10 Things to Do In NYC to Celebrate Mother’s Day
New York City is nothing if not busy, with tons of events and activities going on at all times of the year. So if you’re still having some trouble pinning down exactly the best way to celebrate mom this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 14), we feel ya. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of our top ten recommendations for the best things to do this Mother’s Day to show your mama just how special she really is, whether she prefers a cocktail brunch, getting crafty or even breaking a sweat on the pickleball court.
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1. Craft Flower Crowns at the William Vale
@hanatonyc/Instagram
She’s already the queen of your heart, so why not design her a crown to match? The William Vale has partnered with Hanato Floral Design Studio to host a flower crown building workshop on May 15 at 5:30 pm so you and your mom can design your own dream headpieces using sustainable wildflowers. The course is $95 per person, but there is a discount for any children participating (just be sure to give them a call to get the details).
111 N 12th St, Brooklyn
2. Relax and Refresh with Spa Treatments at The WELL
@thewell/Instagram
There are lots of ways to get your wellness on this Mother’s Day, whether you prefer a classic full-body massage or a vibrational energy healing session. The WELL is also hosting a movement class on May 21 that begins with a relaxing yoga flow and ends with a guided discussion about maternal mental health.
2 E 15th St, New York
3. Get Brunch and a Bouquet at La Marchande
Courtesy of La Marchande
Treat mom to a delicious, three-course brunch with chef John Fraser‘s twist on French favorites like avocado tartine, turmeric crepes and smoked salmon assiette. Plus, as a bonus Mother’s Day treat, mom will receive a complimentary bouquet of flowers if a member of your party orders the specialty cocktail of the day, made with The Botanist gin. (P.S. If Mediterranen food is more her vibe, Fraser’s other restaurant, IRIS, is offering the same beautiful blooms with brunch.)
88 Wall St., New York
4. See the Work of Karl Lagerfeld Up Close at the Met
courtesy of the Met
Have yourselves a Met Gala moment and pick up tickets to explore the museum’s new “A Line of Beauty” exhibit featuring the work of famed designer Karl Lagerfeld. Stroll through a timeline of 150 of his most intricate and inspired designs for brands like Fendi, Chanel, Chloé and Balmain. Tickets are free with museum admission (which costs $30 for adults, $22 for seniors, $17 for students or NY residents can pay as they like) and the pieces will be on display until July 16, 2023.
1000 5th Ave., New York
5. Challenge Mom to a Game of Pickleball
City Pickle
Central Park’s Wollman rink has been transformed from an ice skating destination into a pickleball installation for summer, making it an ideal place to challenge mom to a little one-on-one (or two-on-two). There are 14 pickleball courts available to reserve from 8 am to 9 pm, as well as nine private courtside cabanas if you plan to make a whole day of it. You can also rent paddles if you don’t have your own equipment.
830 5th Ave., New York
6. Share a Dance at The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience
@bridgertonexperience/Instagram
Perfect for the mom who binged watched all of Queen Charlotte the day it came out on Netflix, this Bridgerton-inspired event features regency-era decor and dancing, as well as curated cocktails and tons of photo ops. Costumes are not required, but highly encouraged so you can fully immerse yourselves in all the fun of courting the favor of the Queen herself. You may even be named the diamond of the season.
508 West 37th Street, New York
7. Surround Yourself with Butterflies at the Gilder Center
the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History finally opened the doors on its latest addition, the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, just in time for Mother’s Day. The fascinating new wing includes a butterfly vivarium that’s home to 80 species of butterfly and the lush gardens they thrive in. There’s also an immersive Invisible Worlds exhibit that dives into the both the incredibly tiny and unbelievably enormous ecosystems that are all part of life on Earth. (P.S. Entry to the Gilder Center is free with admission, but you will have to buy separate tickets for both the butterfly vivarium and the Invisible Worlds exhibit.)
200 Central Park West, New York
8. Take in the Views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Enjoy incredible 360-degree views of the boroughs from 91 stories up and fun photo ops at this interactive art installation. There’s also an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy light bites and cocktails, including specialty “Mom-mosas” served only on Sunday, May 14, to celebrate the holiday. Tickets start at $42 for times available every half hour.
45 E 42nd St., New York
9. Join the Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party at NYBG
the New York Botanical Gardens
Take a break from busy city streets to stroll along winding paths at the New York Botanical Garden. Even better, there’s a Weekend Garden Party going on all weekend long, from 11 am to 5 pm on May 13 and 14, with lots of activities for you and the fam. Think classic lawn games, card making stations, face painting and more arts and crafts. Or you can peel off to find a spot in the shade to just read, relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.
2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
10. Sip Coffee at Central Perk
FRIENDS the Experience
If you’ve yet to visit FRIENDS the Experience, trust us when we say you’re in for a real treat. You and your mom can wander through an interactive installation of your favorite set pieces—like Monica and Rachel’s apartment—and photo ops recreating some of the most memorable scenes—like Ross yelling “PIVOT!” while attempting to move in his new couch. And, of course, it all ends at Central Perk where you can pick up official merch and a cup of Joe to sip while sitting on the iconic orange couch.
130 E 23rd St., New York
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