Buh-bye, brunch! It's time for the fam to get in on these fun things to do in SF for Mother’s Day this May! Good eats and bubbly treats are something that can easily happen every single weekend. Meanwhile, Mom’s special Sunday comes along but once a year. That said, your Mother’s Day ideas for her should be worthy of scoring far more creativity points than any mimosa ever will.

Dodge mainstream crowds by indulging her in these Mother’s Day events in San Francisco on May 13th and 14th. The experiences below are outrageously fun and cost just as much (if not less!) than a big brunch outing with the entire family. Some even double as great gift ideas for Mom, too!

These unique SF events in May will help you figure out just what to do for Mother’s Day in the Bay Area. And trust us when we say that they are unforgettably worth it.

 

Unique Things to Do in SF for Mother’s Day


Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Napa Valley

Beat the brunch crowds to the punch with a sunrise hot air balloon ride! This crack-of-dawn outing will be unlike anythinghttp Mom has ever experienced before! Invite her to drift over Napa Valley, safely tucked into the cozy comfort of a hot air balloon basket. She’ll enjoy the warm glow of sunrise over rolling landscapes and vineyards, as well as a continental breakfast and traditional “landing toast” of sparkling wine.

what to do for Mother's Day in San Francisco

 

Uncorked! San Francisco Wine Festival

(May 13 | 12:00 PM – 5:00PM) Head to Ghirardelli Square and Beach Street for live music, countless tasting opportunities, cooking demos, and plenty of vendors and vineyard reps. This SF Mother’s Day idea is great for those who want to keep their options open, as no prior commitment or admission ticket is required. Simply show up and enjoy free entry, with tasting tickets available for purchase on site. And rest assured this fun, San Francisco event in May will run rain or shine!

May events in SF

 

Symphonic Things to Do in SF for Mother’s Day Weekend

(May 13 | 8:00 PM) Watch the classical genius of Mozart grace the stage of Davies Symphony Hall. Let Mom hear for herself what happens when the modern talent of seven-time Grammy Award Winner Emanuel Ax plays Piano Concerto No. 22. Following this featured performance, audiences will delight in a vibrant piece as Charles Dutoit conducts Debussy’s La Mer, exemplifying childhood visits to the ocean.

unique things to do for Mother's Day in SF 

 

SF Giants Ball Game

(May 13 & 14 | 1:05 PM) For one of the most timeless SF Mother’s Day events, take Mom out to the ballgame for a hot dog, beer, ball cap, and quality time together. Head to AT&T Park to watch the San Francisco Giants duke it out with the Cincinnati Reds. She won’t be disappointed!

cool SF events in May

 

Beach Blanket Babylon

(May 13 & May 14 | Various Times) Wondering what to do for Mother’s Day to make her LOL? This is it! This unique comedy show features a plot of Snow White trying to find her Prince Charming — and encountering an entertaining mash-up of various pop culture icons and characters along the way. The whole family will be dazzled by the cast’s elaborate costuming, complete with utterly enormous hats and wigs. The matinee show has been cleaned up to be family-friendly, so no “earmuffs” are needed. Held at Club Fugazi in the North Beach District, this is a top SF attraction for locals and visitors alike!

 

Mani-Pedi Gift for Mom

No woman will turn her nose up to this classic. Bonus points if the pampering comes with complementary champagne! But act quickly because Mother’s Day ideas in San Francisco like this are a hot commodity, and many places will book up well in advance! Couldn’t score her an appointment? Thrill her with a Spafinder Wellness Gift Certificate. It offers the best in locations, flexibility and services.

best Mother's Day ideas in SF

 

Mother’s Day Marina Green 5K

(May 14 | 9:00AM) Kick off Mom’s big day with a beautiful run through a lush SF park! While this isn’t the sort of ‘race’ that boasts a bunch of bells and whistles, it does offer stunning views of the magnificent SF Bay. Not to mention the entry fee is only $3-5 (register online at least 48 hours prior to race day!). Want to run with the wee ones that gave Mom her name? A half-mile Kids Run is also offered, starting at 9:45 AM — talk about one of the most fun things to do in SF for Mother’s Day as a family!

May events in San Francisco for Mother's Day

 

International Art Museum of America: Free Entry

(May 14 | 1:30 PM) This tour requires no advanced reservations, woohoo! However, as it is open to the public, be aware there could potentially be a crowd of other ‘free SF Mother’s Day events’ enthusiasts. But once you get in, delve into fascinating facts behind the museum’s history. Admire creations by featured artists. Mom just might leave inspired to let her creative juices run absolutely wild!

free Mother's Day events in San Francisco

 

Catamaran Cruise of the SF Bay

(May 14 | 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM) This top SF attraction is a must for both locals and visitors, so if you can make it aboard this popular outing, go for it! Plan accordingly to avoid sell-outs of this unique H2O excursion. If you do miss the boat on landing a reservation (pun intended), don’t fret. This incredible San Francisco Mother’s Day idea also makes a great gift for Mom. She can easily redeem it for a later date, to enjoy some Sunday fun in the SF summer sun! (Psst…want some insider info? The same is true of the highly-sought Bay Area champagne brunch cruise.)

best Mother's Day ideas in SF

 

Exploratorium: Free Things to Do in SF for Mother’s Day

(May 14 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) Maybe Mom loves nerding out to science stuff? Take her to Pier 15 for an afternoon of all sorts of wild, weird and wonderful topics! Exhibits and interactive displays include almost anything you can think of: astronomy, chemistry, colors, math, the mind, time, food and cooking, human anatomy, languages, optical illusions, and much more.

free things to do in SF for Mother's Day

 

Chocolate Tour in SF

(May 14 | 2:00 PM) If Mom is a sucker for sweet things, this Mother’s Day idea in San Francisco will give her the ultimate satisfaction! The three-hour outing visits various shops and boutiques, offering ample temptations of gourmet chocolates, wine and a cocktail along the way.  Space on this tasty tour is often limited, so be sure to book your spots ASAP!

Mother's Day ideas in San Francisco

 

Cable Car Ride & Favorite Cuisine

Care to keep plans fairly low-maintenance? Since many Mother’s Day events in San Francisco revolve around food, reservations may be a good idea. But there’s no time like this particular Sunday to honor mothers with the masses. So take a leisurely spin on a cable car, soaking up photo opps and admiring all the folks who are out ‘n’ about. Then eventually end up at one of her most beloved spots for indulging the taste buds.

what to do for Mother's Day in SF

 

Airplane LessoUrl Bn in San Francisco

This unique idea is a real winner, especially if you’d like Ma to escape the crowds that come with typical things to do in SF for Mother’s Day. Whisk her away from the hustle and bustle of the city, to enjoy a memorable day from high overhead instead! Make it part of the Sunday celebration itself, or wrap it as a gift for Mom to enjoy later. Many aviation schools are open year-round and on a daily basis, providing lots of flexibility to take an introductory flight lesson over Sig Sur, the Bay, or surrounding areas. Give schools a call to inquire on hours and availability for Mother’s Day.

cool things to do in SF for Mother's Day