The Best Mother’s Day Activities, Events, Brunch, and Tea Spots

Mark your calendars! Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10, 2026. Here are some ideas to make sure you have an amazing day. Forward this to someone and give them a hint about what you’d like to do OR plan the day yourself. Whatever you do, enjoy it! Here are great Mother’s Day activities, events, brunch, and tea spots! And don’t forget a Mother’s Day gift!

Check out these Mother’s Day crafts and this FREE Printable too! 

Mother’s Day Activities, Events, Brunch, and Tea

1. Medieval Times Meal and Tournament

Baltimore, MD
Feast and be entertained like a queen with jousting, sword fights, horsemanship, flying falcons and more. Secure your seat at this unforgettable event today!

2. Celebrate Mom at The Mansion on O Street

3. Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise

Washington, DC
Relax on a beautiful cruise overlooking the Potomac River. Enjoy gorgeous views, a buffet brunch, a live DJ. Bring the family and see famous monuments by boat!

6. Bonsai Fest at the National Arboretum

Washington, DC, May 8-10, 2026
Enjoy FREE family fun while walking around The National Arboretum for their annual Bonsai Festival. The collection (along with all of the surrounding garden area) is beautiful and inspiring.

7. Mother’s Day Cruise from The Wharf – SOLD OUT 

Washington, DC
Set sail from 2-5 pm on the 65-foot schooner American Spirit. Bring your own picnic and drinks (along with any beer and wine, but spirits aren’t allowed).

8. Mother’s Day at Clark’s Elioak Farm

Ellicott City, MD
Free hayrides for Moms and Grandmother’s (with accompaniment of a child). See baby animals and their moms and enjoy the Fairy forest, rides, and the playfulness of this farm!

9. Putt-Putt at Swingers DC 

Dupont, Washington, DC
This Mother’s Day, all moms who book a visit to Swingers DC will receive a complimentary glass of bubbles while they enjoy crazy golf, all-new carnival games, and more. For those looking to spend the Sunday with the whole family, Swingers has delicious kids’ menus, activity sheets, fun drinks, and slushies.

11. Mother’s Day in the Park

Fairfax Memorial Park in VA
Sunday, May 10 at 1 pm
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Sundae’s from Baskin Robbins, plus a chance to win a raffle. This is a FREE event at a gorgeous park.

12. Mother’s Day Cruise

Annapolis, MD
Enjoy a 2-hour scenic brunch cruise on the Catherine Marie yacht on the Chesapeake featuring live music and a buffet brunch with champagne bar.

13. Mother’s Day with Mary Kay at Shipgarten

McLean, VA, Sunday, May 9-10, 2026
Enjoy this FREE event where mom and kids will both have a good time with skin analysis, face painting, crafts, and more! 

14. Mother’s Day Tea or Brunch at Santé

Arlington, VA, May 9-10, 2026

Elevate Mother’s Day with a special brunch or tea at Santé. Enjoy specialty teas, scones, treats, or a full brunch. 

15. “Music for our Mothers” at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Vienna, VA, Sunday, May 10 from 3–4 pm
Celebrate mom with a concert in the beautiful Korean Bell Garden at Meadowlark with stunning gardens, pretty blooms, and lake views.

16. Mother’s Day Music and Tea

Aurora Hills Center, Arlington, VA, May 4, 2026
55+ Pass required! Bring a photo of your mom, children, or wife to display. Enjoy live piano music from Valerie Welsh, warm tea, and assorted pastries to celebrate. 

17. Mother’s Day Tea & Scones & Garden Walk

Howard County Conservancy, Woodstock, MD, Saturday, May 9 at 10 am 
Partake in tea and Scottish scones and walk around the beautiful gardens and historic farmhouse setting. $5 per person and children age 12 and under free.

Top Mother’s Day Brunch Spots for Mom

1. Le Diplomat – Washington, DC
2. Equinox Restaurant – Washington, DC
3. Ellie Bird – Falls Church, VA – unlimited pancakes for $5 with purchase of an entree
4. J. Hollinger’s – Silver Spring, MD – buffet from 10 am to 2:30 pm
5. Matchbox – various locations in DC, MD, and VA
6. Pinstripes – Georgetown, DC – classic brunch, plus complimentary a gift for mom!
7. Bobby McKey’s – National Harbor, MD – brunch and live dueling piano show

The Best Gardens to Explore for Mother’s Day

1. Dumbarton Oaks
2. National Arboretum
3. The Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral
4. Franciscan Monastery Garden
5. Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
6. Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens
7. Burnside Farms
8. United States Capitol gardens
9. Enid A. Haupt Garden
10. Rock Creek Park (not a garden, but lots of lovely walks!)
11. Netherlands Carillon

There are so many ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in our area! And different things sound fun in different seasons of a mom’s life. Whatever you do to celebrate this year, have fun and practice gratitude for the gift of motherhood. Share these ideas for Mother’s Day activities, events, brunch, and tea spots.

If you are looking specifically for afternoon tea locations, please check out our Guide to Afternoon Teas.