Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be all pastel petals and dainty brunches, unless that’s her thing. But if she’s more into quirky adventures, unexpected fun, or a day that’s anything but traditional, we’ve got ideas that go beyond the usual.
From axe throwing to karaoke, forest hikes to unexpected local haunts, here are 20 memorable ways to celebrate Mother’s Day across Oregon. Whether you’re planning the day for someone special or treating yourself, think of this as permission to skip the script and create a day that’s anything but ordinary. Because the best traditions are the ones you make your own.
Throw Axes or Shoot Arrows
Because nothing says “I appreciate you” like letting Mom hurl sharp objects for fun. Try Unofficial Logging Co. in Bend or Blade & Timber in Slabtown. Feeling medieval? Archers Afield in Tigard has bows, targets, and plenty of Katniss energy.
Go Retro at a Vintage Arcade
Let Mom unleash her inner 80s kid at Ground Kontrol or QuarterWorld, where Pac-Man and pinball meet craft cocktails. Just don’t be surprised if she totally dominates Mortal Kombat.
Take a Weird Walking Tour
If Mom’s into ghost stories, tunnels, or general spookiness, the Portland Underground Tour or Haunted Walks will scratch that true-crime itch. Bonding over bootleggers and apparitions? Yes, please.
Visit a Ghost Town (or Two)
Go full Scooby-Doo and day-trip to Oregon’s eeriest little relics, Shaniko or Golden Ghost Town are dusty, photo-worthy, and straight-up fascinating. Bonus round: explore Old Detroit and spot remnants of the 1800s when the lake is low.
Take a Foraging Class in the Willamette Valley
For the mom who casually knows the Latin name for dandelions, join a Wildcraft Studio School foraging workshop. Nature walk + mushroom hunt = rustic zen meets future dinner.
Book a Forest Soak
Spa day, but make it mossy. Soak in the Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs outside Eugene or go full unplugged at Breitenbush Hot Springs. Robes optional. Relaxation guaranteed.
Cult Movie Night
Dress up, grab popcorn, and catch a cult classic at Hollywood Theatre or Clinton Street Theater. From campy horror to B-movie gems, it’s like Netflix, but way cooler.
Urban Hike with a Side of Weird
Take Mom on a self-guided walking tour to Portland’s quirkiest corners: The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium, Mill Ends Park, and the infamous Witch’s Castle in Forest Park.
DIY Woodshop or Welding Class
If Mom prefers a power drill to a pedicure, sign her up for a hands-on class at Guild of Oregon Woodworkers, ADX Portland, or Wildcat Hobby Classes. Sparks may fly, literally.
Karaoke Blowout
Rent a private booth at Voicebox Karaoke and go full diva. Bonus points for power ballads, guilty pleasures, and mandatory audience participation.
Paddle, Pedal, or Kayak
Make a splash with a pedal boat on the Willamette or take a kayaking tour or explore the sea caves near Florence. It’s like a spa day… but with paddles and waterproof bags.
Thrift Crawl + Vintage Hunt
Take Mom treasure hunting. Start in Portland’s Sellwood district, then hit Red Fox Vintage, Artifact Creative Recycle, and House of Vintage. Still feeling it? Cruise down to Albany for a final stop at SuperThrift.
Escape Room Adventure
Lock Mom in a room with her loved ones and make her earn her freedom—just like parenting! Try Escape Games PDX, Hour to Midnight, or Portal Adventures in Beaverton.
Volunteer Together
Flip the script and give back together. Walk pups at the Oregon Humane Society, plant trees with Friends of Trees, or serve meals with Blanchet House. The warm fuzzies are real.
Dive Bar Hop
Keep it casual and hit some of Portland’s most legendary dives: The Slammer, Slim’s, Paymaster Lounge, The Knock Back or Saraveza. IPA in one hand, grilled cheese in the other? Peak Mom’s Day vibes.
Visit a (Very) Odd Museum
For moms with a dark sense of humor, head to the The Hat Museum, Skeleton Key Odditorium, Paxton Gate or catch the traveling Oddities & Curiosities Expo if it’s in town. It’s macabre, magical, and very on-brand.
Cabin Getaway = Built-in Nap Time
Rent a cabin, toss your phone on airplane mode, and do literally nothing. Try one of these cabins or yurts to find some good old fashioned peace and quiet.
DIY Plant Bar or Terrarium Workshop
Skip the bouquet and let her make her own masterpiece at Larkspur Portland, or a DIY terrarium bar like Roosevelt’s Terrariums. Green thumbs unite!
Plan a Wildflower Picnic
Grab some eats from Elephants Delicatessen or Little T Baker, find a park or field bursting with blooms, and pretend you’re in a Nancy Meyers film. A+ day with minimal effort.
Let Her Plan It Herself
Revolutionary idea: just ask her what she wants, then plan for it. No guessing games, no pressure, just a Mother’s Day that’s truly about her.
Whether it’s solving puzzles, hitting dive bars, paddling through sea caves, or taking a well-deserved nap in the woods, wishing you and all of the moms in your life a wonderful day full of love!