Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10, 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.”
This guide to local Mother’s Day outings is sponsored by MOTHR, a local lifestyle brand that hosted a special event: MOTHR’S DAY: Giving Moms Their Flowers on Saturday, May 2, from 1 to 4 pm in Berkeley.
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.).
Drop-in Outings
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Bouquet making & Scent making with MOTHR, Berkeley
Saturday, May 2, from 1 to 4 pm in Berkeley, this special event can be time for Mom to do something on her own, with her mom, or with a little one in tow. It’s Mom’s choice! Admission includes making a bouquet to bring home, a coffee or matcha drink, a high-quality MOTHR tote bag, and mingling with moms and mom-centric small businesses. Tickets to MOTHR’S DAY: Giving Moms Their Flowers are $70 for adults; $15 for children 3 and up; free for under 3. Use code 510FAM15 for 15% off
Afternoon Tea @ Malaya Tea Room, Alameda.
From May 7 to 10. Spend a lovely afternoon tea time for mom and the kids at Alameda’s Malaya Tea Room. The adult menu is $58 / Child menu is $48. 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!
Mother’s Day Tea Party & Flower Workshop at Chabot Space & Science Center
May 9, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. Celebrate Mom with a tea party, flower workshop, and guided walk through the redwood forest with Chabot educators. Kids will also get to dissect flowers and make seed bombs to take home. A sweet, nature-filled morning for families.
Find tickets here >>
Magic Show at Berkeley Playhouse
Saturday, May 9. For a Mom + Me date, this kid-friendly show with local magician Brian Scott offers a great start to the weekend. The comedy, magic, and the thrill of live theater are memory-makers, for sure. Tickets are $25 per person and sold here >
Flower Arranging Kids Workshop
Sunday, May 10. Enjoy a hot chocolate together at Mey Cafe in Berkeley during a flower bouquet-making session, designed for kids. Sign up in advance for $50 per person.
Family Weaving Workshop at Berkeley Painting Club
Sunday, May 10. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn the step-by-step process of creating your very own woven wall hanging. You’ll have access to a lovely buffet of yarn featuring a variety of colors, weights, and textures to make your vision come to life. You’ll leave with a beautiful finished piece of wall art and the skills to keep weaving long after the class ends. Absolutely no prior experience is required. All materials are provided! Ages 10 and up. Sign up in advance for $50 per person.
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. Bonus: Ocean lovers should also stop by a special exhibit: Ocean Photographer of the Year in Hangar 41 at Alameda Point.
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.
Splurge! Mother’s Day Marina Cruise Brunch, Berkeley
Sunday, May 10, 10 am or 2:30 pm. For a big splurge, try a memorable Bay cruise. Bottomless mimosas, plated brunch, and spectacular views of the Bay. $156 for adults (and kids over 12), $130 for children 4+. Reserve Your Spot >
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.
Expectant mama? Treat mom to a prenatal massage.
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.
Thanks to our friends at MOTHR for sponsoring this guide to Mother’s Day events!
