20 ways to celebrate Mother's Day in NYC

15 ways to celebrate Mother's Day in NYC

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Uncle Rock

In theory, Sunday, May 8—heck, the whole month of May!—should be stress-free for all matriarchs, but we know that’s a tall order. Still, Mom deserves something really special, so before you go making brunch reservations, check out these 20 offbeat ways to honor Mama on her big day. (And Mom, if you’re the one reading, send this to Dad ASAP!)

Get outside

FREE Mother's Day Wildflower Walk
Sun May 8 at 10am. Alley Pond Park Adventure Center, Alley Pond Park State Rte at Cross Island Pkwy, Douglaston, Queens (718-352-4793, nycgovparks.org). Travel: E, F to Union Tpke–Kew Gardens, then take the Q46 to Union Tpke and Winchester Blvd.
Relax and take in the scenery as you stroll through the picturesque park grounds. Though you can’t pick the flowers (ideally Dad will have already come through on that front), your family can learn all about what’s in bloom. Part of NYC Wild Flower Week. All ages.

FREE Family Flora Walk
Sun May 8 10–11am. Prospect Park, meet at 9th St entrance, Prospect Park, Brooklyn (718-965-8951, nycwildflowerweek.org). Subway: Q, Franklin Ave S to Prospect Park; F, G to 15th St–Prospect Park; 2, 3 to Grand Army Plaza.
Jaunt through the wilderness of Prospect Park in celebration of NYC Wildflower Week. Kids will get in touch with nature and learn how trees, shrubs and grass are all wildflowers. Ages 4 and up.

Azalea Garden Party
Sun May 8 noon–6pm. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Pkwy at Fordham Rd, Bronx (718-817-8700, nybg.org). $20, children 2–12 $8, children under 2 free.
At this Victorian-era garden party, kids can dress up in provided costumes, pose for pictures and make timely cards for Mother's Day. Lawn activities like croquet, kiteflying and lemonade sipping will pry 21st-century kids from their gadgets…for a few hours, at least. Families will also want to explore the blooming azalea garden on special tours. All ages.

FREE Meet the Mothers
Sun May 8 at 1pm. Crotona Nature Center, Crotona Park East at Charlotte St, Bronx (718-378-2061, nycgovparks.org). Subway: 2, 5 to 174th St.
Every furry, slimy and scaly creature has a mom, and today kids learn about how wild critters care for and protect their young. All ages.

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