17 Fun Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in NYC
Everyone wants to plan a memorable day for their mother on Mother’s Day. With this special day just around the corner —Sunday, May 12th — we must start planning! So, I’ve come up with the 17 best things to do in NYC for Mother’s Day to help you stress less and plan an amazing day together. I believe our mothers should be celebrated to the fullest, and I hope this helps you and Mom have the best day!
Go on Sunset Sail with Classic Harbor Line
Experience a memorable Mother’s Day on a gorgeous sunset sail around New York City. Take in stunning views of Manhattan and the Hudson and have a few glasses of wine together. Sounds pretty perfect to me! Click here for a complete list of cruise schedules, and plan your day now.
Pack a Picnic for the Park
Head to Prospect Park or Central Park for a lovely Mother’s Day picnic! New York is full of lush green spaces perfect for outdoor gatherings. Grab Mom’s favorite food, dessert, and drinks, and head to the park to surprise her with a great spread!
Treat Mom to a Spa Day in the City
Nothing says Happy Mother’s Day better than some luxurious pampering. New York is full of great spas — so go ahead and book a massage and relax together! Click here for a list of the 20 best spas in NYC, and reserve today.
Attend a Flower Arranging Workshop
I love this idea because it incorporates Springtime. There are a lot of online workshops right now for those interested in virtual activities. You can buy the flowers and then surprise Mom with this activity from the comfort of your home! Coursehorse has some great listings of virtual flower-arranging workshops, like this one hosted by the New York Botanical Garden.
Surprise your mom with a magical Candlelight concert
Set in stunning venues bathed in the soft glow of candles, these intimate concerts feature everything from classical to jazz, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening together. It's an exquisite way to celebrate your Mom with the gift of music and a night she'll never forget.
Book a fun family Staycation
Take your mama on a staycation when you book a night at one of NYC’s many luxury hotels. Check out the iconic Gramercy Park Hotel, which grants you key access to the resident-only Gramercy Park. If you’re looking for a blend of modern comfort and urban exploration, Motto by Hilton New York City Times Square is another great choice — offering a unique boutique experience that captures the essence of New York City's vibrant lifestyle, steps away from the city's most iconic attractions.
Visit a fun Museum
Visit Fotografiska New York with your Mom to experience the U.S. solo museum debut of French artist Josèfa Ntjam. The show dives into African mythology and science fiction through a blend of multi-sensory videos, biomorphic sculptures, and photomontages on innovative materials. Futuristic Ancestry: Warping Matter and Space-time(s) is a vibrant exploration of Afro-diasporic history and themes, featuring Ntjam's immersive, dreamlike works and her 19-minute film "Matter Gone Wild," which explores revolution and systemic oppression in a visually rich, otherworldly setting.
Shop at Your Favorite Local Farmers Market
Shop with your Mom at your favorite local farmers market for yummy, organic ingredients, and cook her brunch or dinner! Check for the hours of operation and look for a market closest to you. The Union Square Greenmarket is open every Saturday; for more info, click here. Snag a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers for Mom while you’re there.
Take Mom on a Brunch Cruise
Make Mother's Day unforgettable with a brunch cruise experience by City Experiences in New York City. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet, free-flowing mimosas, and live entertainment aboard a luxurious yacht while taking in stunning views of iconic city landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Show your appreciation to the most important woman in your life with this unique and memorable gift.
Toast to Mom with a Margarita (or two!)
Celebrate Mom with some tequila and tacos. Pick a fun Mexican spot in Greenwich Village, like Agave, Tacombi, or Toloache, and say cheers, Mom!
Stroll along Brooklyn Bridge Park
For a fantastic view of Lower Manhattan, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park with Mom for a walk. Then, grab a bite nearby at the Time Out Market, where 21 different NYC chefs have come together to share their unique dishes.
Walk or Bike Around Morningside Park
Home to the historic Alfred Lincoln Seligman Fountain, a stroll in Harlem’s Morningside Park with Mom is a must! If you're both adventurous, grab a Citibike and bike through the park and the surrounding area.
Enjoy Skyline Views from Observatory Decks
Go high in the clouds and take Mom to enjoy skyline views from some of NYC’s amazing observation decks. In midtown, Top of the Rock is at Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building. Downtown, there’s One World Observatory (the tallest building in NYC), and the newest observation deck, the Edge at Hudson Yards, which is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere! Check them out for sweeping 360 views of spring sprouting up in the Big Apple.
Take a Day Trip to the Met Cloisters
Explore the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that houses nearly 5,000 medieval works. Situated on a 67-acre park in Upper Manhattan, close to the Hudson River to the west, it’s full of cool medieval art and architecture. Click here to learn more and plan your visit today!
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea in the City
Head to the Plaza Hotel, Ladurée, or Alice’s Teacup, for a sumptuous afternoon Mother’s Day Tea in the city. Click here for a list of the top 12 tea spots in NYC.
Treat mom to a pottery class
Take your Mom to a creative and relaxing experience this Mother's Day with a pottery class in New York City. Whether you're beginners looking to learn the basics or seasoned artists aiming to refine your skills, NYC has a variety of pottery studios that cater to all levels. Consider options like Mud Matters and Pottery Studio.
Check out a broadway show
As an avid enthusiast of musical theater, I recommend taking your mom to experience the timeless magic of classic musicals such as Aladdin, Chicago, The Lion King, and Wicked. However, the spotlight also shines brightly on a new entrant in the world of musicals, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. This new musical unfolds a narrative of characters embarking on a journey of self-discovery — propelled by leaps of faith. It's a great addition to the musical theater scene, offering audiences a fresh, emotional experience that resonates with the adventurous spirit found in the classics.
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