Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9th. And this year, we can thankfully look forward to a bit more activity and togetherness! In the spirit of this being my 17th Mother’s Day, here are 17 ideas of how to spend Mother’s Day right here in Westchester.
- Brunch is often an ideal answer to, “What should we do on Mother’s Day?” Restaurants are open – many with outside seating and specials for Mother’s Day.
- Pottery, Painting, or Arts & Crafts: My mother, my daughter, and I went to the Pottery Factory on Mother’s Day a few years back for walk-in fun. It was a perfect laid-back activity. A Maze in Pottery and Clay Art Center are other excellent options.
- Bicycle Riding: Westchester County offers the perfect opportunity for this. Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway is one of the county’s longest-running and popular programs. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on most Sundays from May through October, the parkway is open exclusively for bicyclists, in-line skaters, scooters, walkers, and joggers from Exit 22 at the Westchester County Center to Exit 4 at Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.
- The Movies! After more than a year, theaters are re-opening! After all this time, going to the movies and grabbing a bucket of popcorn could feel like a novelty!
- Spa Treatments: Manicure, pedicure, facial, massage…take your pick. You have earned this.
- Shopping Spree: Once in a while, we are all worthy of a splurge once, if you’re able—ample opportunities to shop local.
- Sports and Games: Countless options for both indoors and outdoors. Puzzles, video games, and board games. Tennis, tag, kickball, or even just a catch. Try out a few less common, such as badminton or pickleball.
- Enjoy the spring weather and head to one of many local parks for a family picnic.
- Arrange for a family photo shoot. Definitely something you’ll treasure for years to come!
- Westchester offers over 600 miles of trails. Hiking or a long walk could be a perfect way to spend a few hours on Mother’s Day. Enjoy some quality time with your family and nature. You can always bring along a scavenger hunt (plenty online) to keep the kids occupied and entertained!
- Pizza and beer – enough said?
- Take in one of the many tourist spots available to us in Westchester County: Nature centers, farmers markets, museums, gardens, estates, and many more. A few options include Untermyer Gardens, Rockefeller Preserve, and Katonah Museum of Art. Note that reservations might be required due to COVID restrictions.
- Rest and Relaxation: I know, I know – it’s not always easy with little kids, but steal a moment or two! Read, color, do a crossword puzzle, watch television, or take a nap (my fave!)
- Go on a frozen yogurt or ice cream run. Sometimes we have multiple stops on Mother’s Day and need a short and sweet activity that is not an all-day commitment. Nothing fits this description better than some fro-yo or ice cream.
- Focus = YOU: Do something that you love, but don’t often have time to do, like gardening, baking, listen, sing, dance to music, write, knitting, draw, yoga, etc. Our hobbies often take a back seat to everyday life. Bring them back to the forefront for Mother’s Day.
- I’m lucky enough to live not far from my mother, mother-in-law, and other close relatives. Yet, many families are spread throughout the country and the world. If we have learned nothing else this past year, technology is a godsend for holidays and celebrations. Zoom with friends and relatives near and far.
- Nothing…plan absolutely nothing and see where the day takes you!