Teach Mom Learn

I love Mother’s Day! What could be better than celebrating the greatest job you’ll ever have? It’s a day to spend time with the lovable nuggets who made you a mom, to celebrate your own mom.  It’s a day to have fun and spoil yourself a bit!

When you have a toddler, the key to a successful Mother’s Day is keeping them entertained.  They want to be a part of everything you do, and you want to do the things you love with the ones you love most.  There’s a definite middle ground full of fun, interactive activities you’ll both enjoy!

Check out these 20 fun activities to help you and your toddler have the best Mother’s Day yet!

1. Get some extra morning snuggles

Life with a toddler is go-go-go from the second they wake up to the beginning of their nap.  We’re used to jumping out of bed and starting a whirlwind day.  Make today the exception. 

When your toddler calls you in the morning, go get them and bring them back to your room.  Even if you have to bribe them with a little early morning screen time, take the time to snuggle with them. 

They’ve grown so quickly, and moments of stillness are rare.  Take advantage of this one and savor it.

2. Have a pancake or waffle buffet

Pancakes and waffles are the perfect start to any Sunday morning.  Make yours extra special and ask your significant other to set up a little buffet for the three (or more!) of you.  Strawberries, raspberries, whipped cream, and hot fudge are a must!

You can fancy it up with a mimosa or a mocktail your whole family can enjoy.  Personally, I’m a huge fan of mixing raspberry lemonade with seltzer.  It’s so delicious!

3. Put your phone on airplane mode for the day

Staying in the moment is hard, especially with the constant draw of our phones.  At the same time, it’s hard to put it down when there are so many adorable opportunities for pictures.

Turn your phone to airplane mode.  That way, no calls, texts, or internet access will distract you from spending time with your nugget.

If something is truly urgent, those who need to reach you can always contact your significant other.  But for now, unplug!

4. Be a tourist in your town

Why did you choose to live in your city or town? What made you fall in love with it? Whatever your answer is, go visit those places today.

Take a stroll down the prettiest street and window shop as you pass local businesses.  Stop into your favorite bakery or coffee shop for a treat.  Visit your favorite museum. 

And share all of it with your little one!

5. Have a picnic

Find the largest blanket you own, pack up the diaper bag with sandwiches and snacks, and head to your favorite local park. 

You could also grab takeout on your way if that’s easier for you! It’s your day, you should have the lunch you want!

6. Do a photo shoot

I love a photo shoot. And by that, I don’t mean anything fancy.  Any time Rae is looking extra cute (so basically, every single day), I let her run around and take as many candid shots as she’ll let me.

Posed photos are a thing of the past these days because expecting a toddler to stay still for more than half a second is like living the lyrics to “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” from The Sound of Music.

On Mother’s Day, have someone else take the photos.  Wear something that makes you feel confident and dress your toddler in something adorable.  Go outside and have fun together!

Look at the flowers, run in the grass, play a game.  Just be in the moment together.  Forget that someone’s snapping away.

Then, after your little one goes to sleep that night, take the time to look through those captured moments.  You will love them so much!

7. Take a day trip

Visit a fun spot within an hour’s drive of your home.  Go to the city for the day, visit a theme park, or stop by the zoo.  Head to a lake or a beautiful park.

Go somewhere special, but make sure you plan ahead.  Pack triple of everything you think your toddler could possibly need.  And pack a change of clothes for yourself too, you never know when you might need one!

8. Plant something special together

Last Mother’s Day, my thoughtful best friend left me a beautiful rose bush on my front steps.  In her card, she encouraged me to plant it in a spot where I’d always be able to see it and remember my first Mother’s Day.

It is one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received, and every day, when I see it in our yard, I do think of that very special Mother’s Day (and my wonderful friend).

This Mother’s Day, plant something special with your little one.  Put it in a place you’ll always be able to see it, and think of your special memory together.

9. Fly kites

When was the last time you flew a kite? It’s fun, exciting, and you can burn a lot of energy -basically the perfect activity for a toddler to help with!

Find a hill with some good wind, pick up a kite from Target (I checked, they have a bunch) or order one off Amazon, and watch your child’s face light up with joy.  You’ll get caught up in the excitement too!

10. Share a sundae

What is Mother’s Day without a treat? Go to your favorite ice cream place, order that sundae you always want but don’t get because it’s unhealthy, and share it with your little one.

Don’t skimp on the toppings either, you deserve to go all out!

11. Bake something together

Baking is such a fun way to spend an afternoon, and you’ll be able to enjoy the treats you make for days after.  Since toddlers love to be helpers, this is a perfect activity for them.

I’d recommend something quick and easy like cookies or cupcakes, especially if they can decorate them later! Check out these toddler baking tips for easy ways to make this activity extra fun for both of you.

12. Have a Disney movie night

Disney movies are full of heart, humor, and fantastic music.  Toddlers love the bright colors, cute jokes, and uplifting songs, and you’ll love feeling like a child again. 

Make some movie snacks together (check out this great list of toddler-friendly snacks from Yummy Toddler Food if you want some new ideas), curl up under your comfiest blanket, and enjoy!

If you’re feeling really ambitious, hang a sheet on your fence and project the movie onto it for your very own outdoor home theater!

13. Beach comb

Toddlers are excellent little collectors.  When they get to the beach, they stop to investigate every beautiful rock, shell, or piece of sea glass they come across. 

Bring a small container with you and keep every little piece they choose.  When you get home, wash the pieces with a little blue Dawn (the closest thing to a magic potion in real life), and put them in a pretty clear jar. 

Place them somewhere where they’ll get plenty of sunlight. Every time you see them, think of those special moments on the beach, walking along at toddler pace. 

The magic of walking with a toddler is that when they stop to take in the beauty around them every step of their way, you get to do it with them.

14. Visit a local farm or petting zoo

Toddlers and farm animals are one of the most adorable combinations imaginable.  And as cute as they are with your pets, imagine how precious they’ll be when they see a cow or hear a pig!

Spend some time talking to your toddler about the sounds the animals make.  Teach them how to pat these animals gently.  And laugh with your little one when they inevitably get surprised by an overconfident goat.

Take plenty of pictures too!

15. Look at the clouds

Go out into your backyard or visit your favorite park.  Bring a big blanket with you, and encourage your toddler to just lay down with you and look up at the sky.

Praise them lavishly every time they point out a cloud or a plane.  Talk about the shapes the clouds resemble.  Talk about how the clouds move across the sky.

Gazing at the clouds is such a relaxing, perfect way to spend a beautiful day, but it’s not something we make time for often.  Mother’s Day is the perfect day to make that time!

16. Pick a wildflower bouquet

Spring is full of so many gorgeous flowers! While toddlers are often told to be gentle and kind to the flowers, today is the day to make an exception.  Go to a field with plenty of wildflowers and pick a gorgeous bouquet with your little one.

Put it in a place of honor in your home (safe from pets and toddlers, of course!). 

And if you’re worried about creating a flower-picking habit, stop by the florist and let your toddler build a bouquet there.  Whole Foods has an exceptional floral department too!

17. Dollar Tree shopping spree

Who doesn’t love the Dollar Tree? In the spring, they have so many fun outdoor games at a price that can’t be beat. 

Bring your toddler to the Dollar Tree with you and pick out some fun games you can play together.  Then, bring them home and have so much fun!

18. Use nap time for some self-care

A little self-care time is essential for a good Mother’s Day, and nap time is the perfect time for this.  Read a book in the sun, take the time to do some DIY spa treatments, or take a nap yourself. 

You can even curl up with your nugget if they’ll let you!

19. Have a dance party

Toddlers love music and dancing, and what could be more fun than turning on their favorite playlist, picking them up, and dancing around your living room?

Your toddler will giggle hysterically, and you’ll love seeing them so happy!

20. Extra special story time

This one takes a little prep work, but it’s worth it! Write your little one a special story about the day they made you a mom.  Focus on what it was like to see them for the first time, what they did, who they looked like, and how much you immediately loved them.

Illustrate the story, or if you plan way far in advance, make them their own photo book on Shutterfly filled with your favorite photos from that very special time.

You’ll love reliving and sharing these memories, and your toddler will love hearing you share them.  It’s definitely a story they’ll want to read again and again!

How do you celebrate Mother’s Day with your toddler? What are your favorite traditions? Please share in the comments below!