Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who’ve given infinite amounts of love and support to their families. However, with so much time spent on finding the perfect Mother's Day gift, planning Mother's Day activities to make the day feel really special can feel like an afterthought unless you start early.
If your typical Mother's Day plan feels a little stale this year, it's not too late to shake things up. Even better: You don't have to overspend to plan a truly memorable day, either. Whether you're honoring your mom, partner, sister, or closest friend, elevate your celebration with one of these 15 Mother's Day activities.
Tea tasting for two
Treat Mom to a tea tasting to enjoy a relaxed afternoon together. She doesn't have to be a royals-obsessed mom to appreciate a cuppa — many trendy cafes now offer extensive tea menus and pairings that'll suit whatever she's in the mood for.
A breezy hike
After a long winter spent indoors, getting some fresh air on an easy hiking trail can be a great Mother's Day activity. We’re not suggesting that you go for an arduous jaunt — unless she's a fitness fan! You can plan a simple route, perhaps with nice views along the way.
Wandering through the flowers
Speaking of nice views, seek out a local botanical garden and round up the fam for a lazy Sunday walk together. Bask in the wonderful springtime smells of blooming flowers and dewy grass.
Picnicking in the park
This year, show Mom you really care by coordinating a picnic in the park with the whole family. She’ll be feeling the love while surrounded by all of her favorite people. If kids are in tow, they can run around to their hearts' content while the adults enjoy lunch.
Taking a new family portrait
What better way to shower Mom with love than by bringing the family together for a commemorative portrait? Sure, this will take a bit of planning, but having everyone together in one place will make a wonderful memory in and of itself. She’ll be reminded of this sweet Mother’s Day activity every time she looks at this photo gift.
Treating her to a spa day
A luxurious spa day never goes out of style. Spas have more offerings than ever, and there’s bound to be a way you can elevate the experience into something even more special.
Getting artsy at a paint 'n' sip event
How artsy is she? Booking a paint 'n' sip session at a local cafe or art studio is a fun way to get out of the house for a few hours and spend the afternoon or evening doing something low-key and creative.
Brunching it up
Sunday brunch is always a good decision — just make those reservations well in advance! Browse the restaurant's menu before you book anything to ensure that it'll suit Mom’s tastes.
Getting your stretch on
Bring some calm into what can be a busy time of year. Book a vinyasa yoga class at a local studio, pair it with a healthy lunch outing afterward, and you’ve got yourself a winning Mother’s Day activity.
Go on a shopping date
Between Mother's Day now and Memorial Day in a few weeks, it's prime season for sales. Stores are marking down their spring items to make way for summer goods. Let Mom pick the shopping destination and treat her to something special along the way.
Planning a wine tasting
Whether you live near a winery or have a favorite local wine bar, a tasting is a fun way to infuse some flavor into the holiday. You can plan a tasting around Mom’s favorite varietals or broaden her horizons with something new.
An elaborate at-home dinner
When you’ve gone through the effort of planning and preparing a dinner for the two of you to enjoy, your mom will know she's raised you right.
Farmer's market run
Don’t settle for store-bought flowers flown in from somewhere far away when there may be plenty of locally grown options to choose from. Take Mom to a local farmer’s market to pick out her own bouquet (or two!) as a Mother's Day activity.
Pampering the pet moms
Cat and dog moms count, too! Treat the Pet Mom of the Year with a custom art print, a special toy for their fur baby, or something as simple as a card.
Reaching out to those in mourning
Mother’s Day can be a tough holiday for many. If you know someone who's grieving the loss of their mother (or doesn't have a close relationship with her), reaching out to thoughtfully check in could help them feel less alone.
Geoff is a lifestyle journalist & copywriter focused on helping brands make the world a better place through compelling copy. He’s a regular contributor at several outlets, including Barron’s, InsideHook, AskMen and several Hearst titles. You can check out more of his work at geoffnudelman.com.
