Mums. All hail the queens! Most mums will tell you that every day should be Mother’s Day, alas, it’s not the case. However, the actual day to celebrate mum is just around the corner and mum needs to be treated like the royalty she is.

Problem is, with so much choice, where’s the best place to go? Thankfully, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s pampering, a good meal, entertainment or hanging out, here’s the inside scoop on the hottest places to take mum on her special day.

Nature’s gift

Picnics are an easy, fun-filled way to spend the day together. But it’s up to you to make it happen. Mums love nothing more than spending the day with the family. Whether it’s a picnic, a bike ride, a BBQ or just some rest in the sunshine, here are the best parks to visit.

Hyde Park, Sydney – Australia’s oldest park and right in the city centre, Hyde Park is a great place for the little ones to chase the birds, watch the people pass by and let off some steam. Spread over 16 hectares of space and with no shortage of lush ground to set up shop, it’s the perfect spot for mum. There are also plenty of local cafes around to grab a bite if you haven’t packed one.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne – arguably one of Melbourne’s highlights, the immaculate gardens offer plenty of space for a picnic or a bike ride. There’s a lot to explore as well if you fancy a stroll around, playgrounds for the kids, flora and fauna to discover and loads of options for picnic spots.

Riverside Green Playground, Brisbane – suitable for children from two to 15 years old, mum can sit back and relax while the kids practically entertain themselves. There are picnic tables and BBQs with views of the Brisbane River to boot. It’s pretty much the coolest playground in Brisbane and the kids will be kept busy for hours with the ladders, ropes, slides, climbing walls and swings.

Pub grub

Sometimes mum just needs a nice cold drink, some delicious food, and the kids entertained. Lucky for us, there are pubs and restaurants around the country that cater beautifully for children with play areas and kid-friendly menu options.

Zegames Boronia Hotel, Melbourne – located just 30 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, it’s a lovely outing for the family. The hotel is completely family friendly and is known for its excellent food, service and realistic prices. There’s a large play area for the kids so mum and dad can sit back, relax, and enjoy a beer or wine.

The Ettamogah, Rouse Hill, Sydney – newly renovated and completely family friendly, the Ettamogah Hotel is a unique and enjoyable environment for all families. With its cartoonish main building and a fenced play gym outside, it’s perfect for all members of the family, no matter how young or old. Rumour has it that the play gym is actually the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Plus there are arcade games and a full-scale rock climbing wall. Just don’t forget that you’re there for mum, so try to drag your attention away from the games for a bit.

Coogee Pavilion, Sydney – casual dining, a beautiful outlook and setting, and a great spot for adults with kids to feel like they still have a life. The ground floor space is part-marketplace, part hangout spot, and the stripped back aesthetic has a relaxed vibe. Plus, the food is great too. There’s also the beach sounds and the cool ocean breeze to enjoy. One thing to note, though, is that it’s only the downstairs that’s open to under 18s, so if you plan on heading upstairs to enjoy the view, you may have to leave the kids behind.

Shopping centres

Retail therapy, choosing their present, cafes galore. Most shopping centres offer all this and more. And in some, there are even play centres to keep the kids busy while mumma shops.

Rouse Hill Town Centre, Sydney – approximately 35 kilometres from Sydney CBD, the Town Centre was designed for the community. The shopping centre is well-thought out, with a play area right next to the café, a water fountain for the kids to play in and restaurants surrounding it so mum and dad can keep an eye on them. Kids have a ball, mum relaxes and indulges in some shopping. Win/win!

Secret Harbour Square, Western Australia – coffee coffee coffee mums will love Secret Harbour Square, the coffee mumma’s go-to spot. It has a newly opened outdoor play area right next to Jamaica Blue so mum can enjoy a caffeine fix while the kids are busy playing. It’s pirate themed so the kids can imagine the day away while mum chills out. Best of all, it’s baby and toddler friendly too so the little ones won’t be left out.

Birkenhead Point, Sydney – whether mum wants to get her nails done, shop up a storm, sit down outside and enjoy the view or grab a quick coffee, Birkenhead Point has it all. Plus, there’s up to two hours of free babysitting from professional, qualified nannies who will entertain the kids in a fun and safe environment while mum enjoys some ‘me time’. Just make sure you book in advance.