Fun Ways to Spend Mother's Day

Escape to Weedon Island Preserve, a lush natural area on Tampa Bay in north St. Pete. Rent a canoe or kayak from ECOmersion and take to the water. Trails will lead you through canopied mangrove tunnels. Afterwards, stroll the boardwalk to the observation tower for gorgeous views.

Is mom an early riser (or willing to get up for a beautiful sunrise)? Goko Kayaks offers a variety of guided trips, including sunrise paddles.

Take your Mother's Day experience to new heights with a Tampa Bay Aviation helicopter tour for the best views of area. With multiple tour options available, you can choose where you want to take flight, including Tarpon Springs, Clearwater Beach, downtown St. Pete and beyond. 

The mother of all Mother’s Day activities is the beloved brunch. From eclectic eateries to sophisticated spots and al fresco venues, a choice of amazing  brunches in St. Pete/Clearwater will leave you and mom fueled up on perfect pancakes and fruity mimosas, ready to bring on the day. Did someone say "let's go shopping!"

Stop and smell the flowers during a leisurely stroll through a lush garden. Sunken Gardens in St. Pete is home to some of the most beautiful tropical flora in Florida as well as small waterfalls for ultimate Zen moments. The Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo offers 100 peaceful acres of flora, and it's free! 

For the ultimate in pampering, treat mom to a day at Spa Oceana at the historic Don CeSar resort. Enjoy massages, pedicures, manicures, wraps and more. The spa is located directly on St. Pete Beach, with a beautiful terrace overlooking the Gulf, so mom will feel like the royalty she is. 

Looking for a pampering experience that's a little easier on the wallet? Book beauty services at a local spa or beauty bar such as Tranquility Wellness Spa, Botanica Day Spa, or The Glam Squad Beauty Bar.

Is mom an art lover? Plan a museum day together. You'll find museums of all sorts here, from the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, to The Chihuly Collection, Fairgrounds St. Pete and much more! There's even a tiny "Museum of Motherhood" inside The Factory in St. Pete, for those interested in childbirth, child-rearing and women's roles throughout history. In fact, there's a "MAMAPALOOZA" festival being held at The Factory on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Want to bring out your own inner artist? Discover the art of glass blowing at a workshop or class at the Morean Glass Studio in downtown St. Pete. 

Looking for something relaxing but still super-cool? Book a cruise with St. Pete Coastal Cruises to watch a gorgeous sunset near Fort De Soto Park, then see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge light up in brightly colored lights.

Dolphin-watching and nature cruises are also a lot of fun for people of all ages. Island Boat Adventures offers dolphin watching and snorkeling trips to beautiful Egmont Key.

If mom is the adventurous type, let her take the wheel and become the captain of her very own speed boat during a guided 1.5-hour tour. 

Just want to relax with some great scenery and a cool drink? Several local companies offer floating tiki tours, including Florida Tiki Tours in Madeira Beach.

There's plenty to treat mom to at the St. Pete Pier District. Enjoy a waterfront picnic or dine at one of several restaurants at the Pier, peruse artwork and gifts from local vendors, stop in the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center to learn about the local marine ecosystem or enjoy a rooftop experience at Pier Teaki. 

Make your way to Tarpon Springs and discover one of the area's most charming small towns. Peruse the sponge docks, hop on a boat tour to spot dolphins, wander through quaint shops in the historic downtown area, stop into local museums and indulge in delicious Greek food.