Every year on the second Sunday of May, we come together to celebrate the women in our lives who raise our kids, kiss our boo-boos, and cheer us on from the sidelines. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show the moms in your family just how much they mean to you. Indeed, while a gift of chocolates and handmade jewelry may bring a smile, what mothers truly desire is quality time spent with their children—regardless of age. If you live in or are visiting the Houston area, here is a list of fun activities and events you can share with mom this Mother’s Day. Moreover, some of these activities are even free!

Downtown Aquarium

While no one needs an excuse to spend the day at the Downtown Aquarium, Mother’s Day presents an excellent opportunity to enjoy the everyday entertainment this venue offers along with a lavish buffet brunch. On this special day, you can sit down with the remarkable mother in your life and indulge in a Sunday brunch featuring over 40 delectable selections. Moreover, there is even a kid-sized buffet spread for younger guests. To express even more appreciation for mothers, the Aquarium is offering a 50 percent discount on an All-Day Adventure Pass.

Tip: This event is quite popular, so make sure to call ahead to secure your reservations at 713-315-5112.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Spending Mother’s Day Weekend at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is a fantastic way to enjoy the holiday with family. In addition to exploring art and permanent collections, the museum features special activities and discounted tickets for various venues, including free admission to the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Bayou Bend showcases the museum’s decorative art and furnishings surrounded by stunning gardens, perfect for a relaxing afternoon or an ideal family photo.

The Houstonian Hotel

Why not treat mom to an extravagant brunch at one of Houston’s most luxurious hotels? The Houstonian offers a variety of dining options, from a simple à la carte meal to an elaborate brunch buffet. For those wanting to indulge, the Grande Ballroom provides a lavish buffet experience where families can enjoy complimentary champagne and mimosas. Although it’s a splurge, your mom deserves it!

After brunch, consider giving her the luxury of a massage or facial at the hotel’s full-service spa, allowing her to bask in some well-deserved “me time.”

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Miller Outdoor Theatre presents a variety of fantastic shows and concerts throughout the year, and Mother’s Day weekend is no exception. If your mother is fond of the arts, she will surely appreciate a performance at Miller’s iconic outdoor stage. Admission is free; however, please note that a ticket is necessary for covered seating, which can be obtained on the day of the performance between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Hermann Park

An exciting Mother’s Day event hosted by the Hermann Park Conservancy is taking place at Hermann Park. Moms and their kids can enjoy a delicious breakfast at the park’s Pinewood Cafe, followed by arts and crafts, pedal boats, and a ride on the Hermann Park train. What better way to celebrate the day than spending quality time outdoors? For further information and to make reservations, visiting their website is recommended.

Pro tip: If the weather turns too warm or the kids become restless, you can always cool off in one of the park’s splash pads or head to one of the many air-conditioned areas within the Houston Zoo.

Moody Gardens

This Galveston-area attraction truly embraces Mother’s Day. Moody Gardens offers a range of activities to help celebrate the incredible moms in your life, such as seafood brunches, sticky buns, and relaxing spa packages. After enjoying your time together, consider exploring other attractions at Moody Gardens or venturing out to the island’s Pleasure Pier or water park. If the weather is pleasant, take a moment to hunt for seashells or simply lounge on one of the area’s best beaches. However you choose to spend this special day, remember that the most important aspect is to do it together.