Updated for 2025

Mother’s Day—founded by activist Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s—deserves a special twist! This year on May 11, surprise your mom with one of these 10 unconventional activities in Boston. From soaring above the city to crafting chocolates together, these ideas will make her day unforgettable. Let’s celebrate the amazing moms of Boston!

Relax with mom in our guide to Boston’s secret gardens.

1. Take a Mother’s Day Brunch Cooking Class

Location: 19 Kingston St, Boston, MA 02111
Details: Celebrate Mom with a hands-on brunch cooking class at Selfup Boston! On May 11, you’ll craft a stunning spread: crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, lemon ricotta pancakes with fruit compote, a colorful vegetable frittata, and decadent French truffles for a sweet finish. Classes are $100 per person, with sessions at 10 AM and 1 PM. Cook alongside Mom or surprise her with a homemade feast—either way, it’s a delicious way to make memories. Book early, as spots fill fast for Mother’s Day.

2. Take a Helicopter Tour

See Boston from the sky with a thrilling helicopter tour! Companies like Boston Helicopter Tours offer 30-minute flights over the city skyline, Charles River, and Fenway Park. Flights start at $250 per person, with private tours available for a memorable mother-child experience. Book early for Mother’s Day weekend, as slots fill fast.

3. Go on a Historical Ghost Tour

Give Mom a spooky thrill with a ghost tour through Boston’s haunted past. Boston By Foot offers 90-minute “Ghosts and Gravestones” tours, exploring eerie spots like the Granary Burying Ground and the Omni Parker House. Tickets are $45 per person, starting at 7 PM. Dress warmly for evening chills and book in advance for May 11.

4. Attend a Mother-Daughter Yoga Workshop

Bond with Mom through a relaxing yoga session. Studios like CorePower Yoga in Back Bay host special Mother’s Day workshops on May 11, focusing on mindfulness and connection. Classes cost $30 per person and include a 60-minute flow plus a post-session tea. Check local studios for schedules and reserve your spot early.

5. Take a Chocolate-Making Class

Create sweet memories with a chocolate-making class! ChocoLee Chocolates in the South End offers 2-hour workshops where you and Mom can craft truffles from scratch. Classes are $85 per person, with sessions on May 10 and 11. You’ll take home your creations—book early as these fill up for Mother’s Day.

6. Try a Food Tour

Explore Boston’s culinary scene with Mom on a food tour. Secret Food Tours offers 3-hour North End tours, sampling Italian pastries, pizza, and more on Hanover Street. Tours cost $89 per person, with Mother’s Day specials on May 11 (10 AM or 2 PM). Wear comfy shoes and come hungry for this tasty adventure.

7. Explore Boston Harbor by Kayak

Paddle through Boston Harbor with Mom for an active outing! Charles River Canoe & Kayak in Allston rents tandem kayaks for $40/hour, offering views of the skyline and Esplanade. Open 9 AM–6 PM, they recommend booking for May 11. Life jackets are provided—perfect for an adventurous Mother’s Day on the water.

Plan ahead with our guide to Boston’s summer events.

8. Attend a Floral Arranging Workshop

Craft a stunning bouquet with Mom at a floral arranging workshop. Alice’s Table hosts Mother’s Day events at venues like the Boston Public Market, where you’ll create arrangements to take home. Workshops are $75 per person, with sessions on May 10 and 11. Check local florists or event platforms like Eventbrite for additional options.

9. Visit a Trampoline Park

Jump into fun at a trampoline park! Sky Zone in Everett offers bounce sessions with dodgeball, foam pits, and more, perfect for a playful Mother’s Day. A 60-minute session is $20 per person, open 10 AM–8 PM on May 11. Socks are required ($3/pair if needed). It’s a lighthearted way to laugh and bond with Mom.

10. Take a Sunset Cruise

End Mother’s Day with a magical sunset cruise on Boston Harbor. Boston Harbor Cruises offers 90-minute cruises with live music, departing from Long Wharf at 6 PM on May 11. Tickets start at $40 per person, with drinks available for purchase. Watch the golden hour glow over the skyline—a perfect way to celebrate Mom.

Make Mother’s Day Unforgettable

These unique activities will make Mother’s Day 2025 in Boston truly special. Which idea will you try with your amazing mom? Share your plans in the comments!

Discover more local gems with our guide to unique things to do in Boston.

10 Unique Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day