After Brunch Adventures: 2024 Mother's Day Activities in Carlsbad

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch ® mark their season's end on Mother's Day, offering a spectacular finale against a vibrant floral backdrop. On Sunday, May 12, the fields will come alive with performances from Rancho Buena Vista High School’s Ballet Folklorico. This cultural showcase, included in the admission price, honors motherhood with traditional dances performed among the sprawling ranunculus blooms.

The Flower Fields are also planning to host a Pop Up Picnic Co™, event. These picnics have been scattered throughout the Flower Field’s calendar since April and are the perfect accompaniment to a fun Mother’s Day afternoon. The picnic takes place on the upper terrace overlooking the flower fields. It’s a full event with live music and includes a prix fixe menu featuring tea sandwiches, a selection of salads, mini charcuterie and a mini fruit pie for dessert, complemented by refreshing hibiscus lemon agua fresca and mint water. The package also includes the convenience of private parking and scenic wagon rides.

Beyond the picnics and performances, the Flower Fields are packed with attractions to keep families active all day. There are tractor wagon rides that offer a guided tour through the rows of flowers and artistic creations like the American Flag of Flowers that feature red, white and blue petunias strategically planted to create a massive, waving flag. For learning and interaction, the Artist Gardens & Bird Aviaries turn the fields into a live gallery, showcasing the use of flora as an art medium, with the birds chirping in the background. The Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse offers a stunning collection of orchids, and other playful and educational opportunities like Santa’s Playground are on hand to revive childhood memories with its playhouses and oversized mushrooms.

After wandering the fields, guests can indulge in local treats from The Pizza Trolley or Sweet Swirls Ice Cream or save appetites for The Strawberry Shack’s famous strawberry shakes and Dole Whips in the afternoon sun.

From the moment you step into the fields to the last bite of your picnic dessert or soft serve snack, the Flower Fields are a fantastic way to celebrate mothers of all ages. Given the popularity of the Mother's Day celebration, advance planning is recommended. Book now for attractions like the wagon ride and special events like the Pop-up Picnic.

Another great Mother’s Day activity to consider will be taking place right in the heart of Carlsbad Village. This year, the Carlsbad Village Association is delighted to invite families and friends to its Mother’s Day Sip & Shop extravaganza—an event that promises culinary delights, shopping opportunities, and tons of entertainment. If you’re familiar with the Taste of Carlsbad Village, you know that these events are one-of-a-kind, and this one is no exception.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, guests are invited to take a gastronomic journey through Carlsbad Village where 16 select locations will unveil a menu of local flavors. From freshly-made crepes to the rich textures of homemade fudge, each spot will be curating something unique for this special day. In addition to the food, there will also be a variety of handpicked beverages that highlight the local craftsmanship of different vendors. From aromatic blends of artisanal coffee to the effervescent charm of Witch Creek Winery’s bubbly and craft beers from Pure Project, there will be something for everyone.

After the eating and drinking is done, moms and their friends and family are invited to explore the Village’s eclectic boutiques and galleries, each offering special deals and promotions for Mother’s Day. This personalized touch ensures that guests not only leave with fond memories but also with special tokens to remember the day. One particular vendor, The Chandelier Room, will be hosting a vibrant Pop-Up Market, presenting a variety of handcrafted goods from Carlsbad’s talented artisans. The market will feature everything from bespoke jewelry to artisanal soaps so that visitors can support local businesses and find gifts that embody the spirit of the community.

The excitement will continue as visitors will also have the chance to win a range of fantastic prizes through various giveaways organized throughout the day. With everything from gift baskets to vouchers for local experiences up for grabs, the thrill of the unknown adds an extra layer of fun to the Sip & Shop experience.