Things to do for Mother's Day in Grand Rapids

Treat Mom to a Grand Rapids getaway, and take advantage of the city’s many Mother’s Day events and fun activities! From Mother’s Day brunches and spa treatments to outdoor adventure, museums, flower shops, gift fairs, and more, there are lots of ways to celebrate the holiday (May 12) and show how much you care. For inspiration, here are some of the best things to do in Grand Rapids this Mother’s Day weekend.

Take Her Out to Brunch

Kick off the weekend with Mother’s Day brunch in Grand Rapids. Head to local favorites like Butcher’s Union for crab benedict and mimosas or Graydon’s Crossing, with its extensive menu made of locally sourced ingredients. For something different, check out Spruced Studio’s relaxing and elegant Mother’s Day tea event on May 12, complete with fancy teacups, snacks, and crafts.

If it’s a nice day, take Mom on a picnic. You can pick up all the fixings at the Fulton Street Farmers Market on Saturday, then head to Ah-Nab-Awen Park downtown, where you’ll find ample lawn space, picnic benches, and pleasant views.

Outdoor Activities & Events

If your mom is a nature lover, you’ll find various attractions she’ll love to explore. Wander through Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park or Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens, which come alive with flowers this time of year. 

Moms who enjoy outdoor adventure will have fun paddle boarding or kayaking in America’s Best River Town, biking the Kent Trails, or taking a special Mother’s Day trip to one of Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches! Other fun Mother’s Day trips accessible from Grand Rapids include Muskegon, where picturesque beaches and a walkable downtown await, Saugatuck for outdoor adventures galore (try a dune ride!), or Cedar Springs, known for its scenic hikes and the Cedar Springs Brewing Company. 

Peruse Art & Local Museums

If you’re staying in town, snag a Culture Pass GR, which grants you admission to several of Grand Rapids’ most exciting cultural attractions and will keep you busy for Mother’s Day weekend. That includes entrance to the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, Grand Rapids Public Museum and more! 

Pamper Her at a Spa

Is Mom overdue for some pampering? Opt for a relaxing Mother’s Day weekend at one of Grand Rapids’ many day spas, where she can unwind in peace. Maybe she’d like a haircut and massage at Ethos Day Spa, a facial and manicure at Woodhouse, some steam time at Hearth Sauna, or a full-day package at Tanaz Spa—she deserves the indulgence!

Get Her a Local Gift for Mother’s Day

In Grand Rapids, you can support local shops while seeking out the perfect Mother’s Day gifts. 

Start with fresh flowers, which you can get by pick-up or delivery from shops like Kennedy’s Flowers or the female-owned Southside Flower Market. Pick out a bouquet of her favorites, or grab a flower arrangement curated for Mother’s Day. Then head to cute gift shops, such as Periwinkle FOG, Fox Naturals, The 12th House GR or Yours Truly, to select a token of your love and a sweet Mother’s Day card in anticipation of the holiday. 

Don’t miss the downtown Springtime Gift Fair on May 11, where you can find artisanal jewelry, books, decorations, and other hand-made gifts. The Mother’s Day Artist Market puts the work of local artists on display on the same day, selling paintings, jewelry, home decor, and more! At either event, you can select a gift you think she’ll love or bring her along to pick it out herself. 

Also on May 11, there’s the Mother’s Day Springtime Flower Crown event, a fun and empowering workshop that teaches participants to make their very own flower crowns. 

Still stumped? Try a gift card for a local spa or restaurant, retail therapy on Wealthy Street, or a trip to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, where Mom can browse boutique shops and pick out her own ideal gift before grabbing a bite to eat. There are lots of places to find a great Mother’s Day gift in Grand Rapids! 

Mother’s Day Weekend Getaway to Grand Rapids

Mother’s Day is the one day a year dedicated to the person who does so much for the family day in and day out, so why limit the celebration? Make the fun last a little longer and turn Mother’s Day into a weekend getaway with a stay at one of Grand Rapids’ charming inns. 

The Amway Grand Plaza has all Mom needs for a relaxing weekend, with nine different on-site restaurants and the Celeste Salon and Spa offering views out over the Grand River. Meanwhile, the JW Marriott Grand Rapids provides some of the best spa services in the area, plus exceptional comfort and easy access to the center of town. Or plan a memorable stay at a boutique hotel like The Finnley Hotel with its quirkily decorated, upscale rooms.

Start planning your Mother’s Day weekend in Grand Rapids today!