Flowers and chocolates are overrated – Pack your bags and hit the road for an unforgettable Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day is around the corner and you know what that means? A weekend getaway with your family! Being a globe-trotter at heart, I always prefer celebrating Mother’s Day with a small fam-jam adventure. It is the perfect Mother’s Day gift idea to spend some quality time with your family, away from all the hustle and bustles of life.
Without further ado, let’s look at the 10 best mother’s day gift trip ideas for a fun a relax weekend!
1. Getaway House Day or Weekend Trip
To make the most of your Mother’s Day celebration, you need to switch off the rest of the world, and dedicate all your time to making new memories with your family. A weekend trip is your best bet to bond with your loved ones on a heart-to-heart level.
If you are a mommy like me, who is traveling with kids, this could be your mini summer vacation. This means that you have to make the best of this opportunity.
Here are a few fun family activities:
- Play board games
- Read stories together
- Cook kid-friendly meals together
- Take a stroll out in nature
- Campfires and s’mores
- Have a family-bonding group discussion
If you are traveling with your spouse, book a two-night trip at a cabin, and forget about the rest of the world. Rejoice and cherish this time by talking about old memories and how far you both have come together as a couple.
A little time away from the kiddos and focusing on you, and your partner will definitely help you be a better parenting team; trust me!
Pro tip: Lock away your phones in a small box (usually available at most cabins) to ensure that there are zero distractions.
Related Post: Camping or Glamping: All you need to know about Getaway House
2. Kilgore Waterfalls Family Day Trips
Kilgore Waterfalls is a sight to behold. If you and your family love nature, celebrating Mother’s Day at this piece of heaven is perfect for you.
Hike to the waterfalls and enjoy their scenic beauty. If you are feeling too adventurous, take a swim in the crystal-clear water to refresh your senses. My husband and son could not resist themselves when we went there, so pack swimsuits for some fun.
Note that they have limited parking spaces, so it’s best recommended that you check out the website to get a parking reservation before you visit. Weekends are crowded, so make your reservations at least a week ahead.
3. Museum of Shenandoah Valley
If you loved bugs as a kid and now your kid loves them too, you must visit the Museum of Shenandoah Valley this Mother’s Day and relive your childhood.
The museum offers an extraordinary outdoor exhibit featuring the Glen Burnie, Asian, Water, Knot, Parterre, Statue, Rose, and Perennial Gardens.
There are other kid-friendly attractions you can visit for a memorable family experience, such as the Shenandoah Discovery Science Museum and Blandy Experimental Farm.
This place is stroller and wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for moms with toddlers in tow!
4. State Arboretum of Virginia, Blandy Experimental Farm
The Blandy Experimental Farm is a short drive from the Museum of Shenandoah Valley, but it’s worth visiting as it offers an out-of-the-world nature drive-through experience.
My recommendation is that you drive around the area first to find your perfect spot and explore it on foot to experience nature in its purest form. A unique way to celebrate Mother’s Day indeed, but trust me, you will come back home with smiles on your faces.
5. Family Drive-In at Stephens City
If one family experience is my all-time favorite, it has to be drive-in cinemas. There’s nothing more surreal than watching a movie under the stars. Luckily, they are re-opening for Mother’s Day weekend. So, plan your trip ahead and ensure you take care of all COVID-related rules and regulations.
Pack your blankets, pillow, beach chair, and some snacks to enjoy your movie night to the fullest. Food will also be available via the Fan Food App.
Other nearby drive-in cinemas include:
Movie in the park at Virginia Highlands Park – Arlington, Virginia
- Date: May 7th
- Time: 8:00 PM
- Movie Start Time: After Sunset
- Movie Playing: Moana
- Cost: Free
- Registration and booking: click here
- Address: 1600 South Hayes Street Arlington, VA 22202
Alexandria Drive-In:
- Movies Playing on Mother’s Day weekend
- May 7th – The Greatest Showman
- May 8th – Pitch Perfect
- Time: 8:30 PM
- Cost: $40 per Vehicle
- Purchase your ticket here
Bengies Drive-in: Middle River, Maryland
- Movies Playing on Mother’s Day weekend
- May 7th & May 8th – Mortal Kombat
- Time: 8:30 PM
- Cost: $4 per vehicle, $10 per person, $5 per child
- Purchase your ticket here
6. Horse Riding at Tamarack Stables
Take a Horse Trail Ride along the Pohick Creek at Tamarack Stables. Your family will thoroughly enjoy it.
Tamarack Stables, located in Lorton, Virginia, offers 1, 1 ½, 2, and 3-hour trail rides that are perfect for families with kids five years or older.
For pricing and other details, click here.
Other places you can enjoy a trail ride in the DMV:
a. Rock Creek Park Hours Center in Washington DC
This place is like an oasis within the city.
With more than 50 horses in their stables and fields, you can enjoy pony rides with your kids or hike around the nearby area.
Once you are done playing around with the horses, I will personally recommend visiting Capitol Stones and the hiking area around Royal Creek Park.
b. Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, Mclean, VA
This place offers a 5.2-mile trail located near Great Falls, Virginia, featuring a scenic view of the waterfall that is a treat for all nature lovers. The trail is ideal for a family hiking adventure or a stroll of nature.
c. Center Peace Farm, Lanham, MD
Center Peace Farm is like heaven for all equestrians at heart. Here you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind retreat experience and find peace through nature. They offer essential oils, yoga, and wellness classes that you can enjoy as a relaxing treat for Mother’s Day.
7. Family Picnic with LoveLe Picnics
Take your Mother’s Day festivities up a notch by planning a luxury family picnic with LoveLe Picnics.
LoveLe Picnics is a luxury picnic setup company serving in the DMV area. Whether you choose a family park or your home’s backyard, they will take care of all your needs. They will ensure that the only thing you have to do is enjoy the experience with your family.
To find out more details about their services and available packages, click here.
8. Clarks Elioak Farm
For a whimsical fantasy world experience, Clarks Elioak Farm (located in Maryland) is where you should be celebrating Mother’s Day with your little ones.
My kids went gaga over the fairytale play area and spent hours exploring it. There are three different types of train rides you can enjoy with your kids. In addition, there is also a petting zoo where they let you feed the goats and chickens, which is both a learning and super fun activity for kids.
Brownie points for having picnic tables with canopies. A perfect family picnic spot on a pleasant sunny morning.
9. Creek & Ice Cream Day at Clifton, Virginia
Clifton, Virginia, is a quaint little town offering a variety of restaurants and cafes to tantalize your tastebuds for a special Mother’s Day treat.
Peterson’s Ice Cream Depot is one of their famous dessert spots located on Main Street.
You and your family can enjoy digging into delicious ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and other snacks that kids and adults can both enjoy. The seating area is quite spacious and offers a quirky ambiance and fun food experience.
Hours: Mon – Fri, 4:00 to 9:00 & Sat-Sun 11:30 to 9:00.
Related Post: 30 Places to Creek Stomp in the DMV in 2023
10.Spa Party
For all moms who prefer pampering themselves on Mother’s Day, there is nothing better than a spa party with other mom friends.
Just take the whole day off, leave all mommy duties to the other parent (or a babysitter) and relax at a luxury salon or spa. You have rightfully earned this break; enjoy it!
If you liked this blog or found it helpful, please leave a comment below to help a mommy grow.
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Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day!