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8 ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Boston
See some art, grab brunch, or enjoy nature this May 12.
Want to treat mom to something special this Mother’s Day? Below, you’ll find a few of the top ways to celebrate the holiday in and around Boston. Discover new art exhibits, theater performances, some of Boston’s top brunch spots, and more. A highlight is the Red Sox game at Fenway Park — after the game, moms and kids get to run the bases.
Read on for more fun ways to spend this Mother’s Day, which falls on Sunday, May 12.
1. Go out to brunch
Skip breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day and take mom to one of Boston’s many great brunch spots. To start, check out this list of some of Boston’s top brunch spots according to Yelpers. Some other brunch programs to check out in and around town include Veggie Galaxy in Cambridge, Buttermilk & Bourbon in Boston and Watertown, Petula’s in Southie, Cafe Sauvage in Boston, Angela’s in Eastie, and, if you’re further outside of the city, Kosmos in Walpole. Plus, check out some of Boston’s best drag brunches, too. Make sure you book a reservation ASAP!
2. Take the kids to the Duckling Day Parade
On Sunday, May 12, head to Boston Common for the annual Duckling Day Parade, which celebrates the iconic book “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey. The festivities kick off by the Parkman Bandstand at 10 a.m. with family-friendly entertainment like magic shows, live music, and circus games. Then, at noon, the Harvard Marching Band leads families through the Common and the gardens, ending at the “Make Way for Ducklings” statue.
3. See the lilacs at the Arnold Arboretum
Another Boston event held year after year on Mother’s Day: Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Typically in peak bloom during mid-May, the arboretum’s 400+ lilacs constitute one of the largest lilac collections in North America. Guests will find free guided tours of the collection from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Lilac Sunday is the only day of the year during which the arboretum permits picnicking on its grounds.
4. Go on a hike
Live outside of the city, or up for a little adventure? Check out some of the best hikes in Massachusetts, recommended by both the DCR and Boston.com readers to enjoy the spring weather with mom this Mother’s Day.
5. Visit an outdoor artisan market
Boston’s artisan market scene has been growing in recent years — you can find them all over in the warmer months, but on Mother’s Day itself, check out SoWa Open Market in the South End. Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the huge outdoor market has craft vendors of all kinds, along with food and beer trucks and some farm stands, too.
6. Go to a Red Sox game
On Sunday, May 12, the Red Sox host the Washington Nationals for the last of a three-game series. The afternoon game starts at 1:35 p.m., and the first 7,500 fans to enter the park get a free sherpa belt bag. Plus, after the game, kids and moms get to run the bases. Find the Red Sox complete 2024 home game schedule here.
7. See a theater show
On Mother’s Day, you’ll find Jersey Boys at the North Shore Music Theatre, Boston Ballet’s Spring Experience at the Opera House, and A Strange Loop at the Calderwood Pavilion. Discover other theater productions coming to Boston this spring, too.
8. Check out an art exhibit
Take mom to one of Boston’s many museums this Mother’s Day, and discover plenty of new exhibits opening this spring — like “Dress Up” and “Hallyu! The Korean Wave” at the MFA, and “Of Whales” at the ICA.
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