What's Happening Mother's Day 2026

Whether you’re planning a full day out or just looking for a meaningful way to spend a few hours together, here are some of the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day across the Garden State.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at NJPAC
Fri-Sun, May 8-10, 2026. A Mother’s Day weekend tradition, each Ailey performance takes you on a path to discovery. Ailey’s signature work, Revelations, pays tribute to African-American cultural heritage and is set to spirituals, gospels and blues. Buy tickets in advance at NJPAC. 1 Center St, Newark. 

Mother's Day at Jenkinson's Boardwalk
Sun, May 10, 2026. Moms receive FREE admission with a paying child during open hours at Jenkinson's. Good for Aquarium, rides, Fun House, Mini Golf, and Adventure Lookout Ropes course. Point Pleasant, NJ.

Explore The Bronx Zoo
Celebrate with Mom at the Bronx Zoo this spring. So much to see and do - animals, Children’s Zoo, exhibits, wildlife, rides, and more! 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY. 

Grounds for Sculpture - ArtBox for Mother’s Day
Sat-Sun, May 8-9, 2026. Enjoy a fun filled museum day at Grounds for Sculpture with Mom, explore art, gardens, sculptures, and more! Buy ArtBoxes to make memories, either at the garden or at home. Choose between Heartfelt Portraits or Handmade Cards. Buy tickets online. 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ.

Explore Yellow Days at Crayola Factory (PA)
May 4-10, 2026. Enjoy a yellow day with special activities when you visit Crayola. Wear yellow, craft yellow, walk a yellow carpet, meet Yellow crayon, and more! Buy tickets online. 

The Gazillion Bubble Show
Go see the spectacular Gazillion Bubble Show. It’s an incredible fun experience for all ages. Bubble magic, laser light effects, soapy masterpieces, and more! 340 W 50th St. New York, NY. 

New Jersey Botanical Garden Tour
Sun, May 10, 2026, 2PM. Treat mom to a free guided garden tour at the NJBG. Meet at the carriage house. Morris Road, Ringwood, NJ. 

Mother’s Day at Monmouth Park
Sun, May 10, 2026, 12PM-5PM. FREE Admission for all ladies. Treat mom to an exciting day at the Monmouth Park racetrack. FREE family activities - clowns, face painting, pony rides, and bounce houses. Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ.

Big Snow at American Dream Mall
Why not hit the indoor slopes with Mom at Big Snow? Every day is a snow day. Open year round for “winter” fun so take mom skiing or snowboarding. 1 American Dream Way, E Rutherford, NJ.

Visit the Turtle Back Zoo
Plan a fun filled day with the family at the Turtle Back Zoo. Over 130 animal species, ride the zoo train, carousel, or feed goats. West Orange, NJ. 

Flowers & Plants at Rutgers Gardens
FREE. Bring Mom to Rutgers Gardens between and explore one of the best botanical gardens in New Jersey. Discover nature, flowers, plants, and more! 130 Log Cabin Rd, New Brunswick, NJ.

Mother’s Day at the Pier Village
Sun, May 10, 2026. Enjoy a relaxing meal at one of restaurants on the Pier. Walk along the boardwalk and smell the ocean breeze. Stroll and shop at one the many boutiques. Long Branch, NJ.

Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration at NY Botanical Garden
Sat & Sun, May 9-10, 2026, 12PM-5PM. Stopy by the NYBG for family activities including outdoor fun, lawn games, make Mom a gift, and face painting. Enjoy live family friendly performances. Food trucks available. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY.

Mother’s Day Craft & Vendor Market — Cherry Hill
Start the weekend with shopping and fun at the Cherry Hill Mother’s Day Craft & Vendor Market. Browse local vendors, enjoy delightful treats, and discover thoughtful gifts to honor the amazing moms in your life. A perfect outing to shop, celebrate, and support small businesses.
Details: Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday, May 3 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Cost: Check event details for admission information. Location: Cherry Hill. For vendor registration and event information, visit hometownvendormarket.com.

Mother’s Day Extravaganza — Wayne
Celebrate Mother’s Day early at the Mother’s Day Extravaganza at Wayne PAL, bigger and better this year with even more to experience. Browse over 100 amazing vendors, enjoy kid-friendly activities, discover samples and giveaways, experience mini sessions with a live medium, and shop for handcrafted chocolates, matching bracelets, and handmade treasures. There’s something for the whole family.
Details: Saturday, May 2nd. Check event details for hours and admission information.
Location: Wayne PAL

Visit the Simpson Observatory — Trenton
A family-friendly evening for aspiring young astronomers and families, this free event begins with a star talk in the planetarium at the NJ State Museum, followed by nighttime sky observing at Washington Crossing State Park through the Simpson Observatory. A great opportunity for children ages 10 and older to explore the wonders of the night sky.
Details: Friday, May 8 at 7:15 PM. Cost: Free.
Location: NJ State Museum, Trenton, with observing at Washington Crossing State Park

Mother’s Day Celebration — Jersey City
Enjoy an afternoon of family fun at Hamilton Park hosted by JCFamilies. This special event features a photo corner, arts and crafts, music and performances, cookie decorating, giant bubbles, flowers for moms, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Bring a picnic blanket and make sweet memories together in the park.
Details: Friday, May 8 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Cost: Check event details for admission information.
Location: Hamilton Park, Jersey City.

The Animal Lover Mom — Cape May
Surprise animal loving moms with a creative Mother’s Day outing at Bloom Bar, where moms can craft their own bouquet while their furry companions receive a flower too. With photo opportunities and a pet-friendly atmosphere, this special event is a fun way to make memories together.
Details: Saturday, May 9–Sunday, May 10, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM both days.
Location: Bloom Bar, 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May.

Annual Azalea Festival
Celebrate the beauty of spring at the Annual Azalea Festival, a beloved Mother’s Day weekend tradition. Stroll through the vibrant blooms at Sayen House and Gardens while enjoying a relaxing day filled with nature, shopping, and entertainment. Guests can browse local craft vendors, listen to live music, and enjoy a variety of food options. A special highlight for moms is free family portraits available from 10 AM to 4 PM, making it a perfect opportunity to capture a meaningful memory together.
Details: Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 AM. Rain date: May 10.
Location: 155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton Cost: Free.

Asbury Park Spring Bazaar
There is no better way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend than with a little shopping by the shore. The Asbury Park Spring Bazaar returns with a weekend full of makers, local vendors, arts and crafts, and live music experiences across two vibrant locations. Visitors can enjoy browsing unique handmade goods, seasonal gifts, and boutique-style finds while taking in the lively atmosphere.
Details: Saturday, May 9 – Sunday, May 10 at 12:00 PM. Cost: Free.
Locations: Grand Arcade at Asbury Park Convention Hall, Grand Ave., Asbury Park(Sat & Sun); The Asbury Hotel, 210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park (Sun).

Visit The Stickley Museum — Morris Plains
Go to the FREE Makers Day Open House at The Stickley Museum on Saturday, May 9, 2026, 12pm to 4pm. Guests can visit the historic Log House and learn about the history of the museum and its collections. Then tour the North Cottage and see rare green ash furniture.
Details: May 9th from 12–4pm. Free admission.
Location: The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms

Mother’s Day Weekend Maker’s Market — Bedminster
Treat the moms in your life with a weekend of handmade goods, spring flowers, and unique gifts from local artisans. Hosted at A Maker’s Circle Art Studio, this festive Mother’s Day market is the perfect place to shop one-of-a-kind items and support local makers.
Details: Mother’s Day Weekend.
Location: A Maker’s Circle Art Studio, 8 Hacklebarney Rd, Bedminster, NJ 07979.

Mother’s Day/Family Hike — Tenafly
Start Mother’s Day with a guided family hike at the Tenafly Nature Center. Enjoy a brisk walk through scenic forest trails with a naturalist guide, take in the beauty of nature, and spend quality time with Mom and family. With peaceful trails and beautiful photo backdrops, it’s a wonderful way to start the day outdoors. All are welcome.
Details: May 10th from 10-11:30am. Check event details for hike time and admission information.
Location: Tenafly Nature Center.

Mother’s Day 5K & 10K Run — Elmwood Park
Kick off Mother’s Day with a healthy and active community tradition at this special 5K, 10K, and 1-Mile Fun Walk hosted by the New Elmwood Park Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event supports the fight against Parkinson’s Disease and honors local resident and mother Marlene Matsko as guest of honor. A meaningful way for runners, walkers, and families of all ages to come together for fitness and a great cause.
Details: Sunday, May 10 at 9:30 AM. Cost: Check event registration for participation fees.
Location: Page Street entrance to Birchwood Park, Elmwood Park.

Mother’s Day Planting Make n’ Take at Terhune Orchards
A hands-on Mother’s Day experience designed especially for young gardeners, this creative workshop at Terhune Orchards lets kids make something meaningful for mom or grandma. Children will plant and decorate their own flower or herb pot to take home, along with a handmade card to complete their gift.
Details: Sunday, May 10. Arrive anytime between 10:00 AM–11:30 AM; event ends at 12:00 PM. Cost: $10 per child.
Location: Terhune Orchards, Princeton.

Sunday Morning Fitness Hike at Schiff Nature Preserve
For moms who love the outdoors and a little adventure, the Schiff Nature Preserve offers a refreshing way to spend Mother’s Day morning. This guided fitness hike takes participants through approximately five miles of scenic, varied terrain—perfect for enjoying fresh air, movement, and springtime views in a peaceful natural setting. Start Mother’s Day surrounded by nature before heading off to brunch or other festivities.
Details: Sunday, May 10 at 9:00 AM.
Cost: Free for members, $10 for nonmembers.
Location: 239 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham.

However you choose to celebrate, Mother’s Day is about making memories together. However you spend it, the best plans are the ones that make Mom feel appreciated. Here’s to celebrating the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures who make life so meaningful, and to making this Mother’s Day in New Jersey one to remember.

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