Things To Do on Mother's Day in Los Angeles

1. Polo Matches at Will Rogers State Park — Pacific Palisades 

Pack the makings for mimosas and settle on the edge of the field to watch a polo match (for free) at Will Rogers State Park.

2. Glen Ivy Hot Springs — Temescal Valley 

Let mom be the one to play in the mud this Mother's Day instead of being the one to clean up the mess! Treat Mom to a luxurious spa day by herself at Glen Ivy Hot Springs. 

3. Hike to the Hollywood Sign — Hollywood 

Go hiking with the mom(s) in your life! This family-friendly trail will get you right up next to an LA landmark. Looking for a different trail? We have so many favorite hikes to choose from. Ones where toddlers can walk with you, perfect hikes for strollers, spring wildflower hikes, waterfall hikes, and even wildlife walks. 

4. Malibu Wine Hikes — Malibu 

Book a wine hike in scenic Malibu, where you hike on the private grounds of the vineyard and get wine to bring home with you at the end. Tours are for all ages but know that strollers or wagons aren't allowed. Wine is, obviously, only for those 21 & up. Looking for another way to weave wine into your Mother's Day? Check out these family-friendly wineries near LA. 

5. Santa Monica Bike Rentals — Santa Monica 

Hit the beach, rent a bike for two (or one for everyone), and take the wheels up and down The Strand. 

RELATED: DIY Mother's Day Cards That Kids Can Make 

Treat mom to a morning of delicious food! Photo courtesy of Big Stock

6. Mother's Day Brunch 

Visit one of these fabulous restaurants for Mother's Day brunch before or after other outing activities. These brunch picks include some of the prettiest tables in town and serve special meals on patios, gorgeous dining rooms, and enticing rooftops. I recommend Malibu Farm or Openaire in Koreatown for fabulous food and stunning settings. 

7. Santa Monica Pier — Santa Monica 

Venture to the Santa Monica Pier, where moms and kids can visit Heal the Bay Aquarium, have a lobster roll lunch at The Albright, and ride on the Ferris wheel over the ocean. (Sometimes, the Ferris wheel gives a free ride to moms on Mother’s Day. That freebie is still TBD this year, but it can't hurt to ask!) 

8. The Getty Villa — Pacific Palisades 

Take a scenic drive on the PCH to the Getty Villa. In this recreation of a Roman villa, you can see ancient art, stroll the gardens, and dine at the cafe. Just don’t forget to make reservations for the free museum. The Getty Center is always a mom-pleaser, too! 

9. Santa Barbara Zoo — Santa Barbara 

Drive up to Santa Barbara with kids and visit the Santa Barbara Zoo. This is a lovely zoo for Mother’s Day because it’s beautiful and more manageable than the big LA Zoo. It is a much more relaxing outing for moms. There is also a fantastic play space inside the zoo next to a little drink trailer, so mama can sip an iced tea while the kids play their hearts out. 

10. LA Horse Rentals — Glendale 

Check this off your bucket list: a horse ride through the rolling hills of Griffith Park. If mom is an equestrian, we have a list of plenty of horseback rides in LA and beyond.  

11. The Broad Museum — DTLA

Let mom casually stroll through The Broad Museum, where she can appreciate contemporary art and diverse exhibitions. After The Broad, continue the adventure in DTLA with a ride up Angels Flight and food at Grand Central Market. 

12. Rose Bowl Flea Market — Pasadena 

Mom can pick out a Mother's Day gift she really wants as she peruses antiques at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. 

RELATED: Best Mother's Day Brunch in Los Angeles 

The kids will delight in butterflies taking flight. Photo courtesy of the Natural History Museum 

13. Natural History Museum Butterfly Pavilion — Exposition Park 

Visit the Butterfly Pavilion and Nature Gardens at the Natural History Museum or the tropical butterflies at South Coast Botanic Gardens for a lovely and delicate outing.

14. Rose Garden — Exposition Park 

Take a free trip to the Rose Garden at Exposition Park. Bring a blanket and a picnic and loll in the splendor of the blooming roses. While you're in Exposition Park, visit the always-free California Science Center. 

15. Carlsbad Flower Fields — Carlsbad 

Want even more flowers? Visit The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, where the flowers are always blooming. Mom can enjoy yoga, a picnic, and live music. Mother's Day happens to be the last day available to visit for the season in 2024. Make sure to buy tickets online in advance. Then, visit the Windmill Food Hall across the street and explore other things to do in Carlsbad with kids. 

16. Ojai 

The charming city of Ojai is a short drive from LA, with plenty of charm, excellent wineries, beautiful hikes, fantastic food, and the world's largest outdoor bookstore—Bart's Books. (This is probably where I will wind up on Mother's Day!) 

17. Terranea Resort — Rancho Palos Verdes 

A world away, yet just down the coast, is Terranea Resort. Whether you have the time (and money) for a staycation or just a Mother's Day brunch on the cliffs, take advantage of all the luxuries and activities that Terranea offers, like spa visits, horseback rides, archery, nature hikes, tide pooling, paddleboarding, and more. Even a free stroll along the cliffs will make Mom feel special. 

18. Gondola Rides — Long Beach 

Can’t hop on a flight to Italy? No problem. Transport yourself with a gondola ride through the Naples Canals in Long Beach or Oxnard. You can also stroll the canals of Venice Beach, though, no gondola services operating in the area at this time. 

19. The Huntington Library & Gardens — San Marino 

Forget cut flowers that Mom needs to put in water and tend. Take her to one of the many gorgeous LA botanic gardens where she can casually peruse plants and admire the flora. Spring in Los Angeles means hills are covered in wildflowers, and roses are in bloom at beloved gardens like The Huntington. The Huntington will also be hosting a Mother's Day brunch buffet. 

20. Joshua Tree National Park

Moms that are outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate a day spent in a national park. Joshua Tree can be done in a day, though mom might appreciate a stay in the desert at a fancy Airbnb. Hit up this desert wonderland before it gets too warm (summers can be quite toasty in Joshua Tree).

21. Six Flags Magic Mountain — Santa Clarita 

Daredevil moms might like a trip to Magic Mountain because motherhood is one heck of a thrilling ride! 

22. Theatricum Botanicum MOMentum Place — Topanga 

Theatricum Botanicum's annual Mother's Day celebration, MOMentum Place, creates a fantastical world of aerial and circus performers, dancers, and musicians in a fun performance that captivates both kids and adults.

23. Renaissance Please Faire — Irwindale

Mom's the Queen, so treat her to an experience like no other. Get into character by slipping into Medieval costumes and heading to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire for live jousting tournaments, swashbuckling, music, magic, and giant turkey legs. 

24. City Experiences Mother's Day Cruise — Marina del Rey 

Take advantage of the beautiful weather in Los Angeles and spend the day by the water in Marina del Rey. Start with brunch on the waterfront while you enjoy the spectacular views of the marina, then walk over to Burton Chace Park to admire the sea lions. Enjoy the beautiful views of the sunset or splurge on a dining cruise and enjoy the scenic views of the Harbor. 

25. Skirball Cultural Center — Brentwood 

If mom used to read you Where the Wild Things Are before bed, then take her to Wild Things are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak, a limited-time exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center. Maurice Sendak is the famed artist and illustrator of the beloved children's book mentioned above. The Skirball is also home to Noah's Ark, arguably one of the best places for kids to play in the city. Make sure to reserve your time online before arriving. 

RELATED: Road Trips From Los Angeles for a Weekend Family Getaway 

See the bison and take in splendid Catalina Island views. Photo courtesy of Gina Ragland

26. Catalina Island 

Luckily for Angelenos, you can travel back and forth to Catalina Island in a day. With a never-ending coastline and scenic shores, Mom will feel like jetsetted to a Mediterranean vacation.  

27. LA County Fair — Pomona 

Deep-fried Oreos, anyone? Just like last year, the LA County Fair will be lighting up Pomona in May with games, petting zoos, games, shopping, and lots of good 'old-fashioned fair fun.  

28. Westfield Century City — Century City 

LA's best mall for kids is also one of the best malls for moms. Westfield Century City is sure to have some of Mom's favorite stores. While there, dine at Eataly or pick up some ready-made entrees. Mom can customize her lipstick at Lip Lab, and there's plenty to do for entertaining the kids. 

29. Strawberry Picking at Tanaka Farms — Irvine 

It's strawberry picking season, and these ripe red berries just taste better when plucked right off the bush and popped into your mouth. Check out where else to go strawberry picking near Los Angeles. 

30. Pantages Theatre — Hollywood 

This Mother's Day, Come from Away is at the Pantages. Also, the family-friendly Broadway hit Aladdin is at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa. If mom is into musical theater, one of these musicals will draw her applause. 

31. Stonehaus — Westlake Village

Mom can relax with a glass of rosé at this amazing and casual winery in Westlake Village. If you really want to impress mom, book a little staycation at the Westlake Village Inn for the family. 

32. Disneyland — Anaheim 

Mom makes us all happy, so why not take her to "the happiest place on earth"? Disneyland is open on Mother's Day, and a day of magic with Mickey sounds like the perfect place to treat mom right. 

33. Ferndell — Griffith Park 

If mom wants to get moving on Mother's Day, this blissful hike is the perfect trail for kids and adults. There's even a little cafe near the path called the Trails Cafe, with coffee, sandwiches, scones, and more. The path weaves past a great playground and can even take you straight up to the Griffith Observatory. 

34. Academy Museum — Miracle Mile 

Does mom enjoy the glitz and glamour of behind-the-scenes cinema? Take her to the Academy Museum to explore the history and magic of filmmaking. Don't forget to go up on the roof to take some epic photos with mom amid unparalleled views of the Hollywood hills. 

35. UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden — Westwood 

The Huntington usually gets all the glory as one of the must-do botanical gardens in Los Angeles. For something smaller with fewer crowds, there's the almost secret UCLA Mathias garden in Westwood, with tons of flora to explore, a koi pond, and some picnic tables. 

36. Channel Islands National Park 

The Channel Islands is another national park close to Los Angeles, though it requires more planning with the help of watercraft transportation to the island. Mom will love spotting dolphins on the boat ride over, hiking along scenic coastal trails, and kayaking through crystal-clear waters. 

37. Temecula 

It's a quick trek to Temecula's wine country where mom can indulge in wine tastings at kid-friendly vineyards while enjoying a relaxing and memorable atmosphere that's an easy day trip. 

Additional reporting by Ana Belibasis + Kylie Williams