It is that time of year again when mothers begin to stock pile their Kleenex and practice their expressions of surprise and endearing smiles in the mirror. When little ones bring home macaroni necklaces and Fruit Loop bracelets, clay plaques with imprints of their little hands, and priceless placements that claim mom is 20 years older than she really is….true story, my daughter claimed that I was 53 years old…I know I look tired but come on-haha!
If you haven’t guessed I am talking about Mother’s Day! Mother’s Day is a day filled with emotion, love, and sometimes a little added stress. While we appreciate every last Fruit Loops our little ones so delicately placed on that yarn it is the inevitable question, “what do you want to do for mother’s day?” that can send our heart rates racing. My first thought when I hear this question is, ‘WHY!’ As Moms we, well, make the world go around, or at least it feels that way most of the time. We are responsible for so many things, people, and events. The last thing I want to do on Mother’s day, a day that is supposed to honor and celebrate all that hard work and responsibility we do year round, is be responsible or in-charge of that day too! But then again what is the alternative? Dad decides what we do for Mother’s Day?
I have suddenly had a change of heart; I will gladly take on the responsibility of Mother’s Day. So I did a little research and it turns out there is so much to do on Mother’s Day. For example, did you know that moms get into practically every zoo, science institute, museum, etc. for free!! How awesome is that? Obviously all these places clearly appreciate us so much that they are giving us free admission for a relaxing day by ourselves, now that is a mother’s day.
Upon further evaluation it has come to my attention that their intent is for a fun family day. To be clear that means you, your husband, and kids. What was I thinking? I mean come on, what kind of Mother wants to spend Mother’s Day alone…like it’s all about her…not me that’s for sure!
So, I have collated a list of fun events, free admissions, and the like, in hopes of laying out all my options when it comes to how I want to celebrate Mother’s Day/weekend (some events are Saturday only):
Brunch….
Call up moms favorite restaurant or nearby hotel, lodge, etc. and see if they are serving a special brunch or meal for moms.
Elegant. Classy. Affordable. Delicious. A Mother’s Day to Remember. Treat Mom to an elegant Mother’s Day Brunch in Michigan’s most beautiful ballroom – Henry Ford’s private ballroom in Lovett Hall.
The meal is memorable. And the setting? One-of-a-kind. Crystal chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, a terrazzo lobby and a grand staircase. Magnificent! Just what Mom deserves. You’ll dine on a sumptuous menu prepared by The Henry Ford’s award-winning culinary staff.
Toledo Zoo info below
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Shopping….
The Town Center at Levis Commons…….
Levis Commons is here to make all your Mothers Day dreams come true. One place to soak up all the “mom” time you can handle. Venetian Nail Spa, Salvatore Capelli, endless dining options, and if you really cant ditch the kids for the day, Kidz Watch can take them off your hands for a few hours!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Imagination Station….
Open from 12pm-5pm and when the kids come with her, Mom gets in FREE*!
Join us in Science Studio where you can learn about chromatography and make a special butterfly magnet to take home for your Mom.
Bring the whole family down and celebrate together, exploring, discovering and creating at Imagination Station.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Toledo Museum of Art…..
Sun, May 12, 12:00pm – 5:30pm
Free, fun, and open to everyone! The TMA Family Center, located in the education wing near the Plough entrance, is the perfect place for our youngest Museum visitors to make and take memories with their parents and caregivers. Drop in for themed activities that enliven the world of art for kids ages 1-10 (and even grown-ups!). Theme :Tell a story by creating symbols and shapes that represent something personal to you.
Art Hour: Create a Glass Flower- Sun, May 12, 4pm – 5pm and 5pm-6pm
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Rep….
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Toledo Zoo….
This Mother’s Day, show your mom she’s the best—and show her the world! All mothers receive free admission when their kids bring them to the Zoo.
Give Mom a great Mother’s Day experience by taking her to the Zoo. You can also treat her to our superb Mother’s Day Brunch that takes place in our Nairobi Pavilion. Brunch details
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Movies…..
Go out and see a movie with the family or stay in and watch home movies. Rave Motion Pictures…..Maumee Indoor Theater
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mother Nature….
Pack a picnic and head to the park for the day. Go on a trail, explore, and enjoy nature with the family. Or grab your gardening gloves and get that veggie garden started. Metroparks of the Toledo Area
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Volunteer/service….
Spend time volunteering together. Serve dinner at a locale shelter, donate items, help plant a garden, clean up litter, etc.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Get Crafty…..
Open Saturday 11am-4pm Walk-ins welcomed
Paint your own pottery of make a wet clay project with the kiddos.
Edible Art Work!
At the Sugar Shop can you choose from 3 dozen different shaped clear containers and fill the containers with any mix of the 150 available sugar flavors including, root beer, blue raspberry, extreme sour, cappuccino, peach cobbler, etc.
Saturday 10am-2pm
The Scrap Box is a store filled with hundreds of interesting objects: ribbons; buttons; beads; paper; colorful rip-stop nylon; sturdy paper tubes 6 inches long; bamboo-like sticks; yellow spongy cylinders; and little foam squigglies.
Best of all: these items are for sale at very reasonable prices.
Using sticky-back foam to create an imaginary critter with plastic caps for eyes and shredded paper for hair is recycling at its best. It’s called upcycling, the ultimate form of re-use. Anyone can turn a recyclable item into something of greater value, and thus, do upcycling
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Go to the Library…..
Family – Mommy and Me Tea
Saturday May 11th 2-3pm
You are cordially invited to an afternoon tea party in honor of mothers everywhere. Children of all ages are welcome to attend with their moms or special grown-up lady friend. Dress your best and be prepared to enjoy games, crafts, and of course, tea and scones!
Location: West Toledo Auditorium (need to register)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Have fun with the kids in the kitchen…..
Bake muffins or cookies and let kiddos decorate them just for mom.
Super Suppers….
Sat, May 11, 12:00pm – 3:30pm
*Appointments encouraged to be guaranteed entree availability (especially braided breads) or you can walk in and choose from entrees available to make that day. There are up to 12 entrees each month to make!
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 