Sarasota Magazine 1255 N. Gulfstream Avenue, Suite 101, Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone: (941) 487-1100

After you've had a delicious Mother's Day brunch this Sunday, May 8, take some time to spend outdoors with the whole family. Here are some of our favorite spots, filled with flowers, fun and great photo opportunities.

The Bay Park Conservancy has been working since 2020 to open sections of what will eventually be a 53-acre public park. Right now, you can stroll underneath a canopy of trees on Sarasota Bay. The paved, padded trail leads you around the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and near a botanical garden. Find beautiful plants and flowers and pause to take photos with Mom.

For $25 per adult and $10 for children ages 5-17, you can explore the lush gardens at Selby. Learn about botany and butterflies, purchase orchids or succulents in the gift shop and pose for gorgeous photos with Sarasota Bay as your backdop. Right now, you can also visit the exhibit Flowers, Poetry and Light, featuring work by photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and and singer-songwriter Patti Smith.

5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, (941) 359-5700

Flowers are a classic gift to give mom on Mother's Day, but why not give her an experience where she's surrounded by beautiful roses? Stroll through Mable Ringling's rose garden when you visit The Ringling. Spring is here, meaning the 450 rose plants are blooming bright red, pink, white and more. Admission costs $25 per adult and $5 for children ages 6-17.

9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, (941) 761-2866

This 10-acre park has all sorts of exotic and tropical plants that you'll have a blast exploring. The Gulfcoast Plumeria Society has a "Lei Garden" with two groves of fragrant Plumeria trees from around the world. Sit under the gazebo near the pond, or watch Koi fish swim below while up on the small bridge. Admission is free; park hours are 8 a.m. to sunset.

Right on the shores of Phillippi Creek, this 60-acre natural park has several natural and historic amenities. Walk to the Edson Keith Mansion, a stately white structure with a lush green lawn, a peaceful gazebo, a canoe launch onto the creek and more. Entry is free.

Sometimes all moms want for mothers day is to see their kids smile and have fun. Spend a day in nature at the Children's Garden. Moms get half-off admission from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Pack a lunch and visit the craft table to make Mother's Day cards. Moms will also receive a little succulent plant to take home. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for kids age 3-12.

A Feast Fit For a Mother