Mother’s Day, May 11, 2014
In case Mother's Day has a tendency to sneak up on you, here's fair warning: It's May 11, which isn't too far away! What to get Mom this year? Flowers? Brunch? While those options may seem cliché, there are reasons for them: 1. They’re tried and true favorites. 2. They don’t add to your mom’s growing collection of things she doesn’t need, taking up space in her home. But if you’re looking to branch out—without adding clutter—here are a few ideas to provide Mom with a great Mother’s Day experience:
Visit a local winery for tours and tasting.
Have a spa day together.
Whether you get a massage or have a pedicure to get ready for spring sandals, this can be a nice way to spend some time with Mom. For a variety of day spas in the Grand Rapids area, check out this page.
No matter where in West Michigan you are, there’s probably a nice venue not far away. (Enlist Dad to be the designated driver!) For more information on West Michigan’s wineries, visit here.
Go to a museum.
Many in Grand Rapids have special Mother’s Day events. The GR Children’s Museum has a great Lego display going on, and admission is free for moms on May 11. Especially if you’re looking for a way for the grandkids to celebrate, too, this could be a fun option. For information on Grand Rapids’ museums, click here.
Take a trip to the zoo.
It’s another family-friendly way to spend Mother’s Day. John Ball Park is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the weekend of Mother’s Day, and has exhibits specifically designed for toddlers (such as the pygmy goat corral) and activities for older kids (such as ziplining and a ropes course). And the new grizzly bear exhibit is amazing! Visitors can get nose-to-nose with the giant bruins. Visit here for more information.
Attend the ballet.
The Grand Rapids Ballet will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream on the weekend of Mother's Day, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The girls in the family could make this a group event. Click here for ticket information.
Listen to the music.
The Grand Rapids’ Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform at DeVos Performance Hall the afternoon of Mother’s Day. Ticket information here.
Enjoy gardens.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a lovely place to celebrate spring. Coupled with a nice lunch at the site's café, open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., it would make for a beautiful afternoon. Visit here for more information.
Enjoy gardening.
While May 11 is a little too early to be setting this year’s annuals in planters, flower boxes, and beds, it’s not too early to get those beds cleaned up. Bring over a picnic lunch, let Mom supervise, and get her garden ready to go—with the promise of a return visit when it’s a little warmer, to fill those spaces with beautiful blooms.
Ask Mom. Last but not least, ask Mom how she’d like to spend the day. She may surprise you and offer an agenda of her own.
Whichever option you choose, be sure to plan ahead. Check business hours, make reservations, and buy your tickets in advance, so that the day runs smoothly—and so it’s all about Mom.
PHOTO CREDITS
A Midsummer Night's Dream, courtesy of Grand Rapids Ballet. Pictured: Yuka Oba and Nicholas Schultz.
