Mother's Day Vacation Ideas

- Find a family getaway for Mother's Day

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Moms deserve a gift, and a break: a family getaways is a fine way to celebrate Mother's Day. (You might consider some gifts for traveling mothers, too.)

When is Mother's Day? Sunday May 8, 2011.

Disney World - Mother's Day Weekend

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.

Many a mom spends her day at Disney World, and Mother's Day Weekend is an especially prime time to visit the Epcot theme park, where the Flower and Garden Festival is in full bloom. Flower displays are beautiful; Disney-character topiaries are a fun tradition; and free Flower Power concerts feature bands from the 60's and 70's. Moms can choose from many great restaurants in Epcot.

Mother's Day at Sesame Place, PA

Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

Sesame Place --located in Langhorne PA, a 30-minute drive north of Phillie-- is an entire theme park designed for little kids and themed to this now-classic tv world, with characters such as Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster. On Mother's Day, Sesame Place has a special lunch served to Moms and their families in the company of Sesame Street characters.

Mohonk Mountain House - Moms Stay Free

Photo courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House.

This "Victorian castle" with lakeside setting has 1200 acres, and miles of hiking in surrounding forest and mountains. Location is on the Shawangunk Ridge in the Hudson Valley, 90 miles north of NYC near New Paltz. Complimentary activities, too. Moms stay free in May, Dads stay free in June, and rates include three meals plus afternoon tea and cookies, and many activities.

Mother's Day Getaways in Mexico

About.com's Guide for Mexico Travel highlights special packages and getaways.

Moms Stay Free - Jamaica All Inclusive with Vacation Nanny

Photo courtesy of Franklyn D. Resort

In 2011, Franklyn D. Resort seems to have discontinued this Mother's Day special which typically continued all through May, at this mid-sized all inclusive resort with a very special (and much appreciated) feature: each family has their own vacation nanny during their stay. However, a special summer promotion rate (35% off per adult, $20 per child age 6 to 16, $50 per teen) starts May 3rd and so includes Mother's Day.

Mother-Daughter Vacations

Photo courtesy of The Sugar and Spice Ranch.

Click for a bunch of suggestions, from mother-daughter horse-riding at a ranch in Texas Hill country, to hotel packages that include American Girl Place, to spas.

(Note: not all the suggestions here are for Mother's Day.)

Holiday Train Ride - Mother's Day

Mothers Day ideas - ride a holiday train

Photo courtesy of Green Mountain Railroad.

Check out the Green Mountain Railroad in Vermont, for a repeat of this "White River Flyer" special holiday train: take a ride with mom, with optional brunch at a 1920's vintage hotel.

Split Rock Resort, Poconos PA

This resort has 500 acres on Lake Harmony, and also has an indoor water park. Mother's Day Package includes brunch, spa treatment, family challenge activities, scrapbooking session.

San Diego: Del Coronado Hotel

Photo courtesy of the San Diego CVB.

It's classy, it's a landmark, and it's kid-friendly: The Del has beach (31 acres), kids' and teen programs, and family activities. On Mother's Day, enjoy the Champagne Brunch -- pricy, but deluxe (and free for kiddies under 5).

1000 Acres Ranch Resort, Stony Creek, NY

Mother's Day package includes three meals daily, horseback riding, pony rides for children six and under, nightly entertainment, indoor heated pool and jacuzzi, country dance lessons, full use of the ranch facilities.

London, England: Best Afternoon Teas

Afternoon Tea a British tradition, served from about 3 pm to 5 pm, and much more than tea: fancy sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, crumpets, cakes... In London, many fine hotels pride themselves on Afternoon Tea, and About.com's Guide for London Travel suggests the best. (You can also find amazing High Teas in former British colonies such as Singapore.)

Mother's Day Weekend Festivals, in the Southeast US

There's fun for the whole family at these festivals in the southeast US: at Hilton Head, Mount Vernon, Virginia Beach, and more. Our Guide for Southeast Travel has a round-up.