Tag Archives: DC Weekend May 7-8

May 4, 2023 · 2:39 pm

Ideas for Celebrating Mother’s Day Around the DC Area (2023)

Mother’s Day is an occasion worth making extra special plans for (in my totally unbiased opinion 😉). This round-up, very similar to previous years (including this intro), but updated for right now, has ideas to help make it a great one for all of the honorees — whether it’s spent as a family, with friends, or even solo. With recommendations that range from fairly mellow to very active, totally free to a total splurge, there’s sure to be something to make every mom’s day. Happy Mother’s Day!

* * *

Immerse in polka dots at One with Eternity

If Mom Hearts Art
Where: Local Museums in DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by museum
See some art that mom will enjoy, perhaps something that’s not on the usual kid museum circuit, and pair it with a family-friendly brunch nearby. A few suggestions:
* Reserve free passes (online the day before) for Yayoi Kusama’s One with Eternity at the Hirshhorn.
* Visit the enchanting Annemarie Sculpture Garden to see the delightful fairy house exhibit and more art, both outdoors and in, and shop the Mother’s Day Market on Saturday. Then go to Solomons Island for a relaxing waterside meal.
* If the kids are 12 and older, go to Glenstone. The indoor-outdoor art museum is a perfect place to spend the day. And note kids 12+ get guaranteed admission along with one adult. (Of course, mom can go solo if kids are too young.)
* View a special exhibition at the National Gallery of Art, like Going through Hell: The Divine Dante or Philip Guston Now, or just stroll around and enjoy it all. From any of the museums on the National Mall, head up to Penn Quarter for brunch at Zaytinya or Jaleo.
* Go to the Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle then dine at Firefly.
* See Pixelbloom: Timeless Butterflies at ARTECHOUSE (get a glimpse), then go to the nearby Wharf for a special meal — you have your pick of dining options, and I recommend Moon Rabbit, Mi Vida, Hank’s, Lupo Marino, and Officina.

Go chasing waterfalls at Patapsco Valley State Park

Walk in the Woods
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Take a hike to enjoy the day. See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, walk and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. Bring along a picnic for lunch al fresco, too.
* Huntley Meadows – The park in Alexandria has an easy, scenic loop through woods and wetlands.
* Riverbend Park to Great Falls – The hike is a particular favorite for a special day, though parking can fill up fast, so go early and have a Plan B just in case.
* Patapsco Valley State Park – It’s huge with a great variety of hiking trails, including one to waterfalls, lots of nice picnic spots, and more opportunities for active recreation.
* Pohick Bay Regional Park and Fountainhead Regional Park – Both parks in Lorton, VA, have nice hiking trails as well as paddling rentals.
* Wye Island NRMA – A couple of years ago, we enjoyed a beautiful Mother’s Day hike at this spot on the Eastern Shore. (KFDC Tip: Pair it with a crab feast while you’re out there.)
* This go-to KFDC post has even more suggestions for great hikes with the fam.

Enjoy some post-hike hang time at Harpers Ferry Brewery

Hike & Aprés Hike
Where: A couple of DMV locales
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies
Like the suggestion above, but elevated with a post-hike visit to a family-friendly winery, brewery, or restaurant. Some outings I recommend for this:
* Hit the trail at Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA, then go to the nearby Barrel Oak Winery.
* The Sugarloaf Mountain hike/The Comus Inn combo in Dickerson, MD, also makes for a fab day, or enjoy sips and small bites at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard right down the road after your walk in the woods.
* Head out to Harpers Ferry for a walk in the woods then some fun and relaxing at Harpers Ferry Brewery.
* Enjoy the mix of hiking and hanging at Patuxent River State Park and Waredaca Brewery. (This is how we spent last Father’s Day… why not Mom’s Day, too?).

Strawberry Fields
Where: Farms around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by location
Enjoy the day outdoors gathering fresh strawberries. The pick-your-own season has begun with several area farms welcoming visitors to their strawberry fields, and even more crops are available for picking at some of them. See this post for details on where you can harvest your own fruits and veggies, several offering much more than just picking. Get a discount for one location here.

Fancy hats are among the treasures to be found at Mansion on O

Celebrate Mom Treasure Hunt
Where: Mansion on O Street | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Through May 12-14
Admission: $52
Spread the love as you search for special heartfelt items found only at O Museum in The Mansion on this heart centered treasure hunt. There are over 100 rooms to explore and 70 secret doors (!!) to find (you’re guaranteed to see at least 60 of the legendary spaces, but the secret doors are much harder to discover). This visit also includes yummy chocolate and a glass of champagne for mom, and other guests can purchases beverages at the cash bar. Read more about the O Museum in this KFDC post and this one.

Celebrate moms and bonsais at the Arboretum

Do Some Garden-ing
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Instead of bringing flowers to mom, take her to them instead! With the bloom season upon us and landscapes bursting with color, a visit to a garden makes for a lovely outing, especially when there’s often more to do than see the plants and flowers. You can bring along a picnic to many of these places and make it a whole day’s outing.
* Explore, play, and celebrate World Bonsai Day (on May 13) at the National Arboretum.
* Enjoy one of the prettiest places in the city at Dumbarton Oaks Garden.
* Stop and smell the roses (and more) and see the rest of the beautiful grounds at Brookside Gardens.
* Wander around Green Spring Gardens on a scavenger hunt.
* Venture out to the gorgeous Meadowlark Botanical Garden.

Who says the best treats have to be sweet?

A (Crab) Feast Fit for a Queen
Where: Eastern Shore, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Depends on how much you order!
This is one of our favorite ways to celebrate occasions. And the start of blue crab season is perfect timing for Mother’s Day, plus you really can’t beat a feast of the steamed Old Bay-spiced treats at a waterfront crab house on a nice day. Wherever you go, make reservations if possible, because special occasion days guarantee crowds.
* Cantler’s in Annapolis is an institution, and Mike’s Crab House in Riva is also popular with delicious crabs, gorgeous scenery, and a great outdoor tiki bar waiting area if tables aren’t immediately available.
* We’ve had a couple of super fun Mother’s Day celebrations at Kentmorr’s restaurant and beach scene.
* Keep it closer to home (but forego the waterfront) at Quarterdeck, Ivy City Smokehouse, and Bethesda Crab House.
* You can also pick up crabs from from The Fish Market at The Wharf and enjoy feast at home — get them already steamed or still alive and DIY. (And, FYI, all of the above recommendations are based on first-hand experience!)

Enjoy some bowling after your brunch

Brunch & Bowl
Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC
When: May 14, 10am – 3pm
Admission: $40/adult, $15 /age 6-12, free/5 & under
Dine and play on Mother’s Day! Treat mom to a yummy Buffet Brunch that includes a Signature Waffle Station, Carving Station, Sweets Table, and more. Don’t forget about the Bottomless Mimosas and Aperol Spritzes! Plus, each mom will get complimentary flowers on behalf of the Pinstripes team. Stay for some family bowling (or bocce) after — be sure to reserve a lane in advance to ensure you get a game time — and note that it costs extra. Read more about Pinstripes in this KFDC post.

Take mom out to the ballgame!

For Sporty Moms
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
Where: Audi Field |Southwest DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Tickets prices vary
For moms who are Nats or DC United fans or just enjoy some good sports action, celebrate Mother’s Day at a baseball game or soccer match. The Nats are playing at home Mother’s Day weekend against the Mets, including on Sunday afternoon, and there’s always extra fun to enjoy at the ballpark. And the United are hosting Nashville SC on Saturday evening — you can plan on dinner before or some fun after to make it even more special for mom — there are plenty of places for it in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. For a family meal, I recommend The Salt Line, All Purpose Pizza, El Bebe, Agua 301, and Due South. If you make it an adult outing and go for drinks after, try Dacha Beer Garden or the new Solace Outpost. Look for discount tickets for the Nats here and for United here.

Pontooning on the Patuxent

Mother’s Day on the Patuxent
Where: Solomons Island, MD
When: Mother’s Day weekend (or anytime)
Admission: Rates vary by boat & time
This was an excellent way we celebrated Mother’s Day with friends awhile back. A pontoon boat outing on the Patuxent River was a super fun and relaxing time for all. Pack a cooler, don the swimsuits, slather on sunscreen, and get ready for a fantastic day on the water. Afterwards, treat yourselves to ice cream on Solomon’s Island or even stay for dinner at one of the many waterside restaurants there.

Enjoy the views and a fun activity as you paddle the Potomac

Go with the Flow
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
For other Mother’s Day adventures on the water, a bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and stand up paddleboards. Fletcher’s Cove is a nice place to go and has a great riverside area to hang out and picnic when you’re off the water. We spent a wonderful Mother’s Day awhile back at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis — with lots of options for outdoor recreation along with paddling, it’s particularly awesome. This post has a round-up of even more places to navigate the local waterways.

***More Ideas***
* An activity for moms that doesn’t involve the whole gang: Spa day!
* José Andrés’ restaurants Jaleo, China Chilcano, and Zaytinya have special Mother’s Day brunches.
* Washingtonian’s food critic picks these brunch spots for the day.
* If you prefer to stay in… The best Mother’s Day movies, according to Time Out.
* Another great way to make mom’s day: Have her favorite faraway treats delivered right to her.

The Weekend Round-Up: May 6-8

Hugs for moms this weekend — no matter where you are

Happy Weekend! And a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms! 💐

Quick links for loads of fun ideas for local activities:

* Spring Things
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Outings
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids

Mom’s the Word
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
If you’re still in need of plans to celebrate Mother’s Day, there are lots of last-minute ways to make the occasion special. This round-up has ideas ranging from fairly mellow to very active, totally free to a total splurge – there’s sure to be something to make every mom’s day.

Flower Mart
Where: National Cathedral | Glover Park, DC
When: Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The annual festival, running for over 80 years at the National Cathedral, is a wonderful way to spend a spring day. While plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, and boutique booths will likely be of more interest to grown-ups, there is also music and entertainment, games and carnival rides, tasty foods, the All Hallows Guild antique carousel, and many more fun activities to delight kids. While you’re there, be sure to visit the awesome Beauvoir playground. Admission is free, though concessions and some activities will cost a fee. Read about one of our experiences at the event.

The Great Indoors
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
With lots of rain ion the forecast for the weekend, this list of over 100 activities and places to go around DC that are inside will come in handy. Some offerings at places mentioned may have changed a bit, but there are updates to reflect the current statuses. And something to note about the list: We have been to nearly every single place on it (and if we haven’t been to an actual place, like one of the roller skating rinks or indoor tennis courts, we have at least done the activity at one of the others). This is all to say the recommendations come from tried and true experience!

Mystics Tip Off
Where: Entertainment and Sports Arena | Congress Heights, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $16
The Washington Mystics, our local women’s pro basketball team, begins its season this weekend with a game against Indiana Fever on Friday evening. The team plays at the Entertainment and Sports Arena located on the St. Elizabeths East Campus, in southeast DC. And KFDC readers can get a special discount on tickets using the code KIDFRIENDLY here!

Around the World Embassy Tour
Where: Multiple Embassies | Embassy Row & Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Journey from Indonesia to Peru to Ethiopia to Egypt — all in one day! Cultural Tourism DC presents its annual Around the World Embassy Tour, an open house to embassies from Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. The free event showcases art, music, traditional dress, and culinary delights from nations across the globe. (It’s also your chance to check out the interiors of those mansions along Mass Ave & International Drive that you usually just admire from the street.) A heads-up that there could be lines to get in some embassies, so be prepared to exercise patience. Admission is free, but bring identification, as some embassies might conduct security checks. Read about one of our globetrotting-in-DC experiences and get a glimpse of what to expect.

Maker Morning: Performance Party
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Maker Mornings are back at the Hirshhorn! The free monthly Saturday morning program series invites kids of all ages to experience contemporary art through interactive hands-on making activities. During this session, meet in the Sculpture Garden for a morning filled with performance and celebration. Create a bold accessory, dance in a performance art parade, and make your own crown to take home, and join friends from DC Public Library to celebrate books and reading.

Bonsai Festival
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
Celebrate the tiny trees at one of the prettiest places in the city this weekend. There will be bonsai activities to entertain everyone, from the interested observer to the accomplished artist. Each day features demonstrations, exhibits, vendors, and the renowned collection of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. While you’re at the Arboretum, be sure to see the beautiful, blooming azaleas, too!

Patterns: Here, There, and Everywhere
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: $7/member, $15/non member
The National Building Museum is offering a Youth Drop-In Program for kids in grades 1-3 on Saturdays throughout May. This session will focus on patterns… Patterns are everywhere! They help us remember what comes next and organize things in the spaces we use. Learn to understand patterns that make up the built environment and decode information about the world around you! There will also be a free Story Time. Plan to stay and explore the awesome museum — tickets include access to all of the Museum’s exhibitions on this date.

Running of the Chihuahuas
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
It’s DC’s cutest and funniest Cinco de Mayo celebration as The Wharf hosts the 10th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas! The day will include live music, family fun, cold Pacifico beer, and of course, the highlight of the afternoon, chihuahuas racing for fame and fun! The event benefits Rural Dog Rescue, a non-profit dedicated to saving the lives of dogs in shelters who are often overlooked for adoption or rescue. Go here for information and to sign your chihuahua up to race visit. And read more about The Wharf here.

Art Outside: Celebrate Eid
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Join the museum on the outdoor plaza of the Freer Gallery of Art for a festive afternoon of music, food, and art to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Watch master calligraphers at work, make your own calligraphy-inspired art, enjoy henna designs and music by the Syrian Music Preservation Initiative and the Zaynab Ensemble, and view art indoors in the galleries. Food from local favorite Fava Pot will be available for purchase. In case of rain, this event will take place inside the museum.

Racing Art
Where: Around the Inner Harbour | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 7pm
Admission: Free
You might see giant pink poodles and other outrageous works of art “race” down Baltimore streets at the American Visionary Art Museum’s annual Kinetic Sculpture Race. Kinetinauts (the pilots of the moving sculptures) will compete for the Grand East Coast National Mediocre Champion, awarded to the competitor who finishes exactly in the middle (that is the BEST). Vehicles are wacky and whimsical, straight from a lunatic genius imagination and constructed out of all kinds of materials. They may be a small one-person machine or a 50-foot feat of engineering navigated by many. This is one of those spectacles you just have to see for yourself. Read more about the race presenter, the American Visionary Art Museum here.

Wonderful World of Watkins
Where: Watkins Regional Park | Upper Marlboro, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free (but rides are a fee)
The Antique Carousel and Train at Watkins Regional Park open for the season his weekend! Plus, there are Old Maryland Farm, the Nature Center, Wizard of Oz Playground. and hiking trails. And it all makes for a fantastic place to spend a day with the fam. The train and carousel each cost $2/PG County resident, $2.50/non-resident.

More Places to Go for a Spin
Where: Several locations in the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Other area carousels and trains have reopened for the season. Montgomery Park’s Cabin John Train and Wheaton Train and Carousel offer rides on weekends. The Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park is whirling once again. Kids can also go for a spin on the Americana-themed carousel at National Harbor (the Capital Wheel is an option, too!). Read more about Cabin John here , Wheaton here, and National Harbor here.

NSO Pops: Disney Princesses — The Concert
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm | Saturday, 2pm & 7:30pm
Admission: $29-99
For generations, Disney’s Princesses have enchanted us with their courage and kindness. Their music has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, for the first time in forever, that beloved music will be celebrated in Disney Princess — The Concert. Be our guest as the actresses who portrayed Broadway’s Belle, Jasmine, Nala, and Anastasia celebrate all the Disney Princesses in an unforgettable evening of songs, animation, and stories!

United vs. Dynamo
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary
Kick it at a DC United match on Saturday evening as they host Houston Dynamo FC. I recommend taking public transportation as parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood and plan to walk from there (and maybe grab dinner before the match — El Bebe, All Purpose Pizza, The Salt Line, and Dacha are very convenient and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there).

Into the Woods
Where: Creative Cauldron | Falls Church, VA
When: Friday & Saturday 7:30pm | Sunday, 2pm & 7pm
Tickets: $40/adult, $25/child
Catch a performance of this just -opened show: With an imaginative book by James Lapine that skillfully intertwines the stories and characters from Grimm fairy tales, and a luscious score by Stephen Sondheim, this Tony Award-winning musical has become a timeless masterpiece. A baker and his wife wish for a child, Cinderella wishes to go to the King’s Festival and Jack wishes to sell his cow, so into the woods they must go in search of their prize. Happily ever after eludes them, however, as they soon learn the tangled consequences of getting exactly what you wished for.

The Fantastic Tale of Rumpelstiltskin
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Friday, 10:30am | Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pm
Tickets: $15
In this production, the Puppet Co. gives you the full story of what happens after the gold has been spun and the day has been saved. This hilarious and smart comedy will be a great romp for adults and kids alike. Can you guess Rumpelstiltskin’s new name?! Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 50 minutes.

empowerHER Luminaria
Where: Lincoln Memorial | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 6-9pm
Admission: Free
empowerHER is on a mission to support, connect + empower girls who’ve lost their mothers. This Mother’s Day, empowerHER LUMINARIA will illuminate the night with a whimsical display of personalized luminaries (purchased for $25 from donors across the globe) and uniquely displayed on the beachfront at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in honor of and in memory of loved ones. Proceeds benefit empowerHER programs. Join empowerHER at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool on Mother’s Day – Sunday at sunset.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Have you heard about the Mother’s Day Strike?
* “I Was Seeing the Same Look in Everybody’s Eyes” (Images of women at protests this week… and some of mine snapped at the Supreme Court)
* The Mormon Temple is open and welcoming the public for the first time in 50 years (through June 11). Tickets here.
* Looking forward to seeing this movie over the weekend…have been hearing great things!
* I’m finally going to organize that kitchen drawer (we all have one, right?) and just made this purchase to help.
* This article prompted me to find this playlist, which made for an awesome, nostalgic listen.
* Talking Heads lyrics or… 🙂
* A perfect Mother’s Day share… made me laugh and tear up.
* Haha.

Ideas for Celebrating Mother’s Day Around the DC Area (2022)

Mother’s Day is an occasion worth making extra special plans for (in my totally unbiased opinion 😉). This round-up, similar to previous years, but updated for right now, has ideas to help make it a great one for all of the honorees — whether it’s spent as a family, with friends, or even solo. With recommendations that range from fairly mellow to very active, totally free to a total splurge, there’s sure to be something to make every mom’s day. Happy Mother’s Day!

Go chasing waterfalls at Patapsco Valey State Park

Walk in the Woods
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Take a hike to enjoy the day. See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, walk and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. Bring along a picnic for lunch al fresco, too.
Huntley Meadows – The park in Alexandria has an easy, scenic loop through woods and wetlands.
Riverbend Park to Great Falls – The hike is a particular favorite for a special day, though parking can fill up fast, so go early and have a Plan B just in case.
Patapsco Valley State Park – It’s huge with a great variety of hiking trails, including one to waterfalls, lots of nice picnic spots, and more opportunities for active recreation.
Pohick Bay Regional Park and Fountainhead Regional Park – Both parks in Lorton, VA, have nice hiking trails as well as paddling rentals.
Wye Island NRMA – A couple of years ago, we enjoyed a beautiful Mother’s Day hike at this spot on the Eastern Shore. (KFDC Tip: Pair it with a crab feast while you’re out there.)
Harpers Ferry – The charming historic town and great hiking makes it a perfect day trip destination for a celebration.
This go-to KFDC post has even more suggestions for great hikes with the fam.

Relax at the scenic Barrel Oak Winery after a Sky Meadows hike

Hike & Sip
Where: A couple of DMV locales
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies
Like the suggestion above, but elevated with a post-hike visit to a family-friendly winery or restaurant. Two outings I recommend for this: Hit the trail at Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA, then go to the nearby Barrel Oak Winery. The Sugarloaf Mountain hike/The Comus Inn combo in Dickerson, MD, also makes for a fab day, or enjoy sips and small bites at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard right down the road after your walk in the woods.

Fancy hats are among the treasures to be found at Mansion on O

Celebrate Mom Treasure Hunt
Where: Mansion on O Street | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Through May 8
Admission: $50
Spread the love as you search for special heartfelt items found only at O Museum in The Mansion on this heart centered treasure hunt. There are over 100 rooms to explore and 70 secret doors (!!) to find (you’re guaranteed to see at least 60 of the legendary spaces, but the secret doors are much harder to discover). This visit also includes yummy chocolate and a glass of champagne for mom, and other guests can purchases beverages at the cash bar. Read more about the O Museum in this KFDC post and this one.

The Azaleas at the Arboretum are spectacular right now

Do Some Garden-ing
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Instead of bringing flowers to mom, take her to them instead! With the bloom season upon us and landscapes bursting with color, a visit to a garden makes for a lovely outing, especially when there’s often more to do than see the plants and flowers. Explore, play, and see the amazing azalea bloom at the National Arboretum. Enjoy one of the prettiest places in the city at Dumbarton Oaks Garden. Stop and smell the roses (and more) and see the rest of the beautiful grounds at Brookside Gardens. Wander around Green Spring Gardens on a scavenger hunt. Venture out to the gorgeous Meadowlark Botanical Garden. You can bring along a picnic to many of these places and make it a whole day’s outing.

Blue crabs, one of the best treats of the season

A (Crab) Feast Fit for a Queen
Where: Eastern Shore, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Depends on how much you order!
This is how we like to celebrate. The start of blue crab season is perfect timing for the special day, and you really can’t beat a feast of the steamed Old Bay-spiced treats at a waterfront crab house on a nice day. Cantler’s in Annapolis is an institution, and Mike’s Crab House in Riva is also popular with delicious crabs, gorgeous scenery, and a great outdoor tiki bar waiting area if tables aren’t immediately available. We’ve had a couple of super fun Mother’s Day celebrations at Kentmorr’s restaurant and beach scene. Keep it closer to home (but forego the waterfront) at Quarterdeck, Ivy City Smokehouse, and Bethesda Crab House. Wherever you go, make reservations, because special occasion days guarantee crowds. You can also pick up crabs from from The Fish Market at The Wharf and enjoy feast at home — get them already steamed or still alive and DIY. (And, FYI, all of the above recommendations are based on first-hand experience!)

Pontooning on the Patuxent

Enjoy some bowling after your brunch

Brunch & Bowl
Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC
When: May 8, 10am – 3pm
Admission: $40/adult, $15 /age 6-12, free/5 & under
Dine and play on Mother’s Day! Treat mom to a yummy Buffet Brunch that includes a Signature Waffle Station, Carving Station, Sweets Table, and more. Don’t forget about the Bottomless Mimosas and Aperol Spritzes! Plus, each mom will get complimentary flowers on behalf of the Pinstripes team. Stay for some family bowling (or bocce) after — be sure to reserve a lane in advance to ensure you get a game time — and note that it costs extra. Read more about Pinstripes in this KFDC post.

For Soccer Moms
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: May 7, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at
For moms who are DC United fans or just enjoy some good sports action, start the Mother’s Day celebration a little early at a soccer match. The United are hosting Houston Dynamo on Saturday evening, and it’s always exciting to watch our MLS team play. Plan on dinner before or some fun after — there are plenty of places for it in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. For a family meal, I recommend The Salt Line, All Purpose Pizza, El Bebe, Agua 301, and Due South. If you make it an adult outing and go for drinks after, try Dacha Beer Garden or the new Solace Outpost.

Enjoy the views and a fun activity as you paddle the Potomac

Go with the Flow
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
For other Mother’s Day adventures on the water, a bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and stand up paddleboards. Fletcher’s Cove is a popular place to go and has a great riverside area to hang out and picnic when you’re off the water. We spent a wonderful Mother’s Day awhile back at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis — with lots of options for outdoor recreation along with paddling, it’s particularly awesome. This post has a round-up of even more places to navigate the local waterways.

***More Ideas***
* An activity for moms that doesn’t involve the whole gang: Spa day!
* Open Table’s suggestions for 50 DC restaurants for this Mother’s Day.
* Washingtonian has a round-up of fun foodie things to do on Mother’s Day.
* The Mother Of All Mother’s Day Movie Lists…