Mother's Day in Seattle Southside

Where to Celebrate Mother's Day Near Seattle

Looking for some ideas for things to do for Mother's Day? Look no further!

There are plenty of Seattle Southside attractions to enjoy, no matter what your mom is into. Make her day with a fancy brunch, a walk in a botanical garden, a spa treatment, or a quirky microadventure.

Pictured: A mom and daughter celebrate together at Copperleaf Restaurant
Credit: @MissMinaOh on Instagram
Gardens and Seasonal Events
Charming Brunch Spots
Shopping + Lunch Spots
Unique Experiences

Gardens and Seasonal Events

May is peak bloom time for many flowers, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and peonies. Our region is home to several beautiful gardens where you can take a stroll, learn something new, and spend quality time together on Mother's Day.

Lavender blossoms at Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way Washington.

Celebrate Spring Blooms

Mother's Day Weekend at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

This annual event showcases the garden at its most spectacular. Explore 13 unique garden features while enjoying a live musical performance and browsing art from local and international artists. Then, grab a bite from the on-site food truck. Don't forget to pick up some rare and beautiful botanicals at the nursery before you leave.

2025 Event Details:

Where: Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, 2525 S 336th St Federal Way, WA 98003

When: Saturday, May 10 - Sunday, May 11, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Cost: General Admission - $10 | Seniors and Students - $7 | Free for kids 12 and under and Military with ID

Find more information on the event page.

BonsaiFEST! at Pacific Bonsai Museum

This special living gallery, right across from the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, hosts an annual festival on Mother's Day Weekend. Admire flowering bonsai like azalea and wisteria in peak bloom, explore a Mame ("ma-may") display of the tiniest bonsai, and take in captivating exhibits, including miniature treehouses by Bob’s Burgers artist Dave Creek. The weekend features live bonsai-making demonstrations, docent-led tours, and family-friendly activities like games and art. You can also shop for unique bonsai, pots, tools, and gifts, and delicious bites from local food trucks—like MoMo’s Kebab, Sweet Wheels Ice Cream Sandwiches, Dippy’s Ice Cream, and Vulpine Espresso.

2025 Event Details:

Where: Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 South 336th St, Federal Way, WA 98003

When: Saturday, May 10 (World Bonsai Day) & Sunday, May 11 (Mother’s Day), 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Admission: Free (suggested $12 donation for adults)

Find more info on the event page.

Pictured: Chinese Wisteria at the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way, Washington.
Credit: Pacific Bonsai Museum
The Highline Botanical Garden in SeaTac, Washington

Explore a Garden Full of Stories

The Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, which is free and open to the public, is a meaningful choice for Mother's Day because it embodies the spirit of legacy. This tranquil space features several private botanical collections that were donated by local residents who had spent a lifetime cultivating their gardens and wanted future generations to enjoy them.

  • The Elda Behm Paradise Garden was once the property of a local couple. The colorful oasis features an ADA-accessible path that winds past flowing streams, a still pond, and a rustic pergola.
  • The Hicks Rhododendron & Azalea Garden was donated by a local gardener on his 90th birthday, and is blooming throughout spring.
  • The Seike Japanese Garden once belonged to a local family who owned a beloved nursery. Spring brings a special sight as the lacy leaves of the Japanese maples burst forth in vibrant red.
Outdoor decor at Zenith Holland Nursery in Des Moines, Washington

Shop for Gifts and Plants

Plant lovers will feel like they're in heaven at Zenith Holland Nursery, the oldest continually operating business in Des Moines. Since 1907, this storied establishment has drawn plant lovers from near and far. Browse perennials along with specialty annuals, geraniums & hanging baskets. You'll also find herbs, berries, vegetable starts, and seeds. There are even shrubs and small trees to fill out the yard. The helpful, knowledgeable staff makes every visit a joy.

Beyond plants, this nursery has a thoughtfully curated, surprisingly large boutique with so many items in stock you could spend your whole visit shopping for gifts and home goods. Find everything from high-end candles and seasonal decor to stylish outdoor throw pillows and rugs to toys and accessories for kids and pets.

Indulge in a Fancy Brunch

Going out to brunch is a classic Mother's Day outing, and Seattle Southside has some of the best brunch spots around. Enjoy a view of the water at Anthony's HomePort and Lower Deck, indulge in a fancy, farm-to-table feast at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar, or try some incredible Filipino fusion dishes at Neighborhood Cafe, paired with their famous iced coffee or matcha flights.

A Luxurious Brunch and Spa Day

If you're looking for something upscale, you can't go wrong with the Mother's Day Brunch Buffet at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar, the farm-to-table restaurant inside Cedarbrook Lodge. Mom will get to pick and choose from a premium selection at the seafood and shellfish bar, then visit the carving station for more decadent delights, or order a chef-made omelette. View the full menu and reserve a table. They tend to fill up fast!

2025 Event Details:

Where: Cedarbrook Lodge, 18525 36th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98188

When: May 11, various times

Cost: $120 Per Person | $35 Per Child 12 & Under

Bonus: Book mani-pedis at the resort spa after your meal. Hard to think of a more relaxing combination!

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Neighborhood Café

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Plan a Shopping and Lunch Date

Take the mom in your life on a shopping date at Westfield Southcenter Mall, and buy her a gift while you're at it. Whether she’s into fashion, beauty, or cute Kawaii knick-knacks, the mall offers a huge range of stores to explore together. Check out popular stores like Nordstrom, Macy's, and Uniqlo, beauty destinations like LUSH and Sephora, specialty shoe stores like ALDO and Dr. Martens, and a number of different jewelers.

After browsing the latest styles and snagging a few gifts, take a well-deserved lunch break at JOEY Southcenter, where the chic ambiance and delicious menu make every meal feel special. They offer free sparkling wine when you walk in, and also make a mean mocktail. For lunch, we recommend a salad bowl or sushi.

If Mom is craving something else, Westfield offers many other dining spots, like Mr. Dim Sum, Din Tai Fung, or Duke's Seafood. You'll have no shortage of good options.

Bonus: Catch a movie at AMC Southcenter after lunch. You don't even need to leave the mall!

Unique Experiences

We love a good microadventure—short, memorable excursions you can fit into a couple of hours or less. Below are a just a few of our favorites.

Have Afternoon Tea

What is it about being served treats in a tiered tray that makes everyone feel like a queen? Take your mom to Afternoon Tea at Marina Mercantile, a quaint cafe and specialty store in downtown Des Moines. In addition to sipping on specialty teas, you'll enjoy scones and other goodies baked from scratch by the owner. We've tried them, and they're some of the best baked goods this side of the Cascades. The Mother's Day Tea comes with three flavors of finger sandwiches, a cup of soup, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of tea-time treats.

Be sure to book in advance!

Pictured: Afternoon Tea at Marina Mercantile in Des Moines, Washington
Credit: @OnAirplaneMode

Tour a Chocolate Factory

What could be more fitting for Mother's Day than touring a chocolate factory run by a mother and daughter duo? At Seattle Chocolate Factory in Tukwila, you can see how our region's favorite truffles are made. The brand, which was recently renamed Maeve after a fiery Irish Warrior Queen, is headed by owner Jean Thompson and her daughter Ellie. The company is also committed to empowering women and girls through its charitable partnerships and ethical sourcing. Book a tour with your mom to learn more about the sourcing, get an insider's view of the chocolate-making process, and sample a variety of unique chocolate creations. Tours fill up fast, so you'll want to book yours in advance!

Sip Mimosas on the Waterfront

Combine the beauty of the outdoors with the decadence of brunch at Quarterdeck in Des Moines. At this seaside cafe and bar, you can share a mimosa flight and sample four different kinds of bubbly mimosas in elegant four-ounce pours. Try strawberry, POG, peach, and orange, and compare which ones are your favorites. Quarterdeck opens at 9 a.m. on weekends, so you can get there on the early side. Nibble on a warm breakfast sandwich while taking in a view of Puget Sound. Afterwards, you can take a walk at Des Moines Beach Park, or stroll out onto the pier at the Des Moines Marina. Breathe in the fresh ocean air while getting in quality time with mom in your life.

Pictured: The mimosa flight at Quarterdeck in Des Moines, WA.
Credit: Rubí Estrada @flawvorful

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Author

Nick Tolley