If you are looking for a day trip that is educational and packed with interesting and adorable animals, there are two great options at both ends of the state. On Mother's Day weekend, Mystic Aquarium is letting mom in for free with the purchase of a full priced ticket. If you prefer terrestrial animals, Beardsley Zoo invites moms and grandmas to visit for free with purchase of a full priced ticket on Mother's Day. It's been a big year at the zoo with quite a few new zoo mamas. Make sure not to miss the tiger cubs, maned wolf pups, or the prairie dog pups (yep, they're called pups, too)! Yet another way to encounter the animal kingdom is with a bird walk at the Pomfret Audubon Society. Mom goes for free but pre-registration is highly recommended.

For the adventurous, outdoor types there are endless spots for a great Mother's Day hike out there. Whatever your experience level, there is sure to be a trail just right for your family. Or if you're the sort that isn't daunted by a little height why not go for the gusto with a free climb for mom at the Adventure Park at Storrs!

Or maybe a day at the beach is more your speed. The great thing about Mother's Day is that it happens before Memorial Day which means that beaches are still free! If the weather cooperates, pack a picnic and head to Jennings Beach in Fairfield or Ocean Park in New London. No matter where you are, there are no shortage of beaches to be had in our great state!

The author and her mother circa 19-something-something...

Does mom love art? Great news! There are some world class art museums right here in Connecticut and quite a few of them are FREE! Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven boasts a massive collection of world famous art. Admission is always free of charge. There are so many museums it would be impossible to list them all. Luckily, our Museum Guide does just that!

Darien Public Library is hosting a free craft for mom day on May 9 for anyone who wants to plan ahead and make something special to present on the big day. Over at the Litchfield Historical Society, Crafternoons offers a chance to make something special for mom, grandma, or somebody else special in your life.

And when you need a break from helping with the math homework, Princeton review is offering a free hour of online tutoring. 

And OK...this one isn't actually free but the first 50 women to sign up receive an amazing goodie bag so there's that...I am Superwoman is a Mother's Day luncheon just for the ladies.

The good news is that it's finally SPRING so whatever you do this Mother's Day, have fun.