How To Celebrate Mother’s Day in NYC
What's happening in NYC on Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, so now is the time to begin thinking of how you’ll celebrate that remarkable woman in your life. Regardless if you live in New York City or are just visiting over the holiday, fun is never too far away.
When is Mother’s Day 2024?
From recreational activities and dinner cruises to world-class dining, New York City has it all! And while your mother should be celebrated all year, Sunday, May 12, 2024, is the perfect opportunity to celebrate her! Here are our top picks for things to do for Mother’s Day in NYC.
What To Do For Mother’s Day in NYC
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01
Sail on an NYC Cruise
Cruise in ChelseaOur Highlight
What better way to spend Mother’s Day in NYC than sailing around the Harbor? She’ll know you put in the effort with a lazy afternoon brunch cruise or dinner and a show aboard a luxury yacht dipping under the horizon past the Statue of Liberty.
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02
Let Her Shop 'Til She Drops
Other Shopping in Midtown Manhattan
This is an excellent option for a mother-daughter day, as there’s nothing better to bond over than shopping! From Bloomingdales and Barneys to Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, spend the day browsing NYC’s most luxurious stores and see what their spring collections have to offer.
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03
Go To A Ball Game
Sport Events in Concourse
Is your mom a sports fan? Take her out to a ball game; just don’t forget the peanuts and crackerjack! Ball games can be great places to spend quality time, so she’ll enjoy herself and never forget the day. And with baseball season finally, in swing, the New York Yankees will be at home playing the Texas Rangers all weekend.
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04
Enjoy breathtaking views of New York
Other Attraction in DumboOur Highlight
The only problem with this beautiful view of the NYC skyline? It just happens to be interrupted by NYC’s only rooftop vineyard!
Located in Brooklyn, Rooftop Reds is actually the world’s first commercially viable urban rooftop vineyard. That means in addition to getting a wide-open view of the NYC skyline, you’re also supporting one of the most innovative wine projects in NYC.
And what would a glass of wine be without a great pairing? Rooftop Reds has this covered with a wide selection of gourmet cheeses to start the meal, then a partnership with nearby pizzeria Il Porto. If you’ve got a bold wine, pair it with Al Diavolo Pizza for a spice-forward blend.
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05
Smell the Flowers
Park in Flushing
Head on over to the Queens Botanical Garden to check out their floral patch. This gives you a unique opportunity to view custom garden and floral installations. Not only are you immersed in the environment, but it’s an excellent place to capture beautiful photos. Your mom can even take home her very own pot of flowers and a grab-and-go floral-themed craft kit. Book your tickets in advance.
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06
Spend the day at Little Island
Other Attraction in Meatpacking District
Not far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, Little Island is one of the newest attractions in New York and is something very special: a park on 132 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts in the Hudson River!
This is a wonderful place to relax. Grab your mom and a picnic blanket and then have a great day on this little island!
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07
Catch a Broadway Show on Mother's Day in NYC
Broadway Show in Theatre District
Travel to Broadway and treat your mom to a night on the town. Regardless if you take her to see a classic such as The Lion King or Wicked, or score tickets to Hamilton, or The Notebook, your mom is sure to enjoy herself.
👉 Here you find the best Broadway shows in NYC.
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08
Hop Aboard a Helicopter Tour
Helicopter Tour in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
Are you looking for an exciting Mother’s Day activity? Check out the various helicopter tours offered around the city. There are tours available during the daytime hours and others only available at night. Regardless of which you choose, they make for an excellent photo op and provide unmatched views of NYC.
Don’t forget to check out my ultimate helicopter ride comparison for New York City!
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09
Become Picasso at a Sip and Paint Class
Other Art & Culture in Midtown Manhattan
On May 14, prepare to roll up your sleeves and enjoy a sip and paint class with your mother. One great spot to check out is the Painting Lounge, as they have instructors who walk you through the steps of painting pictures, so you just follow directions and sip your wine. Don’t miss out on this opportunity; seats fill up fast, so plan early.
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10
Act Like a Tourist for a Day
Other Attraction in Theatre DistrictOur Highlight
If you are native to New York City, then you probably don’t actually get to enjoy the city the same way as a tourist. So, use Mother’s Day as your excuse to grab your mom and play tourist for a day. Be sure to hit up all the best locations such as Central Park, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, etc.
My tip: These are the best attractions in NYC right now.
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11
Take a Day Trip Away from the City
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
So, maybe you live in NYC, and the last thing you want to do is play tourist. Plan a day trip away from the city for you and your mom if this is the case. Check out areas such as Long Island, Woodstock, Catskills, Poughkeepsie, and Lake Placid.
My tip: these are the 21 best spring weekend getaways from NYC.
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12
Enjoy a Picnic at the Park
Other Events in Upper West Side
From Central Park to Prospect Park, NYC is home to many lush outdoor areas that are perfect for spring celebrations. So, if you’re spending Mother’s Day in NYC, prepare a delicious picnic full of mom’s favorites (don’t forget the cheese and wine) and head on over to your favorite park. Check out baskets from Dean and Deluca, Harry and David, or Fortnum and Mason to create the ultimate picnic.
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13
Stroll the High Line
Park in Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
The High Line is one of NYC’s gems, particularly during the spring. Ascend the former freight rail lines from entrances found along the Meatpacking District. Once you’ve arrived, you can enjoy everything from modern art studios to wildflower gardens along the Hudson River.
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14
Book a Spa Day
Other Tours in HobokenThis is the best day of the year to plan your mother a relaxing spa day. And don’t opt for the usual spa treatments; go all out and treat her to a Chill Space cryo-facial or a session inside the detoxifying infrared saunas offered by Higher DOSE. If you’re looking for an experience that’s anything but ordinary, check out Aire Ancient Baths located under the city. Here you can indulge your mom in treatments such as their thermal pools, flotarium, or book the XVII century wine bath if you want to make it really special.
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15
Lotte New York Palace
Hotels & Accommodations in Midtown Manhattan
Every mother needs some quality downtime, so turn this holiday weekend into her own mini-vacation. Book her a room at a luxury hotel on the other side of town. Opt for some uptown elegance at the Lotte New York Palace or indulge in a hotspot such as Gramercy Park Hotel or 11 Howard.
And if you are looking for an accommodation: check out my list of the 29 best staycation hotels in NYC.
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16
Explore a Museum
Museum in Upper East SideOur Highlight
Nothing says quality time like spending it with your mother at a famed museum such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney, or Guggenheim. As you can see, this city is home to some of the best cultural institutions in the country. Be sure to watch out for museums offering special exhibits for Mother’s Day.
If you and/or your mother is interested in art check out my complete guide to contemporary art in NYC.
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17
Go Sightseeing for Exotic Animals
Other Attraction in Bronx
What better way to spend time with your mother than at the zoo? And New York City is home to several of them! From the Prospect Park and Central Park Zoos to the Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo, and the Staten Island Zoo, there are many from which to choose! Just make sure the one you pick is home to mom’s favorites!
Restaurants for Mother’s Day in NYC
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01
Hortus NYC
American Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
Are you looking for the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone in New York City? Look no further than Hortus NYC! Located in the stylish Greenwich Village neighborhood, this modern American restaurant is sure to impress with its upscale atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
As you step inside Hortus NYC, you’ll be immediately struck by the romantic ambiance. The restaurant’s sleek design and dim lighting create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner for two. You’ll be treated to a menu filled with tasty options as you take your seat. From seafood and steak to vegetarian dishes, there’s something for everyone at Hortus NYC. And with a well-curated wine list, it’s easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal.
But what really sets Hortus NYC apart as one of the best Valentine’s Day restaurants in New York City is the impeccable service. The staff at Hortus NYC is dedicated to ensuring that you have an extraordinary and memorable evening. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, intimate dinner or a night out on the town, Hortus NYC is the perfect choice. So why wait? Make your reservations at Hortus NYC today and start planning the perfect Valentine’s Day celebration!
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02
Sabai Thai
Asian Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
Sabai Thai, located in the trendy Flatiron District and created by Owner Karan Daryanani, offers a Central-Thai-inspired menu with a Western twist, led by Executive Chef Mingmitr Amnuaypanich. This stylish restaurant serves lunch and dinner, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Recommended dishes include the Sabai Sampler and Goong Yang for starters, and the Massaman Curry and Pla Nueng Manow (Branzino) for entrées. Their cocktail menu features unique creations like the Koh Pha Ngan and the Pink Lychee Martini.
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03
Loreley Beer Garden
Bar in Lower East Side
Loreley Beer Garden is the place where the Rhine metropolis Cologne meets New York. The owner, Michael Momm, a real „Kölscher Jung“, opened this piece of Germany in the middle of New York in 2003. Here you will find a great selection of German beers (including Kölsch, of course) and good German wines at fair prices, as well as a delicious selection of German dishes.
- On Mother’s Day, you’ll get a free glass of rosé bubbly at brunch.
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04
Kintsugi Omakase
Asian Restaurant in SoHo
Situated in Soho, the trendy Kintsugi Omakase is an intimate sushi atelier designed for 10 patrons, offering three distinct tiers of premium omakase dining experiences. These include the top-tier Kintsugi Omakase, a comprehensive 20-course tasting menu priced at $195; the mid-range Soho Experience, which encompasses 17 courses and costs $155; and the budget-friendly Grand Street Classic, featuring 14 courses for $95.
Every omakase journey encompasses seasonal appetizers, sushi creations, a sushi chef’s choice of handroll, gourmet miso soup, tamago, and a dessert that aligns with the season. The beverage selection at Kintsugi Omakase spotlights rare Japanese whisky, gin, and sake, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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05
IRIS Restaurant
Mediterranean Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
IRIS Restaurant is located near Central Park and serves Mediterranean cuisine at a high level. Their mezze mix is incredibly popular, they are also known for the Swordfish Kebab and Aegean Stew.
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06
La Goulue
French Restaurant in Upper East Side
Add a touch of French culture to your Thanksgiving meal by enjoying your dinner at La Goulue. This Upper East Side establishment is offering a three-course meal for $96 per adult or $48 for each child under 12. The menu will offer foods such as tuna tartare, butternut squash soup, steak au poivre, roasted organic turkey, pumpkin tart, and pecan mascarpone napoleon.
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07
La Grande Boucherie
French Restaurant in Theatre District
Consistently named as one of the best Theater District restaurants, La Grande Boucherie is another French dining destination with the vibe of a classic steakhouse. With ample seating, the timeless bistro food along with seafood and dry-aged steaks are sure to indulge your palate. Be sure to grab something off the extensive drinks menu, particularly one of the absinthe-fueled cocktails.
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08
Ophelia Lounge NYC
Bar in Midtown Manhattan
Ophelia is one of the newest additions to the local bar scene in Midtown East. The beautiful bar in NYC comes with 360-degree views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. Here we were sceptical at first, because after the new opening a huge PR wave started. Everyone was talking about how great and good Ophelia is. Even though we were in NYC at that exact time, we wanted to wait for the first wave of euphoria and so we were there only recently. The Ophelia is on our best list because they surprised us positively: great drinks, a very nice and harmonious interior and a wonderful view. A tiny little area is even open like a rooftop bar – what more could you want?
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09
FeverUp: Premier Mother's Day Brunch Cruise
Cruise in Lower East Side
Treat Mom to an unforgettable Mother’s Day brunch cruise! Sail under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, past Battery Park, and around the Statue of Liberty, soaking in breathtaking views of the New York, Brooklyn, and New Jersey skylines. Indulge in bottomless mom-approved mimosas paired with a gourmet three-course brunch meal, all while enjoying the lively tunes from our handpicked DJ.
Make memories together as you snap photos in front of Lady Liberty. Don’t miss out on this special experience – secure your tickets now for a memorable celebration with Mom!
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10
Industry Kitchen
American Restaurant in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The restaurant offers typical American cuisine with modern influences. Fresh ingredients form the basis for the dishes. Salads, pizza, and freshly grilled meat combined with first-class wines visit the Industry Kitchen highly recommended. Beer lovers and cocktail fans will get their money’s worth here because the selection is great. There will be a special Mother’s Day menu this year.
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11
Casa Bond NoHo
Mexican Restaurant in NoHo
Casa Bond, a Mexican restaurant in NYC, offers an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Owned by Mike Khuu and led by Executive Chef-Owner Rodrigo Abrajan and Managing Partner Luis Villanueva, this vibrant eatery brings the flavors of the Mexican Riviera and Central Mexico to the Bowery dining scene. Casa Bond’s tacos are culinary works of art.
On Mother’s Day, Casa Bond will offer a special menu including a handmade quesadilla with lobster, cheddar cheese, oyster mushrooms, and white truffle oil!
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12
Jane Restaurant
American Restaurant in West VillageJust across from Fiorello La Guardia Park on 100 W Houston St, you’ll find Jane Restaurant. This inviting spot has been mastering the brunch game since 2001. And the best part is that any time is a good time for brunch here because they serve up their scrumptious fare daily – weekdays from 11:30 am-4:00 pm and weekends from 9:00 am-4:00 pm.
Take my word for it, their French Toast, which is crafted from thick brioche slices soaked in creme brûlée batter and generously adorned with fresh fruit, is a sweet dream come true! Alternatively, if savory is your style, you can’t go wrong with their Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich. And be sure to make it a boozy brunch by adding a refreshing Bloody Mary or a Peach Bellini made with peach syrup and sparkling wine – it’s an experience that’s second to none among West Village brunch spots.
On Mother’s Day, they will serve holiday-inspired specials in addition to their classic menu.
- Brunch 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Dinner 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
In the end, it doesn’t matter how extravagant you make your Mother’s Day plans; the important thing is that you put in the effort to show her you care. After all, most mothers would prefer a fun-filled day with their child rather than an expensive gift. So, for this Mother’s Day in NYC, think about what your mom wants to do and find the best place in the city that offers it!
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