Top Things to Do for Mother's Day in Philadelphia 2021

While celebrating mom, learn more about the trailblazing women who shaped Philadelphia — and the country — with special programming at the Museum of the American Revolution. Hear the stories of a German baroness who became an American prisoner of war during the Revolution and the Oneida women who played a key role in their nation forming an allyship with the Revolutionaries. Visitors can also check out replica objects of the country’s founding women. Bonus: Moms who visit on Sunday, May 9, 2021, get a free carnation.

Do some last-minute Mother’s Day shopping on Saturday, or bring her with you to a pop-up market full of treats, trinkets and beautiful blooms.

• The Blooms, Booze & Bling market outside Art in the Age features bouquets from The Flower Shop, items from Sisterfriend Jewelry and beautifully bottled cocktails from the host store.
• The Sisterly Love Food Fair returns to East Market with packaged treats and crafts from women-owned businesses in Philadelphia.

East Passyunk Avenue buzzes with Mother’s Day activities on Sunday as part of its Garden Days programming. Catch a flower-themed performance by Society Hill Dance Academy (keep an eye out for cocktail mixer giveaways) and take in a pop-up show by the East Passyunk Opera Project at The Singing Fountain. Plus, stroll the avenue for charming gifts and special restaurant menus in honor of moms.

Book a cocktail class for two at New Liberty Distillery and learn how to mix up two delicious drinks. No need to be a mom to attend — just get ready to mix, shake and pour at this outdoor lesson led by a pro. Oh, and find a safe way to get home after sipping your Earhart Aviation and Lucky Lavender Fizz (both made with Snug Harbor Gin). Mother’s Day classes are scheduled for 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Dates & times vary

For the moms who prefer feathers to flowers, a colorful, irreverent drag show is in order. Check out these brunch and evening performances to spice up the Mother’s Day fun:

• Philly’s top drag queens host three weekend performances to celebrate moms and mother figures during Punch Line Philly’s Drag Divas Brunch (Saturday and Sunday).
• The Bearded Ladies Cabaret troupe brings its Beardmobile to Love City Brewing for a BYO-seat performance under the stars. The pay-what-you-wish event includes a three-piece band, plenty of glitter and unforgettable drag (Sunday; advance reservations required).

Dates & times vary

Make Mother’s Day a special family activity with these awesome events in the Philadelphia Countryside:

• Colebrookdale Railroad offers tea (Saturday – Sunday) or dinner service (Friday – Sunday), which includes a complimentary beverage, hors d’oeuvre plate and dessert during a ride through the Secret Valley Heritage Area.
• Breakfast on the New Hope Railroad (Saturday – Sunday) starts with a meal at the 19th-century station before a scenic ride through Bucks County.
• Sesame Place presents each mom with a rose during its special Mother’s Day character buffet (Saturday – Sunday).
• Moms get reduced fare on the West Chester Railroad (Sunday), which stops for a brief layover in Glen Mills.

Spend Mother’s Day in the heart of Philadelphia with reservations at one of Center City’s top spots:

• Brunch at Talula’s Garden features spring cheeses, an asparagus and ham benedict, lemon pudding cake and more.
• Steak 48 opens early to serve lunch and dinner menu items like corn crème brulee, mac & cheese, Kennett mushrooms and, of course, steaks.
• Chopped champion Gregory Headen cooks up a special brunch at Jet Wine Bar. Look for funnel cake, french toast, burgers and craft cocktails.
• French toast made with churro batter and served with caramelized plantains is on the menu at Revolution Taco, where Mother’s Day guests get a sneak preview of the forthcoming brunch menu.
• The three-course brunch menu at Square 1682 comes with a bottle of champagne and mom’s choice of juice, plus avocado toast, blueberry ricotta pancakes and more.
• Twisted Tail leans into its comfort food reputation with a three-course family-style meal of crab cake benedict, ricotta beignets and more treats.
• Mezcal and tacos top the Mexican brunch menu at Tio Flores on South Street.

The old buildings and charming cobblestone streets of the Historic District add a touch of whimsy to Mother’s Day weekend — a perfect backdrop to a delicious meal at one of these restaurants:

• The library nooks inside The Olde Bar make for a fun, themed brunch. Order baked oysters, smoked salmon benedict and Mother’s Day mimosas.
• Bottomless mimosas and sangria pair with crag omelet or Belgian waffles for brunch, or chicken Parmigiana or seared branzino for dinner at Positano Coast.
• A bread basket, fresh salad, steak & eggs, and more are part of the $40 Mother’s Day brunch menu at Amada.
• The special brunch menu at Fork includes smoked trout Benedict, citrus-ricotta pancakes and other yummy stuff for your No. 1 mom.
• Forsythia’s $50 three-course brunch menu features classics like avocado toast and quiche, plus smoked salmon and a burger with raclette.
• The waterfront views at The Deck aboard The Moshulu come with a special Mother’s Day menu that includes jumbo lump crab cake, filet mignon and bananas foster cheesecake.

Restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia region do Mother’s Day right with special menus for diners looking to celebrate that unconditional love.

• The recently opened Lola’s Garden in Ardmore debuts brunch service on Mother’s Day weekend with oysters, a broccoli rabe French omelet and eggs benedict with Kennett Square mushrooms, plus cocktails, mimosas and sangria.
• The three-course Mother’s Day menu at Revolution Chop House in Valley Forge includes seared scallops, poached Maine lobster a decadent chocolate Godiva cake.
• Extended hours at the newly opened DePaul’s Table in Ardmore mean a Sunday brunch complete with sparkling mimosas, lobster Benedict, caramel apple custard brioche French toast and more on the three-course menu.
• All three Stove & Tap locations (Malvern, West Chester, Lansdale) offer a special brunch menu with a complimentary “momosa” for moms.

Whether you’re turning Mother’s Day into an overnight pampering session or just want a fine dining experience at a top restaurant, check out these irresistible menus from restaurants inside Philadelphia hotels:

• At The Logan, Philadelphia’s Hotel, Assembly Rooftop Lounge throws an all-out tea party featuring craft cocktails, frosé tea and mini-desserts. Down at ground level, Urban Farmer serves a seafood tower, ricotta gnocchi, braised lamb and more during brunch and dinner seatings.
• Liberte Lounge inside Sofitel Philadelphia serves a family-style brunch complete with a charcuterie and cheese board, pan-seared cod, prime rib and more, plus a bloody mary bar.

Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse (not that you need one!) to satisfy a sweet tooth. Check out special items and deals at these Philly spots for pretty packaged gifts that taste like heaven:

• Oui has a special Mother’s Day menu of flavored croissants (saffron; lavender, almond, Earl Grey and cherry blossom cream), a rose chocolate mousse, sunflower cookies and more.
• Lil Pop Shop in West Philly offers a chocolate chip cookie pie with Weckerly’s vanilla bean ice cream and a jumble berry crumble pie available for preorders in addition to the usual popsicles-and-pies menu.

Through Monday, May 31, 2021

It’s all about the strawberries in May at Peddler’s Village. Guests can enjoy strawberry treats galore at restaurants and shops every day, and live entertainment on the weekends. On Mother’s Day weekend, enjoy the sounds of DJ Dwayne Dunleavy and a performance by Acoustic Road (Saturday), plus tons of shopping and dining deals on Sunday.

Through Sunday, June 27, 2021

Lace up! Center City District hosts the first-ever Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park this spring in between sections of the park’s interactive fountain. Guests will find a colorful overhead installation and music that delivers retro vibes at this safe outdoor activity. Also available: a food-and-drink menu at the Air Grille pop-up beer garden. Advance reservations for hour-long skate sessions are required, and lockers are available on-site for storage at an additional cost.

Longwood Gardens’ three fountains jet to life with exciting fountain performances and glorious gardens showcasing summer’s beauty with daily performances in the Main Fountain Garden and Open Air Theatre, and dazzling nighttime displays every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Clay Studio hosts two outdoor weekend sales. Find a surprise for the mom in your life, or bring her along to reconnect on a pop-up shopping trip.

• The studio’s annual Spring Pottery Sale features ceramics of all shapes, sizes and colors — steeply discounted an on display outside the shop (Friday, noon – 8 p.m.)
• At the In-House Artist Sale, find works being made right there in the studio by associates and resident artists who create sculptures, jewelry, planters, housewares and more (Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Enjoy a day (or a full month!) exploring Philly’s lush parks during the Love Your Park Week Scavenger Hunt. Reconnect with mom and disconnect from … well, everything as you check out the public art, natural features and other hidden gems of parks all over Philadelphia. Visit as many of the 13 participating parks as you like before Monday, May 31, 2021, using the GooseChase app to track your progress. Teams that complete the missions will receive a $20-level membership to the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

Dates & times vary by location

For the rest of the season, fans of the seasonal Parks on Tap pop-up can find summer sips and tasty bites at two Schuylkill River waterfront locations. The Water Works location is open daily with an expanded menu, including weekend lunch options. At Trails End (enter at the Schuylkill River Trail South Street ramp), summer vibes are on offer Wednesday – Sunday with DJ entertainment each night and weekend afternoon. Cheers!

Dates & times vary by attraction

Museum-goers have so much to look forward to this spring in Philadelphia. This season at attractions around the region, guests can explore:

• dinosaurs (BIG TIME at the Philadelphia Zoo) and pre-dinosaurs (Permian Monsters at The Academy of Natural Sciences)
• soundscapes from a frog in El Centro de Oro (Raúl Romero at Taller Puertorriqueño)
• Crayola’s interactive spaces (Crayola IDEAworks at The Franklin Institute) and Conversations in Paint (Soutine / de Kooning at the Barnes Foundation)
• stunning new gallery spaces and exhibitions as part of the Frank Gehry redesign project at the Philadelphia Museum of Art