For those who want to spend Mother’s Day, and the days leading up to it, outside with the community, there are several notable events to choose from. From free block parties and storytime reading to paid yoga classes and picnics in the garden, there is something for everyone.
Here are seven events coming up this weekend to celebrate moms.
Birding in Forest Park
For nature-loving moms, NYC Parks is partnering with the Queens County Bird Club and Forest Park Trust for a Mother’s Day birding event at the 500-acre sanctuary.
The event is free to attend, but advanced registration is required. Participants will meet at the Buddy Monument before hiking in the Forever Wild area and catching a glimpse of the array of birds that call the park home.
Participants should wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle and their own binoculars if inclined.
Sunday, May 12, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Forest Park – Myrtle Avenue, Union Turnpike, Park Lane South
Card Crafting Workshop
The Richmond Hill branch of the Queens Public Library is hosting a DIY: Mother’s Day Craft workshop ahead of the holiday. The Friday afternoon event is geared towards children ages 6-11.
Inside the children’s room of the library, attendees will have the opportunity to craft their own special cards for their mothers.
Friday, May 10, 3:30-4 p.m.
118-14 Hillside Ave., Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Block Party in LIC
The Chocolate Factory Theater, an experimental arts company in LIC, is hosting its second annual Mother’s Day jam-packed block party.
The family-friendly event is free to attend and will feature cookie decorating, a magic show, solar-cooked hot dogs and a drag queen story hour. There will also be a film screening and a special request dance party.
Sunday, May 12, 12-4 p.m.
38-33 24th St., Long Island City, NY
Picnic and Music in the Garden
The Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing is hosting both a Mother’s Day picnic and live music performance to enjoy among the spring bloom.
Tickets for the picnic are going for $90 per reusable picnic basket. The price includes a lunch for two, a small blanket and a bud vase with a rose. It also includes admission for two to the gardens and complimentary parking.
But if you just want to enjoy the music and bring your own picnic, tickets for the Music in the Garden are just $7 for non-members.
The Quintet of the Americas, a Queens-based woodwind quintet, will play selected songs by women composers on Sunday afternoon.
Sunday, May 12, 3-4:30 p.m.
43-50 Main St., Flushing, NY 11355
Creative Art Workshop
Voelker Orth Museum in Flushing is hosting a drop-in art workshop for Mother’s Day with local crafts teacher Phyllis Ger. The historic site’s Victorian garden will also be open if weather permits for a quiet nature respite.
The suggested donation for the event is $5. There will also be Betty’s Zip punch, crafted with grapes from the garden, to be enjoyed during the workshop.
Sunday, May 12, 1-3:30 p.m.
149-19 38th Ave., Flushing, NY 11354
Story Time in Whitestone
Northeast Queens Council Member Vickie Paladino is hosting another storytime reading at her district office in Whitestone. But this time around it is in honor of Mother’s Day.
The free evening event is one way to kick off the weekend celebrations. To RSVP or inquire with questions, call the office at 718-619-8611.
Friday, May 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
20-15 Francis Lewis Blvd., Whitestone, NY 11357
Lil’ Yogis Story Time
In honor of spring’s arrival and Mother’s Day, Alley Pond Park is bringing a storytime “yogadventure” to the community. Yogi Sam will combine movement, song and games for a playful and engaging event.
The event is designed for children ages 2-5 to be accompanied by one adult. Yoga mats will be provided for those who cannot bring their own. Tickets are $18.
Saturday, May 11, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
229-10 Northern Blvd., Douglaston, NY 11362
