Mother’s Day in Rochester isn’t just another Sunday- it’s the day we put Mom on her well-deserved pedestal and shower her with love, laughter, and maybe a mimosa or two. If you’re searching for ideas that go beyond the usual card and flowers, you’re in the right place. Here’s how to make this Mother’s Day in Rochester, Michigan, one she’ll actually want to brag about.
Brunch Goals: Royal Park Hotel’s Mother’s Day Brunch
Let’s start with the main event: food. And not just any food, the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at the Royal Park Hotel. This isn’t your average scrambled eggs and burnt toast situation. We’re talking carving stations, seafood displays, create-your-own omelets and waffles, and a dessert bar so tempting you’ll need to practice restraint (or just give in, it’s Mother’s Day).
Date: Sunday, May 11, 2025
Seatings: 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1 PM
Location: 600 East University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307
Price: $85 per adult | $36 per child (ages 3-10) | Kids 2 & under eat free
There’s even an onsite photobooth, so you can capture the moment Mom realizes she doesn’t have to cook or clean for once. Reservations are a must-this brunch is as popular as a mom’s group chat on a snow day.
Pick-Your-Own Fruit: Sweet Memories (and Snacks)
If your mom loves a little adventure (and fresh produce), take her to a local orchard for a fruit-picking session. Rochester Cider Mill and Westview Orchards are great spots for filling baskets with seasonal fruit. You’ll get fresh air, sweet treats, and maybe even enough strawberries to bake a pie together later. Bonus: this is a sneaky way to get everyone off their phones and into the sunshine.
Spa Day: Because She Deserves It
Let’s be honest, no one has earned a little pampering more than Mom. Book her a massage or facial at a local spa-think Spa Agio or The Woodhouse Day Spa in Rochester. She’ll leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and possibly plotting how to make this a monthly tradition.
Get Crafty: Pottery, Bracelets, and More
If your mom’s the creative type, spend the afternoon at Paint Creek Center for the Arts or check out a pottery painting studio like Creative Arts Studio. Make matching mugs, friendship bracelets, or even a family cookbook filled with her favorite recipes. It’s less about the finished product and more about the laughs along the way (and the stories behind every slightly lopsided mug).
Yoga with a Twist: Goat Yoga or Classic Stretching
For the mom who’s always up for something new, try a yoga class together. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, look for a goat yoga event nearby-yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s as funny as it sounds. If not, a classic class at Red Lotus Yoga will do the trick. Either way, you’ll both leave feeling a little more zen (and maybe with a new appreciation for baby goats).
Nature Walks and Picnics: Simple Pleasures
Sometimes, the best memories are made outdoors. Head to Paint Creek Trail or Rochester Municipal Park for a walk among the spring blooms. Pack a picnic with her favorite snacks, spread out a blanket, and enjoy some quality time-no WiFi required. If you’re lucky, you might spot some local wildlife (or at least a very determined squirrel).
Mother-Daughter (or Son) Photoshoot: Capture the Love
Book a local photographer or just grab your phone and head to the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm for a family photoshoot. Dress up, get silly, and snap away. Later, surprise her with a framed photo or a digital album-something she can look at long after the flowers have wilted.
Gift Ideas: Thoughtful and Local
Skip the generic candle aisle and opt for gifts that show you really know her. Here are a few ideas:
Personalized Jewelry: Find a local jeweler or order a custom necklace with her kids’ initials.
Handmade Treats: Pick up gourmet cupcakes from Cupcake Station or a box of cookies from Bakehouse 46.
Subscription Boxes: Whether she loves coffee, books, or flowers, there’s a subscription box for her. It’s the gift that keeps on giving (and reminds her you’re the favorite).
Custom Photo Gifts: Create a heart-shaped photo collage or a set of custom notecards with family snapshots.
For the Mom Who Loves Experiences
Cooking Class: Sign up for a class at Sur La Table or invite her to a virtual session at home. Bonus points if you let her do the taste-testing.
Book Club for Two: Pick a book, grab some tea from The Spice & Tea Exchange, and spend the afternoon reading and chatting.
Concert or Theater Night: Check out what’s playing at Meadow Brook Theatre or catch a live show at a local venue.
Volunteer Together: Giving Back Feels Good
If your mom’s heart is as big as her to-do list, spend the day volunteering together. Rochester has plenty of opportunities, from food pantries to animal shelters. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the day-and you’ll both leave with full hearts.
Mother’s Day in Rochester is all about making Mom feel loved, appreciated, and maybe a little spoiled. Whether you’re brunching at the Royal Park Hotel, crafting keepsakes, or just going for a walk, the best gift is time spent together (and maybe a cupcake or two).
Sources: thepioneerwoman.com, forbes.com, business.rrc-mi.com
Header Image Source: Nick Fewings on Unsplash
