10 Unique Ways To Spend Mother's Day Outside
This Mother's Day, let's celebrate mom in a way that says “thanks” for all those times she’s been there for us. Mom's make us feel safe. They have our back. They have been our biggest supporters since day 1. So, how can you make some mom-worthy plans and long-lasting memories on this Mother's Day?
We've compiled a list of 10 unique ideas for outdoor activities and projects; no matter what you choose, you'll be spending some quality family time together, and that's what counts.
Make a bird house (or a bat house)
It’s easier than you think! Making a bird house and finding the perfect place for it next to a window are all parts of the planning process with mom. Figuring out what shape, size and material you want to use is collaborative and exciting. Plus, you get to be outside and the project lets you spend quality time working creatively. Another plus – no beds to make in this house! This is also a great way to get outside safely – no need to go further than your porch or yard to prep these beautiful creations.
If you’re asking why anyone would want to harbor bats, we have two words for you: mosquito eaters. Oh yes! Not only are bats uninterested in humans, they take care of the insects that can ruin outdoor fun. So, they’re actually pretty good residents to welcome to the neighborhood.
We’ve found some awesome tutorials for all different skill levels for bird house, bat house and bird-feeder making below!
DIY Bat House from the DIY NETWORK | DIY Bird Traditional Bird House | DIY Bird Feeders
Have a Picnic with Mom
So, it might sound cliché – but is it? When is the last time you enjoyed a picnic, yet alone one with your mom? Now’s the time to plan it. Invest in a classic blanket and basket and make something delicious to nosh on. Whether it’s a local park, a not-so-local outdoor space that is home to some great memories, or your porch or backyard, the beautiful scenery and quality time spent together will be worth it. Cheers to spring (and to mom)!
Go for a Hike
Even if the path is flat – grab your camera and hit the trails with mom. There are few things better than taking in the sights and sounds of the forest with family. You’ll end up with so many beautiful sights to remember; plus, you can capture the special experience in photos and share it with friends and family on mother’s day (your mom will love posting about her hike on FB, too).
Check out these great hiking caps for sun and glare protection before you hit the trails, and our totally tubulars for face and neck coverage. Did you know that you can wear your neck gaiter as a headband too? Oh, and it's a super fun and cute way to match with mom, too, if that's your jam! It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection for your face. No sun burn for mom – or you – this Mother’s Day.
Quick Garden
Making a windowsill garden out of succulents is super easy in the long term and short term – not to mention how great they look throughout spring, summer and winter! Bonus about this activity? It’s a perfect way to get outside without leaving the yard (or house, if it's rainy outside). You can plant or place them outside in the warmer months and bring them inside throughout the colder ones. The best part? They’re easy to pot and even easier to care for. Learn more about how to find, choose and pot succulents here.
Guarantee Her Fresh Herbs!
Building a vertical herb garden is so easy – especially when all you need is an old pallet! We’ve found this awesome guide that shows you how to make an outdoor display that will keep your mom excited to use (and look at) for the warmer months. This is another super easy activity to do in your yard or driveway. City-dwellers can do this as well! We recommend laying down a painters tarp if you’re doing this inside. But it’s a great statement piece for a corner of the kitchen (just have something underneath it to collect soil and water!) and we love how it looks on porches and balconies.
Added bonus: home made dinners just got a dash of garden-fresh gourmet.
Custom Stepping Stones
It might sound hard – but it’s actually a great way to give mom a gift that will last a lifetime. A little elbow grease goes a long way when you’re mixing up some hand-whipped concrete and baking it into the perfect pathway shape. It’s the perfect project for two people on a sunny day in spring, and again, no need to go further than your yard or driveway! Click here to learn more about how simple and fun this activity is.
This is a great activity to do with mom, but it’s also a great gift (we’re looking at you, dads) that the little ones can give to mom – they’ll love helping you make this sweet, thoughtful gift, and mom will love having something that her favorite humans made just for her. Oh, and if you yourself have little ones, we can ensure that this is a heart-melting gift for all the grandmas out there.
Create a Cozy Fire Pit
Who doesn’t love summer nights spent outside by the fire? Building a functional fire pit is not as difficult as you might think! The construction materials are pretty basic and available at your local gardening center or home improvement store. Cinder blocks, bricks, stone or concrete - load up your car and you have a fun project with a result that she’ll enjoy all summer long. There are a few different layouts you can try, like a square fire pit vs. other options. Be sure to check your local laws and to touch base with your homeowner insurance agent to determine what, if anything, you are required to disclose or any mandates you need to follow in regard to your DIY fire pit.
Run a 5k Race
Regardless of whether mom is a runner, tackling a 5k is a great way to spend some quality time together (while working up a sweat and earning that homemade Mother’s Day brunch!). You can walk or run these, and do them in many different locations. There are tons of ways that you can make this more unique, like making mom her own bib, or designing her a medal – a great way to get younger kids involved as well!
Bring mom a headband or lightweight beanie from our women's running collection to give her a gift that she can use on her special day, while she crushes some miles!
Backyard Campout
Give mom a break from her routine and take her out on a backyard adventure. All you need for this unique night out is a tent, sleeping bags, pillows, and some lawn chairs. Spend the night under the stars, from the safety of your backyard. It will feel like an excursion, and a break from the ordinary! This is another great idea if you have young kids, because they’ll love it as much as mom does.
Ways to really get into the spirit of things – create your own slack line, utilize the fire pit and make s'mores (no fire pit? Simply prep them inside in the microwave!), and roast some hot dogs. You can even string up holiday lights in the backyard if stargazing isn’t an option, to create a more special atmosphere.
Yoga with Mom
A great way to spend Mother’s Day morning, yoga is easy to do, and most likely, you already have the tools lying around for this one! You simply need a yoga mat or beach towel, some exercise clothes (or pajamas – we don’t judge), a water bottle, and your phone. There are great yoga options available for free on YouTube, or consider supporting your local studios by signing up for a live stream of a class. You’ll work up a bit of a sweat, stretch those muscles, and find some space for a little more love in your life – to share with mom, of course.
So pull your hair back, roll up those sleeves, grab that H20, and we’ll see you on the mat. Want to get some practice in ahead of time? Turtle Fur designer Meghan dropped some 10 minute quick yoga flows on our Instagram TV. Check it out and get that blood pumpin’.
Bonus points: Want to spend some time outside, but can’t do something with mom due to social distancing?
Consider washing her car, mowing the lawn, or doing the weeding. The smallest things can have a big impact - and go over much better than material gifts. Mom will love the thoughtful gift, and you’ll love the time in the sun and getting to be in her presence.