Mother’s Day is almost here, and along with it comes the opportunity to treat your mom to the time and attention she truly deserves. There’s a wealth of recreation, culture and pampering options available in the region; here are some ideas to get you started.

 

Mother’s Day typically signals the arrival of warmer weather, so the best gift may be to simply get out. The New York Botanical Garden offers many reasons to do just that. Find the perfect present for Mom at the 19^th annual Antique Garden Furniture Show and Sale, April 29 through May 1, 2011. Browse the show and select from unique fountains and statuary, garden benches, birdbaths and more. The following two weekends, May 7/8, and May 14/15, 2011, mark the grand opening of the Botanical Garden’s new Azalea Gardens, 11 acres of brilliant blooms punctuated by rock formations, shade trees, perennials and bulbs. During the celebration, visitors can join in an old-fashioned game of croquet, make Mother’s Day cards and play dress-up in Victorian-era costumes. Garden Docents will be available to show off the newly expanded collection as you explore new garden paths. For event hours, directions and additional information, visit www.nybg.org.

 

In Philadelphia, spend the day doing something to benefit moms everywhere:  The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The enormous fundraiser kicks off early Mother’s Day morning at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, rain or shine. There’s a 5K run, a 5K walk, a one-mile walk, survivor’s parade and lots and lots of live entertainment. Be sure to check out the “Pretty in Pig” display of five larger-than-life piggy banks, and help event organizers fill them to the top with money to benefit breast cancer research. Complete information, including race registration, is available at www.komenphiladelphia.org.

 

For the mother who needs a break from it all, a spa getaway offers the perfect respite. In New Jersey, Princeton’s Onsen for All offers a Japanese-inspired experience housed in Franklin Township’s oldest home, listed on the National Historic Register. Three years of careful renovation have resulted in a setting that is as beautiful and restful as the services themselves - therapeutic baths in outdoor cedar wood tubs, massage, skincare and aromatherapy, an outdoor wood-fired sauna, meditation, yoga and additional wellness programs and classes. Read all about it. Make reservations or purchase a gift card at www.onsenforall.com.

 

If the mom in your life likes sharing new experiences with her youngsters, take in a performance of Peter and Wendy at Manhattan’s New Victory Theater. The only area theater dedicated to children and families since 1995, New Victory presents engaging children’s productions from around the globe at family-friendly prices. Peter and Wendy, an adaptation of the J. M. Barrie classic about Peter Pan includes bunraku puppetry and live Celtic music. The London Times calls it “the most poetic, touching version of J. M. Barrie’s classic tale you will ever see.” The show runs from May 6 through 22, 2011. Details and tickets are available at www.newvictory.org.

 

Whatever kind of celebration you plan for your mom, make this Mother’s Day one she’ll remember forever. New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have all you need to create perfection.