Think outside the brunch this Mother's Day: 7 ways to celebrate mom in North Jersey

While brunch might be your go-to activity to celebrate Mother's Day each year, chances are you've spent countless hours trying to book reservations and fight crowded restaurants every time it comes around. So, why not switch it up this year?

The possibilities for celebrating Mother's Day in North Jersey are limitless, so make this May 12 unforgettable by making some unique memories with mom. Whether she enjoys learning a new skill, exploring nature, or just having a day of rest and relaxation, we have some suggestions for you.

Painting with a Twist, Montville

If you're looking to create a special keepsake while spending some quality time together, plan a trip to Painting with a Twist in Montville. On Mother's Day, they will be hosting three painting sessions throughout the day: 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. As it is a BYOB studio, all guests are invited to bring their favorite adult beverage and any finger foods to munch on during their two-hour sessions. Tickets for each session are $40 per person, and tickets must be purchased ahead of time online.

Go: 440 Main Road, Montville; 973-794-6390, paintingwithatwist.com.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at NJPAC, Newark

For the dance fans, take mom to the 3 p.m. matinee performance of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Mother's Day. The mixed-repertory program is a Mother's Day tradition at the NJPAC, and it will feature performances like Revelations, Me Myself and You, Solo and Survivor. There are also two other showings on Friday and Saturday night, featuring some different performances than those expected on Sunday. Tickets are $29 per person and can be purchased online.

Go: 1 Center St., Newark; 888-466-5722, njpac.org.

Mother's Day workshop at the Morris County School of Glass, Morristown

Bond over learning a new skill together this Mother's Day with a special glassblowing workshop at the Morris County School of Glass. During their two-hour Mother's Day "Brunch-Bites"-N-Blow sessions — held from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. — you can learn how to create your very own glass flowers, hearts and vases, complete with snacks and a champagne toast. The classes, which are taught at a beginners' level, cost $130 per person ages 12 and older. Space is limited, so reservations are required.

Go: 89 Whippany Road, Morristown; 973-734-0900, mcsog.com.

Mother's Day wine tasting at Ventimiglia Vineyard, Wantage

If you and mom are wine connoisseurs, or are looking to expand your palates, take part in the Mother's Day weekend wine tastings at Ventimiglia Vineyard. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, the vineyard will be hosting open wine tastings for $10 per person. Their selection of wine, which are all made in small batches, includes red and white, ranging from chardonnay, Wantage white, chambourcin and cabernet Franc.

Go: 101 Layton Road, Wantage; 973-875-4333, ventivines.com.

Paint your heart out at Color Me Mine, Ridgewood

For those looking to get in touch with their artistic side this Mother's Day, but don't necessarily want to take part in a guided class, stop by Color Me Mine in Ridgewood. At this paint-your-own-pottery studio, you and mom can choose from their wide range of unpainted ceramic pieces, such as plates, mugs, figurines, trays and more. Then, simply select your desirable color palette of paints and brushes, and design your item to your hearts content. Afterwards, the painted ceramic piece will be glazed and fired, so it will be food-safe, dishwasher safe and microwave safe. Prices vary depending on the type and size of the ceramic, and reservations are recommended.

Go: 210 E Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood; 201-445-4898, ridgewood.colormemine.com.

Celebrate National Public Gardens Day at Macculloch Hall, Morristown

What says Mother's Day more than some bright, freshly blossomed flowers? National Public Gardens Day is held each year on the Friday before Mother's Day, meaning there are tons of events where you can explore some of North Jersey's most magnificent gardens. At the Macculloch Hall Historic Museum in Morristown, there will be a free event on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in their historic gardens. Highlights of the garden include wisteria, sundial, sassafras trees, heirloom roses and more, and the event will feature presentations from Eyes of the Wild and Paws 4 a Cause Seeing Eye Puppy Club, demonstrations with a soil scientist, scavenger hunts, art activities and teacup planters for sale.

Go: 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown; 973-538-2404, maccullochhall.org.

Treat mom to a spa day at Sojo Spa Club, Edgewater

The riverside retreat of Sojo Spa Club in Edgewater is offering special packages in honor of Mother's Day, so why not treat mom to a day of rest and relaxation? The spa is offering a special gift certificate package, which covers the choice of an aromatherapy, deep muscle or heated sale stone 60-minute massage, as well as the cost of tax, tip and valet parking for $275. Sojo Spa Club is also offering gift card deals, such as an extra $25 automatically added to any gift card purchase worth $200 or more. Outside of these offers, the spa offers other services like acupressure therapy, a Korean body scrub, a volcanic sand bath and halotherapy.

Go: 660 River Road, Edgewater; 201-313-7200, sojospaclub.com.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Things to do for Mother's Day in North Jersey that aren't brunch