skiing, skating, snowboarding, surfing, swimming/diving, and the like. They’ll have a blast doing it, all while building self-confidence and learning a skill that will last them a lifetime. When they schuss down the mountain and enjoy après ski in Kitzbühel or Chamonix someday, they’ll thank you.
- Dugout/bench seats for a favorite sports team. Most kids have sat in the bleachers, but sitting so close you can talk to the players? That’s epic. Sitting courtside or over the dugout is expensive, but it’s something you’ll do only once, so splurge. Or aim for spring training or preseason—it’s the same players, in a more relaxed environment.
- Safari. Speaking of expensive…but I’m not really talking about an African safari (though if you can do that, it would be awesome). I’m talking about one of the many safari-like game parks throughout the U.S. There are parks dedicated to North American animals, African animals, animals from the Pacific Northwest, you name it. All kids love animals, and this is a chance to see them up close.
- Camping (or “glamping”). I’ll admit, I’m not a huge outdoorsman. Something about the bugs and lag of central air conditioning. But kids love that kind of stuff—fishing, building a camp fire, sleeping outdoors in a tent. I’ve come to grips with the fact that I will have to cross this bridge at some point. Maybe I can substitute a high-end dude ranch experience. Or rent a luxury Winnebago. I’ll blame a fear of bears.
- A concert with your kid’s favorite artist. I know this one could be as painful for you as it was for your parents to take you to see New Kids on the Block back in the day. I mean, how much Charlie Puth or Ariana Grande can one human mind tolerate? Well, suck it up. (Unless it’s The Wiggles; life is too short.) This is about giving your kids a memory, and few things are more fun than watching them shriek themselves hoarse at the sight of their favorite singer or band live.
- Harry Potter. The “boy who lived” has become the boy who launched a multi-billion-dollar empire, but kids don’t know that. They adore everything Harry Potter because they relate to an out-of-place kid trying to find his way. Plus, magical powers. Fortunately, the folks at Universal Studios got this one right. Their Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley attractions in Orlando and Los Angeles are immersive and incredible. Worth the trip for kids and adults alike.
- History and culture. Someday I would like to take my son to see the great sites of the world—Rome, Egypt, London, Paris, etc. Or here in the U.S., places like New York, Washington, D.C., Boston. That’s a helluva lot of travel, so trips to local museums may have to suffice for now. But I think it’s important to give him a better appreciation for the broader world and lessons from the past.
- Be in a movie (or television show). Kids also love movies, and what could be cooler than being in one, just for a second, as an extra? I’m not saying this one is easy; you might need to call in some favors or message that friend you haven’t seen since high school who now works for Paramount or NBC. But imagine your daughter’s face when she finds out that she gets to spend the day on a Hollywood set.
- A rite of passage. Learn how to use FastPass. Wait until your kid is 44 inches tall so they can ride Space Mountain. And get ready for lots of Mickey waves and princess hugs.
- Help other kids. Few things feel better than doing good for others, and in a time when so many kids are all about their devices and their inner worlds, it’s great to let them know there’s a real world where real people need them. Go with your child to serve food to the homeless, clean up beaches, or do something else that’s hard work but makes a difference. They really will appreciate it.
What if you can’t do any of those things right now because of time, budget, or other limitations? No problem. Give your children your attention. Turn off the electronics and be with your kids—really be with them. Do what they want to do. See the world through their eyes. Talk to them. Teach them. Let them teach you.
