Mother’s Day doesn’t have to involve an elaborate plan. Sometimes the best way to spend it is by doing something spontaneous: a walk through a stunning garden, an afternoon down the Shore, hitting up a cute local market or going for a wine tasting. Here are five ideas we love this Mother’s Day weekend—no reservations required.
If You Love to Shop
Throughout the year, Asbury Park Bazaar hosts pop-up markets at Convention Hall and the Grand Arcade in Asbury Park, and on Saturday and Sunday their Spring Bazaar brings together local makers, music, food, and hands-on experiences. Shop from 30 different booths selling everything from handmade jewelry and vintage fashion to home décor, art and specialty foods. Build your own bouquet, crochet flowers or make a hat at the DIY bars. Turn your kid’s art into a custom design, and then get their face painted. The festival is pet-friendly, too. While you’re there, have lunch on the boardwalk or take a walk in the sand. Admission to the bazaar is free.
If You Want a Fun Family Day With the Kids
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Pt. Pleasant has everything for a full day at the Jersey Shore: the beach and boardwalk, the aquarium, several arcades, restaurants and ice cream shops, and 28 rides in the amusement park area (kids love the bumper cars and the train that travels around the park). Recently ranked the 4th Best Boardwalk in NJ by Travel + Leisure for its kid-friendly attractions, you can also spend time on the Adventure Lookout Ropes Course, virtual 7D Dark Ride, playing mini golf and inside the interactive Fun House.
On Sunday, moms get free admission to the amusement park, aquarium, mini golf, ropes course and fun house as long as they’re with a child who has a paid wristband. And while you’re there, check out the spot for the new Patriot’s Run roller coaster, set to open before America’s 250th birthday celebration.
If You’re Into Horse Racing
Spend Mother’s Day at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, and you’ll get free admission, a flower, and be entered to win tickets to a Tim McGraw concert on July 10 at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. The Mother’s Day brunch is sold out, but you can grab a bite at The Summer Wind, Lady’s Secret Café or the Winner’s Circle Terrace Bar; or pack a lunch for the picnic area. Along with watching the races, the kids can go on a pony ride, play in the bounce house, meet some clowns or get their faces painted.
For the Wine Lovers
The Garden State Wine Growers Association offers the Mother’s Day Trail, so you can visit wineries from north to south Jersey. Special events include a Mother’s Day Bouquet Bar at Working Dog Winery in Hightstown, Mother’s Day in the Grove at Laurita Winery in New Egypt, food trucks and live music at Bellview Winery in Landisville, a family-friendly gathering at Terhune Orchards in Princeton (where moms get a discount on wine flights), a weekend of sipping and shopping at Autumn Lake Winery in Williamstown, and a charcuterie party at Rebel Sheep Wine Co. in Chester.
For a Serene Day in Nature
Van Vleck House & Gardens in Montclair is a beautiful place to spend Mother’s Day. The 12-acre garden is filled with spring blooms, including azaleas, wisteria and rhododendron, along with a kitchen garden, Fairy Garden Trail and children’s butterfly garden for kids to explore. At 2 pm, the New Jersey Symphony Brass Quintet will perform as part of the Second Sunday Concert series. Bring a chair or blanket and relax on the Bingham formal lawn. Admission to the gardens and concert is free, though donations are requested.
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