Repeat after us: Brunch is boring! Show Mom you really care by taking her to your local state park and doing something out of the ordinary. Here are a sample of our Mother’s Day activities from around the state:
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park: Steam-Powered Excursion Train Rides on Mother’s Day! Looking for a unique way to treat mom extra special this Mother’s Day? Plan a trip to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown for a relaxing steam-powered train ride behind the famous “Movie Star Locomotive” Sierra No. 3 and she’ll receive a complimentary commemorative Belgian chocolate bar (while supplies last). And to add to the holiday festivities, children will receive complimentary balloons on this special day. With beautiful wildflowers still in bloom on Mother’s Day, Railtown 1897′s excursion train rides include a relaxing, six-mile, 45-minute journey that takes passengers through the rolling Gold Country foothills, passing through meadows and along grassy hillsides covered with ancient oak trees. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on-site on the sprawling Roundhouse lawn. In addition, the Railtown 1897 SHP Depot Store, Interpretive Center and grounds are open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and guided Roundhouse tours are available, too. Advanced train ride tickets are encouraged and available online at www.railtown1897.org. Trains leave hourly between 11 and 3.
Angel Island State Park: Mother’s Day Holiday Hike This hike begins at the dock at Ayala Cove at 10:30. Call (415) 435-5537 for more information on all park activities and events.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Women of Big Basin Celebrate Mother’s Day in the park by honoring the spirited women who lived in, worked in and fought for the Basin throughout its history. . Living history reenactments bring you back in time where you will meet pioneer homemaker Alice Maddock; Josephine McCrackin, the “Savior of the Redwoods” and Harriet “Petey” Weaver, the first female Ranger. Stroll through the magnificent redwoods on this half-mile, one-hour guided walk. Meet at Park Headquarters. This walk is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The park is located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. Day-use parking fee is $10. More information is available at (831) 338-8883.
Crystal Cove State Park: Take Your Mother on a Hike “Take Your Mother on a Hike” and learn about our local nature. Join a park naturalist on a family nature walk at Crystal Cove State Park to learn about the plants and animals living in the park on Sunday, May 12 at 9 am. Meet at the Moro Amphitheatre (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park). $15 day use fee.
