Honor your mother, grandmother or any female figure you’re proud to call yours with some fun and unique Mother’s Day activities available in our area. From bowling and cooking classes to digging in the dirt, set aside some time this month to treat the special ladies in your life. Start making arrangements now as Mother’s Day is just around the corner on May 8.
Bowl ’Em Over
We know that knocking down a stack of pins appeals to a wide variety of ages, so grab the whole gang and head on over to Country Club Lanes in Tonka Bay. Their Mother’s Day special runs all day from 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m., offering mom a free game for each game the child bowls. Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., bowling is a steal at $1.75 per game. And if mom happens to lose, don’t worry; there’s a free flower at the end to raise her spirits. 5601 Manitou Rd., Excelsior; 952.474.5959
Kitchen Confidential
Whether or not your mom likes to cook, the Byerly’s in St. Louis Park offers a time-conscious option for the price-conscious celebrator. Only an hour in length and $15 per class, this is the perfect choice for budding chefs looking to learn a thing or two. Not only that, but upon completion of the class, participants are given a $10 coupon to spend in Byerly’s culinary and gift basket shops. The subjects of their classes range greatly, giving you a plethora of things to choose from. Look for topics on everything from regional cuisine (like Latin and Mediterranean delights) and dinner party menus to chicken and soups. Plan ahead or arrange spontaneously by signing up in-store or online. 3777 Park Center Blvd., St. Louis Park; 952.929.2100
Tee It Up
If your mom is a bit more active when it comes to the way she spends her time, a round of golf or a lesson at the Glen Lake Golf & Practice Center in Minnetonka might be right up her alley. You can schedule your tee times online, making it effortless to align some time on the green with the rest of your Mother’s Day agenda. Their website has a complete list of private lesson rates, as well as their green fees; however, it’s between $11–$16.50 for nine holes, making it another thrifty possibility. 14350 Cty. Rd. 62, Minnetonka; 763.694.7824
Set Sail
As the weather warms, Al & Alma’s is a perfect opportunity to give your mom the gift of some fresh air and plenty of sunshine. The charter cruise company offer journeys all around Lake Minnetonka, giving you a great view and ample opportunity to bond with mom. If you’re feeling rather puckish, anytime during the day, from brunch to moonlight, there are chances to grab a bite to eat—especially on Mother’s Day. Al and Alma’s on-land buffet brunch runs from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., allowing guests to choose their reservation time, and schedule an hour-and-a-half boat ride before or after brunch. If dining on the water is more your mom’s style, they also offer a brunch cruise from noon–2 p.m., as well as a special dinner cruise where mom and her guests can pre-order entrées. Rain or shine, land or sea, Al & Alma’s will make it happen. 5201 Piper Rd., Mound; 952.472.3098
In Full Bloom
At the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, there’s a bevy of activities to suit any mother’s fancy. You can plant flowers, create May baskets, feast on brunch, experience sculpture exhibits or simply browse the grounds on your own terms to discover what catches your eye. With the exception of the reservation-required brunch, the majority of the Arboretum’s Mother’s Day activities occur most weekends in May, so take the time to celebrate with mom all month long. $9 gate admission for non-members; Arboretum members, children under 15 and University of Minnesota students are always free. 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska; 952.443.1400
