Get Our Newsletter
Mother's Day in Florida

Ideas for a Memorable Mother’s Day in Florida (2024)

by
PinLinkedIn

Last Updated on April 9, 2024

If you’re planning on spending Mother’s Day in Florida, there are so many places to go and things to do to make lifetime memories.

It’s also a perfect time to stop and smell the roses, whether literally or figuratively. The truth is we believe moms should be celebrated more than once a year.

Audrey Lentz with son Greg and two grandsons

Our intention is to inspire you with these enjoyable ideas and Florida experiences that are sure to be bring a smile to all participants.

Mothers day in Florida
Source: Bok Tower Gardens

Whether you prefer to get outdoors and spend time in nature or enjoy an experience indoors, there’s always something fun to do in Florida.

Mothers Day chalkboard for Authentic Florida

Check out this guide for ideas on ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Florida … or any day of the year!

Mother’s Day in Florida Table of Contents

    Visit a Garden for Mother’s Day in Florida

    Florida Gardens are a beautiful place to walk together and enjoy all of the amazing flowers that can grow here.

    When it’s Mother’s Day in Florida, flowers just need to be part of the celebration in some way, shape or form.

    The Florida Botanical Gardens – Largo

    Florida Botanical Gardens
    Source: Florida Botanical Gardens

    The Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo is a 100+ acre park that showcases a wide variety of tropical plants, flowers, and wildlife in themed gardens.

    Tropical Fruit sign at Florida Botanical Garden

    Look for a tropical fruit garden, a palm garden, and a butterfly garden.

    A visit to this Gardens provides a tranquil and educational experience for visitors of all ages, with walking trails, boardwalks, and educational programs.

    The Gardens are open every day from 7 AM – 5 PM. Admission is free to the public, and leashed pets welcome.

    When deciding where to spend Mother’s Day in Florida, this garden is definitely a top choice for anyone in the Tampa/St.Pete area.

    Florida Botanical Gardens Address: (2 entrances) 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774 or 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo, FL 33778

    For more info, visit the Florida Botanical Gardens website.

    Leu Gardens – Orlando


    Leu Gardens in Orlando is a 50-acre botanical oasis that features a diverse collection of plants, including tropical and subtropical gardens, a rose garden, and a butterfly garden.

    Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando path with historic home

    It offers a serene and picturesque environment for visitors to explore, with winding pathways, historic homes, and educational programs.

    Flowers at Leu Gardens

    Walk through Leu Gardens and enjoy all that Florida nature has to offer. This beautiful garden is the perfect place to unplug and spend some quality time with your mom.

    Leu Gardens Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

    For more info, visit the Leu Gardens website.

    Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales

    Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales

    Are you looking to take a stroll with Mom at a historical sanctuary? When it comes to where to spend Mother’s Day in Florida, you’ll be happy if this is your selection.

    Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is the perfect way to spend a day together. Tour the Pinewood Estate, walk through the gardens, enjoy a class, and have lunch in the cafe.

    Bok Tower Gardens Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853

    For more info, visit the Bok Tower Gardens website.

    If you want ideas of other gardens you may enjoy, check out Our 20 Favorite Florida Zoos & Gardens.

    Enjoy Florida Food

    Shrimp plate at Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant
    Source: Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant

    Florida is a place filled with a variety of food options you are sure to enjoy. Mother’s Day in Florida is the perfect excuse to dine out.

    Does your mom have a Florida favorite type of food? One of the best ways to enjoy Florida food is sitting outdoors or taking a break from the outdoors and finding a place inside where the food is served to you.

    Explore Vegan and Plant-based Food

    veggie rice bowl
    Source: The Bark Facebook page

    Florida is home to a variety of vegan and plant-based restaurants you won’t want to miss.

    Find new favorites by visiting a few of the restaurants featured in the articles below.

    Support Local Mom & Pop Restaurants

    The Licking

    Don’t underestimate the value of a local restaurant. They owners usually put their heart and soul into making food and running their own business.

    You can find a great list of options from the Delicious Black-Owned Restaurants in Florida list we’ve put together.

    You might also enjoy these articles with lots of ideas on where to spend Mother’s Day in Florida:

    Sip and Chat at Afternoon Tea

    Teapot at teapots and treasures
    Source: Teapots and Treasures

    Florida is home to a big selection of amazing tea bistros and shops. Spending time together for an afternoon tea is a wonderful experience.

    Make sure to check out the 12 Best Tea Rooms in Florida.

    Mother’s Day in Florida Dessert Date

    Spend some sweet time with Mom. Enjoy a dessert date at one of the incredible dessert locations scattered all across Florida.

    Key Lime pie is a Florida treasure. You can also find some fantastic dessert places below.

    Map Out an Authentic Florida Adventure

    Mertailors Mermaid Aquarium Encounter Mermaid with Orange Bird

    Florida is more than theme parks and beaches. In fact, the state has a lot of surprises in store for you.

    Take some time to explore the state with your mom. Make memories together while seeing new things on Mother’s Day in Florida.

    Visit a Florida Springs

    spring swimming area
    Source: USDA Forest Service

    Home to cool water year-round, the Florida Springs are a beautiful place to spend time together.

    Float down the springs or enjoy a relaxing swim with your mom. This is a great place to unwind and a memorable way to spend Mother’s Day in Florida.

    Check out some of the articles we wrote about Florida Springs below:

    Plan a Florida Road Trip

    One of the best ways to see all Florida has to offer is with a Florida road trip.

    Mother’s Day in Florida gives you ample choices and it is a great reason to load up the car with your favorite music, snacks, and hit the road.

    We’ve compiled a list of several Florida road trip options:

    Parks are Perfect for Mother’s Day in Florida

    Plants at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
    Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

    If you’re interested in celebrating Mother’s Day in Florida at one of Parks, we’ve put together a list for you. Just keep in mind to go early.

    Panhandle + Northwest Florida State Parks

    Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
    Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
    Florida bobcat at St. Mark's Wildlife Refuge
    St. Mark’s Wildlife Refuge
    Orman House
    Photo Source: Florida State Parks
    Yellow River Preserve State Park
    From Florida State Parks
    Grayton Beach State Park
    Photo of Florida Caverns State Park
    Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
    Photo Source: Florida State Parks

    North Florida State Parks

    Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
    Tallahassee – Florida State Parks
    Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve
    Photo Source: Florida State Parks
    Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge
    Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge
    Photo of the Devils Millhopper staircase
    Dunns Creek State Park
    Florida State Parks
    Flagler Beach
    Courtesy of Florida State Parks
    Nature Coast Trail
    Credit: Florida State Parks
    Suwannee River
    Photo Source: Suwannee River

    Central Florida State Parks

    Blue Springs State Park
    Source: Florida State Parks
    Hontoon Island State Park
    Courtesy of Florida State Parks
    Cockroach Bay
    Photo Source: Florida State Parks
    Colt Creek State Park
    From Florida State Parks
    Honeymoon Island
    Credit: Florida State Parks
    Crystal River Preserve State Park
    Photo Source: Florida State Parks
    Withlacoochee State Park
    Courtesy of Florida State Parks
    Lake Louisa State Park
    Photo Source: Florida State Parks
    Wekiwa Springs State Park
    Credit: Florida State Parks

    South Florida State Parks

    St Lucie Inlet Preserve
    Photo Source: Florida State Parks
    Photo of Cayo Costa Island's south end
    Cayo Costa Island’s south end
    Mound Key Archaeological State Park
    Courtesy of Florida State Parks
    Overseas Heritage Trail
    Photo Source: Florida State Parks
    Indian Key waterfront
    From Florida State Parks
    Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
    Photo Source: Florida State Parks

    Official website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/

    Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FLStateParks/

    Not Together? Try a Florida Virtual Experience

    DIY: Florida Gardening

    Kitchen Scrap Gardening
    Source: Naples Garden

    Enjoy a DIY activity from Naples Garden like kitchen scrap gardening or harvesting edible plants.

    A Leu Gardens Visual Tour

    Check out a virtual tour of Leu Gardens in Orlando. Enjoy stunning views of this 50-acre paradise.

    A Mounts Botanical Video Tour

    Take a virtual stroll through Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach.

    View a Florida State Park Webcam

    We learned during the pandemic about all sorts of cool virtual experiences. If you can’t be together, turn on one of the webcams on YouTube from one of the various favorite Florida State Parks:

    If you enjoyed this article full of ideas of ways to spend Mother’s Day in Florida, don’t miss these articles:

    Leave a Comment