5 WAYS TO ENJOY MOTHER’S DAY IN THE BRONX

If you are lucky enough to have a mother, a step-mother, grandmother, aunt or any other beloved mother figure, this Sunday is the national holiday for which we honor these special ladies in our lives.

Whether you are celebrating the mom of young children, or just young at heart, The Bronx is plentiful with local destinations to tailor your day to her unique likes and preferences.   

Here are a few suggestions for spending time with mom, whether it be tomorrow or any day of the year!

Photo credit: nybg.org

1. MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND GARDEN PARTY  

As you follow my blog, you will become well aware of how passionate I am about flowers!!  During my days at Fordham, I would relish in the close proximity of all the gorgeous flora at the New York Botanical Garden, which is within walking distance of the campus!

This Mother’s Day, say it with flowers - a whole lot of them - at the Botanical Garden's Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party.  All weekend long, enjoy outdoor activities, which include face painting, chalk drawing, a DJ dance party and a card making station to create unique and personal expressions of love for mom.

Bring a blanket to enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch.  Yummy food trucks will be on hand with tasty options, beer and wine with which to celebrate the day.
May 11-12, 2019
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Photo credit: bronxzoo.com

2. THE BRONX ZOO - MORE THAN ANIMALS

I challenge you to find a local who has never heard of the iconic and world-renowned Bronx Zoo!  As one of the largest zoos in the United States by area, it comprises 265 acres of park lands and naturalistic habitats, which certainly makes for a lovely day outdoors.

However, for the mama who is up for more than just a nice dinner out, The Bronx Zoo is home to a variety of activities and experiences, beyond its appeal for getting up close and personal with the plethora of residential species.
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The zoo’s Butterfly Garden, open seasonally from April through October,  is home to over a dozen different butterfly species that flutter throughout the meadow and greenhouse at any one time.

For action and excitement, the adventurous moms will delight in the zoo’s Treetop Adventure Climb and Zipline.  

Filled with outdoor fun and challenges, the brand new treetop ropes course allows visitors to navigate treetop rope courses, swinging from platform to platform!  Not for the faint of heart, the swaying bridges and wires for skateboarding is sure to get the adrenaline pumping. Not to mention, the 400-foot zipline across the Bronx River, providing a great view and heart pounding fun!

(photo credit: bronxzoo.com)

Sometimes the greatest joy for a mom is to share an experience and watch her children’s excitement - even if her kid are teens, as is the case with your author here!  

The all-new Dinosaur Safari, which is running through November 3rd, has been billed as “the biggest, most realistic dinosaur ride in America.”

Imagine strolling through the roughly two acres for approximately 20 minutes in a motorized safari through a wooded area of the zoo, where you will encounter an array of  dinosaurs including Tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops, as well as other obscure creatures like the long-necked plant-eating Omeisaurus and the Spinosaurus, a massive carnivore which was featured in Jurassic Park.

Purchase a memento for mom to remember the day - spend $30 or more at the Bronx Zoo Store and have the opportunity to purchase an exclusive Bronx Zoo blanket for $30. A $45 retail value.

Last entry into the zoo is one hour prior to closing. Animal exhibits close 30 minutes prior to park closing.

The Bronx Zoo Hours:
Spring/Summer/Fall (March 30 – Nov 3):
Weekdays – 10:00am-5:00pm; weekends & holidays – 10:00am-5:30pm

(c) travelincousins.com

3. DINNER & DESSERT ON ARTHUR AVENUE

Did you know that Mother’s Day is the busiest dining day of the year?  According to Reserve.com, on Mother’s Day 2017, restaurants were up in total covers 63% on average from the average total covers seated on a Sunday.

Further, the dining website goes on to say, “Diners are looking for a cuisine that’ll please the whole family! The most highly sought after food in 2017 was American (30%), with Italian (10%), Bar/Lounge (10%), and Seafood (9%) competing for the number two spot.  

Where can you get better Italian food than in the best borough in the world, which also happens to be home to the real Little Italy and Arthur Avenue.  

​Named one of "America's Greatest Streets" by the American Planning Association in 2016, Arthur Avenue is recognized for its authentic and delicious Italian food and old world charm so you cannot go wrong with any restaurant choice!  The difficulty is selecting just one to celebrate Mom! 
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Photo credit: wavehill.org

4. BIRDING AT WAVE HILL

Now, this is my idea of the perfect Mother’s Day!  As a nature lover and new to birding, Wave Hill offers a lovely morning this Mother’s Day, with naturalist Gabriel Willow, to spot both resident and rare birds, making their way back north for the Spring/Summer season.

Beginning at 9:30 AM, this lovely exploration throughout the grounds and wooded areas of this 28-acre public garden and cultural center, is free with admission and open to individuals 10 and up..
May 12, 2019
Perkins Visitor Center

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(Photo credit: bronxriveralliance.org)

5. OUTDOOR MUSIC AND ART CELEBRATION AT CONCRETE PLANT PARK
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For a more artsy day, enjoy the day at Concrete Plant Park for a special afternoon of music and art dedicated to the mothers of The Bronx community.

Special musical performance from Horace Mann Music Outreach Club.  Attendees are welcome to participate in a healing drum circle, enjoy arts and crafts, and more!

Concrete Plant Park
Along the Bronx River between Westchester Ave. and Bruckner Blvd.
For more information email Nathan at Foodway@bronxriver.org or by calling 718-430-4636.
www.bronxriver.org


-Till next time,
​Elisa