This year, Mother’s Day falls on May 10th...and what luck! -- you and your mother (or a mother you care about) are in one of the greatest cities in the world on that special occasion. Here are some great ideas for how to spend your time together.
One classic idea is to show her the city from one of its most breathtaking vantage points: the Empire State Building’s (350 Fifth Ave. & 34th St., 212-736-3100) 86th-floor observation deck. In addition to enjoying one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the unforgettable views of the greatest city in the world will leave her absolutely breathless. The observatory is open daily (including Sundays) from 8am to 2am, with the last elevator heading up at 1:15am. While you’re there, make sure to take her to the second floor, where you’ll find NY SKYRIDE (888-SKYRIDE), a virtual aerial tour that allows you to hit all the major attractions New York has to offer. Join narrator Kevin Bacon as you experience New York’s famous landmarks—including the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, and the United Nations -- from the comfort of your seat in high-definition theaters, which are perfect for both children and adults.
Another unique way to show Mom the city is from the water, and Spirit Cruises (Chelsea Piers, 23rd St. & the Hudson River, 866-399-8439) is offering the perfect opportunity to do just that with their special Mother’s Day lunch and dinner cruises. It’ll be a special day full festivities and fun aboard Spirit, including a bountiful buffet, interactive DJ entertainment, dancing and spectacular skyline views. A lunch cruises boards at 10am and cruises from 10:30am to 12:30pm ($47.90/person); a late-lunch cruise boards at 2pm and cruises from 2:30 to 4:30pm ($56.90/person); and a dinner cruise boards at 6:30pm and cruises from 7 to 10pm ($73.90/person). For reservations, call 866-483-3866.
Broadway is a great place to celebrate Mother’s Day. If the mother you know has younger children -- or children of any age -- one of the Disney musicals currently treading the boards makes a great choice. Featuring Grammy-winning numbers by Elton John and Time Rice, The Lion King (The Minskoff Theatre, 200 W. 45th St., 212-307-4100) has been thrilling audiences with colorful characters and innovative choreography for almost 12 years. Based on the Oscar-nominated film and the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W. 46th St., 212-307-4747) features dazzling state-of-the-art stagecraft and classic songs such as “Under the Sea.” And Mary Poppins (New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 W. 42nd St., 212-307-4747) combines the stories of P.L. Travers with the Oscar-winning 1964 film as well as the songs you love -- “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious” -- with brand-new ones by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. For details on other shows Mom will love -- including Mamma Mia!, West Side Story, Chicago, the timeless Phantom of the Opera, and many others -- see our Theater Listings.
Celebrating Mother's Day in New York City
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