21 Mother's Day games and activities
When it comes to planning Mother’s Day, it’s easy to fall back on the usual: a few balloons, some flowers, maybe breakfast in bed if the kids manage not to drop the serving tray.
But if you’re looking for fresh Mother’s Day activity ideas that make her day extra special, games are a lovely way to celebrate Mother’s Day with connection and fun.
If you’ve already picked out gift ideas and found the perfect Mother’s Day card, take it a step further and enjoy an afternoon of fun activities.
Classic and nostalgic games
Retreat to the comfort of old-school games from your childhood. Everyone already knows the rules (or at least, your family’s version of them), and you slip into their familiar rhythm within seconds.
1. Charades: Mum life edition
Keep it simple and silly: pretend to be Mum drinking tea, folding washing, or doing a silly dance in the kitchen. Let the kids guess (and act out their own versions). The first team to score the most points wins.
2. Pass the parcel
Wrap up a small toy, sticker sheet or snack with layers of paper. Add a sweet note or “kiss for Mum” instruction in each layer. Play some music, pass it around, and let the youngest family member open the last one.
3. Mother’s Day bingo
Make a homemade bingo card with easy drawings or pictures (a teacup, a love heart, a smiley face, the dog). Use stickers or cereal pieces to mark them off. It’s a great pre-nap activity for young ones.
Sign up
Get tailored content based on your week of pregnancy
By signing up, you agree to receiving our Newsletters. Cancel anytime.
Interactive and engaging games
For families who like a bit of movement (or just need a distraction that doesn’t involve screens), these games are fun, messy, and get you on your feet.
4. Who Knows Mum Best?’ live show
Set up a faux game show with a few rounds. Assign someone as host (looking at you, dads). Ask rapid-fire questions about Mum’s habits, dreams, or secret snack stash. Add buzzers or spoons to tap. Yes, points matter. But so does the fact that someone finally remembered her favourite song.
5. Mini scavenger or treasure hunt
Hide simple things around the house for the kids to find – like a spoon, a toy car, or Mum’s favourite book. Add little clues like “Where does Mum sit with her tea?” or “Where the teddies nap.”
6. Family story charades
Act out real moments from your family history and see who can guess the story. The time the dog ate the birthday cake. That ill-fated camping trip. Mum’s university phase. The high tea gone wrong. It’s a fun way to test everyone’s memory skills.
Creative and DIY games
Arts and crafts that dig a little deeper. These games double as activities and keepsakes.
7. ‘Why we love Mum’ collage
Set up a table with glue sticks, cut-out paper, stickers and crayons. Each person (with help if needed) adds something they love about Mum to a big poster.
8. Drawing challenge: Mum edition
Everyone draws a picture of Mum (no pressure on realism here). Then have a “gallery walk” to show them off. Ask questions like “What’s Mum doing in this one?” or “Why did you give her rainbow hair?”
9. Build a crown for the queen of the day
Use cardboard, foil, or paper and let the kids decorate a crown for Mum. Add stickers, pom poms, or whatever’s lying around. Once it’s done, Mum gets to wear it while being dramatically announced into the room.
Educational and trivia games
These ones are great for older kids or family reunions.
10. Life timeline
Draw a rough timeline of Mum’s life, from “learnt to drive” to “became a parent” to “binge-watched five seasons of a show in one week.” Let her fill in the blanks with stories. Listen, actually listen. You might learn something.
11. Pop culture mum match-up
Match TV mums and movie mums with their shows and then rank them based on who your mum is most like and least like. Cue lively debates and a new appreciation for Morticia Addams.
12. True or false: Mum edition
Make up facts about Mum’s past – some real, some absolutely not. (“Mum once met Chris Hemsworth in a cafe.” “Mum got detention for talking too much.”) Everyone guesses. Mum reveals the truth.
Outdoor and physical games
If the weather’s kind, take it outside. These games are great for blowing off steam, balancing out the cake, and creating those sunlit moments that live on in photos.
13. The Mother’s Day garden games
Keen for a more energetic game? Go for ring toss with gumboots, three-legged races with tea towels, or “find the chocolate Mum hid last week and forgot about.” It’s not very glam, but you’ll have a good time.
14. Nature walk, memory talk
Go for a walk. Each person has to share a memory of Mum when they pass a tree, flower, or dog. Sweet, strange, or mildly embarrassing, it all counts.
15. Picnic & bubbles
Keep it simple. Take lunch or a snack outside with a picnic rug, a speaker with Mum’s playlist, and a bottle of bubbles for the kids to chase. Thrown in a party hat and the moment is made.
Virtual and remote games
Long-distance Mother’s Days are hard, but they don’t have to be lonely. These games bring you closer across time zones, screens, and states.
16. Virtual show & tell
Have each child bring something to show on a video call that reminds them of Mum or Grandma. A drawing, a toy, a photo – they explain it in their own words. Messy, sweet, and full of love.
17. Read-aloud circle
Each family member picks a short book or poem to read to Mum. If kids are too little, they can just show the pictures and make up a story. It’s slow and lovely.
18.‘Guess that baby’ game
Send a few old photos or baby pics to family members and let them guess who’s who during a call. Throw in a few of Mum for bonus points (and some harmless embarrassment).
Budget-friendly games
Not every memory needs to cost something. These ideas are free, fast, and meaningful.
19. The compliment train
Everyone takes turns giving Mum a compliment, followed by a hug. Little kids can be prompted (“What do you like when Mum reads you?”). It’s short and sweet.
20. Kitchen karaoke
Play Mum’s favourite songs. Everyone gets a turn to perform – sing, dance, or just vibe. Mum gets to sit, watch, and take it all in.
21. One-minute story time
Each person tells a short story about something they love doing with Mum. Record it if you like – it makes a lovely keepsake to remember Mother’s Day by.
Wrapping it up
Okay, we’re going to get mushy for a second. It doesn’t really matter what game or activity you pick. If you spend quality time, get the whole family together, and show her you care (whatever that looks like), it’ll be a pretty fabulous Mother’s Day.
A game shared together might not come wrapped in ribbon, but it often ends up being the perfect gift: time, attention, and joy. (And maybe someone else putting away the coffee cups.)
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums, aunts, sisters, grandmothers, and quasi-parents out there!
Related Articles
Loved this article?
Share with a friend
