Mother's Day is a special day to celebrate all the wonderful mums out there. As parents of babies and toddlers, you know that life can be busy and full of little adventures (and challenges!), so finding activities that are both enjoyable and easy for little ones is key. These are Marmalade Lion’s five fantastic, infant-friendly Mother’s Day activities you can enjoy as a family in Australia. Doesn’t matter if you're in the bustling cities or more laid-back regional areas, these ideas will help make Mother's Day a memorable one for everyone!
Picnic in the Park
One of the simplest yet most enjoyable ways to spend Mother’s Day is by heading outdoors for a picnic. Many Australian parks are equipped with shaded areas, well-maintained paths, and play areas, making them perfect for babies and toddlers. The relaxed vibe of a picnic allows you to enjoy the day without the stress of formal events, and it’s a great way for the whole family to connect with nature.
What you’ll need –
- A comfy picnic blanket
- Snacks and drinks (perhaps some treats that are easy to share, like sandwiches, fruit, and cheese)
- Baby-friendly toys or baby play mats for tummy time if you’ve got a little one
· A pram or carrier for the baby (if you have a toddler, they can toddle around while you keep an eye on them)
If your baby is still too young to sit up, a shaded spot with a soft surface will allow them to enjoy the fresh air while you and your toddler enjoy the space. If your toddler is a bit more mobile, they can explore the playground or even play some light games with you—think chasing bubbles, or a little friendly game of "throw the ball".
Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat, especially in sunny Australian conditions! A picnic in the park is a great way to enjoy nature, fresh air, and some quality family time.
Create a Handprint or Footprint Art Piece
Mums love receiving gifts they can cherish, and one of the most cherished keepsakes you can make with your little one is a handprint or footprint art piece. This craft is simple, meaningful, and the perfect way to capture the tiny hands or feet of your baby or toddler.
What you’ll need –
- Non-toxic, baby-safe paint (choose a safe option like tempera or a washable paint)
- Large piece of paper or canvas
- Wet wipes or a damp cloth to clean up after the paint session
- A cute frame (optional, for displaying the masterpiece)
For babies, you can carefully press their hand or foot into the paint and then onto the canvas or paper to make a lovely print. For toddlers, they may be excited to dip their hands or feet into the paint themselves (with a little help from you) and then create a fun design, like a flower with their handprints as petals, or a tree with footprints as the trunk and branches.
This activity is a great way to bond with your child, and you’ll have a lovely piece of art to hang on the wall or keep for years to come. It's simple enough for a baby, but still fun and memorable for a toddler.
Take a Stroll Through a Botanical Garden or Nature Reserve
Australia boasts some stunning botanical gardens and nature reserves, many of which are perfect for families with young children. Whether you're near the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, or any other local garden, taking a relaxing walk through lush greenery and scenic landscapes is a wonderful way to spend the day together.
What you’ll need –
- A comfortable stroller or baby carrier for the little one
- A light snack, water, and possibly a picnic lunch for a quick stop
- A sun hat and sunscreen for the sunny Australian weather
These gardens often have paths that are stroller-friendly, and you can take your time strolling, chatting, and even stopping to smell the flowers (literally). A garden setting is a peaceful and beautiful way to enjoy some quiet time as a family. You can even take a few photos with your baby or toddler in the lovely surroundings to commemorate the day.
For your toddler, you could introduce them to the beauty of flowers, trees, and animals. You might spot some native wildlife like birds, butterflies, or maybe even a kangaroo or two (depending on where you are in Australia). It’s a calm yet stimulating experience for the little ones, and it’ll surely be a day to remember.
Mother’s Day Brunch at a Family-Friendly Café
If you're after a low-effort but high-reward Mother’s Day activity, why not head to a family-friendly café for a relaxed brunch? Many cafes across Australia are incredibly welcoming to families with young children, offering kids’ menus, high chairs, and even play areas.
What you’ll need –
- A good sense of humour (and patience) when dining out with little ones [This is essential. Obviously.]
- A pram or baby carrier for your baby
- A colouring book or some quiet baby toys to entertain the toddler while you wait for your food
Mother's Day brunch is an easy way to spend time with your family while enjoying some delicious food. And it’s a fantastic opportunity for mums to sit back, relax, and let someone else do the cooking for a change. Many cafés even offer outdoor seating where toddlers can have a bit more room to move while you enjoy your meal.
Some cafes might even have special Mother’s Day promotions or set menus, so it could be a fun way to celebrate the occasion while enjoying some good food and coffee. Plus, there’s no stress of preparing a full meal at home, and you can all enjoy the outing without too much fuss.
Host a Mini-Tea Party at Home
For a more intimate Mother’s Day celebration, consider hosting a mini tea party at home. This is an activity that is just as enjoyable for mums with babies and toddlers as it is for older children. The best part? You can keep things as simple or elaborate as you like, and you won’t have to worry about leaving the house!
What you’ll need –
- Some baby-friendly snacks (like fruit, crackers, and small sandwiches)
- A few cups or play cups for your toddler to join in on the tea party fun
- Soft blankets or pillows for sitting comfortably on the floor
- A few baby-friendly toys or a cuddly soft toy for your little one to enjoy while they sit in your lap
For babies, this might just mean sitting together and enjoying a calm moment with some light snacks and a cup of tea (or perhaps a drink more suitable for the toddler). For toddlers, you can all sit down with pretend cups and have a “toast” to Mum, sharing stories, singing songs, or playing simple games like “pass the teddy” or “peekaboo.”
This activity builds connection and creates a sense of celebration without needing to leave home. It’s easy, fun, and meaningful for everyone involved.
Mother's Day is all about celebrating mums, and it doesn’t have to be complicated to be special. Whether you’re enjoying the fresh air at a park, getting creative with handprint art, strolling through a beautiful garden, having brunch out, or hosting a mini tea party, the important thing is spending time together as a family and making memories.
These activities are easy to adapt to the needs of babies and toddlers, and they give you the opportunity to celebrate in a relaxed, meaningful way. Whatever you decide to do, just remember to take it easy, enjoy the moment, and most importantly, have fun with your little ones. After all, the best part of Mother’s Day is the love shared between mum and her family.
