Mother’s Day is coming up on May 11th! What better way to treat the mothers, grandmothers, and motherly figures in your life than to spend some quality time together? We’ve compiled some fun, free activities to make your Mother’s Day special. And, if you need gift ideas, we’ve got you covered. We love supporting local businesses here in Kitsap County, so we’ve also included some thoughtful ideas.

Outdoor Activities

Surprise your mom, stepmother, aunt, or grandmother with a picnic in one of our wonderful local parks. Consider going to Kiwanis Park in Bremerton. It has picnic tables, open fields, a playground, and public restrooms. Or, Seabeck’s Scenic Beach State Park is another great option. It has nice trails with rhododendrons, incredible views of the Olympics, picnic shelters, beach access, and a playground.

Another idea is to head to Kingston’s Saltair Beach, right by the ferry. It offers a nice, sandy beach and it’s steps from downtown. Pack a picnic and some beach towels for a relaxing afternoon. Alternatively, you could purchase delicious empanadas from Argensol or a few slices of award-winning pizza from Sourdough Willy’s. Both establishments are loved by locals and are within walking distance of Saltair Beach. While you’re downtown, you could also check out the Kingston Public Market. Its opening day is on Mother’s Day. The market is located by the ferry terminal in Mike Wallace Park. You’ll find all kinds of locally made crafts, fresh produce, and more. There’s often live music there as well.

If you want to check out a unique local spot, consider visiting the Hobbit House in The Brothers Greenhouses. This iconic tiny house is open year-round during business hours (Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM). Visitors can step into this magical place, take photos, view the rooftop garden, and sign the guestbook. While you’re there, peruse their wonderful selection of locally grown plants – perennials, annuals, vegetables, succulents – you name it, they probably have it.

Not too far from Kitsap County is beautiful Finnriver Farm & Cidery in Chimacum. Finnriver will be having a Makers Market on Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. This event celebrates mothers and mother nature and will include an array of local vendors. All of them are either inspired by nature or use natural materials in their work. Finnriver is fun for the whole family with live music, tasty cider for purchase, an expansive outdoor area for kids to play, and the chance to find a perfect gift to purchase for Mom.

For Fans of the Arts

If the mom in your life enjoys art, spend an afternoon with her at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA). Thanks to donors and members, admission is always free. It’s open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily. Check out BIMA’s current exhibitions, including “Power of the Presses”, which focuses on print works and includes hands-on art making in the gallery. Also impactful is their permanent art collection, highlighting contemporary art of the Puget Sound region.

Another option is a free Mother’s Day craft hosted by the Suquamish Museum. From May 7 – 11, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, you can visit the Suquamish Museum to make a beautiful paper flower bouquet (limited to one per person). This event is open to all ages, and supplies will be provided. It’s fun to get crafty while enjoying time together, creating a sweet memory and a bouquet that won’t wilt. The Suquamish Museum is also a beautiful place to immerse yourself in history, art, and culture. The museum admission is free for Tribal members and children 5 and under. For others, prices vary from $6.00 to $8.00 per person; see their website to learn more.

For History Lovers

Full of fascinating artifacts and information, the Puget Sound Navy Museum in Bremerton is free year-round. Visitors can enjoy permanent and temporary exhibits, and a Family Discovery Room geared toward children. It’s open Wednesdays through Mondays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Please note that if you bring a bag, it needs to be stored in one of their lockers since they want to keep all Navy treasures safe and secure.

Another great option for history lovers in the Kitsap History Museum, also in Bremerton. It’s open 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. General admission is free to all visitors. They have many interesting exhibits, including store fronts with historical artifacts, a switchboard, a firefighter display, indigenous pieces, and much more. Additionally, the Kitsap History Museum hosts interesting events like their “History Uncorked” series. Follow their Facebook page to stay in the loop.

Local Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

A Glowing Gift

Unique candles always make for an enjoyable gift. The Wax Artist, which you can find in the Kitsap Mall, has all kinds of candles full of personality and charm. The Wax Artist also has highly-rated candle-making workshops. This might even be a fun activity to do with your mom. In one of these workshops, you get to blend your favorite scents and add wax charms to personalize it. This typically takes 30 minutes to one hour. After pouring your candle, it will be ready for pickup in about two hours. While waiting, you can check out other shops inside the mall or get a bite to eat. While the staff is open to walk-in candle-making, it’s best to book online.

Vintage Flair

Another sweet gift is a mix of old and new. Stop into Bremerton Vintage Flea and find a mug or teapot that you can fill with chocolates, IOUs, or little thank you notes. This great shop also has interesting baskets, which you could purchase and fill with bath products, their favorite snacks, or flower seed packets.

Classically Cute

For a classic gift, stop into Williams Flower & Gift store. Not only will you be able to select a beautiful bouquet, but you’ll also find some lovely gift baskets and exotic plants for sale. This store is family-owned and provides local same-day and express flower delivery to Bremerton, Washington and the rest of their local delivery zone.

Fun Flights of Red and White

If the mother you’re treating enjoys a fine wine, consider getting her a Kitsap Wine Pass. This experiential gift is brought to you by the Kitsap Winery Alliance, which is a coalition of seven wineries in Poulsbo, Hansville, and Bainbridge Island. With this pass, Mom will save on wine tasting fees at all participating wineries, receive a wine flight at each one, and get discounts on bottle purchases. It’s good for one year from the date of purchase and the pass can be delivered by email or text message.

Painted Perfection

To create a memorable keepsake for the motherly figure in your life, paint a piece of pottery at Dancing Brush Studio in downtown Poulsbo. From vases to platters, statues to spoon rests, there are no shortage of options. The staff can show you different painting techniques and the studio is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday & Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Plan to be there for at least an hour. Your studio session includes all materials and it’s $15 per person plus the shelf price of whichever pottery piece you select. When you’re done, you’ll pay and the staff will fire it in their kiln. It’s typically ready to pick up one week later.

Book-themed Beauties

Books also make excellent gifts. Ballast Book Co. in Bremerton has all kinds of great reads. Consider making a themed gift by purchasing a book, a clever book bag, and a funny bookmark. Or, combine this succulents adult coloring book, with a succulents informational book, and an actual succulent from Brothers Greenhouses. Other themed gifts include a cookbook paired with the ingredients to make a favorite recipe, or this national parks journal with a bookworm hat.

However you decide to honor the mothers in your life, we hope you celebrate locally here in beautiful Kitsap County!