It’s almost upon us: that glorious second Sunday in May also known as Mother’s Day! Whether you’re celebrating being a mother yourself, or taking your own mom, mother-in-law or stepmother out for the occasion, you may have more than one festivity to plan or attend.
Here’s a rundown of different ideas to mark the occasion—no dishes involved!
See more upcoming Mother’s Day events in the events calendar.
Mother’s Day at the Toronto Zoo
Meet the animal kingdom moms at the Toronto Zoo, including polar bears, gorillas, orangutans, rhinos, and more. Learn all about moms and their babies in the wild.
May 13From $19
Mother’s Day at Paintlounge Markham
Create your own paint and canvas masterpiece with mom at the Paintlounge. All supplies (and helpful tips) provided. In between brushstrokes, help yourself to the free café.
May 13, 1–7 pm$27
Toronto Botanical Garden Spring Plant Sale
Check out this free plant sale together and bring home some flowers and greenery for everyone’s garden. Toronto Master Gardeners will be available to offer up gardening advice or for a chat about native plants.
May 11–13Free admission and parking
Don Valley Art Club Annual Awards Art Show and Sale
Gather all of the moms in your life to look at some inspirational art, learn more about the artists, and perhaps pick up a piece or two to enliven your walls!
May 2–13Free admission and parking
Kortright Mother’s Day Brunch and Nature Walk
First it’s a yummy brunch with something for everyone. Then get the blood flowing again with a lovely guided hike through the forests that are finally beginning to show the signs of spring.
May 13$35–$50
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
It’s always nice to go out to see a musical production as a family, and Joseph is a family favourite. Grab a block of seats and go en masse—it’s more fun that way.
Weekends May 4–20; showtimes varyTickets from $55
Crazy For You
Another great musical, featuring great Gershwin songs like “Someone to Watch Over Me”, “Embraceable You” and “I Got Rhythm”. Lots of fun and sing-along musical numbers.
May 4–19Tickets from $27
McMichael Canadian Art Collection and Mother’s Day Tea
Head to the quaint village of Kleinburg to visit the wonderful McMichael Canadian Art Collection, and stay for a sumptuous brunch. The surrounding woods are as majestic as the paintings inside.
May 23, 11:30 and 1:30$40
Miller Lash House Mother’s Day Brunch
There’s brunch, there’s a fashion interlude, and there’s even mommy and me mini photo sessions. It all takes place at the Arts and Crafts style Miller Lash House in Scarborough.
May 13, 10:30 and 12:30 seatings$20 for kids, $43 for adults
Ascott Parc Mother’s Day Brunch
It’s the biggest brunch of the year at Ascott Parc in Vaughan—and with a premium bar, antipasto bar, seafood, pasta and carving stations plus a sweet table, we can see why. Enjoy the feast!
May 13, multiple seatingsKids $29, adults $57
Guild Inn Estate Mother’s Day Brunch
We’re not sure which is more amazing—the delicious brunch served or the view of Toronto’s historic Guild Park and Gardens. Plus, a fun addition is the photo booth sessions on offer!
May 13, 10 am–2:30 pmKids $23, adults $45
STK Toronto Mother’s Day
Check out this stylish setting and amazing menu in Yorkville. There’s steak, of course, as the name implies, but also some amazing other dishes, from King Crab Cakes to Rosti Potato and Smoked Salmon. Yum.
May 13Prices vary
Windsor Arms Brunch
We adore downtown Toronto’s Windsor Arms hotel and its stately grandeur. We also adore the food there, and the Mother’s Day brunch is sure to wow everyone. Or try afternoon tea in the tearoom!
May 13Brunch $85, tea $65
Mother’s Day Yoga and Brunch
Enjoy an entire Embiria experience at Cambria Gallery in Toronto with Mother’s Day yoga and brunch. Tend to your mind, muscles and emotions with yoga, nutritious food, and a wonderful swag bag valued at over $100.
May 13, 9–11 am$30
Leslieville Flea Mother’s Day Market
If shopping is what the moms want, shopping is what they should get! Check out the curated and covetable finds at the Leslieville Flea Market at the Broadview Hotel for some seriously cool finds.
May 13, 11 am–5 pmFree
Annie
It’s a family classic and makes for a great Mother’s day outing. Gather the group to head to the Ed Mirvish Theatre and get ready to be charmed all over again.
April 24–June 3; showtimes varyFrom $65
Roots Concert
Now this is a neat and memorable outing: the Canadian Arabic Orchestra uses song to express a love of nature. All of the elements—Wind, Earth, Fire and Water—are represented.
May 13 at 7 pmTickets from $37
Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk
First up is a guided walk in the Todmodren Mills nature preserve to celebrate the return of spring flora and fauna. Then light refreshments are served—what a wonderful way to spend the day.
May 13, 1:30–2:30 pm$4–$7
Mother’s Day Tea and Tour at Montgomery’s Inn
Have some tea, and enjoy a guided tour of Montgomery’s Inn. Take in the twelve restored rooms and tearoom showing features from the original building dating back to the 1830s.
May 13, 1–4 pm
$7
Mother’s Day Food Tours
This is our personal pick for Mother’s Day: the choice of a trio of different food tours. One targets Kensington Market and all of the amazing food there; another focuses on chocolate shops around the city. The final is a chocolate workshop at Odile Chocolat.
May 12 and 13From $25
Casa Loma
We never tire of visiting Casa Loma: c’mon, it’s a castle in the city, and now we have the chance to dine like royalty and then explore the castle. And the menu is extensive and delicious!
May 13
$55 for kids, $75 for adults
Jubilee Queen Mother’s Day Cruise
Get out on the water and enjoy brunch, all at the same time. The scenery of the Toronto Islands is epic and the brunch is delicious and made on-site. Plus, there are loads of vegetarian options.
May 13 at 11:30
$35 kids, $62 adults
Black Creek Pioneer Village
It’s time for brunch and tea at Black Creek Pioneer Village, with the oh-so-sweet option of the kids making mom a bouquet. Then it’s exploring time through the neat grounds of the historic village.
May 13, 10:30 and 12:30 seatings
$30 kids, $55 adults
ROM Mother’s Day Fun Day
There’s so much going on to celebrate Mom at the ROM, from a floral scavenger hunt to the create-a-card station Don’t forget to check out the live animal demonstrations to learn about wildlife parents, and snap a pic with mom at the photo station.
May 13, 10 am–4 pm
From $14
Mother’s Day at the Art Gallery of Ontario
Head to the AGO this Mother’s Day to check out the gallery tours inspired by mom. Don’t miss the amazing gift shop to pick up something for all the moms in your life, including you!
May 3, tours on the hour 11 am–3 pmFrom $11
