Every mom has a mental list of fun Mother’s Day activities, and this year, don’t be surprised if it doesn’t include brunch in a crowded restaurant. “Everyone is always looking for something to do with mom to celebrate Mother’s Day. And, as we are still living in a pandemic world to some degree, spending time at your local Metropark is a great option,” suggests Danielle Mauter, Chief of Marketing and Communication at Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
Across southeast Michigan, Huron-Clinton Metroparks has multiple events planned at multiple parks just to celebrate Mother’s Day, so why not spend some time outside in the fresh air with mom or the whole family? “Even if you don’t want to attend a scheduled event, you can bring mom out for a hike on one of our paved trails or nature trails. It’s a really nice way to get out in the spring weather and do something different with mom to celebrate Mother’s Day,” Mauter says.
During the past two pandemic years, families recognized the benefits of spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature. “Walking, biking and hiking are great for our physical and mental health, and studies show that spending time in green space away from the concrete structures of the city is beneficial,” says Mauter. “Even better, getting out with mom is another way to personally reconnect and get away from screens. Very seldom do people say they regret spending time in nature.”
Spring — with the absence of mosquitoes — is a great time for a spring wildflower hike and a wonderful opportunity to capture nature’s rebirth after the winter months, Mauter says. “When you are on the trails, you are very likely to see something unexpected, which is great for children to experience,” she says. “You may see sandhill cranes, songbirds, deer, wild turkey and insects that are really exciting to kids. It’s really wonderful to watch your children discover everything that is new to them.”
Fun Mother’s Day activities to try
On Mother’s Day weekend, your Metroparks have scheduled some fun events you can dig into. Here are a few to get you started, but be sure to visit metroparks.com for more:
- Wildflower Walk with Mom at Hudson Mills Metropark, May 7: This traditional event is a half-mile guided hike along the Acorn Nature Trail. You’ll see plenty of spring flowers and learn about them, too. This is a great event for all ages.
- Steeped in Tradition: A History of Teas, May 7: At Lake Erie Metropark, moms and kids who love tea and history can learn about the long history of tea and its many varieties. There’s a tea tasting, too!
- Moms ‘n’ Marshmallows, May 7: Visit Stony Creek Metropark for a fun campfire celebration. Where there are marshmallows and campfires, there are s’mores, so don’t miss out.
- Mother’s Day Walk, May 8: The whole family is invited to enjoy an early walk at Kensington Metropark. This is an hour-long guided walk on the nature trails. There will be budding spring flowers and singing songbirds!
- Warblers and Wildflowers, May 8: At Indian Springs Metropark, you’ll see and hear songbirds arriving for a stop as they migrate from their winter in the tropics. See native wildflowers along the trail during your hike. This is a fun Mother’s Day activity for kids of all ages.
- Walk-a-Mom, May 8: This is a self-guided spring hike on the trails with mom or grandma at Stony Creek Metropark. Perfect for those who love wildflowers and spring.
- Mother’s Day Tea, May 8: Hosted by Beyond the Seed 4H, this Mother’s Day Tea in the greenhouse at Wolcott Mill Metropark is a must-do event to celebrate mom. Enjoy tea and snacks and take in the scenery and scents of blooming spring flowers. “This event really stands out for me,” Mauter says. “After tea, you can explore the farm center and interact with the baby animals.”
This is just a sampling of events taking place at Huron-Clinton Metroparks over Mother’s Day weekend. Many of these programs require registration and some have fees. Be sure to visit metroparks.com for full details and to register.
“Mother’s Day isn’t just for moms, so don’t forget the other mother figures in your life and celebrate Grandma, an aunt, a guardian or someone else who has given love and guidance,” Mauter says. “Bring them to your Metropark this spring. It’s a great time to reconnect.”
Learn more about Huron-Clinton Metroparks at metroparks.com.
