11 Ways To Celebrate Mom Beyond Brunch

Breakfast in bed is nice, but she might love laughs, thrills and a cold plunge too.

When Mom wakes up Sunday morning, you’ll shower her with cards, flowers and kisses before she even rises from bed. It’s Mother’s Day—she deserves the best! After morning coffee, next on the agenda might be an exciting day trip or brunch at one of Bergen County’s great restaurants.

Did you miss your chance make plans or reservations? Don’t fret, as there’s plenty of things to do this weekend to make Mom—or anyone—smile. Here’s a simple idea: pack a basket and enjoy a few bites at a picnic in the park. Some other ideas:

• Start Mother’s Day weekend with a few laughs at Bananas Comedy Club in Rutherford, where SNL alum Chris Kattan performs four shows from May 9 to 10. The funnyman and actor brings his brand of comedy to the stage for sets starting at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on both days. Admission prices vary, and tickets can be purchased online.
• For more laughs, head to Tommy Fox’s in Bergenfield for a full weekend of comedy shows. On May 9 at 7 p.m., the TGIF Comedy Showcase features five comedians and surprise guests; the 7:30 p.m. May 10 show features award-winning comic John McClellan; and the May 11 event at 6 p.m. is a special Mother’s Day Comedy Celebration, “Because I Told You So.” Admission prices vary, and tickets can be purchased online.
• Create a masterpiece with family and friends during a paint and sip session at Pinot’s Palette in Ridgewood. There are eight separate sessions from May 9 to 11 with a chance to paint beach landscapes, flowers, plants and more. Times and prices vary. Classes fill up quickly, so be sure to check their website for availability.
• If you thought skating on ice was difficult, check out the riders at Bikes on Ice, a stunt show taking place at the American Dream ice rink in East Rutherford from May 9 to 11. Watch as performers do tricks along the ice while riding BMX, mountain bikes, ice bikes and even electric dirt bikes. General admission is $30, and showtimes vary.
• Embrace Italian American culture (and meet some celebrities) at Paisan Con 2025, happening May 9 to 11 at the Williams Center in Rutherford. Watch films, listen to music and get autographs from many Italian American guests, including Vincent Curatola and Federico Castelluccio from The Sopranos and former boxer Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini. Times and ticket prices vary.
• The entire family will enjoy Disney’s Aladdin Jr., a special presentation by the bergenPAC Performing Arts School on May 10. Watch as young performers bring the story of Aladdin to life, with beloved songs, amazing choreography and memorable moments. The show starts at 6 p.m., and tickets are $15.
• Take Mom out into the woods on May 11 for a Mother’s Day/Family Hike at the Tenafly Nature Center. The guided walk gives participants the chance to see the beauty of the forest in bloom (it makes for terrific Mother’s Day photos!). The walk starts at 11 a.m. and is $5 for TNC members, $10 for all others.
• Catch a classic flick at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, which is screening Mermaids (1989) at 2 p.m. and Little Women (2019) at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and children. Visit the center’s website for tickets and more details.
• A round of 18 at Paramus Mini Golf can make for a relaxing morning, unless you and your crew make it uber competitive. Either way, everyone can have fun on the course, which features water hazards, amusing obstacles and statues that pay tribute to New Jersey icons and landmarks. Adults play for $12, while children and seniors are $8. Payment can be made by credit or debit card only.
• Want to make something for the lady in your life? Walk right in to Bazaar Star Beadery in Ridgewood to create one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, anklets or earrings with the shop’s vast selection of loose beads in all shapes, sizes and colors.
• For a chill spa experience, take your mom to The Plunge Room in Englewood for a private hot and cold plunge therapy session. This includes time in the sauna and steam room and the plunge into the cold bath (the water is between 50- and 59-degrees Fahrenheit). Various packages are available.

Do you have exciting plans for Mother’s Day? Tag us in all your fun photos from the weekend @bergenmagnj.