As a New York City courier service, we spend a lot of time traversing the streets and getting to know the local small businesses. This has made us experts in finding the best spots and activities for Mother’s Day in NYC! Here, we’ll be sharing a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for quality time with Mom, as well as some affordable yet meaningful gift ideas, so you don’t have to rob a bank to have a nice day with your mom.
Remember that Mother’s Day is not a competition to get the most expensive gift or to secure a reservation at the fancier restaurant, but rather a day of personal celebration that creates lifelong memories. If you are in NYC and don’t really know where to take Mom, we give you a couple of ideas to enjoy this day to the fullest.
Take a Stroll Through Central Park: Enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air while taking a leisurely walk with Mom in the heart of the city. Grab a cup of coffee and simply relish the scenery as you walk. Be sure to hold her arm and make it memorable. Listen to her stories and share what’s going on in your life.
Visit a Museum: There are plenty of museums in NYC, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, and The Whitney Museum of American Art. Take Mom to see some of the finest art collections in the world and share a moment of intimate appreciation for art. Museums are great places to discover common topics to talk about and provide excellent venues for taking pictures and creating new memories to cherish in the future.
Attend a Live Show: NYC is famous for its Broadway shows, but they can be quite expensive. However, there are plenty of other live performances to choose from, such as concerts, comedy shows, and dance performances. Take Mom to see her favorite performer or discover a new artist together.
Have a Picnic: There are many beautiful parks and places to enjoy a nice lunch. Pick up some sandwiches and snacks, and find a cozy spot in one of the city’s nature-filled parks to have a peaceful picnic with Mom. In fact, here’s a simple picnic menu you can try:
• Classic pimento cheese appetizers, made into sandwiches or wraps with lettuce and tomato, and perhaps a pickle or two. • Pita chips and extra pimento cheese. • Fresh fruit, such as clementines, strawberries, and grapes. • Lemon pound cake for dessert.
Remember that Mother’s Day is not a competition to get the most expensive gift or to secure a reservation at the fancier restaurant, but rather a day of personal celebration that creates lifelong memories.
If your mom is into gardening, plants, and nature, don’t get her a bouquet of flowers that will only last a few days. Instead, head to New York’s largest garden and create a memory that will last a lifetime. The New York Botanical Garden is celebrating moms all weekend at their annual Garden Party. The visit will include live music on Daffodil Hill, food trucks, vendors, and kiosks with beer and wine, as well as kids’ games, activities, and more. It’s a good idea to bring a blanket and set up a picnic on the grass to enjoy the activities before taking a stroll through the gardens to celebrate mom. If you’re in the mood for something a little fancier, you can visit and walk through a field of flowers at Waterdrinker Farm on Long Island. Visit for tulips and photo ops, stay to pet farm animals, play some fun mini-golf, and let your inner child roam free with a jump pad and the fun playgrounds. The best part is that the whole family can be present.
You can also celebrate mom and all the spring blooms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden with pop-up music and dance performances, opportunities to talk with their specialized gardeners and learn about the plants, and participate in craft activities for kids, and why not, the whole family, and fun garden tours. If you want, you can book a table at the garden’s Yellow Magnolia Café for a special Mother’s Day prix fixe celebration.
Now, if you feel like enjoying a nice and memorable meal, brunch at Sarabeth’s could be a great choice. With multiple locations throughout the city, Sarabeth’s is a classic spot for Mother’s Day brunch. Try the Eggs Benedict or French toast, and don’t forget to order a mimosa or two and let the laughter happen.
Another great way to celebrate mom’s love is with a nice dinner at Il Posto Accanto. This cozy Italian restaurant in the East Village serves delicious homemade pasta dishes and has an extensive wine list. It’s perfect for a special evening with mom, great photos, and a lovely time with your special lady.
For a fancy yet affordable date, consider having a cup of tea at Alice’s Tea Cup. This whimsical tea shop has three locations throughout the city and offers a wide selection of teas and delicious pastries to choose from. Take Mom for a sweet afternoon treat and enjoy a different type of venue.
If budget is a concern, don’t let it ruin your celebration. Think about decorating your home with a couple of flowers and treating Mom to a homemade brunch with all her favorite breakfast foods. Whip up some pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit for a thoughtful and budget-friendly gift. Be sure to take care of the dishes afterward for the full pampering experience.
With the power of digital media, anyone can be an artist. Create a photo book filled with memories of you and Mom. Websites like Shutterfly and Snapfish make it easy to design a personalized book that she’ll cherish for years to come. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative and bring back old memories with nice kid-like decorations that evoke nostalgia for those old school projects on Mother’s Day.
Finally, if going out to walk around the gardens becomes a problem, you can always bring the spirit of nature to your home. Treat your mom to a nice potted plant. This is a great option for those on a tighter budget, and it’s also an eco-friendly gift that can be enjoyed year-round, serving as a constant reminder of your growing love for her. Consider evergreen plants that are easy to maintain, such as:
• Boxwood • Dwarf Mountain Pine • Korean Fir “Blue Emperor” • Emerald Green Arborvitae • Coral Bells • Phormium • Bay Laurel
Also, think about plants that bring life to the house and can be used in many recipes or spa-like treatments throughout the year, such as rosemary, basil, chamomile, or mint. Be sure to check YouTube for easy potting tutorials since many plants require special conditions to fully bloom.
With so many things to do and places to eat in New York City, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Mother’s Day. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon in the park or an exciting night out on the town, there’s something for everyone. And with these affordable gift ideas, you can show Mom how much you care without breaking the bank. Happy Mother’s Day!
