Taking selfies

There are all kinds of possibilities to choose from for a fun mother’s day activity, the main thing is spending some quality with your mom on her special day.

It can be difficult to plan a day out in advance in Ontario in May, due to unpredictable weather that can change at any minute.

So, if your mom likes to get outdoors, you can plan an outside activity first, and then if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can always have a back up plan for indoors.

Outside Fun for Mom on Mother’s Day

Mother’s day is a great excuse to get outside with your mom to take in some fresh and do something entertaining.

Some fun outdoor activities in the Ottawa area, might be:

  • Walk in the park or along the canal
  • Farmer’s market
  • Day trip to the Diefenbunker
  • Tulip festival
  • Gardening or outdoor hobby
  • Outdoor concert or sporting event

Take a Walk

A walk along the canal is a nice way to spend a day out in Ottawa. If that is not a practical option for you, then a walk in a nearby park can be just as nice.

The main idea is to get some exercise while spending some time together, and hopefully soaking up some sun.

Farmer’s Market

A trip to the farmer’s market is an excellent choice for a mother’s day activity. Here you can find lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as some cool trinkets and crafts made by local artisans.

If you are heading to the farmer’s market at Lansdowne park, then afterwards you can also take a stroll through the park and maybe along the canal if you are feeling extra ambitious.

Day Trip to the Diefenbunker

Get in some history and entertainment with a day trip to the Diefenbunker museum this mother’s day.

There is a special mother’s day event planned where moms get in free and can enjoy some complimentary refreshments.

There are also games and activities to get involved in.

Tulip Festival

What mom doesn’t like flowers on mother’s day? The Ottawa tulip festival starts just in time for mother’s day to make for an excellent day out.

The tulip festival is held at Commissioners Park and runs from May 10th to May 20th.

Outdoor Hobbies

Does your mom have an outdoor hobby she enjoys doing? If she likes gardening, maybe you could help her in the garden for a few hours.

Perhaps an afternoon of lawn bowling?

If your mom doesn’t really have an outdoor activity, maybe now is a good time to start. Gardening is a great hobby for seniors because it offers light physical activity, mental stimulation, stress reduction, and the opportunity to be social.

Community gardens are good idea for social interaction.

Outdoor Events

If your mom is into music, an outdoor concert is a possibility.

Maybe get some tickets to a sporting event if she likes sports.

Even a walk through the market to find a nice spot on a patio is an enjoyable option on a sunny day.

Inside Mother’s Day Activities

If the weather is lousy, it is always a good idea to have a back up plan ready to go. Or it could be that your mother just prefers to stay in indoors.

Here are some suggested indoor mother’s day activities:

  • Brunch/Lunch/Dinner
  • Museum or art gallery
  • Games or puzzles
  • Watch a movie
  • Tea time
  • Music

Have a Meal

Depending on the time of day your mom feels her most energetic, you could plan to have brunch, lunch, or dinner together.

You could take her out to her favorite restaurant or maybe check out that new place she’s been wanting to try.

If she enjoys cooking, you could prepare a healthy meal together.

Museum or Art Gallery

A trip to the museum or art gallery is always a good option for a rainy day.

Ottawa offers several interesting museums to explore. The National Gallery of Canada or the Ottawa Art Gallery are great options for art lovers on mother’s day.

Games or Puzzles

Boardgames, cards, or puzzles are all mentally stimulating activities that get the mind active and tend to naturally spark conversation.

Watch A Movie

If relaxation is what you are looking for, then watching an old classic movie together could be low stress idea.

Tea Time

If your mom likes tea, a tea set and some different flavored teas make an excellent gift.

Then, you can try out a new blend together.

The Vanitea Tea Room on Somerset is a good option if you want to go out.

Listen to Music

Most of these indoor activities can be accompanied by your mom’s favorite music. This may also be a good time to introduce her to some new music that you think she might like.