Image of a little girl getting a manicure
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Mother-Daughter Activities in Orlando for Mother’s Day and Beyond

It’s no secret – being a Mom is ever so rewarding, but really exhausting. This Sunday, May 12, when Mother’s Day rolls upon our doorsteps with bouquets of flowers and heartfelt cards, maybe, just maybe we can get a chance to check out and relax. Maybe? I’m sure isolation chambers and spa days would be ideal, but the kids don’t just go away because it’s a holiday. So we’ve rounded up some great affordable, and fun ideas to share as a Mother-Daughter duo this Mother’s Day

Our top suggestion is to take advantage of freebies for moms, and we’ve got plenty of other suggestions below too!

Gardens, Farms and Farmers Markets

Nothing says “Mom” like a frolic through a field of flowers, or perhaps a stroll past the produce stand. This Mother’s Day, take your daughter to Leu Gardens, where Moms get FREE entry, and kids under 4 do too. I did this with my daughter last year, and we had a lovely completely free morning followed by “second breakfast” together. Their annual dinosaur trail coincided with the Mother’s Day festivities, so it was extra fun for my kiddo too.

Image of a smiling woman in a hat at Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens Image by Maria DiCicco

If you’re more interested in a drive, don’t forget about some of our favorite farms like Amber Brooke Farms, Oak Haven, and Southern Hill Farms. Check their websites for what’s in season for picking.

Of course there is always the wonderful farmer’s markets in town, with the best known being at Lake Eola on Sundays. I recommend taking a stroll through there then treating yourself to some seriously good all day happy hour deals at Ootoya Sushi. Sit on their patio for open air dining and bask in more sunshine.

Do the Girly Things

Manicures and pedicures can be such a blast with your daughter. I took my 4 year old to her first manicure in Spain (where it’s only $5!!!), and we had so much fun. Seek out spots with cutesy pedicure chairs for the kids, or visit your local store and ask for child manicure pricing.

If an English high tea is what the doctor ordered, then look to Downtown Orlando’s Tea Room Experience, where all your girly dreams come true. Tiny sandwiches, adorable serveware, and themed events wait for you and your daughter here. There’s even a special Mother’s Day event here!

Image of a kids' pedicure station in a salon with a wall of nail polish
Kids Pedicure Image by Maria DiCicco

Do Something Silly Together

Feed goats, read with goats, do yoga with goats, whatever you choose…with GOATS! At Wildflower Farms, they offer a number of fun family activities including Family Time on the Farm, Fables on the Farm, and Baby Goat Yoga.

Related post: Petting Zoos in Orlando

Image of a Goat at Fort Christmas
Goat at Fort Christmas Image by Maria DiCicco

Make Something Beautiful

Make music together at Mommy and Me style music classes and workshops, paint your own pottery at All Fired Up in Winter Park, check out a paint and sip workshop (for Mom’s with older kids!) at Painting With a Twist or Paint Sip and Swirl. Or celebrate the day by adorning your own cup of frozen yogurt with any number of scrumptious candies and treats at your local Menchie’s chain.

Related post: Classes and Workshops for Kids

Ride and Relax…

Take the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour – a scenic boat ride through the canals and lakes behind Rollins College and see the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Learn the history of Winter Park including its city bird (hint: it’s not the mosquito), and see homes of Mister Rogers and other late greats of the last century.

Image of a boat full of people on the Winter Park Boat Tour
Winter Park Boat Tour Image by Maria DiCicco

Tours are daily from 10am-4pm and there are plenty of boats riding out every hour. Get there early to beat the crowds.

Afterward, stroll Park Avenue shops and stop at Pannullo’s for a sidewalk Italian lunch. Be sure to stop into Williams Sonoma to see what’s cooking (there’s always something good on the stove!) and sample some wines at the Wine Room before heading home to relax some more.

ZOOm Into Savings

Each year Sanford’s Central Florida Zoo has offered Moms free admission to the zoo and gardens, along with a paid admission at the front gate. There are quite a few attractions in our area that offer free admission for moms on Mother’s Day.

Image of a Rhino at Central Florida Zoo
Rhino at Central Florida Zoo Image by Maria DiCicco

Treat yourself, Mom, because you deserve it. Let your kiddos bring you out on the town for fun, relaxation, and great eats and pat yourself on the back – you’re doing great!

author avatar
Maria DiCicco
Published author of children's travel activity books "Scavenger Hunt Spain" and "Scavenger Hunt Japan", blogger of all things International Travel on Alwayspacktissues.com, and Travel Writer for multiple publications, Maria is a daughter, girl-mom, and also wife to a Spaniard. She is a karaoke wunderkind, natural born storyteller and creative writer. She’s a wine and gin enthusiast and charcuterie builder extraordinaire. Follow her travels on Instagram and at Alwayspacktissues.com