Mother’s Day is almost here, and while we fully support doing as little as possible, there are also some really great ways to get out and celebrate if you are up for it. From brunch to family-friendly outings, here are a few ideas happening around Austin.
What to Do with Your Mom:
— Take her to a show or movie. Hear the Austin Symphonic Band perform a Free Mother’s Day Concert at the Texas State Capitol on Sunday, May 10. Get tickets for Zach Theater’s Dear Evan Hansen,or Ballet Austin’s The Magic Flute. You could also have a three-course feast at Alamo Draft House while enjoying Mama Mia, or see Shipwrecked in 3D IMAX at The Bullock Museum
— Enjoy a Family Brunch or Tea. Have a slow afternoon at Mozart’s Mother’s Day Tea Party. There are also special brunches at the Carpenter Hotel, Cannon + Belle, It’s Italian Cucina, or a buffet brunch at The Fairmont. Check here for more ideas for brunch.
— Enjoy some water views. Go for a walk together on the Hike & Bike Trail on Lady Bird Lake or enjoy a leisurely ride on the Lone Star Riverboat or Capital Cruises. Dine by the waterside at Ciclo, Quince Lakehouse, or the County Line. Or soak in the stunning views of Lake Travis at The Oasis. Check out more places to dine by the water here.
— Take her shopping. There are so many fun markets popping up over Mother’s Day weekend. Let Mom pick out her own gift at the Blue Genie May Market or the Refugee Mother’s Day Artisan Bazaar at the North Austin YMCA.
— Visit a museum or garden. You can’t beat a stroll through the gardens at UMLAUF, Laguna Gloria, or Zilker Botanical Garden, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (check out their special Mother’s Day event here), or Mayfield Preserve. Browse the art collection at the Blanton on their special Bring Your Mom to the Museum Day, or celebrate all things Texas at the Bullock.
What To Do With Your Kids:
— Go to a kid-focused show. For a performance that’s great for the little ones, check out: Austin Scottish Rite Theater’s Junie B Jones,The Musical, or Zach Theater’s Charlotte’s Web.
— Make keepsakes. Get crafty with the kids and make some memories with creations or art to cherish at Art Garage or Cafe Monet. Plus, the Neill-Cochran House Museum is hosting a Sunday Funday, a free, all-ages event where you can make a greeting card using a real letter printing press.
— Make a splash. Everyone loves a little fun in the sun. Spend a day at Volente Beach, or a local water park like Typhoon Texas! You can also take a dip in Barton Springs or Deep Eddy Pool, or make reservations at one of the awesome local swimming holes. Click here for an updated list of where to swim within the City of Austin. And check out these spots for beach vibes in the Austin area.
— Go on a picnic. Skip the fuss for a fun, hassle-free day in the park. Pack up some food, a blanket, a frisbee, etc., for an easy-going family time. Here’s a list of some of our favorite picnic spots in Austin. You can also take a cooking class at Central Market, like Parent & Child Asian Dumplings on Saturday, May 9.
What To Do With Some Alone Time:
We’re pretty sure you don’t need a lot of ideas when it comes to this rare opportunity. But if you can take a break and have some quiet time to yourself, here are a few suggestions.
- Take a spa day. Get a massage, facial, pedicure, or whatever your heart desires. Viva Day Spa, The Spa at Fairmont Austin, milk + honey, Spa by JW Marriott, Miraval, Lake Austin Spa Resort, and Hiatus Spa and Retreat, among many others, can hook you up with maximum relaxation.
- See a movie. Go see a grown-up movie, get a beer or a cocktail, and settle in for a show at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema or one of our local drive-in theaters.
- Curl up with a book. Pop by a local bookshop like BookPeople or Black Pearl Books to find just the right literary escape and curl up into a great reading nook. Check out our favorite bookstores in Austin here.
- Pick your own presents. A little shopping on your own to buy exactly what you want? Yes, please. Browse the many stores at the Domain Northside or the Hill Country Galleria.
Check here for a list of even MORE special events and Mother’s Day brunches.
No matter what you choose to do, we hope you have a very
Happy Mother’s Day!
