$ The 'Best Things in Life are (Mostly) Free' Budget
It's Mother's Day, a time to celebrate mum and all the things she does and there are many great ways to mark this special occasion. You can spend a little or a lot, that part is up to you, but let's be sure to show her a good time.
Even if your budget doesn't allow for much, all that really matters is that you gather the family and spend some time together. There are many
free weekend activities in South Australia that might be fun for mum.
Breakfast in bed is always a winner, but if the weather is nice, you could throw some of her favourite treats together (perhaps even don an apron and whip up a batch of muffins) and head to a nice picnic spot, like the
Willunga Rose Garden,
Market Square, or
Inchiquin Lake Reserve.
After breakfast, get out of bed and get active by taking mum to
Salt Yoga. The Christies Beach yoga studio offers a free class every Sunday from 9.30 to 10.30 am in exchange for non-perishable food items or a monetary donation to benefit OzHarvest.
Sadly, not every mum can be with us to celebrate special occasions like this. To remember and honour those who have passed, Enfield Memorial Park has a
Mother's Day Service of Remembrance at 10.30 am. The theme of this year's free event is "I just wanted to say…"
I love you, Mum.
$$ The 'Cheap and Cheerful' Budget
Your budget might not allow for anything too elaborate, but if you still want to get out and about then one of Adelaide's Sunday markets might be the way to go. The
Wild at Hart fresh food market in Port Adelaide is on from 9 am until 2 pm. It has local, organic, and seasonal produce, as well as tasty treats and healthy options for a Sunday feast.
The Port Princess has a 2.5 hour
Mother's Day cruise and luncheon priced at a very reasonable $30 per person. Departing from the Fisherman's Wharf at Port Adelaide at 12 noon, the whole family can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the Port River.
The sustainable cellar door at
Gemtree Vineyards in McLaren Flat hosts a free monthly event called the Sunday Sound-Deck from 1 to 4 pm. It's next scheduled for Mother's Day when there'll be live music by a local performer and $5 drink specials on its organic wine.
Registrations are open for the
Mother's Day Classic, a fun run (or walk) on Mother's Day morning that profits research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer. It's held at Peace Park in North Adelaide where there is free entertainment, children's activities, and food and drink available for participants.
The
Stamford Grand at Glenelg has a variety of meal options available for Mother's Day, including breakfast in the grand ballroom, a seafood buffet lunch, and high tea. The Mother's Day functions are quite well priced from $35 to $55 per person, so best make your booking soon.
$$$ The 'A Bit of Cash to Splash' Budget
As far as Mother's Day gifts go, you can't really get it wrong with a voucher from one of
Adelaide's best day spas. She's sure to appreciate and benefit from some time out for a treatment, whether it's a deluxe pedicure, a therapeutic massage, or a rejuvenating facial.
Allow mum to tick 'swim with dolphins' off her bucket list with a booking or voucher for
Temptation Sailing. It's an early morning start from the Holdfast Shores Marina at Glenelg and it can be chilly in the water (thankfully, wetsuits are supplied), but the 3.5 hour cruise is a memorable experience.
If she'd rather stay warm and dry, then go for a meal and movie deal with
Wallis Cinemas at Mitcham. The Mother's Day lunch includes a three course meal, movie tickets, and a glass of sparkling wine on arrival for $59 per person. Bookings are, of course, required.
Mum might prefer waterfront views to the big screen, and if so, then
Red Ochre Grill at North Adelaide is the place to go. The restaurant has put together a mouth-watering menu for a Mother's Day luncheon from 12 noon until 3 pm that costs $76 per person.
$$$$ The 'Money is No Object' Budget
The
InterContinental on North Terrace has an impressive Mother's Day function planned from 2 to 5 pm. The grand ballroom is the setting for an indulgent high tea and Liza Emanuele fashion parade. The event is hosted by Channel 9's Lisa McAskill and costs $139 per person.
If money is no object, then perhaps a weekend away is in order.
Clare Valley is nice this time of year. Morella House Bed and Breakfast has two comfortable suites, the
Martin Suite and the
Iris Suite, located close to all the main attractions, such as
Sevenhill Cellars and the
Burra Heritage Passport.
Or jump on a ferry and spend the weekend exploring Kangaroo Island. There's something to suit everyone there, like
Raptor Domain,
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery,
Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, and all the beautiful
beaches of Kangaroo Island.
In any case, it's a busy day for families and these activities and events tend to book up quickly, so make your reservations soon to avoid disappointment. If that's not possible, then here are some
last minute Mother's Day ideas that she's sure to adore.
Happy Mother's Day!
