10 Meaningful Mother’s Day Activities for Early Years
Mother’s Day is a lovely chance for little ones to celebrate the people who care for them every day. At My Ohana, we know that for toddlers and preschoolers, the most meaningful gifts aren’t shop-bought - they’re the handmade creations, shared moments and thoughtful gestures that come straight from the heart.
Young children often show love through play, creativity and time spent together. Simple activities at home can help them express appreciation while also supporting important early skills such as communication, confidence and emotional development.
If you’re looking for Mother’s Day activities for toddlers and preschoolers, here are some fun, meaningful ideas you can easily enjoy together at home.
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When is Mother's Day 2026?
In the UK, Mother’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday 15 March 2026. Also known as Mothering Sunday, the date changes each year because it is linked to the Christian calendar and takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
10 Mother's Day Activities
1. Decorate a Breakfast Tray Surprise
Rather than focusing purely on crafts, children can help prepare something thoughtful.
Provide paper placemats or tray liners for children to decorate using drawings, stickers or stamps. These can then be used at home for a simple Mother’s Day breakfast surprise.
This activity encourages children to think about doing something kind for others while developing creativity and independence.
2. Create a Family Photo Frame
Young children love recognising familiar faces. Making a personalised photo frame gives them a chance to celebrate their family while strengthening emotional connections.
Use:
Cardboard frames
Natural materials like leaves or flowers
Pom-poms or recycled craft materials
Adding a favourite photo of your child or a special family picture creates a meaningful keepsake families genuinely treasure.
3. Sensory Flower Exploration
Mother’s Day falls during spring - making it the perfect time for sensory play inspired by nature.
Create a simple flower-themed sensory play area using:
Petals
Herbs
Soil or sand
Scoops and containers
Seasonal activities help children connect with the world around them while encouraging curiosity and exploration. You can find even more seasonal inspiration in our guide to the best Spring activities for early years.
Toddlers especially benefit from sensory exploration, supporting language development as they describe smells, textures and colours.
4. “Helping Hands” Kindness Activity
Instead of making something for Mother’s Day, children can learn ways to help at home.
You could ask your child questions like:
How can we help mummy or daddy?
What makes someone smile?
Write or draw ideas onto paper handprints such as:
Tidying toys
Giving hugs
Helping set the table
This introduces early concepts of empathy and responsibility which are key social skills in early childhood.
5. Mother’s Day Movement Session
Put on some music and enjoy a Mother’s Day dance party together. Children can dance with scarves, move to favourite songs or practise simple action rhymes.
Physical activities support coordination, confidence and wellbeing while allowing children to express joy in their own way.
6. Bake Simple Mother’s Day Treats
Cooking activities are hugely beneficial in early years learning.
Toddlers and preschoolers can help:
Mix ingredients
Pour pre-measured items
Decorate biscuits or cupcakes
Alongside maths and language development, baking encourages teamwork and patience. Plus children love sharing something they’ve helped create.
7. Draw “My Favourite Thing To Do Together”
Rather than focusing solely on portraits, encourage children to draw an experience they enjoy with their mum or special person.
You might hear:
“Going to the park”
“Reading bedtime stories”
“Watching films together”
Talking about these shared moments helps children build language and communication skills, supporting early storytelling and imagination. Activities like this also link closely to early writing and communication development - something we explore further in our literacy activities for early years guide.
This simple activity helps children reflect on relationships and memories while strengthening emotional awareness and confidence in self-expression.
8. Make a Nature Bracelet or Crown
Outdoor learning offers fantastic opportunities for meaningful Mother’s Day activities, giving children the chance to explore, create and connect with nature. If you’re looking for more ways to encourage outdoor play, take a look at these outdoor activity ideas for early years.
During outdoor play or walks, children can collect:
Leaves
Grass
Small flowers
Attach these to tape bands or card strips to create nature bracelets or crowns.
This combines creativity with outdoor exploration - something many children find calming, engaging and confidence-building.
9. Record a Mother’s Day Message
A lovely alternative to traditional crafts is capturing children’s voices.
Record short messages such as:
“I love you because…”
“My mummy makes me happy when…”
Families often find these recordings incredibly special, and they provide children with opportunities to practise speaking and confidence-building communication skills.
10. Storytime Celebrating Families
Mother’s Day can also be a chance to explore different family structures through stories.
Choose books that celebrate love, care and belonging in all forms. Talking together afterwards helps children understand that families look different - but love and care remain the same.
This supports inclusion and emotional understanding within early years environments.
Celebrate Special Moments with My Ohana
At My Ohana, we love creating opportunities for children to celebrate important moments in ways that feel natural, inclusive and joyful. Our nurturing environments encourage creativity, independence and strong relationships - helping every child feel valued and supported.
If you’d like to see how our experienced teams support your child’s learning through play, exploration and meaningful experiences, we’d love to welcome you.
Book a tour at your nearest My Ohana nursery today and discover how we help little learners grow with confidence every day.
