Breakfast in bed is a Mother’s Day staple, but some moms would rather sleep in. This year, don’t just thank moms for all that they do, get out there and actively celebrate the day with her, be it via the classic brunch or a retro day at a pinball arcade.
~Morning Moms~
Wine on the Rock: Wine and Cheese
Bainbridge Island loves its wine. If your mom does too, hop on a ferry and spend the day at the seven wineries on the island. This Wine on the Rock event is for the mom that needs respite from life in the city, and a collection of 28 different wines can help. If strolling the island for one day isn’t enough, the event covers Saturday too. Wine and Shine! Bainbridge Island wineries. May 12 & 13 from 12–5 p.m. $45. bainbridgewineries.com
Mother’s Day Brunch at Scout
For moms that are loyal to the city, head to Pike Place Market for a charming day in at Thompson Hotel’s Scout. The menu is an ode to everything Pacific Northwest, serving the best of our region’s seasonal cuisine. On Sunday, it will be hosting a Mother’s Day brunch serving dungeness crab benedict, a dessert tower, and plenty of mimosas, just to name a few. To top it off, the Pike Place Market will offer free four-hour parking at designated garages. (Let’s be honest, there are a million different brunch options on Mother’s Day. We’re only picking one to avoid falling too far down the rabbit hole.) Scout. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. scoutpnw.com
Seattle Aquarium
The aquarium will be hosting themed events all about moms like Strong Mothers of the Ocean and Multi-Generational Moms at the sea otter exhibit. Plus there’s the traditional aquarium goodness like their famous diving show. Member moms will receive a special gift. Seattle Aquarium. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $30. seattleaquarium.org
Pacific Science Center
Moms get in for free on Sunday, and who can argue with free? Mother’s Day also concurs with the special Curiosity Days: Seeds to Eats event, which examines the science of agriculture and food with local experts. You can test your green thumb at Harvesting Science exhibits, or—if you really want to get down with nature—try some insect delicacies at Insect Village. For an additional cost ($29), music fans can lay back and jam out at the Laser Dome. Sunday’s laser show slate includes programs dedicated to The Beatles, Sia, Michael Jackson, and Beyoncé. Take your pick and lose yourself to lights and music before going back into the real world. Pacific Science Center. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $24–$29. pacificsciencecenter.org
Northwest Railway Museum
For a mini getaway by land, head out to the Northwest Railway Museum and take a ride on the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad in a historic diesel locomotive. The ride—free for moms on Sunday—will take families on a delightful five mile ride from Snoqualmie to North Bend. The museum’s library of train books will appeal to railway and history fans alike. Northwest Railway Museum. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $10. trainmuseum.org
~Sleep-In Moms~
Mother’s Day Improv
Being a mom can be tough with endless twists and turns. Sometimes, you just need to laugh it all away. Over at Unexpected Productions, improv comedians host the Mother’s Day Improv Show to (lovingly) poke fun at mothers, all the crazy things they have to endure, and the complicated joy that comes with parenthood. Tickets are $5 for mothers. Unexpected Productions. $12-$15. 7 p.m. unexpectedproductions.org
Blues to Make Your Mama Smile
Mothers who know their way around a dance floor can dive into the world of blues dancing at the Swedish Club. Led by John Lozano, the workshop will explore patterns and techniques unique dancing to the rhythms of the blues. Swedish Club. $20. 6–8 p.m. nwdance.net
May Flowers: Women-Only Match Play Pinball Tournament
Calling all pinball wizards from Ballard down to SoDo. The Ice Box will be hosting a women-only matchplay pinball tournament for challengers of all skill levels. Spectators are welcome, so bring the family and have kids cheer on mom for a change. The Ice Box. $10. 3–8 p.m. Facebook event page
Goldfinch Tavern
Splurge on some more local food at Four Seasons’ Goldfinch Tavern. The waterfront restaurant and chef Joe Ritchie will be hosting a special Mother’s Day three-course dinner. The meal will be complemented with live music and glasses of Moët & Chandon. Goldfinch Tavern. $65. 5–9 p.m. goldfinchtavern.com
Freaky Friday and Serial Mom
Winding down the day with a movie is always reliable. Central Cinema will be showing the mom-daughter body-swap staple Freaky Friday (the Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis version). For mother’s with a zanier taste in movies, there’s also a screening of Serial Mom, directed by the king of weird, John Waters. Central Cinema. 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. $8. central-cinema.com
kdeluca@seattleweekly.com
