Mother's Day is that one day of the year dedicated to mums all over the world. Unfortunately, though, activities that mum will love have become increasingly consumerist. Everywhere around us, Mother's Day activity ideas seem like a call to buy things and spend money ... money that some of us can't spare. In this economy, it makes planning a Mother's Day celebration stressful and less enjoyable.
But it doesn't have to be. Looking for fun things to celebrate being a mum with your kids doesn't have to mean spending a lot. Whether you're saving for something important or financially struggling at the moment, you can still make Mother's Day extra special without breaking the bank.
Further reading: Blooming Resilience: A Spotlight On Single Mums On Mother’s Day
The Best Mother's Day Activity Ideas for Frugal Single Mums
Morning Walk with Mum
The crazy thing about being a single parent is there's no way to surprise mum; after all, you think of Mother's Day activity ideas all by yourself! But that doesn't mean there's no fun way to celebrate Mother's Day as a single mum.
First things first: go for a walk. Jogging or walking around the neighbourhood with the little ones releases happy hormones to kick off this special day. It's always a great way to spend quality time together without spending anything. If your teen is not keen to talk, you both can assemble a playlist to jam with during the walk. Better yet, you can simply talk.
If your kids are up to it, how about a nature hike? Thankfully for us, we are blessed with nice hiking trails here in Australia. All you need are your good shoes, water, some protein bars, and you're good to go!
Mother's Day Brunch
Breakfast in bed would be an awesome Mother's Day gift to wake up to if your kids are old enough to be left alone in the kitchen. But for a single mum with a small child like me, this is a hard no.
The next best thing? To start the day a bit later and then make brunch with the kids. Get the kids involved in the preparation. Drinking beverage out of fancy china and snacking on sandwiches cut in neat triangles can turn a simple meal into a high tea moment. Take out your gingham sheet and set up a Mother's Day picnic at the backyard. Or have your brunch or dinner in bed while you watch home movies together. No need to spend money on special ingredients ... just a little creativity over the ingredients you already have is enough.
Further Reading: Kid-friendly Mother's Day Recipes
Brews and Treats at Home
There’s something magical about a warm drink on a cool morning, and getting together to make them can be a sweet bonding moment. Instead of lining up at a crowded café, make your favourite brew at home. Whether it’s herbal tea, hot chocolate, or a fancy instant coffee with whipped cream, this can be your special treat.
You and the kids can set up a little “café corner” in your home using your favourite mugs, some homemade cookies, and a calm playlist. If you’re feeling fancy, decorate the table with a little handwritten menu or signs. You’d be surprised how much joy you can spark with what’s already in your pantry.
You can even have a mini taste test of different teas or hot chocolates. Kids love playing food critics, and you’ll love not spending a cent.
Fun Mother's Day Activity Ideas Without Spending a Lot (cont.)
Trip Down the Botanical Garden
Everyone loves flowers, but we can all agree that Mother's Day flowers can be hecka expensive. Instead of bouquets of flowers that will eventually dry out and end up in the compost, why not go to a botanical garden? Thankfully, many beautiful gardens here in Australia are open everyday for free. You will get your colourful photographs surrounded with blooms without spending a cent.
More importantly, your little trip can be a teaching moment about allowing plants to grow. It can be a way to show your love for Mother Earth as well. Here's a beautiful quote attributed to Osho you can share with the kiddos:
“If you love a flower, don’t pick it up. Because if you pick it up it dies and it ceases to be what you love. So if you love a flower, let it be. Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation.”
Oh, and make sure none of your kids are allergic to pollen before planning your visit!
Book Date at the Library
Another one of the things I love the most about our country is that many of our public libraries are open seven days a week. You can simply pick a book to read. But if you're a regular at your public library, you already know that the cool librarians have already planned something to celebrate you. It can be a Mother's Day-themed book club or film showing. Last year, my library offered free daycare while the mums attended their choice of a cooking class, a perfume-making class, or a pottery workshop. While the mums were learning a new skill, the staff helped our kids make handmade Mother's Day crafts as keepsakes. Sweet!
Join a Neighbourhood Mother's Day Event
Look out for Mother's Day activities to celebrate this day in your neighbourhood. Organisations in your community could be offering free services, like mental health consultations or financial health seminars. It could be a karaoke challenge or an impromptu mum pageant. There could be totally free freebies for mums in the park or at the mall. The farmer's market near us always sets up a booth that lets mums enjoy a glass of local wine on Mother's Day. No need to buy anything!
One-of-a-Kind Mother's Day Activity Ideas (cont.)
Get Planting
If you have a patch of soil, a few pots, or even just recycled containers, Mother’s Day can be the perfect excuse to start a little garden with your kids. Growing something together — whether it's flowers, herbs, or veggies — is a great reminder that motherhood, like gardening, is all about patience and care.
No need to go out and buy anything fancy. You can use seeds from store-bought tomatoes or sprouted garlic from your pantry. Decorate old jars or cans for pots, and use wooden spoons or ice-cream sticks for labels. This activity doesn’t just save money, it also teaches kids how to appreciate growth, responsibility, and sustainability.
Plus, watching something bloom weeks later will feel like the celebration continues long after Mother's Day.
Spa Day at Home
If it were me, rest and relaxation are always the best way to celebrate Mother's Day. Obviously, going to the spa costs a lot. You don't need to buy all the products you see from overconsumption-pretending-to-be-self-care creators on TikTok. You can pamper yourself at home using stuff you already have: hot water, a washcloth, and a bit of nail polish. Or you might even have little kids who will be willing to talk all over your back for a nice massage.
Visit Grandma
Last up in our list of Mother's Day activity ideas is something for the mum's mum. Even though we are mums ourselves, my sister and I still prefer to spend the day in our parents' house on Mother's Day. For our mum, having her grandchildren around is always the best gift. For our kids, visiting their grandma is always at the top of their list of fun things to do. Assuming you have a wonderful relationship, Mother's Day is a great time to enjoy with your kids' grandmother.
If you grew up in a healthy family environment, get everyone together in your mum's home for a meaningful Sunday reunion. You will only need some food and drinks to enjoy together, lots of photographs, childhood stories, and supplies for a creative activity for the youngsters.
And since you now share one more thing with your mum - motherhood, that is - this is a great chance to learn something new about each other. I'm sure this will make her feel extra special.
Final Thoughts: Mother's Day Activity Ideas Frugal Mums Will Love
Mother’s Day isn’t about expensive gifts or over-the-top plans. For single mums, especially those juggling tight budgets, it’s about feeling seen, appreciated, and celebrated in ways that are meaningful and real.
Whether it's walking with your kids, planting something together, or sipping tea in your pyjamas, the best moments are usually the ones that cost the least. These simple Mother's Day activity ideas are filled with acts of togetherness, laughter, and creativity, and are the memories that stay with us.
So this year, celebrate yourself exactly as you are: a mum who’s doing her best, with love, heart, and grit. And know that you don’t need to spend a fortune to be cherished. You already are!
