May is Mother's Day Month

All month long, show mom how much you appreciate everything she does. Here are more ideas for fun things to do with mom and the entire family. Enjoy Spring and enjoy this month of May!

1. Go away on an adventure to a Dude Ranch!

Try a dude ranch nearby! Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is an all-inclusive family resort, located in the Catskills Mountains. Whether you are a horse lover or not, there’s something for everyone. Wooded trails, private lake with fishing and paddle boats, swimming and waterslides, mini-golf, tennis, volleyball, tractor rides, family shows and more!

2. Create an Art Project

Is Mom artistic? Spend some quality time at an art studio painting, creating a glass object, jewelry beading or pottery making.

Some Art Studios in New Jersey: Glassworks in Morristown, Creative Hands Art Studio in Madison, Just Bead Yourself in Westfield, Art Around the Corner in Freehold

3. Explore the museums

And create something special at the museum’s art workshops. On May 12th, Newark Museum’s Art Spa day offers a soothing and mindful spa-inspired experience involving the museum’s art collection. Montclair Art Museum has drop in studios.

4. Enjoy a Special Brunch, Lunch or Dinner

Do not let mom cook on her special day. Many neighborhood restaurants have options honoring moms with a special meal for Mother’s Day. Here are some options: The Manor Restaurant in West Orange, Ruth Chris Steakhouse in Parsippany or Weehawken, Red Lobster in Bridgewater, Ledgewood, Paramus, Union, Wayne.

5. Splurge and get spoiled at the Spa

Offer mom a day of relaxation and pampering to renew and refresh. Here are a few spas: the Spa at Crystal Springs, Utopia Salon & Day Spa in Westfield, The Woodhouse Day Spa in Montclair, Red Bank, Summit.

6. Take a Hike or Walk

Enjoy a local hike or a stroll on a peaceful and picturesque trail or path. Check out the mother’s day hike to the Woman’s Monument in Alpine, NJ. Or get to Lady Liberty and challenge mom to a hike up the crown. Climbing one of the jersey lighthouses is another option. Did you know May 18th is National Kids to Parks Day Hike at Plainsboro Preserve?

6. See a Live Show

Attend the theater or see a live performance. A laser show at a planetarium? A Wizard of Oz ballet, professionally choreographed by Petrov Ballet’s Spring Gala Performance? Rock N Roll at BergenPAC? Alice in Wonderland @ The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts? Or see National Geographics Live?

7. Tea Time Anyone?

Relax and enjoy sophisticated afternoon tea time at a local cafe, or at one of our local kid’s special venue. Parteaz of East Hanover has the perfect mommy and me special tea events. It’s a real HIGH Tea Luncheon with Sofia the 1st held on May 17th. Tea, yummy luncheon, and craft too. 

8. Go Bowling

A fun game of bowling is always a great pastime and a fun way to spend quality time together. Many are getting remodeled and are now family entertainment centers. Some have glow in the dark, some have theaters, some have arcades and games of all sorts, and many are equipped with full restaurant dining options. Make it a day of team bonding. Great for rainy days.

9. Go to the Ocean

Especially on Ocean Fun Days! May 18 and 19!

10. Go On a Dinner Cruise

For a special experience mom will never forget, you might want to choose a few hours on board a local cruise ship, gliding across the waters around Manhattan. Spirit New Jersey leaves from Weehawken and Cornucopia Cruise Line leaves from Perth Amboy.

11. Dress up like a Fairy or Pirate

Get the family at the Fairy and Pirate Festival at Turkey Brook Park, May 18th, 10am-2pm. Great dress up activity.

12. Fly a Kite!

Then view the colors in the sky at the Kite Day. Wildwood is hosting an International Kite Festival on May 25, all day.

13. Get Hooked on Fishing with Mom and kids.

This special state-wide event is fun for the entire family. Get ready for a youth fishing challenge held on June 8 all throughout the state. It’s FREE! All youths are eligible to win a prize and receive giveaways. Start getting fishing ready in May, although all levels are welcome.

14. Go to the garden and smell the blossoms.

This is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors now that it’s finally warm. The gardens are prepped and ready for all to view and admire. Take pictures with mom and make her feel special. The NY Botanical Garden still has Cherry blossoms in early May.

15. Then plan and start your own garden!

Help mom plant a tree, a bush, a tomato patch…pick up the weeds, mulch. Throw seeds in the ground. You’ll see the difference. It’ll be picture perfect. If you need help, check out Duke Farm’s Junior Gardeners seed to fork experience, with outdoor classes in their community garden. Or go to your local nature center for help!

16. Celebrate mom and go to Jersey’s May Festivals and Fairs.

Walk, eat, shop and relax at these upcoming festivals.

17. Take mom to the ball game!

Somerset Patriots is celebrating Mom featuring a Breast Cancer Awareness and Women in Baseball event on April 12th. All players will be wearing special themed jerseys honoring women in baseball; enjoy a pre-game Mothers and Kids Catch, a brunch in the BBQ picnic area, and run the bases after the game. Plus get there early because the first 1,000 women will receive a special T-Shirt!

18. Enter NJ KIDS Enter2Win Yankee Tickets!

Really! Wait for our summer giveaways, two full months of weekly giveaways. Wow! Enter to WIN 3 NY Yankees Memorial Day May 27th tickets.

19. Check out the Children’s Festival at Historic Smithville in Absecon, May 11th.

20. Visit the animals!

Have you been to Lehigh Valley Zoo? They are celebrating Spring and opened every day from 10-4. Or Boogie down at the Bronx Zoo for their animals and nature trek. Or visit at night - Turtle Back Zoo has their Night Moves once again. See the guide to NJ Area Zoos and Wildlife Habitats, as well as the Guide to NJ Area Aquariums and Sea Life.

21. Play, Explore, Ride and even READ, all in one setting…at Storybook Land.

Great day trip for tots to Storybook Land. They’re celebrating Spring and waiting to amuse the kids! Buy discounted tickets online.

22. Open Cockpit Weekends @ Aviation Hall of Fame.

See and sit in real Props, Jets, Helicopters, Fire and Rescue Trucks.

23. Go to the Villages!

Pier Village by the beach has a family fun night on May 26; The Historic Village at Allaire is celebrating Memorial Day May 27th; Batsto Village has guided tours of how life used to be in the 18th century, and the Village in NYC is open 24/7, just walk and you’ll see all walks of life! Each offering different themes!

24. Make Something!

Newark Museum’s Makerspace is open select Saturdays. All are invited to drop in and experiment with tools and materials of artists. Get messy with clay and paint.

25. Go Roller Skating

Roller Skating is great exercise and keeps everyone on their toes. Put on a pair of roller-skates and feel young again! Moms, wear your knee pads. Another fun thing to do if it rains.

26. Special Needs?

Did you see our guide to 50 fun things to do for Special Needs? And check out our list of universal playgrounds.

27. Paintball anyone?

Did you know Anchor Golf in Whippany has a huge battlefield in the back, equipped with bunkers, haystacks, and game field? Bring your friends, family and make it a competitive, or tame it down with their carnival style gallery. Fun for all ages. There’s also batting cages, mini golf, foot-golf and a driving range.

28. Need a Quick Getaway?

Check out our family day trip ideas. Get locked up in the woods at Woodloch! They’re running a 15% special through June 28th with Promo code: NJKIDS19. Did you know they were rated one of America’s best family resorts and top 1% Hotels Worldwide by Tripadvisor?

29. Become a Host Family and host an international exchange student.

Moms, this is a chance to change your child’s life. Create a lifelong bond that spans cultures and countries. What an opportunity! Read more.

30. Check out more FUN here!