When you’re sick with the flu, when your casserole is sticking to the pan, when you’re disgruntled about work, when you’re heartbroken…who do you call? (Hint: not Ghostbusters.)
Mom. She always knows what to do or say to prevent a crisis, and she deserves a special day. Unfortunately, Mom is the one person you can’t call for surprise Mother’s Day ideas. Luckily, we’re here to help.
Lake Union Park, photo by Laurel Mercury
Don’t miss the boat!
Lake Union Park is one of our urban gems, and it’s always bustling with activity. The park provides access to greenspace, water, the Museum of History and Industry and it celebrates Seattle’s rich maritime heritage. Kick off Mother’s Day weekend by taking Mom to the Vigor Seattle Maritime Festival Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the park. There’s rumored to be a Workboat Parade, Lake Union/Ship Canal Tours, Workboat World Invitational Boat Building Competition, Fireboat display and more. On Mother’s Day itself, May 10, take advantage of the Center for Wooden Boats’ free Sunday public sails! For more than 25 years, volunteer skippers and crews have been taking passengers out on Lake Union for breathtaking views of the skyline. Sign up your party here and then dig out your captain’s hat.
A Townsend’s Warbler in Discovery Park
The early catches the worm…
And gets to explore Discovery Park. Our Environmental Learning Centers are hosting two Birds Tours on Saturday, May 9, at 7 and 8 a.m. Take mom to her favorite coffee joint, indulge in a pre-outing scone and then head to the city’s largest park for a morning of sightseeing. Experienced leaders will take you through the park to look for migrants and yearround residents within Discovery Park’s varied habitats. Dress for any weather and bring binoculars if you’ve got ‘em! Learn how to sign up here.
Guests at Ballard Community Center’s Mother’s Day Tea in 2013
Food for the soul
Moms should never be expected to cook on Mother’s Day so our community center staff are taking to the kitchens. From 5-8 p.m. on Friday, May 8, Van Asselt Community Center teens will cook a feast for all mothers in the community and the whole family is invited. For more information, go here. Can’t make it Friday? No problem. From 10 a.m.- noon on Saturday, May 9, Yesler Community Center is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch and fashion show. Get some grub, check out the fashion of different cultures and be entered to win a door prize. Next, head to Garfield Community Center just down the road for some afternoon snacking. Garfield will host its annual Mother’s Day event on May 9 from 1-3 p.m. The event will feature food, live entertainment and a raffle. For details on both events, go here.
The view from Magnolia Boulevard, photo by Laurel Mercury
A walk in the park
Pack a picnic and head over to Magnolia. Magnolia Boulevard offers some of the best glimpses of the Sound, and on a sunny day, the views absolutely glisten. Wind your way down the boulevard and stop into Magnolia Park. Spread out a blanket in the grass and catch up with mom over sandwiches and lemonade. Next, continue down the way and make an obligatory photo stop at Ursula Judkins Viewpoint. Take a mom and me selfie, snap a shot of the incredible view and relish in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
The Historic Carousel at Woodland Park Zoo
What a zoo!
Saturday, May 9, marks the 25th annual Mom & Me at the Zoo event at Woodland Park Zoo. From 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. moms and families can participate in free activities in the North Meadow. Zoo admission for all mothers is half price. This Mom & Me at the Zoo event is especially exciting because three tiger brothers (Olan, Liem and Eko) arrived at the zoo this spring and their new home, the Banyan Wilds exhibit, opens May 2. Get ready to go wild.