When it comes to celebrating the woman who raised you, the traditional bouquet of flowers and a greeting card just aren’t going to cut it anymore.
In 2026, moms are making one thing very clear: they don’t want more stuff taking up space in their houses. They want experiences.
The absolute best Motherâs Day gift you can give is your time.
Spending a dedicated afternoonâor a whole weekend!âbonding, laughing, and trying something new is the ultimate way to say “Thank You.”
But how do you plan the perfect day? Whether your mom is an adrenaline junkie, a foodie, a theater nerd, or someone who desperately just needs a nap, we have you covered.
Grab your planner! Here are 20 fun activities to do with mom this Mother’s Day 2026, featuring our absolute favorite Wonderbox experience gifts to make booking a breeze.
đ Arts, culture & entertainment mother’s day gift
1. See a Spectacular Broadway Show
Get dressed up and head to the theater! With our Broadway Show – 2 Tickets ($299.00) box, you can take mom to see world-class hits like The Lion King, Wicked, or Moulin Rouge. There is nothing quite like the magic of live theater.
2. Have a VIP Movie Night Out
Keep it cozy and casual with a blockbuster movie date. Our AMC or Regal Movie Bundles (Starting at $60.00) cover your tickets, drinks, and a large popcorn to share. Itâs a low-stress, highly entertaining way to spend the afternoon.
3. Go on a NYC TV & Movie Tour
Is your mom obsessed with Friends, Sex and the City, or Gossip Girl? Use the Go City: New York Explorer Pass ($238.00 for 2) to book a guided bus tour of her favorite iconic filming locations across Manhattan!
4. Explore The MET Museum
Also available through the Go City pass, you can spend hours getting lost in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is a fantastic, cultured way to spend a Sunday morning walking through history.
5. Snap Selfies at Madame Tussauds
For a hilarious and lighthearted activity, grab Madame Tussauds Admission Tickets ($50.00 – $98.00). Walk the red carpet and take photos with incredibly realistic wax figures of her favorite A-list celebrities.
đ„ Food & culinary delights for mother’s day
6. Indulge in a French Brunch
Treat her to the ultimate mid-morning feast! The Angelina’s French Brunch for 2 ($109.00) in NYC offers an elegant, Parisian-style spread of pastries, eggs, and their world-famous hot chocolate. Alternatively, use the Let’s Brunch Voucher ($75.00) at thousands of local cafes!
7. Treat Her to Fine Dining
Take her out for a beautiful, multi-course dinner where she doesn’t have to wash a single dish. Use the Dinner for 2 ($100.00) or Coast to Coast Cravings ($100.00) vouchers to book a table at a top-rated restaurant nationwide.
8. Take a Professional Cooking Class
If she loves the kitchen but wants to elevate her skills, book a Foodie Masterclass ($69.00) or a Culinary Workshop for 2 ($138.00). You can learn how to roll sushi, bake macarons, or perfectly sear a steak together!
đïž Sightseeing & high-flying thrills for mom
9. Soar on a Helicopter Tour
Give her the best view of the skyline! Book the Helicopter Sightseeing Deluxe Tour of New York ($334.00) to soar above the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
10. Visit the Top of the Rock
Take in the stunning 360-degree views of Manhattan. The Top of the Rock Tickets for 2 ($106.00) grant you access to the iconic Rockefeller Center observation deck for breathtaking photos.
11. Scale the Empire State Building
A true New York classic. Grab Empire State Building Tickets for 2 ($89.00) and take the elevator up to the 86th-floor open-air observatory.
12. Ride The Orlando Eye
If you are celebrating in Florida, the Orlando Eye Tickets ($68.00 for 2) offer a relaxing, scenic ride 400 feet in the air, providing panoramic views of the entire city.
đą Playful adventures & theme parks as a mother’s day gift
13. Unleash Your Inner Child at a Theme Park
Whether it’s the creative lands of Legoland ($100.00+) or the rollercoaster thrills of Nickelodeon Universe ($168.00 for 2), spending the day riding rides and eating cotton candy is guaranteed to make her feel young again.
14. Splash Around at an Indoor Water Park
Weather looking gloomy? Head to the DreamWorks Water Park ($189.00 for 2) for an indoor, tropical paradise filled with wave pools and massive waterslides!
15. Discover Marine Life at an Aquarium
Walk through stunning underwater tunnels and marvel at sharks, rays, and sea turtles with SEA LIFE Orlando Tickets ($68.00 for 2). Itâs a peaceful and fascinating afternoon activity.
16. Play a Round of Mini Golf
Bring out her competitive side! Grab Mini Golf Tickets ($42.00 – $82.00) and play a hilarious round of Angry Birds or Glow-in-the-Dark Blacklight mini golf.
đ§ââïž Wellness & active relaxation for mother’s day
17. Unwind with a Luxury Spa Day
Moms carry a lot of tension. Give her the gift of deep relaxation with a SpaFinder Voucher ($50.00 – $200.00). Book a side-by-side mother-daughter massage, or treat her to a deluxe facial and pedicure.
18. Bike Through Central Park
Rent a pair of cruisers and spend the afternoon pedaling beneath the lush spring canopy of Central Park. Pack a small picnic to enjoy on the Great Lawn!
19. Do a Morning Yoga Class
Start Mother’s Day with some grounding mindfulness. Roll out your mats for an outdoor yoga class in the park, or head to a local studio to stretch, breathe, and center yourselves before brunch.
20. Escape on a Weekend Getaway
Why limit the fun to just one day? Pack your bags and take her on a Weekend Getaway for 2 ($399.00)! Choose a charming hotel in a neighboring city, hit the road, and enjoy a full 48 hours of quality bonding time.
Make 2026 her Best Mother’s Day Yet
The truth is, it doesn’t matter if you are screaming on a rollercoaster, quietly sipping mimosas, or looking at art in a world-class museum. The best activity you can do on Mother’s Day is simply being fully present with her.
With Wonderbox’s incredibly flexible experience gifts, planning the perfect itinerary has never been easier. Pick an activity that matches her personality, secure your voucher, and get ready to create memories she will cherish long after the day is over!
đ Frequently asked questions: Mother’s Day activities
What are the most popular activities for Mother’s Day?
The most popular activities for Mother’s Day usually revolve around food and relaxation! Taking mom out for a classic Sunday brunch, booking a luxury spa day, or treating her to a Broadway show are always top-rated choices.
What is a fun, budget-friendly thing to do on Mother’s Day?
You don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun! A VIP Movie Night using an AMC or Regal ticket bundle is highly affordable (around $60 for two people) and provides a few hours of great entertainment and shared snacks. Renting bikes in a local park or visiting a museum are also great low-cost options.
Is an experience gift better than a physical gift for mom?
Yes! Studies consistently show that experiences bring more long-term happiness than material items. Gifting a cooking class, a sightseeing tour, or a theme park ticket creates lasting memories and gives you an excuse to spend quality time together.
