Mother’s Day is just around the corner, making May the perfect time to celebrate and cherish your mom, aunt, friend, or anyone who holds a special motherly role in your life. Our six favorite Mother's Day outdoor ideas are below!
1/6: Take Her Fishing
Who says fishing is just for the dads? This Mother's Day, take your mom fishing. Whether for sunfish, bass, catfish, or any other fish, the excitement of catching fish with those you love is contagious. Show up with a new fishing pole just for her (with a bow on it!), and get her a fishing license! Consider exploring close to home fishing opportunities, too. There are public waters scattered throughout metro areas that often include picnic areas, walking trails, and easy access to stocked ponds, making it an ideal and relaxing day outdoors for Mother's Day.
2/6: Give Her Something Pretty
The official state tree of Oklahoma is the Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). Incorporate this native, beautiful tree into this year's Mother's Day plans. Not only is spring a great time to plant an eastern redbud tree, but it will bring beautiful purple-pink blooms every spring and will attract butterflies, bees, and birds to your yard (or your mother's yard!). The tree is small enough to fit into many landscapes, is beautiful and attracts wildlife. It also has edible flowers! Fun fact from our friends at the Oklahoma Forestry Service: the leaves of the Eastern redbud are heart-shaped! You can make tea, jelly, and incorporate redbud leaves into your baked goods. This gift is the gift that will truly keep on giving. Many local garden centers and nurseries sell these trees. Watch the video below to learn how to make your very own redbud jelly.
3/6: Take a Trip to the Shooting Range
When you think of Mother’s Day, a trip to the shooting range might not be the first idea that comes to mind, but why not? Whether your mom is brand new to shooting or already experienced, a day at the range can be a unique, exciting, and empowering way to celebrate.
If she’s never handled a firearm before, this could be the perfect opportunity to introduce her to a new skill in a safe and supportive environment. Shooting is not only a physical activity that enhances strength and coordination but also a mental exercise that sharpens focus and discipline.
For an even more enriching experience, consider booking a lesson with a qualified instructor. Firearm safety and responsibility are the foundations of shooting sports, and what better way to bond than by sharing knowledge? After all, your mom spent years teaching you about safety and responsibility. Now it’s your turn to return the favor!
Ready to plan your Mother’s Day adventure? Click below to learn more about ODWC shooting ranges and the necessary licenses.
4/6: Go Birdwatching Together
A priceless yet cost-effective gift is simply spending quality time with your mom. Take her on a birdwatching adventure! Grab a pair of binoculars (or borrow some from a friend) and your favorite bird identification book, and head to a nearby lake, park, or wildlife management area (check state and local regulations for any required licenses or special rules before you go).
If you don’t have a bird ID book, don’t worry! Many local libraries offer them for free, and there are also fantastic apps available that can help you identify birds not just by sight but by their calls and songs as well. To make the outing even more memorable and still affordable, bring a coffee or other favorite drink and a notebook to jot down your sightings, or take photos to create a little birdwatching scrapbook. It’s a thoughtful, relaxing way to connect with nature and, most importantly, spend meaningful time with your mom.
5/6: Make Her a Wild Meal
Skip the crowded restaurants this Mother's Day and surprise your mom with a homemade wild meal. Let her kick back, relax with a book, or enjoy her favorite hobby while you prepare something delicious and wholesome. If your freezer is stocked with venison, waterfowl, fresh-caught fish, or earthy morel mushrooms, you can use these ingredients to create a truly special feast. Not only is this a healthier and more meaningful alternative to dining out, but it also showcases the effort and care that goes into preparing a meal from the wild. From smoked venison tenderloin to crispy fried turkey cutlets or pan-seared walleye, the possibilities are endless. Many websites offer free wild game recipes to help you create a meal fit for a queen.
This Mother's Day, show your appreciation by crafting a one-of-a-kind wild meal that celebrates both your love for her and your love for the great outdoors.
6/6: Turn Antler Sheds into Beautiful Art
Got antler sheds collecting dust in your garage? This Mother’s Day, turn them into a heartfelt piece of art! Set up a personal crafting station just for her, complete with all the supplies she’ll need. To make the process even smoother, prep in advance by washing and painting the antlers white and gathering materials like twine, faux flowers, and other decorative accents. Set up an art station outdoors so you can enjoy being outside while working on this project together. She’ll love the chance to create something beautiful and one-of-a-kind. Looking for inspiration? Browse Pinterest for creative ideas, or check out the video above for step-by-step guidance!