Mother's Day Adventures in Marin and Beyond
A leisurely Sunday brunch is a Mother's Day tradition for many, and you can find plenty of family-friendly options in Marin here. If your family is the more adventurous type, however, why not check out some of these fun alternatives in Marin, the San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond this weekend. From wineries to museums to hikes and picnics on the beach, there's plenty of fun to be had by all!
Have Fun at a Marin County Beach
Plan a picnic and a day at the beach for Mother's Day! In Marin you'll find a variety of beaches that are ideal spots for splashing in the water, building sand castles and picnicking on a warm spring day. Here are some of our favorites.
Explore the Marin Headlands for an Outdoor Adventure
The Marin Headlands is one of our favorite destinations for a day of outdoor family adventure. Take Mom out for a day of fun visiting beaches, hiking the trails, exploring historic sites, and taking in the amazing views.
Explore Presidio Tunnel Tops, San Francisco
Bring and blanket and enjoy the Golden Gate views. Play at the fantastic Outpost Playground at Tunnel Tops or take a stroll along Crissy Field. More info. (Pictured above)
Go on a Family Hike at Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen
Make a day of it at this sprawling park in the Wine Country. Hike the trails, explore Beauty Ranch, and learn about the life of famed author Jack London and his wife Charmian. Don't forget to bring a picnic.
Mother's Day Hat's & High Tea at the Berkeley Rose Garden
Enjoy a day of celebration on Saturday, May 9 (2–5 pm) honoring mothers through music and family activities at the beautiful Berkeley Rose Garden. Free event for all ages. More info here.
Family Nature Adventures: Mother's Day Tea & Flowers Workshop
Make Mother’s Day unforgettable with a perfect mix of creativity, nature at the Chabot Space & Science Center. Enjoy a charming tea party experience perfect for honoring the special moms and caregivers in your life. Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 am–12:30 pm. Buy tickets here.
Awesome Spots for a Mother's Day Picnic
Pack a picnic and celebrate Mom's day outdoors at one of the many great picnic spots in and around Marin and the North Bay. Here are some of our favorite places to bring our lunch (or brunch) and dine al fresco on Mother's Day.
Take Mom to the zoo or an aquarium
Take Mom on a trip to the zoo! Head to the San Francisco and Oakland Zoos for a fun day out with the whole family. The Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 offers moms free admission when accompanied by a paid guest.
See the animal sculptures at the Botanical Garden
The Sonoma Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen is always a fun place to visit, and their latest special exhibition, Spirit Guides showcases larger-than-life sculptures on view depict imaginary hybrid animals that serve as spirit guides and astrological embodiments of human character. It's a great place to relax and take in the beauty and even have a picnic!
Spend the Day on a Farm
Santa Rosa's Bees n Blooms Farm will be open for Mother's Day weekend. Spend the day with Mom surrounded by lavender and fresh-cut flowers in a peaceful farm setting. The farm is open 10 am–4 pm and admission is free, but if you want to picnic you can reserve a table in the pavilion for $5.
Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sebastopol will be offering a Community Tour on Saturday, May 9, 12–1:30 pm. Bring the family to the sanctuary to meet our animal residents and hear their incredible rescue stories. Reserve your tickets here.
Skate for Free and Meet Snoopy on Mother's Day
Bring the family for a free public session on Sunday, May 10 from 1:15–3:30 pm. There will be a special Kendra Scott pop-up shopping experience and a Snoopy appearance for a fun photo op. More info here.
Surprise Mom with a Scenic Cruise
Mother's Day Sunset Cruise, Tiburon
6:30–8 pm (6:10 pm boarding)
Surprise mom with a sunset sail aboard the Angel Island! As the day ends and the evening begins, join the crew of the Angel Island – Tiburon Ferry and experience the natural splendor of the San Francisco Bay aboard their exclusive Mother's Day Sunset Cruise! Bring your own dinner for a picnic on the bay! Tables and chairs both outside and inside are provided. Location: 21 Main Street,
Tiburon Purchase tickets here.
Mother's Day Premier Brunch Cruise, San Francisco
Noon–2 pm (11:30 am boarding)
Create family memories that will be treasured forever with an amazing Premier San Francisco Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise on the San Francisco Bay. Enjoy a chef-inspired buffet with a selection of wine, champagne, and classic cocktails. Soak in the picturesque backdrop of San Francisco’s skyline and unbeatable views including the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island from our outdoor decks. Location: Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, San Francisco For more info, visit their website.
Take a Train Ride with Mom
The Spring Trains at the Western Railway Museum in Suisun City are great for a family excursion with Mom! See the seasonal wildflower bloom from a vintage interurban train car. Passengers in the parlor car can even sample local wines and enjoy baked goods, and other refreshments. Niles Canyon Railway in the East Bay town of Sunol will be offering a train ride pulled by a real steam locomotive on Mother's Day; buy your tickets in advance because rides to sell out. Also, the California State Railroad Museum's excursion train rides are back in action! Take a trip on a historic train along the Sacramento River.
Take mom to the Marin Civic Center Farmer's Market
Sunday, May 10, 8 am–1 pm
Marin Civic Center, San Rafael
Pick up some fresh produce, colorful flowers, and prepared food and grab lunch at this Sunday's farmers market. Stop in at the nearby French Market Marin to browse for antiques and collectibles, too!
Hike to Breakfast on Mt. Tam
Sunday, May 10, 9 am–1 pm
West Point Inn, Mt. Tamalpais
Take a hike to the historic West Point Inn on Mt. Tam for a Mother's Day pancake breakfast! Breakfast costs $15 for adults and $15 for kids (other options available). Amazing views are included for free! Learn more here.
Free Admission for Moms at Charles M. Schulz Museum
Sunday, May 10, 10 am–5 pm
Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa
All moms receive free Museum admission on Mother's Day! Location: 2301 Hardies Lane in Santa Rosa. Event details
Pay What You Will at the Exploratorium
Sunday, May 10, 11 am–4:30 pm
Exploratorium, San Francisco
Celebrate mothers, grandmothers, and the caregivers who nurture our families. This Mother's Day, we honor all mothers—especially mamás latinas—with bilingual programming, live music, and traditions that bring families together. Dive deeper with the cultural significance of flowers and chocolate, reflect on what it truly means to give mom a well-deserved day off, and dance together as a community. Pay what you wish for a day of fun at the Exploratorium! Event details
Mother's Day Crafts
Mother's Day Flowers
Sunday, May 10, 11:30 am–1 pm
McNears Beach Park, San Rafael
Learn about the wildflowers of Marin and where to see them in our parks and preserves while crafting a Mother's Day corsage or a small vase arrangement. Enjoy celebrating Mother Nature and the mothers in our lives! Best for ages 6 to 12, though everyone is welcome. Sign-up here.
