Mother’s Day is a wonderful excuse to slow down and spend meaningful time together. Whether you celebrate with flowers, brunch, a scenic cruise, a walk in the park, or a special performance, this Rochester Mother’s Day guide is filled with ideas to help you plan a memorable 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.
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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 its Lilac Weekend open house. The perennial flower garden at 625 Mt. Hope Avenue has been lovingly maintained since 1867 and features a diverse array of unique plants.
Are you up for a road trip? Book your spot at 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, the other Monroe County Parks are perfect for exploring on Mother’s Day. All Monroe County Parks will be fully open on May 1, including roads, restrooms, and other amenities that were closed throughout the winter. Enjoy a 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.
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3. Enjoy the Theater
Treat mom to a shared theater experience.
4. Take a Canal Cruise
Join a Sam Patch cruise from Pittsford to experience locking through Lock 32.
6. Experience 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 in 19th-century style at the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford. Check with your favorite restaurant for Mother’s Day specials and to make a reservation.
7. 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.
8. 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 memorable Mother’s Day train ride at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum.
Explore More
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Do you have a favorite way to spend Mother’s Day?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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