Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11 and there are as many ways to celebrate moms as there are moms in the world. We hope you can find just the right way to say, “Hey mama, thanks for all you put up with while raising me to be a decent human.”
The first decision point: Does mom want Alone Time, Family Time, or Some Combination? I asked the {510} Families team what they wanted most for Mother’s Day. Read on to find their responses highlighted in yellow.
“When my children were tiny, all I wanted was to spend time with them while still avoiding the three dreaded Ds of diapers, dishes, and discipline.” ~ Heather, Mom to 3 teens
Mother’s Day Activities for Together Time
Pro-tip for family-together time: Dads and older kids, pack the bag for the day so Mama can show up for the outing and enjoy with maximum frolicking (we’re talking about snacks, diapers, wipes, layers, water, sunscreen, etc.).
Do-Together Outings for Mother’s Day Weekend
“All I want for Mother’s Day is to sleep in, take a long run, and get a haircut.” ~ Julie, Mom to 4 kids and a Labradoodle puppy
Mother’s Day Party @ AKOMA Grand Market, Oakland
Saturday, May 3, 3 – 6 pm. Brought to you by Black Cultural Zone, called Boots on the Ground, this celebration of mothers includes food, shopping, live music, and a giant party. Tickets are free unless you want to add unlimited mimosas. Register in advance.
Floral Tea Party @ Nurtured Seedling, Oakland
Sunday, May 4, 10 am – 12:30 pm. Moms and children ages 4+ are invited for a special tea party with floral crafts, photo booths, kids’ activities, and the creation of a fresh floral crown. Register in advance.
Magic for Moms & Kids @ Berkeley Playhouse
Saturday, May 10, 2 – 3 pm. Enjoy a performance of Brian Scott Magic with the whole family. His style and illusions will delight all ages. Register in advance.
Mothers’s Day Crafting Together @ Small Steps Art Studio, Oakland
Saturday, May 10, 10 -12 pm. This special Mother’s Day Mom-n-Me event—make finger-knit flowers and a butterfly together, then smile for portraits by Shawna McCarroll Photography. $60 per pair includes crafts and two digital portraits. Register in advance.
Flower Crowns Workshop @ Mannequin Madness, Oakland
Sunday, 11, 2 -4 pm. This is a combo gift and outing: Make a floral headdress or another wearable art piece at Mannequin Madness. Moms, grandmas, and children over age 5 are invited to create real flower crowns before a special photoshoot together. $60 for adults and $45 for kids 8-16. Register in advance.
Afternoon Tea @ Malaya Tea Room, Alameda.
Saturday, May 11 or Sunday, May 12. Spend a lovely afternoon tea time for mom and the kids at Alameda’s Malaya Tea Room. The adult menu is $55 / Child menu is $40. Reservations are strongly recommended. Or try your best effort at home by assembling mini desserts, tiny sandwiches, and hot beverages on your finest dishes. Make it fancy, dress up a little!
“I wish for a nice quiet morning with a mimosa.” ~ Tiffany, Mom to a 5-year-old and 2-year-old twins
“All I want for Mother’s Day is a whine-free hike with my kids and a margarita on a sunny patio.” ~ Maureen, Mom to 4 and 7-year-old girls
Mother’s Day Tea Party, Alameda
Sunday, May 11, 10 am. Paint a teapot, cups, and saucers at this artistic event. Refreshments will be served. Options start at $88 for 1 adult + 1 child pair. Reserve Your Spot >
Take a Hike Together
Outdoor adventure. Pick your favorite hike or outing and force the kids into a gentle “No whining, it is Mother’s Day” agreement. I find a pocket full of candy helps. Can you rally the kids for a longer hike with pancakes and amazing views? Other pretty places to explore include Tilden Park, Lake Merritt Garden, or the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
Find lots of beautiful, blooming gardens in the East Bay >>
Kayak on the Bay
Paddle and splash. Discover Sea Trek in Alameda with its family-friendly tours or check out any of the other fun places to kayak and stand-up paddleboard around our part of the Bay. Treat Mom to an outing with willing kids or untethered buddies.
“All I want for Mother’s Day is to sleep in, work out, and get a haircut.” ~ Michele, Mom to 6-year-old girl and 7-month-old boy
Explore Angel Island
Take the tram or use your feet. A day trip to Angel Island with kids is like a mini-vacation. Perfect for a weekend adventure or day off from school, the trip has a little something for everyone on your list: a ferry ride, outdoor time, food and drinks, history, beach, AND beautiful scenery. Sound good? Let’s go to Angel Island with the family!
Float away at Lake Chabot
Rent a boat, large or small. There are kayaks for active families, pedal boats for tweens, pontoon boats for relaxing plus trails to enjoy the day. Find something perfect for your energy level and budget. Check availability.
“I wish for a new orchid and to not have to cook all day.” ~ Carol, Mom to 2 teen boys
Splurge! Mother’s Day Marina Cruise Brunch, Berkeley
Sunday, May 11, 10 am or 2:30 pm boarding. For a big splurge, try a memorable Bay cruise. Bottomless mimosas, plated brunch, and spectacular views of the Bay. $110 for adults (and kids over 12), $90 for children 4+. Reserve Your Spot >
Gifts children can make for Mom (with help)
The homemade coupon book is a classic for a reason. Gift Mom with things she loves now (foot rub, favorite dinner, sleeping in, desserts, walking together, control of remote, alone time, snuggles, breakfast in bed) and less of what she doesn’t (chores help of all kinds, instant Sibs Stop Fighting ticket, wash the car, laundry all day, etc.) with a few ideas for future treats (girls’ night out, a theater visit, a massage!). You design it because you know Mom best. Here’s a template if you’re not creative in that way >
Kids’ adorable craft projects. Made with love and their messy handwriting on a mug, tote bag, or certificate: #1 Mom, and done!
Handmade (temporary) tee shirts. This one is pretty easy: grab some WASHABLE markers and write a message of love on the kids’ clothes or hers: I love Mom, Mom Rules, Mother of Dragons, Queen for a Day, etc.
“For Mother’s Day, I want to sleep in, wake up to breakfast in bed, and go for a whole day without sibling fights.” ~ Parul, Mom to 2
Gift Ideas to Buy for Mom
Paint some kiddo handprints on a lovely keepsake mug at Brushstrokes in Berkeley or Color Me Mine in Alameda. My family has a few of these and I tell my husband that every year, he only needs to fill it with chocolate (but like really good chocolate!)
Tickets. Find some upcoming performances and tie the tickets up with a ribbon.
Book a photography session with a local family photographer. Find a great location and date for a family picture to make Mom smile all year.
Surprise Mom and Grandma with a framed print of a photo they already love. Or a puzzle, memory game, or tote bag from her favorite pictures.
“I want the kids to take initiative on a card or gift (they are old enough to know it’s Mother’s Day!).” ~ Whitney, Mom to 2 teens
Deluxe spa treatment. Treat mom to an unforgettable Mother’s Day with a day of pampering at her favorite spa.
Plant a garden. Do the heavy lifting so Mom can have a little bit of green space. This idea can be small or large depending on your imagination, outdoor space, and resources so scale it up or down as needed. I would like about three bags of soil and some seedlings. Please and thank you. Tips on gardening with kids locally >
Share the love. For the woman who doesn’t need anything, make a donation to one of our favorite local non-profits, Help A Mother Out, raising funds to provide diapers to moms in need.
2 thoughts on “East Bay Mother’s Day Guide”
Jack London Square is offering photos and prizes for moms https://jacklondonsquare.com/events/jack-london-sq-free-mother-s-day-selfie-experience
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area is celebrating moms on Sunday with free admission to the area’s top attraction. Moms can build lasting memories with their families amongst millions of LEGO® bricks as they get free admission and get 50% off admission for up to 3 of their family members.