Wanna do something different for Mother's Day? 8 non-brunch activities in Cincinnati

Mother's Day is around the corner, so it's time to start planning for that quality time.

The annual celebration of moms and all motherly types comes on the second Sunday of May (May 14 this year), and there are always plenty of ways to express your gratitude for those maternal figures in your life.

Luckily, it's going to be a busy weekend with plenty of things to do around Greater Cincinnati, including a number of festivals, events and other activities.

If a Mother's Day brunch is right up your alley, restaurants all around Cincinnati are offering specials, but for those looking to do something a little different this year, we've got you covered.

Here are some ideas for fun, non-brunch activities for all ages to celebrate Mother's Day.

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Things to do for Mother's Day 2023 around Cincinnati

Appalachian Festival

Enjoy the 52nd annual festival, held at Coney Island rain or shine. It'll feature dancing, food, music, storytelling, vendors, demonstrators and living history.

Hours are Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.appalachianfestival.org.

Art on Vine

The monthly local art show featuring art and handmade goods from artists throughout the region will be at Washington Park May 14 from noon to 6 p.m.

The Candle Lab

Offering two Cincinnati locations (in Anderson Township and Over-the-Rhine), this is the perfect unique activity for any candle-loving mom. The Candle Lab normally allows walk-ins for parties of four or fewer.

To make a reservation, visit www.thecandlelabcincy.com.

Cincinnati Art Museum

Is Mom a fine art enthusiast? Entrance to the Cincinnati Art Museum is always free, although special exhibitions require a ticket. The museum also has the Terrace Cafe with a special Mother's Day menu, served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Celebrate all the moms, both human and animal alike, by visiting your favorite animals at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden this Mother's Day. All moms that visit the zoo on Mother's Day get in for free. The zoo just asks that you let the employee at the turnstile entrance know who the moms are in your group.

Krohn Conservatory

The conservatory's Butterflies of the Meadow exhibit runs through June 18. All guests are required to have timed tickets before a visit, whichare available online at www.krohn.ticketspice.com or with a limited number at the door.

Tickets are in one-hour increments.

Picnic at local parks

Looking for a free activity? Gather your favorite picnic foods, a blanket and some chairs and head to one of Cincinnati's many parks.

Rhinegeist Brewery

Rhinegeist is hosting a brunch series on its rooftop during select Sundays all summer, and Mother's Day is one of those days. Running from 10 a.m. to noon, each $45 ticket includes a customized breakfast box from Local Cantina (with vegan and vegetarian options available), coffee, bottomless mimosas, beer, cider, RGBev options and more.

All guests must be 21 and older. Dates are weather-dependent and tickets are non-refundable, but can be transferred to an alternate date.

A limited number of tickets are available, and can be purchased through Rhinegeist's website, www.rhinegeist.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door if they are available.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mother's Day 2023: 8 fun (and non-brunch) activities in Cincinnati