Mother’s Day Activities: Fun & Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Mom

Mother’s Day is all about making Mom feel as special as she truly is, and there’s no one-size-fits-all way to do that. From relaxing spa days and outdoor adventures to creative DIY projects, your options for what to do for Mother’s Day are endless—no matter her likes and interests.

The key is to think about mom’s day ideas that will make her smile, be it sharing time together, pampering her with thoughtful gifts, or planning an experience she’ll love.

In this guide, we round up fun, meaningful Mother’s Day activities and things to do for Mother’s Day. Let’s get planning and make this year’s celebration one to remember!

How to Choose the Perfect Mother’s Day Activity

Let’s be real. Moms do a lot and Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to spoil them properly! Whether she’s the kind of mom who loves a quiet, cozy day or one who’s always up for an adventure, picking the right activity is all about making her feel truly valued.

When coming up with ideas for Mother’s Day, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Her Interests: Think about what makes her happiest. Does she light up at the thought of a scenic hike, love getting crafty, or dream of being pampered at a spa? Tailoring the activity to her passions will make the day feel even more meaningful.
• Quality Time vs. Solo Experiences: Some moms just want uninterrupted time with family, while others might be craving a little peace and quiet (and honestly, who can blame them?). Decide whether she’d love a joy-filled day together or a well-deserved “me time” moment.
• Virtual Options: Can’t be there in person? No worries! Thanks to technology, you can still plan a heartfelt, long-distance celebration. From virtual brunches to online experiences, there are plenty of things to do with mom to make her feel the love, no matter the miles.

Fun & Thoughtful Mother’s Day Activities

Mother’s Day activities are all about celebrating the amazing moms in our lives, and what better way to show your appreciation than by planning a day filled with love, laughter, and thoughtful surprises?

If your mom loves relaxation, adventure, or a fun night in, there are plenty of things to do on Mother’s Day that will bring a smile to her face

Treat her to a spa day, surprise her with a homemade brunch, or spend time together outdoors. If she loves a cozy night in, a movie marathon or game night could be just the ticket. No matter how you celebrate, the most important gift is time spent together

Here’s some stuff to do for Mother’s Day that will create memories:

A Relaxing Spa Day

Mother’s Day activities can be relaxing too! A spa day is the perfect way to let Mom unwind, recharge, and feel completely spoiled, whether that means booking her a luxurious treatment at a local spa or creating a DIY spa at home.

Book her a spa appointment so she can be treated to a massage, facial, or full body treatment. You could join her and make a day of it, or you could buy her a voucher so she can go at her own leisure.

For a more budget-friendly option, try setting up a spa at home. Set up a bubble bath with aromatherapy candles and essential oils. Oh, and make sure she has a fluffy robe to change into afterward!

If you want to take things up a notch, surprise her with a beautifully arranged Mother’s Day bouquet from Lovingly to add an extra touch of serenity to her space. Flowers like lavender and chamomile have natural calming effects, making them a perfect addition to her relaxation zone.

A Special Brunch or Dinner

Nothing brings people together quite like good food, and Mother’s Day is always a great excuse to go all out with a delicious meal.

Imagine surprising Mom with breakfast in bed. Think fluffy homemade pancakes, a side of fresh fruit, and a steaming cup of tea or coffee.

If a bigger gathering is more her style, why not host a family dinner? Fill the table with all her favorite dishes and spend some quality time together. If the weather’s nice, pack up a basket of gourmet treats and head to a scenic spot for a lovely picnic.

Or, let someone else do the cooking. If Mom prefers to be wined and dined, make a reservation at a restaurant you know she loves or set up the table and order takeout.

Outdoor Adventures for Nature-Loving Moms

If she loves adventure or prefers a peaceful day outside, there are so many great things to do on Mother’s Day that embrace the beauty of nature and let her enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

For an active and scenic outing, take her on a hike where she can enjoy breathtaking views and a little light exercise. If she prefers a more relaxed vibe, a stroll through a botanical garden filled with vibrant blooms and lush greenery might be just the thing.

Head to a local farmer’s market to browse some locally made and grown wares or go fruit picking together. Fresh strawberries or apples straight from the source make the perfect treat!

DIY & Creative Activities

If your mom loves rolling up her sleeves and getting creative, DIY projects make for fantastic things to do for Mother’s Day together so you can craft something and make memories.

For something artsy, head to a pottery studio and spend the day painting ceramics together, or bring the fun home with a DIY pottery kit.

If she’s sentimental, why not create a scrapbook filled with cherished photos and handwritten notes? It’s a heartfelt way to relive treasured memories while making new ones.

If she has a green thumb, spend the day gardening together! Whether you plant a backyard flower bed or start a little indoor herb garden, it’s a relaxing and rewarding activity you can enjoy long after Mother’s Day.

Need inspiration? Check out these plant gifts from Lovingly to find the perfect addition to her collection.

A Movie or Game Night at Home

For cozy, laid-back Mother’s Day activities, an at-home entertainment night brings plenty of enjoyment and relaxation.

A movie marathon is always a great choice. Pick out Mom’s favorite films, pile up the blankets, turn the lights down, and pop some buttery popcorn to create a warm and inviting viewing space.

For families who love a little competition, a board game night is a fantastic way to bond and share some laughs. Play her longtime favorites or mix things up with a new game everyone can enjoy.

To make the night extra special, set up a backyard movie screening with a projector and comfy seating. Watching a film under the stars adds a little magic to the evening.

Meaningful Ways to Celebrate from Afar

Being miles apart doesn’t mean you can’t make Mom’s day memorable. There are plenty of Mother’s Day activities to show her just how much she means to you, even from a distance.

Start the day with a virtual brunch. Cook the same meal and catch up over a video call, just like you would at the kitchen table. It’s an ideal way to share a meal and some (virtual) quality time.

Sending a thoughtful present is another great way to make her smile. A gift basket or a fun subscription service lets her know you’re thinking of her.

A surprise flower delivery is always a beautiful gesture. Choose a bouquet from a local florist through Lovingly to ensure fresh, hand-delivered blooms straight to her door.

For a creative and interactive way to mark the occasion, try a virtual experience together. An online cooking class, wine tasting, or painting session can turn the day into a shared adventure, no matter the distance.

Looking for more ideas for Mother's Day activities? Check out our guide on celebrating Mother’s Day from afar for even more thoughtful ideas!

More Ways to Show Mom You Care

Beyond planned activities, small thoughtful gestures can make a huge impact and show Mom just how much she means to you. Here are some more meaningful ways to brighten her day:

• Write a heartfelt letter or card – There’s something about a handwritten note that shows you really took the time to express your appreciation. Pour your heart out and tell her what makes her so special. Need help finding the right words? Check out our Mother’s Day card message guide for some inspiration!
• Surprise her with flowers – Fresh flowers are always a win and never go out of style. Whether it's a bouquet of vibrant blooms or her favorite flowers, a floral arrangement adds a touch of joy and beauty to her day.
• Give a thoughtful gift – Something personalized, like a framed photo of a fond memory or a custom keepsake, will show her you really put thought into her present. It’s a keepsake she’ll cherish for years to come.
• Create a custom flower bouquet – Build a unique bouquet tailored just for her! Pick flowers that reflect her style or favorite colors and make her smile with a personalized floral arrangement that’s as beautiful as she is.
• Plan a future getaway – Can’t be together on the day? Plan a future trip! Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a dream vacation, scheduling a getaway together will give you both something exciting to look forward to.

Discover Lovingly’s full selection of Mother’s Day Flowers! We’ve got everything you need to make her day bloom with happiness.