25 Things To Do on Mother’s Day 2023 in New York City

Beautiful blooms and family time are guaranteed to make mom smile at the New York Botanical Garden's Mother's Day Weekend Garden Party. Photo by Marlon Co/courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden
Beautiful blooms and family time are guaranteed to make mom smile at the New York Botanical Garden's Mother's Day Weekend Garden Party. Photo by Marlon Co/courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden
5/1/23 - By Jody Mercier

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 14, 2023, and mothers everywhere deserve a great weekend. Start planning a day mom won't forget by giving her one of these 50 Mother's Day gifts moms actually want.

Another can't-miss addition to the holiday? We're partnering with ANA Bar and Eatery for a heart-shaped pizza making workshop on Saturday. Or book your Mother's Day brunch reservations now. When tummies are pleasantly sated, enjoy one of these fun Mother's Day outings and family-friendly things to do in NYC. No matter how you choose to celebrate, Happy Mother's Day from the team at Mommy Poppins.

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1. See a Puppetsburg Show

Catch the Puppetsburg characters in action at Brooklearn where little ones are entertained and mom can have a sip of champagne.

2. Go for a Bike Ride

Governors Island is a great biking destination for kids, as the isle is 100% car-free. You can bring your own bike or rent one on-site.

3. Geek Out at the Gilder Center

Visit the American Museum of Natural History to take in its brand new addition, the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, with its butterfly vivarium, immersive Invisible Worlds exhibition, insectarium, and more.

4. Visit the Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is awesome; the Central Park and Prospect Park zoos are sweet. But how about breaking with tradition and visiting the Queens Zoo or the Staten Island Zoo? (Of course, if those are your go-to zoos, try the Bronx, Central Park, or Prospect Park zoos.)

5. Visit the New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is in full bloom, and we always love a visit to this Bronx gem. Enjoy its weekend-long Mother's Day Garden Party complete with games and eats from the Bronx Night Market on Daffodil Hill.

RELATEDMother's Day Brunch Recipes Kids Can Make to Spoil Mom

Things to do on Mother's Day in NYC: Roller skating at Rockefeller Center
Enjoy a retro Mother's Day with a roller skating outing at Rockefeller Center. Photo by Jody Mercier

6. Go Roller Skating

Lace-up your quads and hit the rink at Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace, or one of these roller skating rinks around New York City.

7. Enjoy a Day Trip

Pack everyone into the car or onto the train for one of these 28 awesome spring day trips.

8. Visit Battery Park

We love this waterfront park, and its nature-inspired playground is worth a visit in itself. Add in a charming turn on the SeaGlass Carousel to round out this outing.

9. Book a Mommy-and-Me Mani

These kid-friendly nail salons in NYC can spoil you and your little one.

10. Explore Wave Hill

Leave the city behind to celebrate Mother Nature at Wave Hill. Enjoy a family art project that results in a bouquet of homemade flowers for mom.

RELATED: DIY Mother's Day Cards that Kids Can Make

Things to do on Mother's Day in NYC: Waterdrinker Farms
Waterdrinker Farms on Long Island is in full bloom for its popular, annual tulip festival. Photo courtesy of the farm

11. Pick Your Own Flowers for Mom

Consider visiting one of these flower farms near NYC where you can pick your own one-of-a-kind bunch for the No. 1 mom in your life.

12. Visit Belmont Park

Spend a day at the races at Belmont Park, where you can admire the thoroughbreds, bet on the action, and pack a picnic to enjoy in The Backyard.

13. Play Pickleball

Book some court time for a family game of pickleball at CityPickle, and save time for a lovely walk through Central Park when you're finished.

14. Tackle an Adventure Course

Check out the rope courses and zip lines at one of these adventure parks near NYC.

RELATED53 Things To Do on an NYC Staycation with Kids

Things to do on Mother's Day in NYC: Delamar Southport
The lovely Delamar Southport offers a quick, Metro-North accessible escape and relaxing spa treatments! Photo by Jody Mercier

15. Enjoy a Spa Getaway

It's not too late to book a getaway to one of these family-friendly spa resorts near NYC.

16. Visit a Water Park

Head to one of these nearby indoor water parks, where you can lounge next to the pool or hit the steam room, all on a day pass.

17. Hit the Aquarium

The New York Aquarium makes for a fun, beach-side outing on Mother's Day. Plus, there are plenty more things to do in Coney Island. A visit feels like a daycation.

18. Do Some Thrifting

Give mom some cash and quality time to spend a day combing the racks on the cheap with teens at these vintage and thrift stores in NYC.

RELATED: 26 Restaurants Serving Mother's Day Brunch in NYC

Things to do on Mother's Day in NYC: Legoland New York
Snap a commemorative Mother's Day selfie during a visit to Legoland New York. Photo by Jody Mercier

19. Legoland New York

Book your tickets in advance and visit Legoland New York.

20. Go Rail Biking

Rail biking is a family-friendly outing all ages can enjoy and we know just where to try rail biking near NYC.

21. Get Outside

Enjoy NYC's incredible green spaces. Might we suggest a visit to one of these underrated parks or one of our favorite destination playgrounds?

22. Explore Industry City

There are tons of family-friendly destinations in Industry City, including Japan Village.

RELATED: Gorgeous Glamping near NYC for Your Next Family Getaway

Things to do in NYC for Mother's Day: Tea at Lady Mendls
Forget brunch and indulge in a fancy afternoon tea with mom instead. Photo by Janet Bloom

23. Indulge in Afternoon Tea

Experience the rather fancy atmosphere of high tea at one of these NYC destinations.

24. Fly High at RiseNY

Check out the RiseNY in Times Square, where you get the sensation of flying over the city, without ever leaving the building.

25. Give Mom the Day Off

Remember the list of things moms really want? Many of them involve a day off from the usual mom jobs—so consider planning an outing with the kids, and giving mom some downtime...once you've tidied the apartment, of course. Then, all she has to do is nothing. Don't forget to pick up takeout and paper plates on your way home!

This post, originally published in 2013, is updated annually.