MOTHER'S DAY SHOPPING
May 5-7
King of Prussia Mall
King of Prussia Mall’s Mother’s Day specials can supply mom with gifts fit for a queen. Check out the unique gifts and bonus savings available from Coach (offering personalization on bags), David’s Tea, Burberry, St. John and Clarins.
MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH
May 13-14
Elmwood Park Zoo
Inka, the female jaguar at Elmwood Park Zoo, became a new mom in early April, and her adorable kittens are just now venturing out into the new Trail of the Jaguar exhibit for some exploring and tussling. Visit them with your own mom by taking part in the annual brunch, which includes a hot buffet, photo opportunities, card-making, songs and a gift.
MOTHER'S DAY TEA TRAIN
May 13-14
Colebrookdale Railroad
Enjoy high tea on the Colebrookdale Railroad in the finest English tradition, including scones, tea sandwiches and a dessert selection. The Edwardian splendor of the century-old coach is the perfect memory making machine for a memorable Mother’s Day weekend, as it trundles through a landscape filled with spring blossoms.
SPRING FEST
May 13-14
Skippack Village
Spring Fest at Skippack Village is tailor-made for moms, given its accent on fashion, accessories, décor, antiques, food and live music. To keep the kids occupied, they can get their face painted and enjoy a lick of ice cream. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PAINTING PARTIES
May 13-14
Painting with a Twist - Skippack
The days when you proudly presented mom with a finger-painted masterpiece that she hung on the refrigerator may be long behind you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still honor her with a piece of original art. The instructors at Painting with a Twist – Skippack have an entire weekend of mom-appropriate artwork in which to instruct you. Better still, bring mom and create something together.
MOM'S ARMY
May 13
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Join the rangers and volunteers of Valley Forge National Historical Park in a salute to mothers everywhere. Engage in activities and games with the women of the Valley Forge Encampment and learn about the role of women in the Continental Army. Hands-on activities at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts throughout the day include:
- Help the women spies of the army decode enemy communications
- Try out 18th century laundry techniques
- Experience encampment lifestyle with weaving and sewing.
- Play 18th century games played by the children with their mothers
Fire up mom’s enthusiasm for artillery park, with its cannon demonstrations.
SPRING CRAFTS
May 13
Lower Perkiomen Valley Park
Store-bought gifts for mom are okay, but this 10 a.m. program at Lower Perkiomen Valley Park will teach them to make something from scratch, using materials collected from nature. After scavenging leaves, nuts, pinecones and flowers, it’s time to get creative, making leaf art and a decorative bowl. Preregistration is required at 610.666.5371; the fee is $4.
DESIGN YOUR OWN CAROLER
May 13
Byers' Choice
All moms love something homemade, but this crafty opportunity just outside Montgomery County at Byer’s Choice will give her something to truly treasure: a unique caroler that you make yourself. From its head to the most detailed accessory, this figure will be exactly what choose it to be, resulting in a heartfelt one-of-a-kind gift sure to be treasured.
HIKE IN THE PARK
May 14
Lorimer Park
Explore Mother Nature with your own mother. This naturalist-led walk in the woods covers the most scenic and flowered parts of Lorimer Park. All this free afternoon event requires is a quick call to register (215.947.3477), a pair of good walking shoes and a love of mom in the great outdoors.
MARTY
May 14
The Colonial Theatre
This 1955 classic film starring Ernest Borgnine as Marty Piletti, a workaday butcher, may seem an off-center choice for Mother’s Day, considering his somewhat strained relationship with his ma. But then again, it’s not as extreme as other movies with similar themes (Mommy Dearest, for example, or even weirder, Psycho, for example). The screening at The Colonial Theatre is ideal for your film-buff matriarch.
AFTERNOON TEA
May 14
Cooking Spotlight
Relax and enjoy a lovely afternoon tea for Mother’s Day. Cooking Spotlight serves a traditional English afternoon tea. Arch that pinky in the air to enjoy scones, clotted cream and jam, assorted tea sandwiches and little cakes while sipping lovely teas.
GARDEN BRUNCH
May 14
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
Chef Josh Hunter is taking care of all the details to get Mother’s Day off to a delicious start in the lush surroundings of Morris Arboretum. The menu includes eggs, caramel French Toast, breakfast meats and trays heaped with pastries. Once everyone is full, the spectacular pathways of the arboretum are open for strolling and browsing the beauty of spring.
