From picnics to paintbrushes: Celebrate every kind of mom in the Mother City
Look, we love a box of chocolates as much as the next person, but Mother’s Day deserves more than generic gifts and last-minute lunch bookings. This year, we’re skipping the commercial clichés and making space for something better: thoughtful moments, real connection, and quality time with the people who raised us, guided us, or simply kept us sane.
Whether you're planning a day for your mom, your gran, your bonus mom, your best friend who parents like a pro, or even yourself (shout out to the self-carers!), Cape Town has your back.
For the nature-loving matriarch: A garden stroll and picnic
Start the day slow with a picnic in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. It’s leafy, lovely, and completely gorgeous. Impress mom by packing in some homemade scones (or treat her to not-homemade scones with jam and cream at Fynkos Kirstenbosch Tea Room) - she’ll love you for it! If you’re more “let’s bring the dog and the frisbee,” Green Point Urban Park has space for both chilling and romping. BYO snacks, a cute blanket, and sunscreen, of course. Or, pop into the picturesque Park Café and treat mom to ‘gram-worthy bites.
For the Pinterest mom: Pottery, but make it personal
Get your hands dirty in a wholesome way at a Clay Café session in Hout Bay or the CBD. It's cute, it's low-pressure, and it doubles as a sneaky way to spend quality time without the usual "So, how's work?" interrogation. Plus, she’ll leave with a mug she can actually brag about.
For the culture maven: A day of art and history
Zeitz MOCAA is an absolute must for the art-appreciating mother figure. It's packed with bold, brilliant contemporary African art, and the building itself is a masterpiece. Afterwards, don’t just wander aimlessly. Instead, walk over to The Yard or OUI Bar & KTCHN for a coffee or bite in the vibey Silo District. You’ve both earned it!
For the mom who needs a nap: a zen morning
For the mama who’s been running on empty (aka all of them), book a treatment at Mai Thai Wellness Spa in Oranjezicht. Think gentle Thai massage, tranquil courtyard, herbal teas, and zero small talk.
Or if you're DIY-ing it, set up a home spa day: sheet masks, essential oils, and a 'no chores allowed' rule. Yes, that includes the dishes.
For the homebody with a sweet tooth: A homemade high tea
Forget overpriced high teas. Instead, channel your inner granny and whip one up at home. Scones, finger sandwiches, jam that didn’t come from a can - you get the vibe. Bonus points if you serve it on mismatched plates and insist everyone wears a hat.
If you're really not the baking type, Chardonnay Deli in Constantia has that rustic, tea-and-cake-on-the-veranda energy down to a science. Or head to picturesque Chart Farm near Wynberg Park, where you can pick your own roses before settling in for tea, scones, and sweeping views of the Constantia Valley.
For the mom who still has the moves: Music, markets and good vibes
Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be all classical concerts and choirs (unless that’s her jam, in which case, go forth). Check out the Mojo Market in Sea Point for live music, easy eats, and general weekend cheer. It’s low-commitment, high-fun, and there’s always a glass of bubbly nearby.
For the “Don’t Buy Me Anything” mom (who still loves a little something)
If she’s more into meaning than merch, head to the Montebello Design Centre in Newlands. It's a treasure trove of studios, ceramicists, and local artists. There’s also a nursery, a café, and enough leafy corners to make you forget you're a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Buy her something small and beautiful, or just wander and chat.
For the chosen family: All love, no labels
Not every mom looks like a mom, and not everyone celebrates with their biological family. So gather your people - your besties, your chosen family, your ride-or-die neighbours - and have your own version of the day. A long walk on the Sea Point Promenade or a lazy afternoon at St. James tidal pool does the trick.
Mother’s Day doesn’t need to be a money-spinner. Just show up, be present, and plan something that says “I see you” in a way that matters. Whether it’s fresh air, a shared memory, or finally doing that one thing she’s been hinting at since Feb, Cape Town’s got options.
You bring the love. The Mother City will bring the rest.