Mothers Day Weekend Activities in New York

We heard what real moms want for Mothers Day in the comments of our Mommy Cards and Flowers Giveaway. Not Diamonds, not even jewelry or flowers. What moms really want is time. Time alone. Time with their kids. Time for dad to be with the kids. So we've rounded up some Mother's Day weekend activities that cover all the bases, whatever Mom's in the mood for.

For mom who wants a fun day out with the whole family
First Annual LIC Bike Parade!
Socrates Sculpture Park
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Registration 11:30 AM
Workshops 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Parade 3:00 PM - 4:00PM Rain or shine!
FREE

I'm always afraid that the cool, artsy community events will die out in NYC, but here's an example of a brand new one just being born. At the First Annual LIC Bike Parade children of all ages will decorate their bikes with creative reuse of materials and then show them off in a neighborhood parade.

There will be bike decorating workshops and activities led by artists, bike repair consultations, and immediately following the workshops, participants will parade their bikes around the Park in a colorful procession with Hungry March Band and performers from Circus Amok, City Reliquary and the Civic Riders Bicycle Club, that will continue down Vernon Boulevard and finish at Queensbridge Park where participants will be welcomed with bicycle themed music presented by Friends of Queensbridge Park. Sounds like a really fun memory-making way to spend an active day with the kids.

To top it off, celebrate Mother's Day Eve with some stargazing at Riverside Park:

Star Gazin'
96th Street Tennis Courts, Riverside Park
5:30-7:30
FREE
The American Museum of Natural History??™s Discovering the Universe Moveable Museum will be set up for astronomers young and old to observe the heavens. There will be a craft project for kids (bring an old CD).

For Mom who wants to spend a relaxing day with the kids
Jeff Koons on the Roof at the Met
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Regular Museum Admission is suggested donation

The trick to a good Mother's day activity is one that feels like a special treat for mom, but doesn't turn into a nightmare because the kids are bored and whining. Going to a museum...probably not, going to a outdoor sculpture exhibit with fun, colorful, childish art, an outdoor cafe and a perfect Mother's day photo op?...Sounds like it could actually work.

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art a special exhibit of Jeff Koons sculptures has invaded the roof garden through October 26th. There is an cafe serving sandwiches and drinks so you can eat and relax and since it's outdoors, if the kids get squirmy that's fine, let them look around. And the big chocolate heart (pictured) is the perfect backdrop for a nice Mother's Day family photo don't you think?

For another photo opportunity, Microsoft has opened a little portrait studio. It's to promote some new product, but all you care about is they are giving away free family portraits in their Portraits of Mom promotion.

Portraits of Mom
89 Montague Street, Brooklyn Heights
April 19 ??“ May 11, 2008, 11AM ??“ 6PM
FREE
For Mom who wants Dad to spend a relaxing day with the kids
Book Week Kick-Off
Bryant Park
Saturday, May 10, 12-5pm
FREE

Instead of using the TV to tune out the kids for a few (not that you would ever do that), have Dad take them to the Book Week Kick-Off Event and plug them in to some books. There will be book readings and signings from favorite authors, illustrators and characters, plus 1000s of books to peruse.

For Mom who wants to spend the day alone
Flower Arranging Workshop
Queens Botanical Garden
Saturday, May 10, 11am
$25 including flower fee

Betty Scott conducts Flowers For Mom on Saturday, May 10, at 11am. Learn to create a beautiful fresh bouquet to give Mom on her special day. The workshop fee is $15 for members ($20 for nonmembers) plus a $5 fee for the flowers. Call 718-886-3800, ext. 230, to register.

For Dad who forgot to get mom a present yet.
Sorry we got nothing for you, you dog...just kidding...Take the kids to the Scholastic Store on Saturday at 3pm to give mom some time off and let the kids make paper bouquets for her...And then skip across the street to Bloomies.