Mother's Day in Seattle Southside

Where to Celebrate Mother's Day Near Seattle

Last Updated: March 16, 2026

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
A Shopping & Lunch Date
Unique Experiences
Solo Vacation
Mother's Day Events

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.

2026 Event Details:

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

When: Saturday, May 9 - Sunday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Cost: General Admission - $12 | Seniors and Students - $9 | 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 and explore a Mame ("ma-may") display of the tiniest bonsai. 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.

2026 Event Details:

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

When: Saturday, May 9 (World Bonsai Day) & Sunday, May 10 (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. Several restaurants are hosting special Mother's Day events in 2026. Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar hosts an elevated brunch buffet (more info below). Rendition at Hotel Interurban in Tukwila offers a special menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring delectable specials like Bailey's French toast, crab cake Benedict, and Dubai chocolate crepes. Menu items are à la carte, but reservations are encouraged.

Other great spots to explore include Anthony's HomePort & Lower Deck at the Des Moines Marina, and 13 Coins SeaTac for all-day breakfast.

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 fresh-baked pastries, made-to-order omelettes, or visit the carving station for honey-glazed ham. Book a reservation and learn more on the event page.

2026 Event Details:

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

When: May 10, various times

Cost: $95 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!

Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar

Savor Elegance at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar Nestled within the tranquil grounds of Cedarbrook Lodge in SeaTac, Washington, Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar offers a refined…

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13 Coins Restaurant

Established in 1967, 13 Coins Restaurant is a longtime Pacific Northwest favorite. This full-service dining destination features an extensive menu of American and Italian classics…

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Neighborhood Café

CLASSIC BRUNCH WITH A FILIPINO TWIST At Neighborhood Café in Tukwila, you’ll find a delicious fusion of American brunch staples, Filipino favorites and elements of…

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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.

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

The Museum of Flight

The Museum of Flight is offering free admission to all moms this Mother's Day! Explore the history of aviation and spaceflight at this sprawling museum. Kids and adults will both enjoy walking under giant planes in the Great Gallery, climbing inside vintage planes, and learning about the innovators and heroic figures who've advanced the field of air and space travel. Bonus: the cafe has both kid and adult friendly meals, and plenty of outdoor seating on the sunny patio right next to Boeing Field. Post up at a picnic table large enough for a whole group, and watch planes take off and land!

Treat Mom to a Solo Vacation

Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give a mom is time to herself! Book her a night at a local hotel so she can enjoy all the peace and quiet she wants. Pick up a book she'll love at Half Price Books in Tukwila, then make a gift basket filled with locally made treats. You could pair it with a gift card to a restaurant or app delivery service so she can order in and really make the most of the alone time. Some popular options include Tandoori Slice for Indian-inspired pizza, Miyabi for sushi, or Mango Thai for Thai classics.

There are dozens of hotels in Seattle Southside to choose from at every price point, and many offer free shuttles to Westfield Southcenter. Cedarbrook Lodge is a great choice for a restful weekend, with an on-site spa and garden paths. For the health nut, Element offers bikes and yoga mats for rent, along with a saline pool and hot tub. Use our directory to browse hotels, and use the menu to filter your search by specific amenities.

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Annie Atherton

Author

Annie Atherton

Senior Content Writer

Annie Atherton is the Senior Content Writer at Explore Seattle Southside. As a (mostly) lifelong resident of the Seattle area, she is very proud to call the region home and to talk it up to all who will listen.