Mother’s Day is an important day of the year that calls for a special celebration. Depending upon what she likes, there are several fun ways to celebrate the special mom or mother figure in your life! New York City offers plenty of ways to celebrate. Read on for our list of ways to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day in NYC – New York City Ideas
Picnic in the Petals
While the peak bloom is well over there are still some petals in the branches, and those on the ground have created a pretty pink carpet (which is great for a picnic!). Head to Central Park’s famous Bridle Path, or make a unique day of it with a tram ride to Roosevelt Island. A list of our favorite cherry blossom spots in NYC can be found HERE.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Treat mom with a special brunch or lunch celebration. A neighborhood favorite is always a great choice! Looking for a view? Try for Tavern on the Green, The Boathouse, or The Fulton. More of a scene? Check out Balthazar, Dante or Boucherie. A bit of Paris without a plane ticket – try Ladurée. Reservations are essential – book ahead!
Mothers Day Stroll
There’s plenty of blooms to see across New York City! Take mom for a stroll through Central Park’s Shakesphere’s Garden, visit the tulip field at Brookfield Place in lower Manhattan, or walk Fifth Avenue to step into a “floral sketchbook” of gorgeous sculptures. French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet has created a bouquet of immersive installations complemented by live flowers (seen above), making it the perfect place to take a stroll with mom.
Mother’s Day Adventure
The best way to celebrate is to spend quality time together. Spend that time trying something new! Taking mom on a new city adventure will create an everlasting memory of the day. A few ideas: have a water adventure by renting a rowboat on Central Park’s lake, take a “swim” at the Seaglass Carousel, walk with mom across the Brooklyn Bridge, or check out a new-to-you rooftop observation deck. Don’t forget to take a family photo at the event.
Mother’s Day in NYC – Events
Mothers Day Garden Party
Don’t get mom a bouquet of flowers- head to New York’s largest garden instead! The New York Botanical Garen is celebrating mom all weekend at their annual Garden Party. The celebration includes live music on Daffodil Hill, food trucks and vendors (that include wine and beer), kids’ games, activities, and more. Bring a blanket and set up a picnic on the grass and enjoy the festivities, before celebrating mom with a stroll through the blooming gardens. All Weekend. New York Botanical Garden. 2900 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY. More info HERE.
Tulip Celebration – Waterdrinker Farm
You can still catch the tulips! Tiptoe through a field of flowers at Waterdrinker Farm on Long Island. Visit for tulips and photo ops, stay for farm animals, mini-golf, jump pad, and the fun playgrounds. The best part is that the ENTIRE family can be present, Waterdrinker Farm is fur friend friendly and allows dogs on the premises. Waterdrinker Farm. 663 Wading River Road, Manorville, NY. More info HERE.
Art in the Garden: Weekends in Bloom
Celebrate mom and all the spring blooms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden with pop-up music and dance performances, chances to talk with BBG gardeners, craft activities for kids and families, and fun garden tours. Want a little brunch with the blooms? Book a table at the gardens Yellow Magnolia Café for a special Mother’s Day prix fixe celebration too. Note: No picnic blankets are allowed at Brooklyn Botanical. All Weekend. Brooklyn Botanical Garden. 990 Washington Avenue. More information HERE.
Mother’s Day in NYC – Activities
Sky High Mother’s Day Celebration – Summit One Vanderbilt
Make this Mother’s Day an unforgettable one at SUMMIT. Take a photo with a stunning floral backdrop, and enjoy the jaw-dropping views of Manhattan from above! Bonus: buy any ticket from May 5-May 8 for a chance to win a special lunch at Daniel Boulud’s Le Pavillon. Summit One Vanderbilt. 5 East 42nd Street. Entrance is located on the main concourse of Grand Central Terminal. More HERE.
Sweet Mother’s Day Celebration – Museum of Ice Cream
Museum of Ice Cream NYC celebrates Mother’s Day with a super sweet experience featuring crafts, photo ops, special cocktails, and of course – Ice Cream! All weekend. Museum of Ice Cream NYC. 558 Broadway, New York. More Info HERE.
Rise Up your Mother’s Day Celebration – RiseNY
Take mom on a flight she will remember, without leaving this New York theater! RiseNY is part ride, part museum – and the first-of-its-kind attraction in NYC. RiseNY is celebrating all moms and mother figures with BOGO tickets! Use code MOTHERSDAY at the online checkout to activate this offer. The buy-one-get-one free ticket offer is available online only and has a limit of four tickets per order while supplies last. Sunday, May 8th. RiseNY. 160 West 45th Street New York, NY. More information HERE.
A Wild Mother’s Day Celebration
Looking for a wild celebration? Celebrate mom with a Zoo visit! The Central Park zoo is hosting a special family-themed event on Mother’s Day where you can visit with some of your favorite Zoo inhabitants and deliver some special treats to special ladies of the Zoo. Central Park Zoo. 64th Street & 5th Avenue. Advance Registration Required. More HERE.
