Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12, 2024. And if you’re wondering how to make this day extra special for your mom, we’ve got you covered. From Rochester’s largest festival of flowers to brunch in a 19th-century village, our Mother’s Day guide has the inspiration you need to plan a perfect day.
1. Fill the Day with Flowers
Spend the day at the Rochester Lilac Festival, which draws visitors from all over the region to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Highland Park’s blooming lilacs, pansies, tulips, magnolia, rhododendrons, azaleas, and flowering dogwood and cherry trees. You can also enjoy Art in the Park, which takes place on weekends during the 10-day festival. And stop into Highland’s Lamberton Conservatory to see the Spring Show.
The City of Rochester Public Market hosts Flower City Days on Sunday. You can also plan a trip to Sonnenberg Gardens.
Experience the beauty of Rochester’s historic Ellwanger Garden during their special Lilac Weekend open house. This perennial flower garden at 625 Mt. Hope Avenue has been tended to since 1867 and showcases a variety of unique plants.
Up for a road trip? Book your spot now for the magnificent and unparalleled Sycamore Hill Gardens in Marcellus, just 10 minutes northeast of Skaneateles.
2. Take a Walk in the Park
While Highland Park will be busy with Lilac Festival activities, our 20 other Monroe County Parks are perfect for exploring on Mother’s Day. All Monroe County Parks are fully open on May 1, including roads, restrooms, and other amenities we’ve missed throughout the winter. Enjoy an easy stroll through Durand Eastman Park Arboretum, relax by Webster Park pier, look for fairies along the Birdsong-Fairy Trail at Mendon Ponds Park, or take a more challenging hike through Ellison and Lucien Morin Parks.
Enjoy a guided walk through the Durand Eastman Park Arboretum with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County from 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, May 12. The routes will traverse moderate hills and wooded trails, so please dress accordingly. There is no charge, but donations to support the Extension’s Master Gardener Program will be accepted. Meet at the kiosk on Zoo Rd. (off Lakeshore) next to the park maintenance center.
3. Enjoy Musical Theater
Treat mom to a shared experience at the theater. Choose from Shrek the Musical at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre or The Producers at OFC Creations.
4. Cruise the Erie Canal
Enjoy a Mother’s Day cruise onboard Sam Patch. While the official canal season for the public begins on May 17, the Sam Patch receives special permission to cruise early. We can look forward to The Colonial Belle beginning operations on May 14. The Riverie begins its season on May 17.
5. Enjoy an Exceptional Brunch
Celebrate Mother’s Day with your mom by treating her to brunch under the star-filled dome of the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium or down on the farm with OFC Creations’ Drag Me To Brunch. More brunch destinations include ARTISANworks, Seneca Park Zoo, and Muller’s Cider House in Rochester; Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford; Jack’s Place in Chili; Perlo’s in East Rochester; The Lodge at Woodcliff in Fairport; and The Lakehouse in Canandaigua. Check with your favorite restaurant to check on Mother’s Day specials and to make a reservation.
6. Wander Into the 19th Century
Take a trip to the Genesee Country Village & Museum, where mom gets in for free on Mother’s Day. Explore historic homes, gardens, and kitchens, and treat mom to a traditional 19th-century pastry from D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery.
7. Celebrate on Saturday
If mom is a dog-lover, do not miss the chance to see the adorable Rochester Dachshund Parade in Washington Square Park. And Railfans will enjoy a special Mother’s Day train ride at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum.
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These paved pathways and boardwalks are ideal for folks using strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, or managing other mobility challenges.
These carefully designed gardens, often cultivated for decades or even centuries, display exceptional collections of flowers and trees.
Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
Rochester, NY Events & Activities: Your Guide to Year-Round Fun
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Do you have a favorite way to spend Mother’s Day?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
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