Don’t let Mother’s Day come and go without treating yourself! We’ve done the prep work in finding 19 great events that will fit the bill for whatever kind of day you’re hoping to have. Whether you want to celebrate with your family, or you’d prefer to have the kids entertained so you can have some extra “me time,” New Jersey Family’s got you covered.
Berkeley Heights YMCA
550 Springfield Ave., Berkeley HeightsMay 13, 9 am, Memorial Field
908-464-8373 x 2026
At the 11th annual Mother’s Day 5K, run or walk in honor of loved ones. Race proceeds will benefit LIVESTRONG at the YMCA—the Y’s new cancer survivorship and recovery program.
The Garden State Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Rd., Cherry HillMay 12, 12–3 pm, $, free/under age 12 months
856-424-1233
A teddy bear-themed picnic is led by Rosie Hymerling, a mother and new grandmother herself! She’ll have songs, stories, and snacks for mother and child to share.
Great Swamp
247 Southern Blvd., ChathamMay 13, 2–3 pm, free, registration required
973-635-6629
Moms and their families go on a guided nature walk and learn some facts about Mother Nature.
Grounds for Sculpture
18 Fairgrounds Rd., HamiltonMay 13, 11 am–3 pm, $
609-586-0616
Rat’s Restaurant and The Peacock Café are offering moms an elegant brunch menu fit for a queen! After, stroll the magnificent sculpture park.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
300 Ocean Ave., Pt. Pleasant BeachMay 13, 10 am–5 pm
732-899-1659
Spend the day at the aquarium. All moms are free with a paid child admission.
Kidville
20 Grand Ave., EnglewoodMay 13, 9-11 am, $, registration suggested
201-266-0633
Moms, get some extra shuteye and let dad take the kids (ages newborn-6 years) for gym and crafting fun. Each child can make a special gift/craft to take home to mom.
Lord Stirling Stable
256 S. Maple Ave., Basking RidgeMay 13, 10–11 am, registration required
908-766-5955
Non-equestrian family members can join a special Mother’s Day trail ride.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
45 Macculloch Ave., MorristownMay 13, 1–4 pm, regular admission, free/moms
973-538-2404
Treat yourself to a special afternoon this Mother’s Day. Moms and their families can enjoy a tour of the museum, a visit to the current exhibits, and a garden tour. There will also be craft activities and a scavenger hunt for children, inspired by the museum’s current Civil War exhibit.
The New Jersey Children’s Museum
599 Valley Health Plz., ParamusMay 12–13, 10 am–5 pm, $
201-262-5151
Mother's Day Weekend: the museum is full of activities that show moms how special they are.
Palisades Interstate Park
Park Headquarters, Alpine (PIP Exit 2)May 13, 11 am, free
201-768-1360 x 108
Join a two-hour, four-mile, easy, guided hike to The Women’s Federation Monument, part of the NJ Women’s Heritage Trail.
Ridgefield Nature Center
Shaler Blvd. at Ray Ave., RidgefieldMay 13, 10 am, registration required
201-230-4983
This two-hour bird walk includes a trip to see Monk Parakeets on Railroad Ave., and ends at Skeetkill Creek Marsh on Pleasantview Terrace. Meet at the Ridgefield Nature Center, Shaler Blvd. gate.
The State Theatre
15 Livingston Ave., New BrunswickMay 13, 6 pm, $
732-246-7469
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a concert from R&B singer-songwriter Brian McKnight. This intimate, solo-acoustic performance features McKnight on guitar and piano.
Tenafly Nature Center
313 Hudson Ave., TenaflyMay 13, 10 am, $, free/members and moms
201-568-6093
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a two-hour guided hike. All ages welcome (no strollers). In case of inclement weather, the program will be canceled.
Van Vleck House and Gardens
21 Van Vleck St., MontclairMay 13, 1–3 pm, free
973-744-4752
An ensemble from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra offers a selection of tunes to please the whole family at this Mother’s Day concert. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds. Fair weather only.
WannaBee Chef
18 Union Ave., CresskillMay 12, 2:30–4:30 pm, $, registration required
201-503-0335
Mothers are welcome to participate in this kids’ cooking class in which kids ages 7 and up learn to make chicken salad, smoked salmon, chocolate truffles, and more. After, enjoy the meal and bring home the recipes.
Watchung Stables
1160 Summit Ln., MountainsideMay 13, 9:15 and 10:30 am, $, registration required
908-789-3665
Watchung Stables offers two special Mother’s Day guided trail rides in the Watchung Reservation (ages 9 and up to ride).
Weis Ecology Center
150 Snake Den Rd., RingwoodMay 13, 11 am–2 pm, $, free/moms, registration required
973-835-2160
Families with elementary school-age kids and older go on a three-mile guided hike. Pack lunch for a picnic at Wyanokie High Point with a view of Norvin Green State Forest.
West Windsor Arts Center
952 Alexander Rd., Princeton JunctionMay 13, 3 pm, $, free/children under age 2
609-716-1931
Sunday Sampler Series: Tap Team Two: Hoofing in America: "Hoofing" is a uniquely American creation with roots in Irish clogging, African dance, and early 20th-century street and social dances. At this event, two "hoofing" dancers will showcase Irish, African, hip-hop, and house rhythms. Be prepared to learn a few basic steps and dance in their footsteps. Children and grown-ups will want to get up and dance!
Willowwood Arboretum
353 E. Hanover Ave., MorristownMay 13, 12-4:30 pm, free
908-234-1815
Stroll amidst the spring gardens and beautiful lilac collection at the height of its beauty and fragrance. From 1-3 pm, folk, country, and bluegrass musical entertainment is provided by the Stoney River Boys. Light refreshments and self-guided tours will be available. Limited supply of unusual lilacs will be sold.