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Blog | Merry Ohler | Wedding Photographer Kansas City

Kansas City Wedding Photographer | Ethereal, Cinematic, Intimate. | Merry Ohler writes about elopements, weddings, photography tips and more. Check out the most recent post today!

Mother's Day Events in Kansas City: Where to Celebrate Mom

Mother's Day Events in Kansas City: Where to Celebrate Mom

Whether you're celebrating your mom, a mother figure in your life, or soaking up the love with your little crew, Kansas City is full of sweet, soulful ways to make her feel seen and celebrated.

{2025 Edition} Mother's Day is just around the corner—this year, it falls on Sunday, May 11, 2025—and if you're anything like me, you want to make it count!

In this guide, I've rounded up some of the best Mother's Day brunch spots, hands-on experiences, local gift ideas, and outdoor adventures to help you plan the perfect day. From quiet moments in a rose garden to jazz brunches and paint-your-own pottery with your kids, there's something here for every kind of mama.

Quick note: some of these events fill up quickly, so I recommend making reservations early to beat the rush and snag the best spots.

Photo of mother holding baby and kissing toddler while little girl looks on.

Best Mother's Day Brunches in Kansas City (2025)

Let's start with the classic. You can't go wrong with brunch. Kansas City is full of incredible spots for a beautiful Mother's Day meal, and these are a few of my favorites:

The Capital Grille – Plaza

If you're treating mom to an elevated, elegant brunch, The Capital Grille delivers every time. White tablecloths, perfectly prepared steak and seafood, and attentive service make this a grown-up, relaxed option. Bonus: it's right by all the Plaza shops for a little post-brunch browsing.

Succotash – Midtown KC

It's a total vibe. This spot is colorful, fun, and perfect if you've got littles in tow or want something a little more casual. Their fresh-squeezed juices, vegan-friendly options, and funky decor make this an off-the-beaten-path gem for brunch with character.

Cafe Provence – Prairie Village

For a quiet, European-inspired meal, Cafe Provence is a dream. It's cozy and romantic and offers a refined menu that makes you feel like you've slipped away to a Parisian café. It is ideal for an adults-only brunch or gifting grandma some peaceful ambiance.

The Farmhouse – River Market

This farm-to-table favorite is a go-to for relaxed outdoor brunching with a seasonal menu that always hits the mark. Sit on the patio if the weather's right and enjoy a laid-back Mother's Day that still feels special.

Made in KC Cafe + Marketplace

Perfect for a simple morning meet-up or a coffee date with mom. Grab lattes and pastries, browse local goods, and take home something handcrafted and meaningful.

Young mom holds baby in Kansas City creek.

Creative Mother's Day Experiences in KC

Looking for something hands-on and memorable? These Kansas City workshops and experiences make for the kind of Mother's Day that has been discussed for years.

Bouquet-Making Workshop – The Little Flower Shop (Brookside)

Snip, arrange and sip while you build a one-of-a-kind bouquet. These spots usually pair wine or tea with the workshop, making it a relaxed and fun activity for moms who love flowers and a little flair.

Paint-Your-Own Ceramics – Creative Culture KC or Paint Glaze & Fire

Paint mugs, vases, or even tiny handprint keepsakes with your kids. These places are welcoming to all ages, and you leave with a functional (and sentimental) masterpiece.

Taste Buds Kitchen – Mother's Day Cookie Decorating or Brunch Class

In Leawood, this kitchen studio hosts adorable, family-friendly events with guided recipes and hands-on help. Think brunch-making or themed cookie decorating that lets your kids show their love in frosting and sprinkles.

High Tea at Anna Marie's Teas – Liberty

For a slower-paced day, this sweet little tearoom is a treasure. Think tiered trays, heirloom china, and house-blended teas—perfect for mamas who love calm, comfort, and conversation.

Outdoor Adventures to Celebrate Mom in Nature

Sometimes, the best gifts are fresh air, sunshine, and space to slow down together. Here are some low-key, local ways to enjoy the outdoors on Mother's Day:

Loose Park Rose Garden Picnic | Loose Park is iconic for a reason. Bring a blanket and some pastries, walk the gardens, and let the kids run wild on the playground while mom enjoys a few uninterrupted minutes in the sun.

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | This is one of my favorite peaceful places. There's plenty of room to walk, take in the blooms, and enjoy art scattered throughout the gardens. It's stroller-friendly, and there are shaded benches tucked all around.

Powell Gardens – Spring Festival and Butterfly Garden | May is prime time at Powell Gardens. Their butterfly exhibits and spring plantings in full bloom make it a magical backdrop for photos and quiet wonder.

Ride the KC Streetcar + Explore the River Market. | Make a day of it—start with coffee downtown, hop on the streetcar with the kids, and wander the stalls at the City Market. Simple, spontaneous, and always a hit.

Dad holds redhead toddler on his shoulders while kissing Mom in ethereal West Bottoms, Kansas City.

Special Events & Performances on Mother's Day Weekend

If you're looking for more of an experience with Mom, these KC events offer music, magic, and memory-making:

Kansas City Symphony at the Kauffman Center - The Symphony often hosts a Mother's Day weekend performance, with family-friendly programming and an incredible setting. Watch their spring calendar and grab tickets early.

Jazz Brunch at The Blue Room – 18th & Vine - For a Mother's Day with rhythm, take mom to brunch and live jazz. The vibe is cool, the food is excellent, and the music is pure KC soul.

Starlight Theatre – Spring Performances - If there's a musical or show on deck for that weekend, it's worth the trip. Starlight is beautiful in the spring and perfect for a more relaxed date night-style celebration.

Union Station – Science City + Photo Ops - Younger kids will love exploring Science City, and Union Station's grand architecture always makes for great photos. Check the calendar for any special Mother's Day exhibits or activities.

Kansas City Motherhood Photographer, Merry Ohler.

Shop Local: Thoughtful Mother's Day Gifts

Looking to skip the big box stores? These local KC favorites have you covered:

Made in KC Marketplace | Pick up candles, KC-themed mugs, skincare, and art—all locally made and beautifully curated. Multiple locations make it easy to stop in, no matter where you're celebrating.

The Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair (Spring Edition) | This beloved maker's fair is full of unique gifts—jewelry, prints, food, and bath goods. Keep an eye on the 2025 calendar to see if they're hosting a Mother's Day weekend event.

Brookside or Parkville Boutiques | Spend the afternoon shopping local in one of KC's most charming neighborhoods. You'll find boutiques full of beautiful things you didn't know you needed until you saw them.


Want to Keep it Simple? Celebrate Mom at Home

Not every celebration needs a reservation. If your favorite mama is more about rest than a big day out, here are a few ways to make her feel loved at home:

  • DIY Spa Day: Grab local bath salts and a pretty robe, and give her the gift of a long, uninterrupted bath.

  • Breakfast in Bed: Let the kids help prep a simple spread—fruit, muffins, tea. It doesn't have to be fancy to be meaningful.

  • Movie Night: Set up a charcuterie board, let her pick the movie, and snuggle in.

  • Memory Jar + Handmade Cards: Have everyone write a note to Mom sharing a favorite memory. Add drawings and handmade cards for keepsakes she'll treasure forever.

Family of five smiles and laughs at baby in front of spring blooms at Loose Park in Kansas City.

Celebrate Her Well, Kansas City

No matter how you celebrate, Mother's Day is a time to pause, give thanks, and make space for joy. Whether you're planning a big outing or a quiet morning, the heart of the day is simple: being together.

If you have a favorite local Mother's Day tradition or know about an event I should add to the list, let me know in the comments—or tag me on Instagram @merryohlerphotography so I can cheer you on as you celebrate!

XO,

Merry

Thanks for reading about celebrating Mother’s Day in Kansas City! Tell me your favorite KC activity for Mother’s Day in the comments below!

Do you think I might be the right family photographer in Kansas City for you? If you’d like to check my availability, email me today (read: right this minute, friend! Dates go fast!)!

Want to peep some more family photo sessions in Kansas City? Check out Steve and Lacie’s spring family photo session at Loose Park, or Sadie & Rolando’s fall family photo session by the river in Parkville!