Jenna Giustino 
Some refer to May as the unofficial start of summer. While many spend the month counting down the days until Mother’s Day Weekend, May is also a time to pause and celebrate motherhood. This year, the Jersey Shore is hosting countless events to show appreciation for all the moms and mother figures out there. We made a guide of 20 of our favorites, broken down into categories. Keep reading for a list of Mother’s Day activities and events at the Jersey Shore.
The Outdoorsy Mom
Azalea Festival | 155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton
The Sayen Botanical Gardens in Hamilton is hosting its annual azalea festival with opportunities to see thousands of flowering bulbs, dogwoods, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Visitors can also tour the Sayen House, visit vendors, and enjoy local eats from food trucks.
Island Beach State Park | 2401 Central Avenue, Seaside Park
Island Beach State Park is a preserved barrier island close to Seaside Heights’ beaches and boardwalks. It is the go-to spot for the mom who loves the outdoors, with miles of dunes, sandy beaches, coastal forests, and tidal marshes. Island Beach State Park has an eight-mile main road with a shoulder area for biking, eight trails for hiking (each under one mile), and bird + wildlife viewing for an active Mother’s Day.
See More: 16 Famous Women with Ties to the Jersey Shore
Sun Outdoors Mother’s Day Weekend | 491 Route 9, Cape May
Sun Outdoors is a family camping resort in Cape May. It has different lodging options like cottages, glamping tents, tiny houses, cabins, and a vineyard suite, all located in its 38-acre woodland setting. Sun Outdoors Cape May has amenities like a heated pool, playground, jumping pillow, and a camp store. In honor of Mother’s Day, Sun Outdoors will have themed events to treat all moms to fun + relaxation at the resort from May 9th through May 11th.
The Mom Who Loves Festivals + Music
A Mother’s Day Dinner Dance Show | 420 Adelphia Road, Farmingdale
This event will be hosted at Farmingdale’s Our House Restaurant and Banquet Facility on Friday, May 8th at 6:00 PM in celebration of Mother’s Day. Two types of tickets can be purchased: the golden ticket, which is $20 per person, does not offer seating but offers the opportunity to enjoy live music starting at 7:30 PM. The platinum ticket, priced at $75, includes a buffet + soft drinks.
Mom’s Teatime | 600 Main St, Toms River
Mathis House is hosting a “Mom’s Teatime” event with a Mother’s Day dinner and live music on Saturday, May 9th, and Sunday, May 10th. Tickets are $75 for adults and 10% off for seniors. Other Mother’s Day events at Mathis House include its “Mom’s Night Out” dinner buffet on Friday, May 1st, and “Mom to Die For” murder mystery show on Friday, May 8th.
Mother’s Day Music Festival at Boardwalk Hall | 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Boardwalk Hall is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Atlantic City. The seaside arena has a history that stems back to 1929. It is now known for housing fun events like concerts, comedy acts, and festivals, making it a staple of the AC community. On Saturday, May 9th at 8:00 PM, Boardwalk Hall will host the Mother’s Day Music Festival, including an R+B lineup of Keith Sweat, Charlie Wilson, Jagged Edge, and Jon B. For anyone who wants to get mom tickets to the event, click here.
Wildwoods Spring Fling Festival | 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood
Wildwood’s Spring Fling Festival takes place in downtown Wildwood at Byrne Plaza on Saturday, May 9th (the day before Mother’s Day). From 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, mothers + their families can enjoy live music, food, crafts, and a beer garden. FYI: Wildwood’s Spring Fling Festival is a free event.
For the Mom Who Loves Shopping
Asbury Park Spring Bazaar at Convention Hall + Asbury Hotel | 1300 Ocean Avenue + 210 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park
Asbury Park’s Spring Bazaar is happening on Mother’s Day weekend. The event is held at the Convention Hall on Saturday, May 9th, and Sunday, May 10th, from 12:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Visitors can expect over 26 vendors selling gifts and goods. Although there’s plenty of shopping, mom can also check out the flower bars, food + drinks, and photo walls available at both spots.
Emlen Physick Estate Mother’s Day Craft + Collectibles Show | 1048 Washington Street, Cape May
Emlen Physick Estate is a Victorian house museum in Cape May. The estate is hosting an outdoor craft show on May 9th from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. At Emblen Physick Estate, Moms can browse crafts and collectibles from vendors and crafters throughout the Northeast.
Pier Village | 50 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch
Pier Village is an oceanfront mixed-use community surrounding Long Branch’s beach and boardwalk. It’s a good location for moms who like to shop since it is a hub for many boutiques and storefronts. Pier Village has a mix of shops selling items like beach essentials, pet treats, jewelry, and books. The ocean view also makes it a pretty setting for shopping on Mother’s Day.
The Animal Lover Mom
Bloom Bar | 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May
Doggie Sweets is a pet-friendly cafe in Long Branch that regularly hosts events, and it will give the opportunity for pet moms to get crafty from Saturday, May 9th, to Sunday, May 10th. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days. Moms can enjoy creating a bouquet while their pets receive a flower, and photo opportunities are available.
Monmouth Park | 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport
Monmouth Park is an American racetrack in Oceanport. Its “Mother’s Day @ The Track” event features free admission + flowers for all moms. The races begin at 12:00 PM on May 10th. There will be family-friendly activities throughout the day in the picnic area. FYI: Coolers and BYO are only allowed in the picnic area.
NJ Audubon’s World Series Of Birding | 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May
NJ Audubon’s Word Series of Birding is happening the day before Mother’s Day, on May 9th. Participants + teams tally as many different species of birds by sound or sight that they can find in Cape May County; the point of the competition is to raise money and awareness for bird and habitat conservation.
The Mom Who Has Young Kids, or Wants to Be a Kid for the Day
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk | 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is on Point Pleasant’s beach. On Sunday, May 10th, starting at noon, moms receive free admission, with a paying child, to the Amusement Park, Aquarium, Mini Golf, Adventure Lookout Ropes Course, and the Fun House.
Jersey Shore Pirates | 281 Princeton Avenue, Brick Township
Jersey Shore Pirates is a pirate-themed adventure on the Metedeconk River in Brick. The experience involves learning the rules of the ship, which is named Sea Gypsy II, and studying the treasure map and secret message in a bottle; plus, everyone on board works together to defeat an enemy pirate. FYI: It’s Mother’s Day Special, available on Sunday, May 10th, includes a free ticket for mom or grandma with a purchase of a full-price ticket.
Playland’s Castaway Cove | 1020 Boardwalk, Ocean City
Playland’s Castaway Cove is an amusement park in Ocean City. Playlands has fun rides for the family, go-karts, and mini golf. After taking a stroll on Ocean City’s Boardwalk, moms can take advantage of Playland’s Mother’s Day deal, allowing all moms to ride free all day.
The Foodie Mom
ICONA Avalon | 7849 Dune Drive, Avalon
ICONA is a luxury hotel in Avalon with oceanfront views. ICONA is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch on May 11th from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The brunch is taking place in the resort’s Seaglass Ballroom; moms can expect breakfast choices like pancakes, bacon, and eggs, along with dinner-time entrees, a carving station, and an assortment of desserts. Reservations are required; book one here. FYI: If you want to treat Mom to stay overnight, ICONO has rooms for Sunday night into Monday for $99.
Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise | 800 Ashley Avenue, Brielle
The River Queen is hosting a two-hour cruise along the Manasquan River to celebrate Mother’s Day. This event is family-friendly and will include a specialized brunch menu + drinks. Tickets are $49 for adults, $26 for children aged 4 to 12, and free for children ages 3 and under.
Mother’s Day Mixology Class | 141 West Front Street, Red Bank
This Mother’s Day-themed cocktail-crafting course is beginner-friendly and gives moms the opportunity to craft specialty drinks. Light bites are provided, and there are opportunities to win raffles and prizes.
Sinner’s Steakhouse | 20 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach
Sinner’s Steakhouse faces the Manasquan Inlet in Point Pleasant Beach. Its menu features burgers, a raw bar, steaks + chops, and seafood options. Sinner’s announced reservations for Mother’s Day are available and can be booked here. The steakhouse will have its standard menu and specials; all mothers will receive a complimentary flower.
See More: Hoboken + Jersey City Shops for Mother’s Day Gifts
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