Is there anyone as kind and as capable as Mom? When she’s not making multiple brown-bag lunches in between loads of laundry, she’s tending to the baby during work calls — yet she doesn’t ask for anything in return. Mother’s Day is the time to show her that you see everything she does and appreciate it tenfold. It’s the occasion to go the extra mile.
Whether you’re celebrating Mom, Grandma, Tía or a mother figure who is important to you, planning a trip in her honor is a gift for everyone. No bouquet of flowers is better than time spent together and new memories made. Visit a resort like Great Wolf Lodge, or hit the beach for a weekend. These getaway ideas will please everyone in your bunch — most importantly, the guest of honor.
For 24/7 Fun
Great Wolf Lodge, Multiple U.S. Locations
The beauty of Great Wolf Lodge is its ultra-convenient packaging. Everything — including your meals, entertainment, and activities — is under one roof, ensuring kids stay delightfully occupied and Mom has a chance to totally relax.
Central to the family of resorts is the epic indoor water park, where intrepid family members can plunge down a water coaster or slide, hit the wave pool, or enjoy a game of hoops in the water playground. There’s a four-story tree house where little explorers can splish and splash, plus hot springs for when the grown-ups need some quiet time. Should anyone in your crew prefer to stay more grounded, activities on land run the gamut from bowling to glow-in-the-dark mini golf — not to be outdone by the arcade, ropes course (there’s a smaller structure for tiny climbers), and interactive adventures. When day turns to night, everyone can bust their best moves at the nightly dance party or take in a family-friendly show.
While exact dining options vary by resort, you can count on Great Wolf Lodge to have all the essential food groups (pizza, chicken nuggets, pancakes and ice cream), plus tons more for adults. (Read: plenty of coffee and cocktails.)
With more than 20 locations in North America, you can choose a resort close to home or venture afar. And Great Wolf Lodge offers discounts to families who book in advance. If you’re planning next year’s Mother’s Day trip, you can save up to 40% on single-night stays and up to 50% on stays of two nights or more when you book more than 90 days in advance. To see deals specific to your area, sort by resort.
For Natural Wonder
Trondheim-Trøndelag, Norway
A wonderland for outdoor adventure, Norway’s majestic Trondheim Region is a stunning expanse of pastoral hamlets, picturesque fjords and coastal villages.
In Trondheim itself, a city founded by Vikings in the 10th century, cobbled streets are lined with ancient cathedrals and colorful wooden house fronts. Kids will love seeing the city aboard a Viking boat cruise along the Nidelva River, where Nidaros Cathedral (an ornate Gothic church) and the wharves of Bryggerekka are highlights. Grab a picnic lunch to eat outside; Norway is known for its cured meats and cheese.
Head north to the Golden Road, a scenic tasting and discovery trail where you can take family photos at an outdoor sculpture park and sample more local flavors. For seaside air, Stokkøya Island showcases pristine beaches and cerulean waters where you can all partake in water sports or forage for sea life.
For a Beach Break
St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida
Florida’s St. Pete Beach, where — in addition to your smiling faces — Mom will be greeted by white sand, gentle surf, and sunshine each day, is a laid-back respite for all.
Marked by its pirate-ship playground, Fort DeSoto Park’s North Beach is the perfect place to park it, with activities available for all ages. There’s kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding; a large, shallow tide pool for kids to splash around in; and seven miles of paved trails for biking, jogging and power-walking with strollers. Give Mom some alone time by booking her a spa appointment at one of the area’s legendary hotels.
After a day of so much interactive play, kids will be tuckered out, which makes it the perfect time to employ a babysitter and hit the craft beer trail, which features more than 35 breweries.
For a Culture Trip
Paris, France
Paris is always a good idea. The city is super walkable and the Metro makes traversing from one arrondissement to another a cinch — even with a stroller. Start with a boat ride along the Seine to see the city’s most impressive landmarks (Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower) in one go.
In the Latin Quarter, the little ones can eat crepes while you sip café au lait at one of the many quaint coffee shops. Neighborhood attractions include the kid-friendly Luxembourg Gardens — complete with a sizable playground, puppet theater, carousel and toy-boat pond — along with several small parks ideal for expending energy and munching on fresh baguettes and fromage. Take in both a science and history lesson at the Panthéon, which houses the Foucault Pendulum (which demonstrates the Earth’s rotation) and remains of famous figures in the arts.
Mom will surely want to explore Le Marais, the fashionable district known for its designer boutiques and world-class dining. Be sure to offer to carry her bags.
