If Mom: Can’t Get Enough of “This American Life”
Take Her To: Listen to Your Mother
The Jewish Community Center; 5/6 at 2 p.m.; 334 Amsterdam Ave., at 76th St.; 646-505-5708
The tales might sound familiar to mom at this event, where local writers — all of whom have little ones themselves — come together for one night to read stories celebrating the many facets of motherhood. René Syler, an author and former CBS Early Show anchor, will host.
If Mom: Likes a Good Competition
Take Her To: The Moth StorySLAM: Mothers
The Bell House; 5/7 at 7:30 p.m.; 149 7th St., nr. Second Ave., Gowanus; 718-643-6510
Another pre–Mother’s Day storytelling event, this time brought to you from the master monologuists at the Moth. Also, participation is open to the public, and you will be judged, so if you’ve got the chops, look no further for your extra-special Mother’s Day gift.
If Mom: Is Crafty
Take Her To: Mother’s Day Crafts
Central Park; 5/10 at 2 p.m.; Mid-Park at 64th St.; 212-794-4064
The whole family is welcome at this afternoon craft-making pre–Mother’s Day affair, where materials will be provided for you to make the perfect picture frame for mom. This one’s more for the kids, but we say if the crafting is in your heart, go for it. (Admission is free; call 212-794-4064 for more information.)
If Mom: Has a Closet Full of Polyester
Take Her To: Mother’s Day Disco Brunch
Highline Ballroom; 5/13 at noon and 3:30 p.m.; 431 W. 16th St, nr. Ninth Ave.; 212-414-599
If watching Saturday Night Fever makes mom nostalgic, give her a chance to relive the past with two performances from Disco Unlimited, a seventies cover band. Brunch will be available as well, because you don’t want mom doing the hustle on an empty stomach.
If Mom: Would Rather Be Outdoors
Take Her To: Mother’s Day Garden Party
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx Park; 5/12 and 5/13.; Bronx River Pkwy. at Fordham Rd.
Take mom to a garden oasis right in the Bronx, with two days of games, ragtime music, and treats for the whole family. Dust off the mallet for croquet, practice your swing for badminton, or bring a kite to fly if it’s windy enough (which, judging by the weather lately, it will be). Adults can get their hands dirty with watercolor painting and cake decorating, and kids can do the same with clay sculpting and greeting-card-making. And professional photographers will be on hand to capture it all for mom to remember.
If Mom: Is Athletic
Take Her To: Mother’s Day Duathlon
Start at Willink entrance off of Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park; 5/13 at noon and 3:30 p.m.; Flatbush Ave. at Eastern Pkwy., Park Slope
There are three distances for you and mom to choose from at this Mother’s Day Duathlon (running and biking). The route through Prospect Park is scenic, taking you through meadows and past waterfalls. And at the awards ceremony there will be oatmeal. But might we suggest packing a picnic lunch instead? E-mail alejandrareagan@hotmail.com for more information.
If Mom: Enjoys Her Booze
Take Her To: Champagne Brunch Cruise
Bateaux New York, Chelsea Piers; 5/13 at 11:30; West Side Hwy. nr. 23rd St.; 212-352-2022
Show mom the splendid skyline with a Champagne brunch. You’ll score extra points if she fancies dancing: The cruise comes complete with a live jazz pianist, perfect for taking her out for a spin on the dance floor.