Mother’s Day is all about celebrating the special women in our lives. And in NYC that means spoiling mom with a skyline brunch, spring garden stroll or fancy afternoon tea. There are so many ways you can show your appreciation in the Big Apple, and we’ve compiled the best of them here, including brunches, Broadway shows, Hudson cruises, spa days and more…
New York brunch cruise
Elevate brunch with mom on a Bateaux New York Premier Plus Brunch Cruise. This isn’t just brunch, it’s a floating celebration that gives you Manhattan’s best river views while you sip mimosas and listen to live jazz. The completely glass-enclosed boat means you’ll have a fine time whatever the weather, whether you’re catching sunlight sparkling off the water or snapping rain-soaked selfies as the Statue of Liberty slides by.
The brunch buffet is loaded with treats—pillowy hot pastries, fluffy scrambled eggs, seared salmon with lemon-dill sauce, and desserts that somehow taste sweeter when you’re watching the Brooklyn Bridge go by. There’s even a dedicated dessert table piled with tiny cheesecakes, fruit tarts and chocolate mousse cups, perfect for sharing (or not). And if you want to capture those family moments, crew members are always happy to take your photo. It’s easy to see why this is a top pick for Mother’s Day: the experience feels like a little escape, but with all the classic New York touches you’d expect.
New York Botanical Garden
New York Botanical Garden
Prove that a garden stroll beats a bouquet any day with a trip to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, where spring is in full, fragrant swing every May. Celebrated for its 250 acres of lush lawns, expertly designed gardens and themed seasonal displays, this oasis lets mom set her pace—whether she’s a wildflower whisperer or just wants a relaxing stroll surrounded by trees and blooms. The Haupt Conservatory, a massive Victorian-style greenhouse, is home to tropical palms, vibrant orchids and cacti from every continent; on sunny days, the seasonal greenhouses look especially magical with light filtering through the arched glass ceilings. Outdoor highlights include the azalea garden and cherry blossom trees, which explode in pink and white petals just in time for Mother’s Day. The shaded winding paths are perfect for a gentle walk, while the rose garden—featuring more than 650 beautiful varieties—is a photo-worthy spot no matter what’s in bloom.
Afternoon tea at Bergdorf Goodman
Whisk mom away to a scene straight out of a classic New York movie with afternoon tea at BG Restaurant, perched on Bergdorf Goodman’s top floor. The setting alone is worth the visit—picture powder-blue banquettes, glimmering antique mirrors and huge windows with views across Central Park. BG is the kind of place where every detail feels thoughtful, from the floral-patterned porcelain to the crisp linen napkins. The tea selection is impressive (the fragrant silver needle white is a standout), but it’s the food that gets guests buzzing: towers of dainty sandwiches, rich scones with real clotted cream, mini lemon tarts and pastel macarons that look almost too pretty to eat.
After tea, you’re perfectly placed to browse Bergdorf’s legendary ground-floor beauty counters or just enjoy a stroll down Fifth Avenue. If your mom delights in a luxe afternoon, BG should be at the top of your New York hit list.
Aire Ancient Baths
Pampering is the name of the game at Aire Ancient Baths, a subterranean spa in Tribeca that looks and feels entirely removed from city life above. Once inside, you’re greeted by glowing lanterns, exposed brick archways and a hush that makes you instinctively slow down. This is where relaxation becomes an art form: slip into thermal baths ranging from ice-cold plunges to lush, heated pools, let your stress melt away in bubbling hot tubs, or try the signature saltwater flotation bath for a drifting-on-air sensation.
For next-level indulgence, book the wine bath experience—yes, mom will literally soak in antioxidant-rich Spanish red grapes—paired with a scalp or foot massage. Aire’s quiet corners and candlelit pools make it ideal for meaningful one-on-one time; this is the perfect, peaceful antidote to NYC’s non-stop energy. You’ll emerge feeling restored, ridiculously pampered, and more connected than ever. If you want to gift mom relaxation and connection, Aire pulls it off brilliantly.
Mother’s Day inspo at The Met
Mother’s Day inspo at The Met
If your mom lights up at the mention of museums or swoons over gorgeous art books, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the perfect place to celebrate. There’s a reason families return to the Met year after year—the endless galleries feel like a choose-your-own-adventure tour of the world’s creativity, all under one roof. Wander together through rooms replete with Impressionist masterpieces, catch a fashion exhibit in the Costume Institute (a favorite for style-savvy moms), or get lost among ancient Egyptian artifacts (the mummies are always a hit). The American Wing’s fountain-filled court is among New York’s most peaceful corners, and if you time your visit just right, you can snag a table for coffee or a pastry nearby. Don’t miss the rooftop garden for cool contemporary art installations and some of the best Central Park panoramas anywhere in the city.
Gourmet picnic in Central Park
Sometimes, the simplest plans are the most memorable—especially when you elevate them with New York’s best picnic fare and one unbeatable setting: Central Park in May. Start your adventure with a stop by Zabar’s or Eli’s on the Upper West Side, picking up everything from flaky smoked fish to sharp local cheeses and buttery rugelach. Grab a basket (many local delis and specialty stores offer pre-packed options if you want things easy), toss in some sparkling water or a bottle of crisp rosé, and head to the park.
Find a patch of grass on Sheep Meadow, one of the city’s greenest and most lively open spaces, or instead, look for spring blooms near the Shakespeare Garden or by the rowboats along the lake. You can rent rowboats at Loeb Boathouse for some lovely post-lunch paddling, or simply stretch out on a blanket, people-watch and relax. If younger family members are joining, the Central Park Zoo and Alice in Wonderland statue are close by and sure to be a hit. Who knows: you might just start a new Mother’s Day tradition.
High tea with a twist at Alice’s Tea Cup
For a magical Mother’s Day treat, head uptown to Alice’s Tea Cup. This whimsical tearoom channels fairytale charm and coziness, inviting moms and families inside its homage to Lewis Carroll’s wonderland. The walls are hand-painted with storybook quotes, and vintage tea sets spill across brightly decorated wooden tables. The Mad Hatter afternoon tea option includes a generous three-tiered stand of warm, freshly baked scones (served with clotted cream and house-made preserves), petite sandwiches, and a colorful array of tea cakes and cookies.
The tea menu stretches over pages, so whether your mom is a fan of classic earl grey or cherry blossom green, there’s something new to savor. Portions are generous, the atmosphere sparkles with laughter, and little touches—like fairy wings for young guests—make it charming for any age.
Chocolate heaven
Chocolate heaven
Treat sweet-toothed moms to a chocolate tasting that doubles as a sensory adventure—and a mini study in confectionery art—at Jacques Torres Chocolate in DUMBO. Step inside the shop and you’re greeted with the tantalizing scent of cocoa flowing from the open kitchen where chocolatiers dip and decorate everything by hand. Try their signature hot chocolate (thick, creamy,and perfectly rich) and dip into chocolate-covered strawberries and an impressive selection of truffles that includes flavors like passionfruit, raspberry and pistachio.
One of the best experiences is the choc chip cookie—gooey, melty, and generously dotted with Belgian chocolate chunks. Between bites, check out the whimsical décor, with bright tiles, copper pots hanging from racks, and shelves lined with boxed bonbons. There’s a cozy seating nook if you want to linger, or you can take your treats for a riverside walk—jaw-dropping Manhattan views and Brooklyn Bridge Park selfie spots await just outside.
Spa de la Mer at the Baccarat Hotel
Pamper your mom with a spa escape that feels ultra-exclusive: Spa de La Mer inside the Baccarat Hotel. This Midtown oasis is instantly relaxing, all crystal chandeliers, plush robes and heated marble recliners. Every treatment features the legendary La Mer skincare line, so whether you choose a hydrating facial, a customized massage or a full head-to-toe ritual, you’re guaranteed some of the world’s best self-care. Each room is softly lit and filled with gentle music, creating a cocooning effect that instantly quiets the city’s noise.
Signature treatments include the La Mer Miracle Broth facial—famous for leaving skin instantly luminous—and body therapies using warm stones and rare sea minerals. After your treatment, staff serve Champagne and delicate pastries in a relaxation lounge that overlooks the Baccarat’s courtyard garden. Decadent or what?
Take in a Broadway show
Make this Mother’s Day sparkle with a theatrical twist by treating mom to a matinee on Broadway. From dazzling musicals to thought-provoking plays, there’s truly something for every taste, and sharing the thrill of live performance in New York’s legendary theater district is a memory you’ll both hold onto for years. Planning ahead pays off—Mother’s Day is a popular time for matinees, and many hit shows release their best seats weeks in advance. Consider something feel-good and fabulous like ‘The Lion King’ or ‘Six’, both bursting with music, color, and infectious energy.
Sky-high thrills at Edge
Sky-high thrills at Edge
If you want to impress mom with a view, nothing beats a visit to Edge at Hudson Yards—the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. The elevator ride whisks you up 100 floors in under a minute and, as you step outside, New York’s skyline stretches for miles in every direction. Edge’s dramatic glass-floor section gives even the bravest visitors butterflies, and the angled glass walls let you lean out and capture one-of-a-kind family photos. For Mother’s Day snaps, the late afternoon golden hour makes an unbeatable backdrop.
There’s an open-air Champagne bar up top, so you can clink glasses with mom as you scan the skyscrapers from the Bronx to the Statue of Liberty.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
For a gentle pace and plenty of fresh air, escape to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This glorious 52-acre setting is in full bloom for Mother’s Day, with tulips, lilacs and the last of the cherry blossoms making every pathway photogenic. Start your visit in the famed Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden—water lilies floating in glassy ponds, sculpted pines and peaceful stone bridges are the very definition of serene. The Fragrance Garden lives up to its name with richly perfumed beds of lavender, lilac and rosemary, while the Rose Garden is another highlight, especially as the first petals start to open for spring; come early for quieter moments among the arches and fountains.
If you fancy a light Mother’s Day lunch, the Yellow Magnolia Café serves beautiful salads, fresh breads and honey-laden pastries, all sourced from local producers. Many families bring a blanket and picnic on Cherry Esplanade, a wide lawn that’s particularly spectacular in May.
Afternoon tea at the Plaza
If your mom dreams of an experience that feels straight out of a classic New York movie, afternoon tea at The Palm Court in The Plaza delivers. The room is famed for its soaring stained-glass ceiling, swaying palms, and soft classical music—the entire setting feels grand, glam and utterly indulgent. You’ll be served a three-tiered stand brimming with delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and playful pastries decorated with edible flowers and gold leaf. You can also expect seasonal spring-inspired treats like lemon meringue tartlets or berry macarons.
The tea selection is extensive, featuring fragrant herbal infusions from around the world. Special touches for Mother’s Day can include custom pastries or welcome glasses of Champagne. Younger guests won’t be left out, either—there’s the kid-friendly Eloise Tea, complete with pink lemonade and bite-sized sandwiches.
Brunch at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
Brunch at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
Jazz and brunch go together like New York and bagels, and nowhere captures that easygoing spirit quite like Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. Tucked away on the Upper West Side, this cozy velvet-lined outpost serves up brunch classics—and a full slate of live jazz—every Sunday. The stage is always packed with talent (local legends, rising stars and sometimes famous faces), so whether you know your Ellington from your Coltrane or just want an excuse to tap your toes, you’ll be treated to world-class music just a few feet from your French toast.
Smoke’s kitchen turns out savory shrimp and grits, punchy beignets with a dusting of powdered sugar, BBQ-braised short rib hash, and fluffy omelets brimming with farm-fresh veggies. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with their house Bloody Mary—a secret spicy mix that’s been a neighborhood favorite for years.
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Family photo shoot in DUMBO
Want to make this Mother’s Day one the whole family remembers? Easy: book a photo session in DUMBO, Brooklyn—a neighborhood famous for its dramatic city views and creative spirit. The cobblestone streets, red-brick warehouses and postcard-worthy perspectives under the Manhattan Bridge make every snapshot pop. And you’ll find local photographers offering family sessions for every budget.
Professional photographers know all the best angles and secret spots, from the classic ‘Empire State Building in the bridge’ shot on Washington Street, to riverside frames near Jane’s Carousel. Sessions here are relaxed and fun, often lasting less than an hour but yielding polished, frame-worthy images with everyone looking their best. If grandma and grandkids are part of your party, all the better—multi-generational shots become treasured keepsakes. Cap your shoot with pizza at Juliana’s or ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, and soak in the unbeatable Manhattan views while making brand-new memories.
Looking for more NYC experiences to mark special occasions? Check out our favourite ideas for Father’s Day celebrations and discover the Big Apple’s best picnic spots.
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