Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12, 2024.
What do moms really want? Some moms aren’t great at telling us. But in many cases, they don’t want a lot: Maybe a chance to sleep in, a heartfelt show of appreciation, or something handmade. (Lavender sachet, anyone?Ā Here’s a how-to.)
A couple of general tips: If you’re going somewhere, plan ahead. If you’re cooking, read the recipe and know your chefs’ abilities. Whatever you do, put your heart into it!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Mother’s Day 2024: Activities
An outing is always fun. Go to the zoo or aquarium — or maybe a museum or some other attraction you haven’t enjoyed in a while.
If mom is into plants and gardening, head over to the annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale at the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden. It’s a fundraiser for the garden and a place where you will find some special plants. There are activities for the kids too! Have them play while you browse.
Sometimes, a walk in the garden around town and enjoying a few moments among the spring blooms is the perfect way to spend the dayāwith family or without. Check out our list of gardensĀ and choose a few to explore.
There’s so much more to do! Check out the Seattle’s ChildĀ calendar for more Mother’s Day events and family outings.
Hiking and animal visits
Go on a hike! Enjoy some time in natureāalone or with the family. Fresh air and a little exercise can put a lot into perspective and are good ways to bond with one another. Try one of these easy spring hikesĀ for all ages and abilities.
Try something new, like observing a variety of exotic reptiles and amphibians. The Reptile Zoo in Monroe offers unique experiences, including close encounters. You can observe, touch, and hold a Burmese python outside its enclosure and more! Or go to the Wallaby Ranch and have a cuddly encounter with a kangaroo. If you love wild cats, head to Harstine Island for the big cat sanctuary.Ā If you love goats, bunnies and chicks check out farms around town.
How about treating Mom to a weekend away? Sometimes, a little time to yourself or a weekend to celebrate motherhood with friends is needed. Check out these local destinations that aren’t too far from Seattle. These are great family destinations, too! Or have a staycation at a hotel with an amazing pool. Take a look at these hotels that offer a variety of amenities.
Mother’s Day 2024: What to eat
One popular option is the Mother’s Day brunch. Let someone else cook for you and dine inside or out around Seattle. If you’re going to take Mom out, call ahead. Like right now! Check out our listĀ of brunch spots around the Seattle area.
Of course, it can be pretty adorable when the kids cook. A few years ago, we talked to some kids with some ambitious plans for Mom.
In honor of spring, why not a picnic? Here are a handful of our favorite places to go.
And some recipes that can help fill the basket.
Family-Friendly Events on Mother’s Day Weekend
Mother’s Day Plant Sale at Kruckeberg Garden
May 10-12. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Join the MsK Nursery at the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden for their annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale. Enjoy their selection of native trees and shrubs, woodland ephemerals, ferns, houseplants, container gardens, and much more, and a selection from the guest vendor Botanica.
Cost: Free entrance, items to purchase.
Address: Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, 20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177
Mother’s Day Crafting at Northgate CC
Friday, May 10. 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Kids and families, enjoy an evening at the Northgate Community Center and create small arts and crafts arrangements for Mother’s Day. Make a gift to that special person in the family. Ages 5+.
Cost: Free, call to sign up/register at 206.684.5177
Address: Northgate Community Center, 10510 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125
Saturday, May 11. 9:30 a.m. ā 12:30 p.m.
Madrona Mayfair is a longstanding neighborhood traditionāover 40 years! Enjoy the usual family-friendly day of funāthe parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m., and then the Kids Comedy Show, the Zaniac, the Reptile Man, pony rides, face painting, carnival games, a bouncy house, and more. There will be a special Motherās Day Card-Making Table!
Cost: Free
Address: Madrona Park, 3211 E Spring St Seattle, WA 98122
Saturday, May 11. 11 a.m. ā 4 p.m. (Tea times: 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm)
Join the Mad Hatter and Alice for a 1 hour upside-down tea party. Tickets include tea, lemonade and treats, professional photos with the Hatter and Alice, croquet and a whimsical scavenger hunt. There will be a chance for kids to paint white roses with red with Alice, craft hats with Hatter himself, and play a game with both of the hosts.
Cost: $65 for adult/$25 per guest. Buy ticketsĀ here.
Address: Lake Wilderness Arboretum, 22520 Southeast 248th Street, Maple Valley, WA 98038
Saturday, May 11. 9 a.m. ā 2 p.m.
The event provides kids an opportunity to create a floral design in a beach pail as a gift to give a loved one. Volunteers will assist kids as they select their pails, apply stickers, and select their flowers for planting. This is a family activity to be enjoyed by all creating special memories!
Cost: Free, suggested $10 donation.
Address: Edmonds Farmers Market, 500 Bell Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
Saturday, May 11. 10 a.m. ā 5 p.m.
Join Edmonds Spring Fest at Frances Anderson Playfield and enjoy lots of vendors, great food trucks, and, as always, a GREAT place to shop for Motherās Day. This is a family-friendly event that welcomes all ages!
Cost: Free
Address: Frances Anderson Play Field, Edmonds, WA 98020
DIY Clay Beads & Mother’s Day Bling
Saturday, May 11. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Come make Mom or any other important lady in your life a very special gift at Imagine Children’s Museum. Children can make their very own beads and turn them into beautiful jewelry. Just in time for Motherās Day. Ages 12 and under.
Cost: $20 for member, $25 for non member. spots fill up quickly. Register here.
Address: Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall St, Everett, WA 98201
Family Saturday Koi Day at Seattle Japanese Garden
Saturday, May 11. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Koi at the Seattle Japanese Garden are awake from their winter hibernation and ready to eat. For their May Family Saturday they will have free koi food, a koi presentation and Q & A by the Washington Koi & Water Garden Society, and a Taiko Drum Performance by Kaze Taiko at 12:30 pm.
Cost: Free admission to all youth 12 and younger from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Family Saturday. Adults (18-64) are $10 and youth (12-17) are $6.
Address: Seattle Japanese Garden, 1075 E Lk Washington Blvd, Seattle, WA 98112
Kids Craft: Decorate a Pot at Mclendons HardwareĀ
Saturday, May 11. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Come to this free pop-up event at Mclendons in Renton, where kids 12 and younger can decorate a terracotta pot to create a gift-worthy masterpiece just in time for Mother’s Day. They will provide everything at this drop-in event. Adult supervision is required. Supplies may vary by location.
Cost: Free
Address: McLendon Hardware (All Stores) – Renton, Woodinville, Kent, Tacoma, and White Center
Mother’s Day Weekend at Kirkland UrbanĀ
Saturday, May 11. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Kirkland Urban will have free crafts, a balloon artist, and face-painting fun for kids of all ages. There will be a special treat for mom, Kirkland Urban will be giving away free bouquets of flowers from Chou Valley Fresh with a purchase of $50 or more from any Kirkland Urban retailer (excluding QFC). āKirkland Urban retailers are also putting on special events and promotions, check them out here.
Cost: Free
Address: Kirkland Urban, 425 Urban Plz, Kirkland, WA 98033
Saturday, May 11. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Calling all moms, grandmas, aunts, and family friends! Join an evening where you get to take your daughter to the dance floor and create memories together at Meridian Habitat Park. The DJ will keep the music flowing as you dance the night away. Tickets are not sold at the door.
Cost: $30/couple, $10 per each additional daughter. Register online or (253) 798-4199 by May 7.
Address: Meridian Habitat Park, 14422 Meridian E, Puyallup, WA 98375
Peony Festival at the Seattle Chinese Garden
May 11-12. 11 a.m. ā 4 p.m.
Celebrate the blooming peonies and Mother’s Day! Come join family-friendly activities – story time, dance, kids’ crafts, traditional Chinese music, and tea ceremony and bring home some beautiful Herbaceous Peonies. Check hereĀ for updates on the schedule of activities.
Cost: Suggested donation $6 per person, Parking fee $5 day pass
Address: Seattle Chinese Garden, 6000 16th Ave W Seattle, WA 98106
Motherās Day Weekend at the Rhody Garden
May 11-12. 10 a.m. ā 4 p.m.
Celebrate mom with a fun outing to the Rhody Garden! Experience the garden at peak bloom as you explore 13 unique garden features. Enjoy a musical performance (Sunday) as you shop from local and international artists, dine on delicious cuisine from a food truck, or browse rare and beautiful botanicals for purchase from the onsite nursery.
Cost: $10 ā General Admission, $7 ā Seniors and Students, FREE ā Kids 12 and under and Military with ID.
Address: Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, 2525 S 336th St, Federal Way, WA 98003
Pacific Bonsai Museum: BonsaiFest
May 11-12. 10 a.m. ā 4 p.m.
Come all bonsai-fans to the fifth BonsaiFEST this Motherās Day weekend. See hundreds of beautiful bonsai in an enchanting, woodsy setting. LiveĀ bonsai-making demonstrations,Ā Docent-led tours of the collection, pop-up shopping, kids activities, and food trucks.
Cost: Admission is free. There is a $12 suggested donation for those who can support the Museum.
Address: Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S 336th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003
16th Annual Flower Festival at Pike Place Market
May 11-12. 11 a.m. ā 4 p.m.
Flower Festival returns for the 16th year, and will be happening Motherās Day weekend! Find seasonal bouquets from over 30+ local flower farmers, exclusive shopping deals, and lively music performances from Market buskers! This is event is for all ages.
Cost: Free
Address: Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
May 11-Oct 27. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Every Saturday & Sunday.
Visit Briscot Farm on its opening weekend of the season to celebrate Mother’s Day with fun family activities, including Photo Opportunities, Bounce Houses, Fresh Snacks, and cute animals to pet and feed! Admission will be free for all moms on Mother’s Day.
Cost: Fee. Day passes are $10 per person. (Only free for mothers on May 12).
Address: Briscot Farm, 27329 78th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032
Mothers get free admission at Cougar Mountain ZooĀ
Sunday, May 12. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Make it a special day for Mom with a visit to the Cougar Mountain Zoo on Mother’s Day. All mothers receive free admission on May 12. There will also be special Mother’s Day-themed lectures and enrichments during the event.
Cost: Free for Mothers, $15 for those 13 years and older, and $12.50 for children 2-12 (free for children under 2). Buy tickets here.
Address: Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 SE 54th St, Issaquah, WA 98027
Moms get in free at the Museum of Flight
Sunday, May 12. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Museum of Flight is showing its appreciation for all the work that moms do by giving them free admission on Mother’s Day. Moms accompanied by their children (of any age) receive free general admission to enjoy the Museum’s galleries and exhibits and can enjoy fun hands-on activities with the family.
Cost: Free for mothers, $26 per online adult, $22 per online senior, $18 per online youth (5-17). Buy tickets here.
Address: Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA 98108
The Barber of Seville Family Day
Sunday, May 12. 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Seattle Opera’s Family Day atĀ The Barber of Seville! For this specially designated performance, students ages 18 and under pay only $20 for almost any seat. This Family Day also features special student-oriented activities before the performance and an exclusive Youth Lounge during intermission.
Cost: $20 – $250. Buy tickets here.
Address: McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Further Afield
May 10-12. 10 a.m. ā 5 p.m.
Celebrate the arrival of spring and Motherās Day weekend with a variety of family-friendly activities in the beautiful gardens of Lakewold. Enjoy the colorful blooms with a refreshing mocktail, participate in a garden scavenger hunt, make Motherās Day cards and play games on the lawn. Saxophonist Rob Sabado will perform 11 am-1 pm Saturday & Sunday and a special Motherās Day concert will take place at 2 pm on SundayĀ May 12.
Cost: $20 for adults, $16 for student, seniors and military, $10 for youth (6-17), and free for kids 5 and under. buy ticketsĀ here.
Address: Lakewold Gardens, 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive, Southwest Lakewood, WA 98499
Mother’s Day Card Making at KiDiMu
May 10-11. Friday (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Information here.)
Come to the KiDiMu Bainbridge Island on May 10 from 1 pm to 5 pm and May 11 from 9 am to 4 pm, where they will have a table dedicated to card-making to thank all the moms. This event is included with admission. Ages 0-10 with families.
Cost: $9 for adults and children, Free for infants and members, $8 for grandparents/seniors/military
Address: KiDiMu, 301 Ravine Ln NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Mother’s Day Train Ride at Chehalis Railroad
Saturday, May 11. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day on a 1920s coach train for a river-view excursion and or a tea and dessert train ride. Guests have the option to choose the dessert or catered brunch (sold out) option for this serene and relaxing excursion, and there is indoor and outdoor seating available for non-dining passengers.
Cost: Mother’s Day Riverview Excursion ($18-$25. Buy tickets here.), Tea and Dessert ($55, Buy tickets here.) 4 and under free.
Address: Chehalis Railroad & Museum, 1101 SW Sylvenus St, Chehalis, WA 98532
Baby Animals and Bloom Days at Maris Farm
May 11-12. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoy a day at the Baby Animals and Blooms Days at Maris Farm for its final weekend of spring – Ā the perfect opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day with Mom. There will be lots of cute farm animals, fun activities, and the Farmers Market. There is also a tulip field and fun activities for the kids.
Cost: Online Admission: $16/Child ages 3 to 12, $18/General Admission/Free/Ages 2 and under. Buy tickets here.
Address: Maris Farms, 25001 Sumner Buckley Hwy, Buckley, WA 98321
Natureās Nurturers: A Celebration of Mothers
Sunday, May 12. 10 a.m. ā 2 p.m.
Join IslandWood Bainbridge on Mother’s Day for a perfect afternoon of trails, sweet & savory fare, and hands-on activities for all ages. They will have trail-side ādrop-inā activities for your crew that you can visit and a special Motherās Day Brunch for the family. This is a family-friendly event for all ages.
Cost: $18 for a child ticket (4-12), free for a child ticket (3 and under), $50 for an adult ticket (13 and older). Buy tickets here.
Address: IslandWood, 4450 Blakely Avenue Northeast Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Plucky Palomino Petting Zoo – Mother’s Day Snuggle Sesh
Sunday, May 12. 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Join for the cutest after-brunch snuggle session with our baby lambs, piglets & bunnies at Plucky Palomino Petting Zoo for Mother’s Day.
Cost: $25 per adult (18+), $15 per child. Buy tickets here.
Address: Plucky Palomino Petting Zoo, 901 Bendigo Blvd N, North Bend, WA 98045
Mother’s Day Family Dueling Pianos: Live Show
Sunday, May 12. 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
This Mother’s Day Family Dueling Pianos show is a fully interactive, high-energy, comedic, and all-around entertaining show for the family. From Disney classics to top 40 hits for all ages, this will be an experience you are sure to remember. Food and beverage offerings will be available during the show, so bring your appetite.
Cost: $25-$40. Based on seating. Buy tickets here.
Address: Ocean5, 5268 Point Fosdick Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
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Free kid-friendly things to do this weekend
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