Mom. Mama. Madre. Mommy. Mother.

However you might say it - she is worth celebrating! 

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and Dayton offers plenty of fun and memorable ways to celebrate with your mom or maternal figure. Whether you're looking to take her out for a delicious brunch, explore the city's beautiful parks and gardens, or treat her to a unique experience, Dayton has something for everyone. In this blog, we'll highlight some of the best Mother's Day activities and events in Dayton that are sure to make your mom feel loved and cherished. So, grab a cup of coffee and read on to discover the perfect way to celebrate the most important woman in your life. 

Enjoy an Arts Performance or Trip to the Art Institute

Schuster Center

If Mom enjoys the arts, why not take her to a show or spend some quality time together at the Dayton Art Institute? You could also give her the gift of tickets to an upcoming performance presented by Dayton Live or the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, to name just a few. The Dayton Art Institute currently features the stunning exhibition The Artistic Life of Aka Pereyma, as well as an amazing permanent collection of art from around the world!

Treat Her to Brunch or Dinner

Give your mother the perfect culinary treat with one of these Mother’s Day specials

Regardless of where you live in the Miami Valley, Dayton offers so many unique dining options! Check out our restaurant listings to explore a brand new dining destination where we're sure that you'll find area restaurants offering Mother's Day brunch, buffets or special menus! Just remember that many restaurants require advance reservations for Mother's Day, so make your plans early. 

Buy Mom Something Uniquely Dayton 

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Spoil mom with a gift or gift-card from a local Dayton-area shop and help our area economy at the same time! There are plenty of cool Dayton shopping options, including many unique gifts from one of our local museum stores.

Take Her Out to the Ballgame!

A Dayton Dragons player handing a baseball to a toddler while the mother looks on.

Is mom a sports fan? Take her out to the ballgame! The Dayton Dragons are on the road for Mother's Day, but you could get her tickets to an upcoming game at Day Air Ballpark. You could even treat her to a weekend getaway in downtown Dayton's thriving Water Street District, with drinks and dinner, a Dragons game, and an overnight stay at the new AC Hotel Dayton.

Take Her for a Ride on the Carillon Park Railroad!

A view of the Carillon Park Railroad, showing a steam locomotive pulling a passenger car with park visitors.

Experience the history and culture of Dayton with a day at Carillon Historical Park, a 65-acre open-air museum that showcases the city’s heritage of innovation and invention, including the Wright Flyer III, the world’s first practical airplane. You can even ride the Carillon Park Railroad, featuring over a mile of track that takes guests on a narrated tour of the park.

Buy Fresh Flowers for Mom at the 2nd Street Market

2nd Street Public Market

Get mom some beautiful flowers from the 2nd Street Market ... and while you're at it, get some fresh local produce and baked goods from the market's many vendors, and make her a home-cooked dinner she'll never forget!

Go for a Sunday Walk in the Park

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Take a relaxing walk and stop to smell the flowers at one of our amazing MetroParks. There is no doubt you will find the perfect spot for you and mom!

Or...Hop on Your Bike and Hit The Trails 

cycling family

Grab your bikes and get outside! Dayton offers the nation’s largest network of paved trails - 340+ miles! It’s easy to find a trail near you for a ride that’s the right length for you! Find out more about trails and other outdoor activities.

Whatever you do, make sure mom has an excellent day and knows how much she is appreciated! Take the time to honor and thank her for all that she does, and let her know how much she means to you. It’s no surprise that the word “MOM,” turned upside down, spells “WOW”!