Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, and it’s time to plan. Why not make an entire day of it? Traditionally the holiday primarily means brunch, but this year you can wow her by thinking outside the brunch menu. Show mom how much you love her by taking the entire day to entertain and pamper her every whim. You know your lady best, whether it’s your mother or the mother of your kids. Think about her love language and do what you know will matter to her most.

A picnic by the lake is a fantastic way to start the day. Let her sleep in, while you pack a simple morning picnic. Cut up fruit, croissants and coffee are perfect. Pack up the kids, balls, a blanket, or other activities to keep them busy. The two of you can enjoy a pleasant morning sitting on a blanket in the grass shaking off the winter and gazing at the sparkling waters of Lake Washington or Sammamish.

Spend the afternoon on a family gathering, or give her some time for her favorite activity, biking, hiking, a spa day or kid-free time with friends. You know your lady best if she loves to read, but never has time anymore take the kids to the park and give her two lavish hours on the window seat in the sunshine. For a mother, time for a nap, gardening, painting, running, whatever makes her tick is the best gift of all. Nothing is sweeter than having a little bit of yourself back for a woman who’s swallowed up in the day to day highs and lows of motherhood.

Some ideas around town:

• If you live in Renton jump on the freeway South to Tacoma for the day. It’s an easy half hour drive. Head to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. They’re offering a special, half price for mom’s all day so you get two experiences lumped together in one. You can visit polar bears and sharks in the same place and the kids will have a blast.
• Head East about 40 minutes’ drive from Renton, Sammamish and Newcastle to the beautiful Cedar River Watershed on Rattlesnake Lake. Guides will be teaching about animal mothers who live in this incredible place. A little museum with art installations is informative and interactive. Views from Rattle Snake Ledge and walks around the lake are worth coming for. Several hikes branch off from this location, bring sandwiches and make a day of it.
• The Bellevue Botanical Gardens is open for free this Mother’s Day, flowers and trees will be in full bloom. A schedule of events includes artists painting throughout the garden, live music, a reopening of the Native Discovery Garden, tours and a ballroom dancing demonstration. This popular event is terrific for any age, and a wheelchair can navigate most trails.
• It’s the World Bonsai Day at the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way just twenty minutes South of Renton. During Mother’s Day, the museum’s bonsai trees are blooming, and they open up the doors to share the beauty for free. It’s packed with exhibits on the weekend, poetry readings, bonsai making demonstrations, food trucks and card making stations for the kids. Celebrate the art and patients of bonsai growing. This ancient art takes years to grow and develop the delicate branches and tiny root systems.
• Head East thirty minutes to Snoqualmie to the Northwest Railway Museum, buy your ticket first, all of the tickets are pay at the window, so make sure you head out early to get a seat. While you’re waiting for your train, you can tour around the charming little Snoqualmie village. This is a popular excursion, and you’ll find out why. Trains take you on a 70-minute scenic ride chugging from Snoqualmie to North Bend and past Snoqualmie Falls. Trains run at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
• Take mom out for a dinner to remember at the Calcutta Grill in Newcastle. This place is stunning, and there’s no better way to show a woman that you love her than to bring her to an outstanding, fine dining dinner. Watch the sunset with an incredible view of Seattle from above with a rolling green golf course stretching out between you and the skyline.