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 Plaza Suite or Wicked, or score tickets to Hamilton, Six, Mrs. Doubtfire, or Little Shop of Horrors, 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!
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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