How to celebrate Mother’s Day is a recurring conversation in my home. Moms are often the primary planner of all family activities, so who’s in charge of planning for mom?
In our home, planning for Mother’s Day falls to my husband. But he often struggles to think of what to do, and needs some inspiration from me. I can imagine lots of men feel that way, so I created a guide for dads with a variety of ideas to celebrate Mother’s Day in 2026. Plenty of these ideas are free or low-cost, some are special ticketed events, and all will make the woman in your life feel special.
Dad tip: Check the weather early in the week! If there’s bad weather forecasted for Mother’s Day, move your plans to a better weather day (hopefully before the actual day rather than after), and let her know what your plan is. Otherwise, she may feel a little disappointed.
I send a “things to do” email every Sunday night to tons of moms in the Springfield, Mo. area. It’s full of free, often outdoorsy ideas that always match the season we’re in.
Paddle her around Lake Springfield or Fellows Lake
You don’t have to pay for a guided excursion down the Finley River. Instead, head to one of two local boathouses and rent a canoe or kayak: Lake Springfield Boathouse or Fellows Lake Marina. Pack a picnic lunch, or just an iced coffee and a muffin.
Lake Springfield
Lake Springfield’s boathouse charges $14 per hour for a single kayak, or $17 per hour for a tandem kayak or canoe. The front desk person said they rarely sell out, even on Mother’s Day, and can be booked hour-to-hour instead of reserving a specific time block.
You can paddle around the lake, or pivot down the James River on a short water trail. Just keep in mind that you have to paddle back the way you came!
All rentals come with life jackets, and I confirmed that they do have child life vests.
Make it a full outing with a picnic at Lake Springfield Hilltop Pavilion, or a short hike around the Audubon trail, which has a breathtaking view of the lake.
Location: 5324 S. Kissick Ave., Springfield, MO 65804
Fellows Lake
Fellows Lake rents single kayaks for $20 for a 2-hour block, and tandem kayaks and canoes for $25. All rentals include a life jacket.
The front desk associate said they already have some reservations for Mother’s Day, but still have plenty available as of publication. You can reserve your boat online.
Pair this outing with a playground stop at the massive, new Hatch playground.
Location: 4200 E. Farm Road 66, Springfield, MO 65803
Pair a homemade breakfast with flower shopping
Prepare her favorite foods for breakfast. Our favorite is pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream. Bonus points if they’re freshly picked, like the gorgeous ones you can get at these U-Pick strawberry farms in Springfield.
After breakfast, take her flower shopping. Mother’s Day coincides with the best time of year in Springfield to plant your flowers. The soil has warmed and the last frost is past, and that’s why flower shopping is a Mother’s Day tradition. In Springfield, try Wheeler Gardens just off Sunshine near Sam’s Club, or Wickman’s Garden Village. I also love Carson’s Nurseries and Nixa Hardware in Nixa.
If you celebrate on Saturday instead of Sunday, take her to the Farmer’s Market at Farmer’s Park. They’re sure to have abundant blooms, small boutique gifts, and good food.
Other outdoor events on Mother’s Day weekend
Garden Day at the Botanical Gardens
Saturday, May 9, is Garden Day at the Botanical Gardens. It’s a come-and-go celebration with workshops, kids’ activities, plant sales, and free admission to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. I mentioned this park in this week’s podcast as a must for your spring bucket list — it’s especially stunning right now with everything in bloom, so this is a great excuse to go. If you have little kids, don’t miss the sensory garden near the playground. The event is from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. at the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. Free. Event details are online.
Mother’s Day brunch, lunch and dinner events in and near Springfield
Lots of places host special Mother’s Day specials through the weekend, but three events stood out.
Springfield Brewing Company’s brunch
You have to purchase tickets online — and they only have a few more spots open — but Brew Co.’s Mother’s Day Brunch sounds amazing. It has a Bloody Mary bar and a brunch buffet with deviled eggs, quiche, sausage, donuts, potatoes, bacon, ham, and pastries.
It’s on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., or from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
14 Mill Market’s Mom’s & Mimosa’s event
This Saturday event is from 12-4 p.m. and is packed with fun stuff. For $20, you get 3 hours of bottomless mimosas, with mimosa stations sprinkled throughout the market, so you have very little wait! There’s live music from 2-4 p.m., flower pop-ups, a photo backdrop, permanent jewelry by Divine Linx, and restaurant specials.
Finley Farms fancy buffet dinner
This Sunday one is pricey, but looks quite special. The Ozark Mill is an experience in and of itself. My family has gone several times, because the beauty of the property (and the gift shop) always makes it feel like a special excursion. The Finley River gushes past the tables, and trails wind through the farm, over a bridge and into a wooded area.
This event includes carved prime rib, seared salmon, truffle whipped mashed potatoes, and warm mixed berry cobbler. Buffet-style with riverfront views. Register ahead on their website. Prices are $72 for adults and $25 for children 4-12.
For a longer brunch idea list, check out 417 Magazine’s list.
Music and the arts events on Mother’s Day
“Cinderella” ballet at Juanita K. Hammons Hall
Saturday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. is the Saint Louis Ballet’s “Cinderella” performance at Juanita K. Hammons Hall. Tickets start at $54.
Springfield Art Museum’s “On the Lawn” series
Saturday, May 9, is a come-and-go creative morning event at the Springfield Art Museum. The “On the Lawn” series brings yoga, live music, art activities, and even creek cleanup volunteering into one relaxed, family-friendly space. You can stay all morning or drop in for whatever catches your interest — bring a blanket, a sketchbook, or just yourselves. 8 a.m.–1 p.m. on the Springfield Art Museum lawn, 1111 E. Brookside Dr. Free, but some activities may require registration. Event details are online.
Gigs in the Garden (free concert in the park)
Sunday, May 10, is a free concert in the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Gigs in the Garden pairs live music with one of the prettiest settings in Springfield, plus simple extras like kids’ crafts and space to spread out with a blanket. This week’s performance leans classical, jazz, and Broadway — easy to enjoy while the kids wander nearby or play. The music is from 2–3 p.m. at the Springfield Botanical Gardens, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. This event is free, but a $10 donation is suggested. Event details are online.
However you spend it, the goal is simple: give mom a day where she doesn’t have to carry the mental load. A little planning goes a long way.
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