Mother’s Day is this Sunday May 8 and if you and your family haven’t made any plans yet, it’s time to take matters into your own hands! Whether your kids plan to make you breakfast in bed or if you’re going out to brunch, you can still plan a fun weekend activity.
And while kid-oriented activities are fine the other 364 days of the year, make sure that on Mother’s Day you get to do something that you want to do! While children may prefer a day at the arcade over time spent at a garden, this is your day mama, so get everyone dressed up in their colorful spring clothes and go frolic outside (if that’s your thing). One of my favorite Mother’s Days was one we spent at Wave Hill in the Bronx, but there are plenty of other beautiful local gardens, from NJ Botanical Garden to Rutgers Gardens (this weekend is the Spring Flower Fair) to Grounds for Sculpture (reserve now as time slots are filling up!) to choose from.
My other favorite thing to do on Mother’s Day when it’s feasible is a spa day (okay, spa hour). At Alchemy Mind & Body they have outdoor hydrotherapy tubs that you can soak in before or after your treatment (now that is a Mother’s Day dream come true!).
Here are some more cool options of things to do to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend:
Saturday
Mother’s Day Dessert Charcuterie Board Workshop
Virtual class
In this class you will learn how to take fun treats like Oreos and pretzels and make them decadent with chocolate, sprinkles and toppings. You will learn how to properly melt chocolate, dip the treats and decorate using a piping bag and toppings. Taught by Cheryl from Cheryl’s Sparkly Creations.
You’re a Gift Mother’s Day Workshop
Whole World Arts, Princeton
During this fun activity, not only will you identify those areas of your life that need your attention, but you will create a beautiful box card that will serve as a reminder to make your wellness a priority.
Roses from the South: A Mother’s Day Tribute
First United Methodist Church, Westfield
Saturday
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style as David Wroe leads NJ Festival Orchestra in a special tribute to moms everywhere. This concert features much loved masterpieces from J Strauss and Debussy as well as Mother’s Day serenades by renowned Irish tenor Anthony Kearns.
Mother’s Day Parent and Me Flower Arrangement Class
Princeton Playspace, Princeton
Arrange flowers with your mini me at this class. Class includes open play after class, snacks, juice boxes, Mother’s Day craft, plastic containers (best for little hands) + flowers and supplies, flower arranging tips/techniques with owner of Dragonfly Flowers.
Lilac Garden Splendor
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
The Lilac Garden is a large collection of these sweet-scented and prolific spring beauties, in the peak of bloom this time of year. Members of New Jersey Botanical Garden’s Lilac team will be in this part of the Garden to answer any questions you might have.
Mother’s Day at the Park
Phil Rizzuto Park, Elizabeth
Join for crafts, food, prizes, giveaways and family-friendly hikes. This event is presented by Hike It Baby.
Sunday
Mother’s Day Celebration: Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of the Beatles for Kids
The Vogel, Red Bank
White Eagle Hall, Jersey City
This is a family concert series where kids and parents rock out to the classics. The shows will occur nationwide at 15 historic venues (2 in NJ!) and a portion of the concert proceeds will benefit Unicef.
RiseNY
New York, NY
RiseNY, a thrilling new attraction in NYC, takes guests of all ages through an immersive museum gallery exhibition followed by a sky-high tour of the Big Apple in the northeast’s first flying theater. Explore the city’s history with mom using the code MOTHERSDAY at online checkout for BOGO on Sunday only!. Limit four tickets per order while supplies last.
Annual Azalea Festival
Sayen Gardens, Hamilton
Join for a Mother’s Day weekend of fun filled with local craft vendors and good food as you stroll through the renowned botanical gardens complete with blooming Azalea shrubs. After a 3-year hiatus, Sayen Gardens looks forward to welcoming you back to this signature event.
Mother’s Day Hikes
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, Short Hills
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a guided hike through our woodlands and learn about some of the wildflowers that grow in the spring. There will be iced tea and sweet treats after the hike. The entire event will take place outside.
Mother’s Day Throughout Town
Downtown Flemington
Give the gift of Flemington this Mothers’ Day by enjoying the town’s numerous shops and restaurants. Take in the beauty of the town that every mother will love. There’s something for every mom in more than 450 retail shops, restaurants, and health, beauty and wellness businesses.
All Weekend
Asbury Park Spring Bazaar
Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch
Grand Arcade at Asbury Park Convention Hall, Asbury Park
The weekend will feature a shopping, arts & crafts and music experience in two beautiful locations by the beach. Enjoy shopping from local makers, artists, designers, crafters and collectors. Don’t miss fresh flower bouquets, Mother’s Day photos and photo stations, music and entertainment, craft workshops, kids’ workshops and face painting, brunch and delicious food and libations. *Due to forecast for rainy weather Grand Arcade Asbury Park’s event will be all indoors; Whitechapel Projects will be indoors and there will be a large tent covering the outside areas.
Farm to Table Mother’s Day Brunch
Alstede Farms, Chester
Treat the special mother in your life to a Farm to Table Mother’s Day Brunch at Alstede Farms. Enjoy tractor drawn wagon rides around the farm while taking in the relaxed farm atmosphere and enjoying a casual family style meal for a truly memorable day. Stay and enjoy friendly farm animals, self-guided museum tour, visit the charming farm store or enjoy homemade ice cream.
Mother’s Day Weekend Boat Tours
Tuckerton Seaport, Tuckerton
Join Tuckerton Seaport for special Mother’s Day Weekend Boat Rides along Tuckerton Creek. The Seaport Captain and tour guide will take groups out for a scenic, one hour tour of Tuckerton Creek. Learn about the local women who helped shaped Tuckerton’s history.