Sure, a tasty Mother's Day brunch is nice, but just that word, nice. C'mon mom, you know you're more fabulous than that.

This year, Sunday, May 8 is all about you, so no simple meal, not even breakfast in bed will do. Mother's Day should be a whole-day affair that's fun for everyone in the family, especially in NYC, where options are as amazing as mom herself. You could book tickets to a kid-friendly Broadway musical—in addition to stalwarts Wicked and The Lion King, there are new tuners like School of Rock and Tuck Everlasting for which tickets are more available. If the tots are too young for Broadway, there are plenty of shows for preschoolers that are shorter and less expensive. Into museums? There are engaging new exhibits about dinosaurs, kid-lit icon Mo Willems and Star Wars sure to please all ages. Or you could splurge on a special experience such as a helicopter ride or a family spa day.

But if your ideal Mother's Day features an outdoor activity that makes the most of the spring season, we've come up with five memorable itineraries that include food and alfresco family fun that won't blow your budget.

While Earth Day officially falls on April 22, celebrations are being held throughout the month. Children and adults can get into an Earth-friendly mindset—kids can even learn ecological values and practices that will last a lifetime. We've rounded up several Earth Day events and activities across Long Island.

For other happenings around the area, be sure to check out our Event Calendar.

Want to feed children once? Give them a fish. Want to feed children for life? Teach them how to fish. Or something like that. Confession: this sushi-loving parent has never attempted to fish, but my eldest daughter has been asking relentlessly about the opportunity to make her own "catch of the day," so this spring we will finally cast our first line. We learned that fishing derbies are great places to experience the sport, learn about our local resources, and become more environmentally aware. Whether you are a novice or a pro, here are a few fishing derbies in the Hartford area that guarantee a fun family day and a reminder that "good things come to those who bait." 

Hollywood is the original home of Universal Studios, so it never really sat right that Orlando got not just one but two Harry Potter attractions before we did. The injustice is finally set right this week, as Southern California gets its very own Wizarding World of Harry Potter just off the Hollywood Freeway, where Hogwarts ought to be. The magical treat is included in normal theme park admission, though in the coming weeks calling admission to Universal Studios "normal" is a little optimistic. Most of opening weekend is completely sold out to potty Potter fans. Something else that isn't normal? I got to experience the entire attraction a day early with only a handful of press, a few cast members from the film, and not a single line to wait in. Not to gloat, of course: I only bring it up so I can tell you what wonderful wizardry you can expect to find at Hollywood's new Harry Potter World. And to share some cool stories of meeting the actors. And to help you to not vomit. But more of that anon.

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed, one fell off and the other ran to mommy scared. Wait -- that’s not a segment from the beloved books series. It sounds more like a page from a parent’s life, and increasingly hotter days do not seem to deplete most children's energy levels. Instead of baking on a playground bench while watching kids have all the fun, or deeply sighing as they pounce from living room couch to armchair, parents in the Hartford area have an amicable option: indoor rock climbing gyms.

To the delight of soccer fans citywide, NYC's first indoor soccer facility has opened just across the river in Williamsburg. The Pitch, named for the British term for the playing field, is located in a former warehouse just steps away from Williamsburg family-favorite, McCarren Park. The high-quality, artificial-turf field offers a climate-controlled environment that is cool in the summer and warm in winter. It's flooded with natural light and is a perfect year-round destination for soccer-loving kids, including mine!

Earth Day isn’t just a celebration of all things green; it’s a movement. By fostering awareness and supporting environmental protection, Earth Day is helping to shape a green generation. From hiking beautiful New Jersey trails to celebrations in various counties, our little ones appreciate Mother Earth for all she has to offer. We've rounded up fun and eco-friendly ways to celebrate Earth Day this spring in New Jersey.