I’ve always thought Mother’s Day comes at the perfect time: mid-May when the spring weather is (usually) pretty nice, shorts and sandals can finally be worn, and a hint of summer is in the air. New England, where people start wearing flip flops before the snow is even entirely melted, really celebrates on Mother’s Day with all sorts of outdoors events, but these three are especially fun for moms and families.
Lilac Sunday
This Sunday, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University honors both moms and its world-renowned lilac collection, which is usually at its peak blooming time in May. This year marks the 106th year of the event! The lilacs, located on Bussey Hill, are a one-of-a-kind collection of nearly 370 plants representing 176 different kinds of lilacs. Festivities (from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.) include ongoing tours of the Arboretum’s lilacs and other key collections, children’s activities, displays, and demonstrations. This day is the only time in the entire year that picnicking is allowed in the Arboretum, but you don’t have to bring your own. Food Truck Festivals of New England will be on hand with a variety of trucks from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take public transportation if you can, as parking is tight.
M.O.M.’s Run 2014
The Mary O’Brien Memorial Run, or M.O.M.’s Run for short, benefits the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The event is named for Mary (Pilotte) O'Brien, a longtime Somerville resident who lost her battle to cancer in 2002. In the past 12 years, the M.O.M.’s Run has raised over $85,000 for the cause. The event is actually composed of several activities, a kids’ 0.1 mile, a 5K for walkers, and a 5K for runners. It starts and finishes in Davis Square at the Dilboy VFW Post. Following the 5K, there will be with food, beverages, an awards ceremony, a raffle, and other activities. Register online here. On race day, registration opens at 8 a.m. and the event starts at 9:30 a.m.
Duckling Day Parade
If you don’t own or know Make Way for Ducklings, the classic children’s book by Robert McCloskey, go out immediately and get it. This more-than-adorable parade celebrates the popular book and is a Mother’s Day tradition. More than 1,000 kids dress up as their favorite characters from the story and gather on Boston Common. There’s also face painting, a puppet show, and other entertainment. For the main event, the little costumed ducklings march through Boston Common to the Public Garden. New Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh will be on hand to welcome the ducklings in attendance. In addition, there will be play equipment for kids to explore and massage therapists will be offering free mini-massages for moms. Registration (per family) is required to participate. Online registration is open until May 10 at 8 p.m., but you can register in person the day of the event at 10:30 a.m.
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