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Top Things to Do on Long Island Mother's Day 2024

1. See the Seasonal Blooms

Mother's Day on Long Island is a great excuse to learn about nature and admire spring blooms at one of the many stunning botanical gardens and arboretums in the region.

2. Nab a Sweet Treat

Check out one of these local restaurants for a deliciously decadent dessert.

3. Go Back in Time

Transport yourself to the era of "The Great Gatsby" on a visit to the Vanderbilt Mansion. In addition to touring the estate, you can take in the unique natural history collections at the on-site museum. 

4. Play Miniature Golf

Little rec areas can deliver big memories. Visit one of the many mini-golf courses on Long Island this Mother's Day. 

5. See the Seals

Have an aquatic adventure at the Long Island Aquarium, where the many animals and reptiles range from otters to alligators. 

RELATED: Spring Fun Guide for Long Island Kids

Enjoy the water views as you cycle along the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway. Photo by the author

6. Bask in a Bike Ride

Sporty families will enjoy taking a two-wheeled trip for their Long Island Mother's Day with a cruise along the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway. This 14-mile paved path features stunning views of the Great South Bay, Oak Island, and the Captree Bridge.

7. Challenge Yourself

Bond as a family as you conquer the adventure course at WildPlay on Jones Beach. Your family team will make its way from one platform to another by climbing cargo nets, walking tightropes, and gliding down zip lines—all with the beautiful Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.

8. Work on Getting a Turkey

No, not the kind we enjoy on Thanksgiving—get three strikes in a row, and you’ve got yourself a turkey in bowling. Many of Long Island's best bowling alleys allow you to book lanes in advance.

9. Stroll Around a Seaside Town

Nestled along the North Shore is the historic maritime village of Northport, home to great shops, restaurants, and sights. If you spend this Mother's Day on Long Island, you can take in the picturesque Northport harbor as kids play on one of the two playgrounds.

10. Make it a Weekend

Who says Mother's Day should only be celebrated on Sunday? Take the family on a weekend getaway to really pamper Mom. American Dream Mall in New Jersey has a waterpark, theme park, and, of course, plenty of shopping opportunities.

11. Feed Some Fishies

Visit the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, which is home to an extensive living collection of freshwater reptiles, fish, and amphibians from across the state. Or visit the Whaling Museum. Cap it off with a visit to the village of Cold Spring, which offers many charming dining options.

12. Take a Hike

Lace up your walking shoes and visit the Avalon Nature Preserve, a space with unique features at every turn. Kids and adults can walk through a labyrinth, check out ducks and frogs in the ponds, and see their reflections in a massive garden globe. If hiking is getting stale, try one of these 12 games to turn hikes into adventures.

RELATED: 50 Mother's Day Gifts Moms *Actually* Want

A picnic at Planting Fields Arboretum offers nature at its most beautiful. Photo courtesy of the arboretum.

13. Picnic at a Local Park

Pack a lunch and a blanket and enjoy a relaxing picnic. You can always choose a special spot for your Mother's Day that's near one of the area's best children’s playgrounds.

14. Close Your Kitchen

Delight in some breakfast and brunch delicacies at one of these Long Island restaurants, or check out a restaurant that offers discounts and freebies for little ones.

15. Have a Sip

Head out east to visit one of Long Island's family-friendly wineries. If a brew is what Mom prefers, one of these breweries or beer gardens should do the trick. 

16. Get Fired Up

Celebrate Mother's Day with a stroll along the beach and wilderness trail on Fire Island. 

17. Get Your Hands Dirty

Mother’s Day on Long Island is a great time to plant flowers. Backyard gardening with kids can be a great experience.

18. Take a Dip

Suit up and hop into one of the many local indoor pools that offer family swim sessions.

RELATED: 15 Great Stroller-Friendly Park Walks on Long Island

Thrill-seeking moms can tackle the coasters at Adventureland. Photo by Gina Massaro

19. Ride a Roller Coaster

Get your heart pumping on one of the coasters at Adventureland, or take it easy on the swings for all-ages fun. 

20. Stroll the Boardwalk

Long Beach is packed with shops and restaurants. Explore and enjoy the sights and sounds of this bustling ocean-side community if you're spending this Mother's Day on Long Island. 

21. Explore a State Park

From Nassau to Suffolk, Long Island is home to an impressive array of state parks. If you've got mild weather on your side, consider exploring a new-to-you state park.

22. Catch Dinner

This Mother's Day, drop a line in one of Long Island's many waterways and try your hand at fishing. If you're lucky, you may just catch supper.

23. Saddle up for an Equestrian Adventure

Big River Barn Rescue in Muttontown takes riders of all levels out on well-behaved horses.

24. Pet Goats

Pet and feed goats, pigs, cows, chickens, and more at a Long Island petting zoo like Fink's Country Farm, Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, and, of course, White Post Farms. 

25. See a Broadway Play

Head into the city to catch a Broadway play that's been on mom's must-see list, or take her to one of her already beloved favorites. 

26. Play Ball

Take mom to Citi Field to see the Mets play ball against the Atlanta Braves on Mother's Day. 

27. Give Mom a Break

When we polled moms about what they really wanted for Mother's Day, the most popular answer was, without a doubt, a day off. So consider taking the kids out and letting mom have some peace and quiet!

This post, originally published in 2021, has been updated.