Spring has arrived, flowers have bloomed, and it’s time to celebrate Mom again. It can be tough to decide how best to spoil your one and only mother. Perhaps take her away for a few days? But, if that’s not in the budget, we’ve got you covered with a few unique ideas from around the Boston area.

Photo courtesy of Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Take advantage of the only day of the year you can picnic at the Arnold Arboretum.

Take a Walk in the Park

There’s nothing more magical than an afternoon walk in the park in the spring, when flowers are in bloom and spreading its fragrance on the warm breeze.

Our suggestion: Take your walk to the next level on Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum. The festive Mother’s Day gathering has been celebrated since 1908 and showcases the Arboretum’s stunning lilac collection, one of the premiere displays in North America. This is also the only day of the year when picnics are allowed in the historic green space, so pack a few of Mom’s favorite snacks and settle in for a lazy afternoon. Best yet: It’s free.

Photo from Mother’s Day Walk for Peace Facebook page

If Mother’s Day is tough for you, spend it advocating for your community.

Give Back

Mother’s Day means something different for everyone, and we know not everyone spends it the same way. If this is a challenging time for you, try rounding up some of your female friends and spending the day supporting a cause that’s close to your heart.

Our suggestion: March at the Mother’s Day Walk for Peace, which honors victims of homicide. Money raised goes towards supporting families and communities impacted by these tragedies. The 2019 walk is co-chaired by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.

Seek Out Adventure

While they’re nice gestures, flowers and brunch don’t necessarily make all moms happy. If yours has an adventurous side, spend Mother’s Day getting your adrenaline pumping. A day out in the sun being active might be just what the family needs to start your celebration off strong.

Our suggestion: TreeTop Adventures in Canton features 10 ropes courses, zip-lines, tight ropes and trails, and they cater to a range of age and skill levels, so the whole family can enjoy the experience. Every climber gets a 30-minute training course in safety and technique. Better still, moms get free admission today.

Photo Courtesy of Alice’s Table

Learn to arrange flowers with the girls

Take a Class

Has Mom always wanted to make truffles or explore her artistic inclinations? Let’s do it! Indulge her in one of her favorite hobbies — and get involved with her. In fact, this is a great multi-generational activity, so Grandma or granddaughter can participate, too.

Our suggestion: Boston-based lifestyle service Alice’s Table hosts a number of specially designed Mother’s Day floral arranging classes. Making your own custom flower crown and more.

Have Dinner and A Show

Treat Mom to a classic standard: dinner and a show. There’s nothing quite like the experience of a live performance and you can choose a night that will cater to Mom’s interests, dance, theater, music, whatever she’ll enjoy. Plus, doesn’t she deserve to have someone else cook for her for a change?

Our suggestion: Instead of going the traditional Opera House route, try one of Boston’s more intimate production places, like the Institute of Contemporary Art, where contemporary troupe BalletX blends athleticism, emotion and traditional technique for a show that is exciting. After the show swing by Committee just down the street for an upscale Mediterranean dinner.