10 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Great Outdoors
I’ve only been a mom for six years now, but that has been enough time for me to figure out exactly what I want to do on Mother’s Day.
Here’s a hint: It’s not spending the morning trying to wrangle my kids into dress clothes so that I can try to convince them that it would be fun to stay in their seats while we try to eat brunch at a restaurant.
It’s not even spending the day being pampered at a spa without my children. (Although that’s probably because I’ve never actually experienced that.)
What I really want to do on Mother’s Day is spend the day doing something together as a family – preferably outside.
By the time Mother’s Day rolls around, it’s usually warming up, and I am itching to be outside as much as possible.
As a Together Counts™ Ambassador, being active outside is an even bigger bonus if I can spend my outdoor time with the people I love the most.
In case you’re anything like me, here are 10 ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in the great outdoors.
1. Take a Bike Ride
It’s the perfect day to polish up your bikes and hit the road. Take a spin around the block, or have your kids help you map out a longer bike ride – with a stop for snacks along the way.
2. Get Gardening
I love to spend time in the flower beds with the kiddos. Whether they’re pulling weeds or watering our freshly planted flowers, they love it too. Maybe plant a tree or a special flower in commemoration of Mother’s Day this year.
3. Make S’mores
Some years, we still spend the day at brunches or visiting the grandparents – and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I always like to end the day roasting S’mores in our backyard fire pit. Want to make it even more magical? Add sparklers. Everything is better with sparklers.
4. Fly a Kite
If there’s wind in your forecast, grab some kites and hit an open field for some running, laughing and kite flying. Don’t forget the camera!
5. Explore your parks
Visit your local parks and playgrounds and see what’s new. Hike a new trail, visit that new swing set and have fun!
6. Hit the River
If your kids are older, canoeing can be a really fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
7. Plan a Picnic
Have someone (not you – it is Mother’s Day) pack a picnic lunch and head to your favorite outdoor spot to dine outside.
8. Just Play
Think back to your favorite childhood games and play them with your family. Tag, red rover, scavenger hunts, three-legged races – spend the day being a kid again. Blow bubbles, see who can swing the highest, play flashlight tag… you get the idea.
9. Pitch a Tent
If you have more than a day, grab your tent and sleeping bags and spend a night in the wilderness. Or – just plan a backyard campout – that your family is sure to remember for years to come.
10. Go to the Zoo
I love going to the zoo first thing in the morning while the animals are just waking up. Have you ever seen a baby giraffe stretching while she eats her breakfast in the morning? Trust me, it’s adorable.
What are your favorite ways to spend Mother’s Day?
Anna Luther is the mom behind the blog, My Life and Kids. She loves to share her stories, make you laugh and help moms feel better about their crazy, messy, fabulous lives. She lives in Ohio with her husband and three little kids.