Our Gotham Guide series provides information from those of us who live in New York about the events, eateries and other happenings that are truly special and worth your time. Here we share our take on the best places for celebrating Mother’s Day 2024 in New York City (NYC), including museums, restaurants and more.
The 10 best places for celebrating Mother’s Day in New York City (NYC)
Raising kids in New York City is not for the faint of heart. There are the physical challenges that rival any Olympic sport: schlepping strollers on the subway at rush hour or carrying groceries up five flights of stairs with a sweaty toddler clinging to your leg.
What are the best places to celebrate Mother’s Day in New York City (NYC) this year?
There are the mental challenges that befuddle even those with PHDs: getting a spot for preschool, followed by gaining admission to kindergarten!
There’s a reason why us moms stay in the city and it’s not because we’re all masochists. Where else can you raise kids in a truly diverse environment and give them access to the richest cultural opportunities?
The best places for celebrating Mother’s Day 2024 in New York City (NYC), including museums, restaurants and more.
But, even still, we’d be disingenuous if we didn’t also admit that we do it for ourselves. We moms love raising a family in New York City against all the odds because it makes us feel vibrant and alive and like there is still fun to be had!
If you’re lucky enough to be raised by a NYC mom, remind her that it’s all worth it this Mother’s Day with a celebration to remember in her beloved city. You could take her out for a traditional brunch but may we suggest upping the ante with an extra element of fun? Wow her with all the resources the city has to offer. Consider combining a meal with a staycation at a luxurious hotel or a day visiting one of the city’s best museums. Ahead, we have curated the best places to spend Mother’s Day in New York City that will make her feel like being a mom here is the best place to be.
Celebrate Mother’s Day 2024 in New York City (NYC) at top museums, restaurants and more.
The 10 best places for celebrating Mother’s Day in New York City (NYC)
For the mom who needs a getaway
Most moms will never admit this. But they just want to be left alone on Mother’s Day. Breakfast in bed just ends up being another mess she needs to clean up. We want some space, some time to do what we want to do without worrying about everyone else.
Of course, we also feel guilty for wanting that. So if you’re celebrating a mom in New York City, one of the best gifts you can give her is to send her away to a luxurious hotel solo and meet up with her as a family for dinner or brunch. Check out these 4 suggestions that will give her the best of both worlds.
1. The Osprey at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a luxurious oasis designed by local artists using native greenery and reclaimed materials with the best views of the city from Dumbo. For her solo stay, Mom can enjoy shopping at the neighborhood boutiques and a massage at on-site Bamford Spa.
The best places in NYC for Mother’s Day including famous museums and restaurants. Courtesy Photo.
End her day with a family dinner at The Osprey where Chef Dan Churchill serves farm-to-table, contemporary American dishes that incorporate influences from the immigrant communities that make NYC great. Then leave and let her sleep in!
2. Narcissa at Standard East Village
The sleek and stylish Standard will bring Mom back to her edgy, downtown party days. With floor-to-ceiling windows and deep soaking tubs, she can feel glam or relaxed depending on her mood.
The best places in NYC for Mother’s Day including famous museums and restaurants. Courtesy Photo.
The standout feature at this property is Narcissa, an elegant restaurant with an innovative American menu dreamed up by André Balazs and Michelin-starred chef John Fraser. Treat her to a meal of delicious veggie-centric plates in a cozy, intimate dining room or in their charming garden.
3. Dear Irving on Hudson at Hotel Aliz Times Square
If Mom loves the theater, why not treat her to dinner and a show and then let her enjoy a night or two alone at the Hotel Aliz Times Square? The rooms have plenty of intimate ambiance despite being in the middle of Times Square.
The best places in NYC for Mother’s Day, including favorite museums and restaurants. Courtesy Photo.
Drinks and small bites would be a lovely way to start her evening at the acclaimed Dear Irving on Hudson which boasts Manhattan’s highest open-air hotel bar and lounge. The retro-chic vibe and creative cocktails make it an elevated way to celebrate Mother’s Day in NYC.
4. Electric Lemon at the Equinox Hotel
For the wellness-motivated Mom that loves luxury, book a stay at the 5-star Equinox Hotel. It’s home to their largest fitness center yet with SoulCycle classes and a vast open-air pool with city views. At the spa, she can rejuvenate with an IV nutrient drip and cryotherapy, followed by catching her best zzzz’s in the optimally dark, cool and quiet “sleep chamber.”
The best places in NYC for Mother’s Day, including museums and restaurants. Courtesy Photo.
The family can meet her at Electric Lemon, which celebrates the passionate farmers, growers and artisans of the Mid-Atlantic, in between her yoga classes.
For the culture-loving mom
Moms hardly ever get to indulge in something they want to do. We’re used to taking the family to kid-centric museums in the city. Or tailoring a museum visit around the children’s interests.
This year, encourage her to go to that museum she’s still never been to or a favorite that never makes the cut because it doesn’t have dinosaurs. We’ve found 4 museums that she will enjoy that also house noteworthy restaurants so the gang can meet up with her for a celebratory meal.
5. The Modern (at the Museum of Modern Art)
Mom has done more than her fair share of oohing and aahing over kid art. Let her wander around oohing and aahing over the famous works at MoMA all day to her heart’s content.
The best places in NYC for Mother’s Day, including museums and restaurants. Courtesy Photo.
Then make a reservation at The Modern, recipient of two Michelin stars. The ever-evolving menu featuring Chef Thomas Allan’s refined, contemporary cooking is complemented by an award-winning wine program in a beautiful setting overlooking MoMA’s sculpture garden.
6. Storico (at the New York Historical Society)
If Mom prefers history over art, suggest a day at the New York Historical Society, the oldest museum in New York City. It spans four centuries of history, heroes, legends, artifacts and art that tell America’s story from a local perspective.
The best places in NYC for Mother’s Day, including museums and restaurants. Courtesy Photo.
Storico is the globally inspired eatery on site that is committed to inventive ingredient-driven menus, traditional cooking techniques, and fresh regionally sourced produce.
7. Robert (at the Museum of Arts and Design)
Crafty Moms who have made entire worlds with popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners might appreciate a day at the Museum of Arts and Design, which “highlights creativity and craftsmanship and celebrates the limitless potential of materials and techniques when used by creative and innovative artists.”
The best places in NYC for Mother’s Day, including museums and restaurants. Courtesy Photo.
Meet her for a delicious meal at Robert, a classic modern American restaurant that also offers breathtaking views of Central Park. Our tip: Order the Spring Risotto and a signature cocktail and enjoy the sunset.
8. The Norm (at the Brooklyn Museum)
If she hasn’t been to The Brooklyn Museum yet, surprise her with a visit to this 560,000-square-foot, Beaux-Arts building. It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country. With 1.5 million works as part of the collection, just about every form of art is represented here. Its Egyptian artifacts gallery is top-notch.
The best places in NYC for Mother’s Day, including museums and restaurants. Courtesy Photo.
The Norm reflects the diversity of Brooklyn in its cuisine. It is the perfect spot to refuel and celebrate her special day.
For the mom who is at peace in nature
There are plenty of peaceful escapes in the city and mom probably already has her go-to favorite patch of greenery where she loves to recharge. Why not encourage her to explore other natural wonders outside of her radius for a memorable Mother’s Day?
9. Governor’s Island
The former military base has transformed into an urban oasis with parks, adult playgrounds, art installations and exhibits, and eateries. All just a five-minute ferry ride from the southern tip of Manhattan. And last year, QC NY Spa opened to much fanfare. After hiking or biking around the island, treat mom to a day at the state-of-the-art spa which features two heated outdoor infinity pools with underwater hydro seats and loungers designed to massage the body and increase lymphatic circulation.
If you want to make a weekend out of it, book a luxury tent on the premier glamping company, Collective Retreats grounds. The unparalleled views from the island at night will give her the best of both worlds.
10. The New York Botanical Garden
If you read Dandelion Chandelier regularly, you know that we are long-time devotees of the NYBG. Located in the Bronx, it’s hard to believe the lush flower gardens, winding hikes, and impeccable greenhouses all exist in New York City. It’s easy to get lost for a day in the 250 acres of park.
After she’s had her fill of flowers and forest bathing, treat her to a delicious farm-to-table brunch at the Hudson Garden Grill, the more formal eatery on the grounds of the Garden. Pro tip: start with the whipped ricotta – it’s perfect to share with everyone at the table.
The 10 best places for celebrating Mother’s Day in New York City (NYC)
There you have it — 10 great ways to ensure a memorable celebration for Mother’s Day in New York City. Happy Mother’s Day!
