60 Mother's Day Activities the Whole Family Will Love

Set Up a Scavenger Hunt

Give your mom a fun adventure filled with clues that take her to her favorite spots—and a small gift, treat, or experience at each destination. (What mom will say no to a midday massage?)

Even better, have each family member create their own clue, and offer up a message that tells Mom just how special she is.

Get Your Game On

Whether Mom loves board games, video games, or DIY classics like charades and name that tune, launch a tourney to get everyone in on the fun. Need some hints? Check out these party game ideas for adults and kids.

Create Something

Have a crafty mom? Look for a cool project you can all work on together—whether that's painting ceramics for a customized new set of mugs or plates, building a birdhouse, or taking on a paint and sip. (If you want to DIY it at home, look for art kits that give you everything you need for a fun project.)

Start Something Growing

For much of the country, Mother's Day marks the perfect time of year to get your garden started. After Mom has enjoyed her breakfast in bed, head out to the garden center to find some great things to grow, and put the whole family to work getting the garden in shape.

Put Your Family to Work

Let your kids get creative and put together a special event just for her. Splurge on a few fun spa products (think bath bombs, facial masks, splurge-worthy body cream), and draw the bath for her and let her relax. Or create your own fancy restaurant (let the kids color in a fun menu and set the table), and serve her all of her favorite dishes.

Take a Nap Together

If there's anything a mom needs, it's more sleep. Cocoon everyone into your bed, include a few good bedtime stories and some cozy throws to get everyone feeling drowsy, and nod off for a few well-deserved Zzzs. (P.S. If it's nice outside, a hammock makes a perfect place for a little R&R.)

Learn Something New Together

With online, on-demand options (and plenty of creative classes near you), you should be able to find something to try together. Maybe try a new dish, learn to make a gorgeous flower arrangement (for mom, of course), or start learning a new language.

Stick With the Classics

There's a reason Mother's day breakfast in bed is tried and true—what Mom doesn't love the opportunity to relax in bed while her family whips up a fantastic meal? Don't forget the flowers and perhaps a new book she'll want to read while she's enjoying her omelet or pancakes.

Take Time to Reminisce

You know how Mom gets teary every time she sees baby photos of you? Spend the day reliving the glory days by looking back over old photos and watching home movies.

Hang Poolside

Mother's Day falls in mid-May, which is plenty warm enough for pool time in many places. Mom will be thrilled to relax with a good book while soaking up the rays and indulging in her favorite warm-weather drink.

Have a Binge Watching Marathon

Create a lineup of all of her favorite mom-friendly shows and movies, and get cozy on the couch to enjoy it. (Don't forget the popcorn!) If your mom might be looking for something new to watch, pick something at random that you think she might enjoy.

Make It a Spa Day

Book her in for her favorite treatments at a spa, or splurge on some masks, lotions, and other goodies to pamper her head to toe at home.

Pack Up a Picnic

Dining al fresco with the fam will definitely be high on her list of Mother's Day must-dos. So pack up a moveable feast (don't forget the rosé), and let her sip and enjoy with the crew. (P.S. If the weather doesn't cooperate, a living room picnic can be just as fun.)

Give Her a Rain Check

If her favorite activity is one that isn't exactly feasible at the moment (whether it's out of season or rain cancels your outdoor adventure), you can gift her an IOU for a future day of fun. (Perhaps send her on a bit of a scavenger hunt to track down her gift to add a little action to your day.)

Indulge Her Sweet Tooth

Set up a dessert bar at home, and let Mom pick her toppings! Whether mom prefers cakes, cookies, or even a sundae bar, she'll be sure to adore this sweet treat (just make sure to clean up afterward).

Give Back Together

If your mom has a generous spirit, pick a worthy cause and donate some time to it on Mother's Day, whether you're helping plant a community garden or serve food at a local soup kitchen.

Help Her Solve Something

Put your heads together over a jigsaw puzzle or a murder mystery game (if she's more the true-crime podcast type).

Go Pinkies Up at a High Tea

What mom wouldn't love a little tea and fancy sandwiches and petit fours for Mother's Day? Book something at a local restaurant, or gather everything you need for a fancy high tea at home. (Don't forget to dress up!)

Bake Something Delicious

If your mom loves to bake, pick out a favorite treat that you can collaborate to make. (Perhaps a yummy dessert for Mother's Day dinner?) You could pair that with a related baking gift that she can use during the baking process.

Set Sail

Mother's Day doesn't have to be spent landlocked. If you live near a river, lake, or ocean, consider booking a boat trip—options range from dinner cruises to sailboats or renting a full yacht.

Set Up Some Blissful Alone Time

Mom loves you—Mom might actually love a little me time on Mother's Day. Block off a few hours for her to do whatever it is she likes—without anyone tagging along.

Enjoy a Tasting Event

Take her favorite treat, and turn it into an event. For a grownups-only event, you can opt to visit your local makers or a restaurant or bar for a wine, beer, or whiskey tasting. Or set up your own at home, with a variety of types of chocolate, coffee, cheese, ice cream (can she tell the difference between the splurgey mint chocolate chip and the cheaper one?)—or whatever other treats she loves.

Visit a Farmers Market (or a Farm!)

Whether she's looking for fresh strawberries and homemade jam—or just a little quality time with a baby lamb or two—she'll enjoy either excursion.

Have a Fill-in-the-Blank Fight

Pick your perfect weapons—water balloons, pillows, marshmallows, paintballs—and battle it out. (Just be sure that you're on cleanup duty, not mom.)

Book a Reading

Check out your local spiritual/metaphysical shop to see if they're doing any special Tarot or astrology readings for Mother's Day. Or book an astrologer or Tarot card reader to come to Mom's house and do the reading over wine and hors d'oeuvres.

Plan a (Short) Road Trip

Pack all those road trip essentials—including great snacks and a killer playlist—and take her on a surprise adventure somewhere she hasn't been.

Two Words: Goat Yoga

Cute animals + zen-inducing movement = one great Mother's Day activity. If goat yoga isn't available near you, plain yoga will do the job.

Put on a Show

There's nothing your mom loves more than watching you flaunt your talents. So go ahead—show off that TikTok choreo, serenade her with her favorite song, or teach your dog a sweet new trick.

Collaborate With Her Crew

Sometimes, moms just want to have fun (together) for Mother's Day. Coordinate with the families of her dearest friends for a group Mother's Day activity, like sending them to the spa for a few hours, or hosting a mom-centric happy hour.

Treat Her to a Shopping Spree

If retail therapy is one of Mom's favorite pastimes, indulge her in a day of shopping. Some department stores will even let you book private shopping experiences complete with styling—just like the celebs do!

Hit the Beach

Even if it's not quite bikini weather where you are, a stroll along your local body of water will be enjoyable.

Say Yes to Karaoke

Give everyone a turn at the mic for a fun, family-friendly Mother's Day activity.

Read a Book Together

Start a family-wide book club, and dive into a great read with your mom for a few hours on Mother's Day. You can chat about your progress at dinner.

Get Your Pictures Taken (With Her in Them!)

We all know that Mom's usually behind the camera—so have a photo shoot where she's the star. Whether you book a pro or have Dad or someone else take a turn behind the lens, you'll ensure that she remembers this special point in time.

Check Out a Dream Ride

Rent Mom's dream car from a luxury rental car company and make a day of driving. Whether you're in a Ferrari convertible or a classic Mustang, this treat will be sure to have Mom cheering at the finish line.

Set Up a Dance Party

Crank up her favorite playlist, and let everyone show off their dance moves for a while. (It's the perfect way to work off a little of that delicious Mother's Day brunch you whipped up.)

Indulge in Some Culture

Take your mom to the theater or ballet, a local museum or gallery, or even the movies to let your mom enjoy a great performance or work of art.

Cheer on Her Favorite Team

Take your sports-minded mom to a local ballgame (or her favorite sports bar) so she can cheer them on.

Indulge Her Nerdy Side

Whatever your mom is passionate about—wildlife, comics, science, Lego building, or Marvel Universe—find a way to work it into the day. You can head to the zoo, science museum, a comic con or comic book store, or start an epic Lego build.

Get Some Ink

This activity isn't for everyone, but if Mom has always wanted a tattoo (or another tattoo), now's the time. Book a spot at a local tattoo shop and surprise Mom with the chance to get new ink.

Be Her Bartender

Whether she's more Old Fashioned or Cosmopolitan (or fruity tropical drink), whip up a fancy version of it for her. (Don't forget the fancy garnish!)

Go Antiquing or Thrifting

Secondhand style (for the home and for her) is totally in vogue, so spend a lovely afternoon looking for a few treasures for her (and maybe you).

Get (or Give) Her a Massage

There are few people who would turn down an opportunity to get a backrub or a full-on massage.

Keep It Casual

Make Mother's Day the ultimate lazy Sunday—have everyone stay cozy in their PJs, eat comfort foods (or even breakfast foods all day long), and just chill out at home.

Hire a Private Chef

Gourmet meals don't have to take place in restaurants—hire a private chef and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of home. With no shopping, cooking, or cleaning necessary, Mom can sit back and enjoy being catered to right in her dining room. 

Get Creative With Nail Art

Mani-pedis are always a fun Mother's Day activity. Help her express herself with a home mani pedi (and some cool nail art to show off).

Give Her a Little Star Power

Look for a way to bring a little of their favorite celebrity to them, whether you buy a signed copy of their favorite author's book, or book a Cameo with their favorite boy band member.

Cross Something off Her Bucket List

Whether she's always wanted to go on a one-day road trip, ride an elephant, or try skateboarding, Mother's Day is the perfect day to cross something special off of their bucket list.

Gather Her Words of Wisdom

Have your family start brainstorming all those great (and often funny) "mom-isms" that Mom has shared, and gather them in a book to keep for posterity.

Take Her Out on Horseback

If you have a local equestrian center, see if they're doing any specials for Mother's Day. Take Mom out for a gallop and enjoy the local wildlife.

Go for a Bike Ride

If the weather's lovely, grab your crew and head out on a leisurely bike ride (make sure to make a pit stop for a little Mother's Day treat or two along the way).

Make Fun Future Plans

Take the day to start making big plans, whether it's a dream vacation, scoping out ideas for the ultimate backyard, or plotting out a kitchen reno.

Play Outside

Let Mom have a little kiddie fun on Mother's Day. Plan a day of cool outdoor activities, like frisbee, blowing bubbles, playing hopscotch, or hula hooping.

Take a Hike (or a Stroll)

Find a nice place to take a scenic walk or hike and commune with Mother Nature on Mother's Day.

Go Up In the Air

Is Mom an adventure-seeker? Would she jump at the chance to go up in a hot air balloon, bungee jump, or take a skydiving class? See what your area has to offer and take your daredevil mama for an adventure.

Play a New Sport—or an Old Favorite

Start a tourney for her favorite game, whether it's pickleball, mini golf, volleyball, or croquet.

Spend Some Time on the Water

Whether her favorite mode of water transportation is a sailboat, duck boat, kayak, paddle board, or surfboard, she'll enjoy a day on the water.

Make Over a Space

Spend the day giving your living room, patio, or her bedroom or private reading nook a little extra oomph, whether you opt to rearrange the furniture, or shift around accessories to make it look even more fabulous.

Be Backyard Tourists

There's probably some quirky museum, cool new restaurant, or other attraction in your area you haven't visited in a while (or ever!) Take a little staycation and remind yourselves what you love about your hometown.

Treat Her to a Special Dinner

A girl's gotta eat (even after that big Mother's Day brunch). So make it a two-fer and cover both meals that day, whether you opt to brave the restaurants, get her favorite takeout, or DIY a special dinner.