Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12, 2024, and mothers everywhere (is it fair to say especially in DSM?) deserve to have a great weekend! From enjoying brunch out, to taking a stroll through a local park or garden to finding a great gift, we’ve come up with some great ideas for how to enjoy a fun-filled and budget-friendly Mother’s Day with (or without;) the kids.
For even more Mother’s Day ideas check out our Spring Fun Guide and Events Calendar.
Here is dsm4kids’ 2024 Mother’s Day Guide:
Mother’s Day Brunch Options
Be sure to narrow down your preferences, make reservations (or be prepared to wait), and get ready to dig in!
Americana
The Americana is a well-known brunch spot in Des Moines and they are offering a Mother’s Day Brunch Special. Mom will love their wide variety of traditional breakfast items and classic comfort food including a custom grilled cheese station and Bottomless Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar. 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Bubba
Indulge in a delightful Mother’s Day Brunch experience at Bubba’s. This beloved downtown restaurant offers a menu of classic brunch favorites with a Southern twist, along with friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere. Brunch is served from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Fresko
Fresko features fresh seasonal farm to table cuisine including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and on weekends it’s a go-to for delicious brunch fare. Mom will love their wide variety of breakfast items and their unique brunch cocktails. Brunch starts at 10:00 am.
Gilroy’s Kitchen Pub and Patio
Gilroy’s in West Des Moines serves up a great brunch every Sunday and Mother’s Day is no exception. They serve a buffet style brunch, complete with made-to-order eggs + omelets. You can also pair brunch with their Bottomless Mimosas + Bloody Mary special. 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
HomeGrown
Enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch at Homegrown Des Moines, a breakfast and lunch eatery located in the historic Crescent building. This charming spot offers locally-sourced ingredients and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for celebrating with your loved ones. 6:30 am to 2:30 pm.
HoQ
Mother’s Day Brunch is an annual tradition at HoQ. Mom can expect high-quality, locally sourced ingredients featuring classic comfort dishes with exciting flavors from around the world. And the Bottomless Mimosas, Screwdrivers, or Bloody Mary’s aren’t too bad either. 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Louie’s Wine Dive
A Drake neighborhood favorite, Louie’s Wine Dive is known for their Sunday brunch. Try classic eggs Benedict or Rise and Shine Flatbread, among other menu items, and their Bacon Bloody Mary’s are sure to spice up your Mother’s Day. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
St. Kilda
With locations in downtown Des Moines, Valley Junction, and Clive, you can enjoy breakfast all day at one of these authentic Australian-style dining experiences serving breakfast and lunch. They specialize in healthy, modern dishes, freshly baked pastries, and artisanal coffee drinks. They also have a full bar serving a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine to complement your meal. Open 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sundays.
Trellis
Celebrate Mom’s special day with a delightful brunch at Trellis Cafe. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Wind down and treat Mom to a delectable menu crafted from locally sourced, plant-inspired ingredients she’ll adore. Trellis Cafe is open from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Celebrate Mom with a special gift from a local Des Moines business.
Gift Mom a Clean Car by Dynamic Auto Detailing
Alleviate Some of Mom’s Cooking Duties with Meals from The Grateful Chef
Put a Sparkle in Mom’s Eye with a Gift from Christopher’s Fine Jewelry
Toast Mom with a Bottle of Wine from Madison County Winery
Indulge Mom’s Sweet Tooth with a Treat from Prairie Rose Desserts
Brighten Mom’s Day by Enrolling Her in Jester Hill Farm’s Bloom Club
Pamper Mom with Organic Beauty Products from The Collective
Book Loving Moms will Love a Curated Bundle of Books from Raccoon River Press
Special Events to Celebrate Mom and Mother’s Day in Des Moines
Spend time with Mom at a fun event or activity in Des Moines.
Mother’s Day Weekend Hike
Celebrate the incredible moms of our world with a scenic hike at Voas Nature Area! Join Dallas County Conservation Naturalists as they lead you on a stroll through nature and discuss the remarkable ways wild mothers nurture and care for their young. May 11, 2024 at 10:00 am. This is a FREE event but registration is required.
Mommy + Me Painting Parties at Painting With A Twist
May 11 & 12, 2024, Multiple Times. Enjoy some creative bonding time at a Mommy+Me or Mother’s Day Canvas Painting Party with Painting with a Twist in Urbandale. You and your child ages 5+ can work on a floral masterpiece together or attend with friends and enjoy $10 Bottomless Mimosas All Day! Registration required.
FREE Admission at Reiman Gardens
May 12, 2024 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. In honor of Mother’s Day, all moms are admitted FREE of charge to Reiman Gardens. Take the kids and check out their all of the plants, exhibits, butterfly wing and more.
FREE Admission at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
May 12, 2024 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Mom’s get FREE admission to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. While there have the kids belly up to the “Bouquet Bar” where they can create a personalized petite bouquet for or with mom!
Mother’s Day on the Todd Valley Golf Course
May 12, 2024 starting at 10:00 am. Spend Mother’s Day on the golf course with your mom. Mom’s greens fees are FREE when you purchase yours at Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill.
Mother’s Day Tea
Treat your mom, yourself, or both of you to a special day out. Join Five Monkeys Inc. on May 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm and indulge in refreshments, paint charming tea cups and saucers, and create a unique make-and-take craft project. It promises to be a delightful and relaxing experience for all.
Wine Down Painting Party – Mother’s Day Edition at Bottle & Bottega
May 12, 2024 at 3:00 pm. It’s time to relax and un-“wine”! Sip, socialize, and paint while the talented Bottle & Bottega’s artists help you uncork your creativity. Bring the family, catch up with friends, or make it a date night… whatever inspires you to get inspired!
It’s Tea Time with Indianola Parks and Recreation
May 15, 2024, 3:00 – 4:30 pm. Mothers and Grandmothers, gather your young ladies for a delightful celebration of special women across generations with a lavish afternoon tea party, perfectly timed for Mother’s Day. Dress in your elegant best (hats and gloves encouraged!) and enjoy an array of finger sandwiches, exquisite desserts, and a refreshing choice of tea or lemonade. Presented by Indianola Parks and Recreation, please register by May 3rd or until spaces are filled.
