Want to think outside the box for Mother's Day? 6 fun experiences to share with Mom

Katharine McPhee is like many mothers – tangible gifts are less important to her than special time spent with children.

The singer/actress and her husband, Grammy Award-winning composer/producer David Foster – whose latest tour stops at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Mother’s Day, May 12 – bring their 3-year-old, Rennie, on the road, and McPhee is always looking for fun activities for their downtime.

“I like finding my own personal space on the road, and fun things to do with him," she says. "That time is priceless.”

Treating your mom to their show for Mother’s Day will feature a romp through their individual and collective songbooks – his creations from the movie “The Bodyguard,” including “I Have Nothing,” which is the song she performed under his coaching on “American Idol,” and her hits from stints in Broadway shows “Smash” and “Waitress.” Plus, the pair love to weave storytelling into their shows, bringing the audience into their romance and family life, and talking about the steps McPhee is taking into songwriting, which has long been Foster’s arena.

“We probably do 13 to 14 songs. It’s like a peek into our living room,” Foster says. “We do great together – we even get into fights on stage! It’s a nice rhythm.”

“There’s just so much going on in both our heads,” McPhee chimes in.

Writing, she adds, has been a natural progression for her. And, as Foster has stopped writing as prolifically, he’s available to help her along.

“Melodies inspire me. Inspiration just comes to me out of the blue,” McPhee says. “As I get older, there’s a little pressure for me to write and be more open.”

“The best stuff comes through you, not from you,” Foster reminds her.

“An Intimate Evening with David Foster and Katharine McPhee” starts at 7 p.m. For tickets, go to ppacri.org.

Looking for some other fun experiences to share with Mom on her special day? Here are some ideas:

Eggs with a side of laughter

Hometown Tavern (hometowntavernri.com), 632 Metacom Ave., Warren, is hosting a Mother’s Day Comedy Brunch on May 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets for the event are $34.95.

Fix your own flowers

A few days before Mother’s Day, on Thursday, May 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., take mom to a Mother's Day Floral workshop orchestrated by Bloom Back Flowers, held at Escada, 39 Putnam Pike, in Johnston. The hands-on experience will leave you with a stunning arrangement to take home. Register by May 8 at bloombackflowers.com.

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Try a high-tech golf game

No matter the weather, Topgolf (topgolf.com/us/rhode-island) at 120 Sockanosset Cross Road in Cranston, has three floors of covered, climate-controlled hitting bays for Mom to work on her swing. The facility also offers food and craft cocktails and more than 200 televisions for entertainment. Bays accommodate up to six players aiming at giant outfield targets and using high-tech balls that score themselves. On Sundays, bays are $43 an hour before noon, $55 an hour from noon to 3 p.m., and $65 an hour from 3 p.m. to closing. Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to midnight.

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Unwind with a relaxing sound bath

Mom will feel relaxed and rejuvenated after a sound bath session at The Sanctuary in Woodstock, Connecticut. Participants are surrounded by soothing vibrations and harmonious tones that wash away tension and promote inner peace. The event, on Saturday, May 11, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., starts with a picnic lunch and includes a guided meditation and a carnation arrangement for all moms. The cost is $75 per person. Go to A Mother's Day Sound Bath Healing, Meditation and Gourmet Picnic Lunch Tickets, Sat, May 11, 2024, at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite to register. The address is sent via confirmation email.

Find unique gifts

Shop with – or for – mom at the Mother’s Day Specialty Market at Tiverton Middle School, 10 Quintal Drive, Sunday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 50 vendors will be offering artisanal foods and beverages, jewelry, pottery and, of course, flowers. Admission and parking are free. Go to tivertonfarmersmarket.com for more details.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Mother's Day fun in RI: 6 ideas to share the gift of your time