If you are looking for things to do on Mother's Day – May 8, 2022 – you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a list of unique gifts, fun family activities and things to do on Mother’s Day that will make every Mom feel loved and appreciated.

Things to Do on Mother’s Day

Enjoy a Delicious Mother's Day Brunch or Tea Party

Surprise Mom by making reservations at her favorite restaurant for brunch or chose a new restaurant she's always wanted to try. For restaurant options where you can save money while you celebrate, check here for discounts before you go.

Another option would be to invite Mom (and Grandma!) to one of the many popular tea rooms in Northeast Ohio like The Macaron Tea Room in Cleveland, The Dragonfly Tea Room in Canal Fulton or Miss Hickory’s Tea Room in Strongsville. Spend the afternoon enjoying a relaxing tea party and special time together.

Mother's Day brunch and tea is very popular, so be sure to plan in advance and call ahead to make reservations.

Visit and See Blooming Flowers

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to visit and enjoy the many beautiful botanical gardens and arboretums that may be blooming this time of year. Take her to see the rare plants and flowers at Gardenview Horticultural Park, the cultivated gardens and grounds at Holden Arboretum, or if Mom enjoys historic architecture, consider a visit to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens where she can walk through the formal gardens and take a tour of the historic manor house.

If you’re looking for a great place to relax and interact with nature with younger children, take Mom to Secrest Arboretum or Beech Creek Gardens where you’ll find something fun for all ages including a nature playground, butterfly house, and a plant science and nature center.

Have a Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Our scavenger hunts are perfect for your Mother’s Day adventure! Have a blast as you follow the map on a quest through an area park. Your team will look for clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges all while making fun memories. Purchase your scavenger hunt now, and start your adventure any time!

Enjoy a Walk or Hike

Looking to get out and enjoy some time in nature? For outside activities with younger children who may need shorter walks, easy to access activities or those with fun playgrounds, consider visiting Silver Creek Metro Park, a trip to Squire’s Castle, or enjoy a bike ride on one of the many Paved Trails in Northeast Ohio. 

For active families with older children who are up for a more challenging hike or nature activity, take Mom to explore Worden’s Ledges in Cleveland Metroparks Hinckley Reservation. The stone carvings are truly spectacular! 

Another special treat Mom will be sure to love is a trip to one of the many Northeast Ohio Waterfalls. No matter the size, waterfalls are one of nature’s treasures and Mom will be sure to love the adventure!

Make Something Special for Mom

Nothing is more dear to a mother’s heart than handmade, heartfelt gifts on Mother’s Day. 

One of the best places to find Mother’s Day crafts is your local library. Make cards with the Cuyahoga County Public Library, crafts with the Akron-Summit County Public Library, or special handmade gifts with the Milan-Berlin Library. Be sure to check your local library’s events and programs page as many library systems will offer activities at more than one library branch.

Local businesses also offer crafts for Mother’s Day. And the great news is that many of them are offered affordably or FREE for patrons. Visit Lowe’s Build and Grow center or Michaels activities page for their current offerings. 

Plan an Overnight or Weekend Getaway

What to get away for the entire Mother’s Day weekend? Plan a road trip to check out Ohio’s Amish Country, the Lake Erie Islands, Columbus, or Toledo. Drive a little father and you could spend the weekend in Louisville, Indianapolis, or even Gatlinburg.  Need some idea on things to do when you get these? Check out our Family Road Trip Ideas.

Or maybe you'd prefer to leave the kids at home and have a romantic getaway. We've got great ideas for that too including treehouses, quaint bed and breakfast spots, luxury cabins, and more.

Looking for more ideas? Check out our Ultimate List of Things to do in Northeast Ohio.

Shop Local for Mother's Day Gifts

There are so many wonderful small businesses in Northeast Ohio that offer unique products and services that would make for the perfect Mother's Day present. 

If your mom loves sweets, local shops have you covered. Find special Mother’s Day themed treats at Campbell’s Sweets & Treats, to die for chocolate covered strawberries at Hondale's Fine Chocolates , and beautiful macaron gift boxes at The Macaron Tea Room . 

If your mom likes likes to wear her treats, you can’t go wrong with jewelry. Find special handmade clay earrings from Olive and Barry where part of the proceeds goes towards the Cleveland Hope Exchange. Or shop Wanderlust Jewelers where each and every piece is hand fabricated from start to finish at their workshop in Cleveland Heights.

Happy Mother’s Day!