Mother's Day in Phoenix 2023: 20 Fun Things to Do

Are you looking for some fun things to do for Mother's Day in Phoenix? You will find a variety of activities to make her feel loved on her special day.

Our list of 20 top activities and events includes a lovely brunch to start the day, theater performances, and baseball at Chase Field.

Other fun things to do include heading to the Phoenix Zoo, the Botanical Gardens or the Phoenix Art Museum.

This year, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 14.

Read on for more great options to spoil your mom on her special day.

1. Mother's Day Brunch Ideas

One of the best options for Mother's Day in Phoenix is brunch! You will find a variety of options all around the Valley, including downtown, Scottsdale, Glendale, and beyond.

Here are just a few of our top recommendations.

Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain: Special brunch, reservations required, and it must be pre-booked, $161 per person
Carcara, downtown: Special brunch from 10 to 3 pm, live music, photography, live mural painting, and more, $95 per person (kids 4 - 12, $40)
T. Cook's at Royal Palms Resort and Spa: 3-course prix fixe brunch, $175 per person
Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen, Scottsdale: Runs from 10 am to 3 pm, $140 per person, $64 for kids 7 to 12
Top of the Rock Restaurants at the Marriott Buttes Resort, Tempe: Special brunch at Top of the Rock Bar, $119 per person, kids 12 and under $49, runs from 10 am to 4 pm
Ember at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, Fort McDowell: Brunch from 10 am to 2 pm, reservations are required, $85 per person

2. A Chorus Line at The Phoenix Theatre

Head over to The Phoenix Theatre to see a performance of A Chorus Line. They are offering two performances of A Chorus Line this Mother's Day in Phoenix.

It's the story of a group of people doing everything they can to get a spot on the chorus line. It follows seventeen performers as they audition for spots for the musical.

You will find two shows on Sunday. The first is at 1:30 pm, and the second is at 7 pm.

The Phoenix Theatre is next to the Phoenix Art Museum at 1825 N. Central Avenue.

3. Desert Botanical Gardens

You can also spend the day outdoors at the Desert Botanical Gardens. It's a great time to see some of our native plants in bloom.

They also offer a few special Mother's Day fun events, including complimentary photo opportunities, live music, the Spring Butterfly Exhibit, and more.

It's a great time to soak in the outdoors and learn more about the plants of the Sonoran Desert.

>> Learn more about visiting the Desert Botanical Garden

4. Spa Day

One of the best ways to treat your mom is to head to the spa. She can get a massage, facial, manicure, or any number of other relaxing treatments.

Some of our favorites include the Revive Spa at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort, the Alvadora Spa, and the Phoenician in Scottsdale.

Make sure to book the appointment early, as many of these spots fill up early for this special holiday!

5. Comedy Shows

If Mom wants to laugh a bit, you can take her to a live comedy show. This year, you will find a variety of performers on stage who will tickle your mom's funny bone.

Sarah Silverman is one of the top shows this year. She is performing downtown at the Arizona Financial Theatre.

You will also find the Sinful Sunday Cabaret at Stand Up Live.

6. Concerts

You will also find some great concerts and live music performances. They are another great way to treat Mom.

Here are just a few of the top shows this year:

The Manhattan Transfer at the Musical Instruments Museum
Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Strokes, & Thundercat at the State Farm Stadium
Ruston Kelly at the Crescent Ballroom

7. Shopping

If your mom loves shopping, you will find so many great options all around the Valley.

Some of our favorites include Fashion Square in Scottsdale, Biltmore Fashion Park on Camelback Road, and the Tanger Outlets in Glendale.

>> Find some additional spots to go shopping around Phoenix

8. Phoenix Art Museum

If you prefer to be indoors, the Phoenix Art Museum is another top pick. Check out their collection of more than 20,000 pieces of art and other objects.

Their permanent collection includes European art, Latin American art, and fashion design. Make sure also to check out their traveling exhibits, including Migration Stories, Fashioning Self, and Mission and Legacy.

They are open from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday.

9. Hiking

The weather is heating up around the Phoenix Metro area, but you can still sneak in a morning hike. Spend some time on the trails around South Mountain, Papago Park, or up Camelback Mountain.

You can also make the day of it with a hike in the Superstition Mountains, a walk around the Sonoran Preserve, or around Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

10. Baseball Game at Chase Field

This holiday weekend, the Arizona Diamondbacks are at home taking on the San Francisco Giants. This fun, family activity offers you the chance to cheer the DBacks on to victory.

It's the final game of a four-game home series that starts on Thursday, May 11.

The final game is on May 14 at 1:10 pm in downtown Phoenix.

The first 10,000 attendees get a special Mother's Day jersey just for going to the game.

There is also a special "Yoga on the Field" event before the game that requires an extra ticket purchase. It also includes a special crossbody bag and a beer tasting before the game starts.

>> Learn more about seeing the Diamondbacks in action

11. Wine Tasting in the Verde Valley

About an hour and a half north of Phoenix, you'll find the Verde Valley wine region. It's a fun place to spend the day sampling some of their tasty wines.

You will find tasting rooms around Cottonwood, Clarkdale, and Jerome. There are also a few further east along Page Springs Road.

If you want to stay local, we love tasting along N. Main Street, where you will find about half a dozen wineries within walking distance. You can also grab some lunch as you go and enjoy your day.

12. Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is a great place for those of you with younger kids. This expansive attraction is home to more than 3,000 animals with a large variety of species. You will also find several rare and endangered animals here.

You can cruise around the walkways checking out their elephants, tigers, and giraffes. You will also find Komodo Dragons, stingrays, and a variety of monkeys.

>> Find out more about visiting the Zoo

13. Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Sonoran Desert

You can even make her day extra special with a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert.

These colorful balloons glide over the desert, where you get an unforgettable view from above. It's the perfect pick to celebrate Mom and all she does for the family.

Once the ride is over, everyone 21 and older will enjoy a glass of champagne.

These rides are best for those over 5. The company suggests pregnant women do not take this ride.

>> Check availability for Mother's Day Weekend

14. Japanese Friendship Garden

We also love strolling through the Japanese Friendship Garden. This is a fun one for before or after brunch or lunch.

This 3-acre garden has a trail that takes you around its large pond. You'll see several Japanese statues, a small waterfall, a koi fish pond, and plenty of plants and animals.

We usually spend about an hour here. There are also benches to sit and hang out, so you can also bring a book to read during your visit.

15. Sample Local Craft Beer

If your mom loves craft beer, she is going to love the great options all around the Phoenix metro. You will find several great options near downtown Phoenix, in Tempe, and even a few great picks on the west side.

Some of our favorites include Wilderness Brewing Company, Pedal Haus, and Fate Brewing Company in Scottsdale.

>> Find a list of some other great options

16. Butterfly Wonderland

The Butterfly Wonderland is another great family-friendly attraction. Step inside the conservatory, watch these beautiful creatures fly around, and check out their colorful wings as they sip tasty nectar.

In addition to the conservatory, you can also check out their reptile experience, Tropical Waters of the World, and the Honey Bee Extravaganza!

>> Find more tips to visit

17. Historic Heritage Square

Historic Heritage Square is another fun place to treat Mom. Located in downtown Phoenix, this gem is home to the Rosson House, the Arizona Science Museum, and one of the best pizza places in The Valley of the Sun.

The Rosson House is a historic Victorian. Their indoor tours run several times this Mother's Day and are available for about 10 people each. We recommend making your reservations early to get a spot.

You can also head over to the Arizona Science Museum. This awesome museum is full of hands-on learning experiences for kids of all ages. We love the planetarium shows, and they also have some great IMAX/big screen shows daily too.

Either before or after your experience, make sure to get over to Pizza Bianco to get in line for a table. It's one of the best pizza joints around. There is usually a wait to get in, sometimes up to an hour or more, but it's worth it!

18. Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale offers both food and shopping in one place. It's a great place to go for a Mother's Day brunch buffet, lunch, or a few drinks.

You can also walk around and check out its small stores. Other fun activities include the Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room, the outdoor art, and visiting one of its museums.

19. Afternoon Tea at The Phoenician

If you are looking for a high-end experience, then we recommend booking a table for Afternoon Tea at The Phoenician.

This luxurious hotel and spa offers Sunday tea seatings between 2 pm and 3 pm. The tea experience also includes a three-course dining menu.

You'll enjoy tea from their signature collection, or you can upgrade to the Royal Tea Enhancement, which includes sparkling wine.

>> Visit their site to check out these experiences and more

20. Boat Ride Around Tempe Town Lake

Spend some time outdoors on Tempe Town Lake this Mother's Day in Phoenix. Our favorite activity here is the boat rides on the lake.

You have a few options to choose from. You can rent the electric donut boat or one of their pedal boats. We love their swan boat!

The rates vary and start at around $40 per hour for their pedal boats. The donut boats can hold up to 10 people, so they start at around $140 per hour.

>> Visit this site to book your boat in advance

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