Best of New York: Mother's Day Events

Mother's Day comes early in May this year, but even if you're late on the planning, there are plenty of activities around NYC that are made just for mom. This Mother's Day, enjoy a family outing to one of these family-friendly places:

Wave Hill

Because it can be a long haul for many New Yorkers to make it up to Wave Hill’s Bronx location, it can take a special occasion to inspire a trip to the renowned gardens. But you’ll be surprised to see what a beautiful wonderland awaits you just a subway ride away. Wave Hill’s varied gardens include an a conservatory, a traditional English garden, a pool with aquatic plants and flowers, and a woodland where you can hike the scenic grounds. On Mother’s Day, the Colombian artist Esperanza Cortes can help you make flower-related gifts for mom, like fragrant sachets.

675 West 252nd Street, Bronx; wavehill.org

Staten Island Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side with a trip to the Staten Island Zoo! They’re offering 2-for-1 admission on Mother’s Day, so the whole family can visit the tropical forest, reptile room, petting zoo and pony rides. For an extra excursion, enjoy the scenic ferry ride over to the island; it’s just a short bus trip to the zoo, and you don’t have to worry about parking

614 Broadway, Staten Island; statenislandzoo.org

Affordable Art Fair

Art buying doesn’t have to be boring and stuffy! At the Affordable Art Fair, you not only can see some of the world’s hottest new talent, but also have a chance to buy a piece of your own at an affordable price. Plus, to sweeten the deal, mothers get in free! Enjoy free art lectures, while the kids learn how to draw Japanimation characters with artist Gigi Chen.

7 West 34th Street, Manhattan; aafnyc.com

Brunch at dell’anima

Sometimes the best Mother’s Day is the low-key, lazy afternoon spent at brunch, and dell’anima is the perfect place for the occasion. Its intimate West Village dining room is cozy, and the open kitchen will keep the kids interested. With Italian-inspired plates like poached eggs with black truffles and polenta, you can’t go wrong with the food. Plus, the restaurant’s pastry chef is a new mother herself, and is sending all visiting moms home with a selection of baked goods!

38 8th Avenue, Manhattan; dellanima.com

Mommy & Me Scavenger Hunt

Just in time for Mothers' Day, the Amazing New York Race: Mommy & Me brings kids of all ages together with their moms for a fun-filled day exploring Central Park! A series of clues leads moms and kids around the park, completing photo challenges and kid-friendly puzzles along the route. The race takes two hours, so get out and see the park like you’ve never seen it before!

Bethesda Fountain in Central Park at 72nd Street; theamazingnewyorkrace.com