1. A taping of a TV show

When I was 12 years old, my dad took me to California to see a taping of the show "Boy Meets World." A TV taping is FREE (of course, a trip to Los Angeles is not), but truly a priceless experience for a kid who loves TV as much as I did. For a 30 minute sitcom taping, the experience takes about four hours. There is an emcee who entertains the audience in between takes, and you get to see the actors up close and personal. It was also the first time I saw how TV shows were made (discovering that scenes are taped more than one and seeing which take the director chooses once the show airs is really cool for a kid). If you can, take your kid to a taping of a show that he or she likes (I'm pretty sure some of the Disney Channel shows tape live in LA). You can find tickets online. The website that I know for a fact is legit is Audiences Unlimited. Just remember that TV tickets should ALWAYS be free, otherwise it's a scam.

2. A real concert

I've always found surprising when I meet adults who have never been to a concert. I think this is such a great experience. When I was a kid, my first concert was Boyz II Men (i believe I was about 9 years old). When I say a "real" concert, I mean the whole shabang: a huge stadium, an amplified sound system, etc. This experience was unforgettable for me as a little kid. I remember it so clearly; we certainly didn't have the best seats in the house, but the experience was truly fascinating.

3. The Grand Canyon

An educational and visually stunning experience, I'm so grateful that I was able to see the Grand Canyon as a child. There is something unbeatable about seeing something like this when you have the fresh eyes and mind of a child. It's just so beautiful and untouchable. It is especially beneficial if you are also learning about it in school and then you are able to see it firsthand. (I suppose this applies to anything for kids).

4. Alaska

When I was eleven I went to Alaska with my family. Going to Alaska is remarkable no matter how old you are, but I remember learning so much while there when I was young. For starters, it's hard to believe unless you see with your own eyes that the sun literally does not set in the summer. This is pretty much a kid's dream come true. The culture, the people, and the natural beauty are unbeatable.

5. New York City

The first time I went to New York City, I believe I was around 10. I had to put this one on the list because, as anyone who has been to New York City knows, you have to see it to believe it. I ended up going back to live there during college, so I don't remember much about my first experience there since my more recent experiences are more prominent, but there is so much to do with your kids in NYC. The Empire State Building, Ellis Island, The Bronx Zoo, The Museum of Natural History, Central Park... all of these offer educational and ultimately unforgettable experiences.

Hope this helped!!