Mothers’ Day Ideas & Activities for Elderly Mums

Give the gift of time this Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day is about more than just gifts and cards – although these special gestures that let her know you’re thinking of her are always appreciated. It’s an opportunity to spend some quality time with one of the most important women in your life.

Whether a relaxed afternoon reminiscing over afternoon tea or simply staying in and preparing a meal together, there are countless great activities for Mother’s Day that are perfectly suited to an elderly mum. If you’re struggling to decide on where to take mum for Mother’s Day, we’ve got a batch of ideas suited to a range of tastes and mobility levels.

Mother’s Day Activity ideas for older mums who like to get out and about.

If your mum’s partial to adventure and has a get-up-and-go attitude, there’re plenty of Mother’s Day activities to get you out of the house and breathing in the fresh air outside. From a spot of sightseeing to a pot of Darjeeling, you’ll be sure to lift mum’s spirits with our suggestions.

Accessible walks 

An entry in the low-energy, high-reward category of Mother’s Day activities, a spot of local sightseeing is an ideal way to spend some quiet, quality time with your mum.

Hertfordshire walks

If you’re local to St. Albans, Ashridge Estate offers miles of beautiful walking paths, suited to a range of activity levels. From short, scenic strolls to longer, brisker walks, there’s a path for everyone, and your mum will love soaking up the scenery with you. 

Buckinghamshire walks

For people in Buckinghamshire, Black Park Country Park has great accessible walking routes with a scenic lake and through woodlands. The surfaced paths are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and there are accessible facilities on-site.

Dorset walks

The Jurassic Coast offers lots of beautiful places to walk. Lulworth Cove is an iconic location which also has a wheelchair-accessible walking route, allowing visitors of all mobility to experience the stunning coastal scenery. The path provides beautiful views of the cove and surrounding cliffs, and is sure to be a winning walk.

National Trust sights

There are plenty of manor houses and National Trust properties that offer a fantastic blend of history, natural beauty, and relaxation, making them an ideal destination for a memorable Mother’s Day outing. From grand stately homes to tranquil countryside estates rich in heritage, they’re the perfect scenic day out for quality time with your mum.

Hertfordshire National Trust properties

If your mum’s a theatre lover, she’ll be delighted to visit George Bernard Shaw’s house. You could even extend the scope of your Mother’s Day activities by visiting Shaw’s Corner, where you can explore every inch of the world-famous playwright’s family home. Explore the rooms, browse his collection of artifacts (including an Oscar statue!) and visit his revolving writing hut in the garden. As activities for Mother’s Day go, it’s amongst the most unique. 

Buckinghamshire National Trust properties

Cliveden House has beautiful architecture and accessible grounds to walk around. Whilst admiring the beauty of the estate which overlooks the Thames, you could also pop in for some afternoon tea and enjoy some of their fantastic food.

Dorset National Trust properties

For mums who love history, and an exciting day out to share with the grandchildren too, Corfe Castle offers stunning sights and a look back into some key English history, including Kings, battles, knights and a princess! The castle is located on a hill, but staff can help with accessibility and planning the easiest route around the ruins. There is also a delightful town at the foot of the castle, Purbeck, which has a whole host of shops and cafes for a snack or two too.

A view of Corfe Castle, in Dorset, looking up from the bottom of the hill to the castle perched atop it.

Delightful afternoon tea

The epitome of class and refinement, afternoon tea is the perfect activity for Mother’s Day. Take mum to a luxurious location, including world-famous hotels and gourmet restaurants. Enjoy dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked cakes, and scrumptious scones with lashings of clotted cream.

Add some fizz with the addition of champagne, or go for an afternoon tea with tasty gin and tonics included. There’s something for every taste. Empty plates, full stomachs and smiling faces guaranteed.

A display of small cakes, and finger sandwiches for an afternoon tea in London.

Indoor Mother’s Day activities for the elderly

If you’re struggling to find suitable outdoor activities for Mother’s Day or perhaps have a mum with more limited mobility, you can still spend a lovely time together in the comfort of home.

Make a scrapbook

If you’re seeking something crafty to do on Mother’s Day, an afternoon spent scrapbooking might be the answer.

Scrapbooking can be particularly rewarding for people living with dementia, as it can help to stimulate memory, encourages storytelling, and provides a comforting sense of identity and connection to loved ones. An afternoon spent turning memories into a beautiful hand-crafted scrapbook is a wonderful way to reminisce and leave you both with something to cherish.

This activity is easily customisable and perfect for those who prefer peace and quiet. You can find a variety of scrapbooking templates online if you need a little creative inspiration.

Prepare a meal together

The kitchen is the heart of the home. So, why not partner up with mum to prepare her favourite meal?

No matter how you divide the cooking tasks (you should definitely do the washing up), preparing a meal together is a wonderfully low-key way to spend some quality time with your mum, and is guaranteed to provide you both with a warm, cosy feeling.

An elderly mother and her daughter laughing together as they complete a puzzle together on the table.

Spend an afternoon taking it easy

Looking for a more relaxed Mother’s Day activity? Why not simply… relax?

No matter how you choose to spend a lazy day at home together – whether flicking through photo albums or reminiscing over a cup of tea – a little rest and relaxation is an ideal way to slow down and spend some quality time with your mum.

If you’re looking to up the ante just a little, you could always try some puzzles, card games or crosswords. From Scrabble to solitaire, games are a fantastic way to spend time together and will offer some stimulation if your mum prefers to put her mind through its paces.

Just don’t get too competitive. You’ll lose. Your mum’s better at these games than you are. 

Virtual museum tours

Just because you’re staying at home, doesn’t mean you can’t see the world! Many world renowned museums have online, virtual tours of experiences that you can immerse yourself in. Just a few amazing galleries and experiences include: 

Whether these are her favourite museums or she’s always wanted to go – this is certainly a fun and unique way to see the world and share some quality time with your mum at home on Mother’s Day. 

Mani-pedi at home

Treat your mum like the queen she is with an at-home manicure and pedicure. Bring along her favourite colour varnish and coat her nails for added everyday style. Finish off with a gentle hand massage for a real professional experience.

Whether you’re taking her out or staying in together, there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy Mother’s Day with your elderly mum.

And remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for where to take mum on Mother’s Day, the trick is to plan something that you know she’ll love; no matter how small it may seem.

Interested in care support for your mum?

We all wish we could spend more time with our mums, especially as they get older and we can’t visit as much due to busy daily life getting in the way. Enlisting the help of visiting, respite or live-in carers can help support your mother while you’re not there. 

At Abbots Care, we provide CQC Outstanding-rated care in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire,Dorset across the South of England. Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more about how Abbots Care can support you and your loved one.