Are you looking for a unique and special way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year? How about taking Mom back in time to a place nestled in the pine country of Arizona? From outdoor adventures and train rides to shopping and golf, there is no shortage of Mother’s Day ideas in Williams, Arizona! Located on Historic Route 66 and just over an hour away from the Grand Canyon, this small town has plenty of fun activities and attractions that will make your mom feel truly appreciated.
Outdoor Adventure Ideas for Mother’s Day
Bearizona Wildlife Park
One of the most popular attractions in Williams is Bearizona Wildlife Park. Don’t let the name fool you… on your visit you’ll see some of nature’s most majestic creatures including bears, elk, bison, bighorn sheep, wolves, and more. You can drive through the park in your own vehicle and/or walk through Fort Bearizona where all of the shows and animal encounters happen. If you really want a top-notch Mother’s Day idea, check out the VIP Experience. Enjoy behind-the-scenes activities, a Wild Ride bus tour, animal encounters, and more. Plus, tickets include a discount in the gift shop where mom can shop for apparel, and unique gifts, or feel like a kid again and take home a cuddly stuffed grizzly bear. With over 160 acres of land to explore, themed dining, and unique shopping it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
Grand Canyon Deer Farm
If your mom likes animals then she’ll definitely love a visit to Grand Canyon Deer Farm – where families can feed deer by hand! For over 50 years, this family-owned farm has been raising and caring for animals so that visitors can have an up close and personal experience. In addition to the deer, the farm also has a variety of other animals, including bison, goats, llamas, porcupines, wallabies, camels, and even a zonkey! Give mom a more personal encounter and book a 15-minute interactive experience in the wallaby or porcupine enclosure where you can pet the animals and take all the pictures you want. Imagine mom taking a selfie with a wallaby!
Take Mom Shopping in Williams
Colors of the West
Yes, we have to include shopping on our Mother’s Day Ideas List in Williams! How does 12,000 square feet of shopping sound? For over 30 years, Colors of the West has been a fixture in this small town with endless rooms of incredible merchandise. Explore the Old Glory Room where every product is made in the USA. Need a T-Shirt? They have a room filled with over 300 styles! Take home a souvenir from the Route 66 Room filled with signs and so much more!
Next, take Mom to their sister store Copper Canyon Trading where she can shop for hundreds of hot sauces and endless flavors of salt water taffy just to name a few. And if you really want to make it a special day out for your mom, treat her to lunch at one of many local restaurants such as Pine Country Restaurant featuring their famous delicious pies.
Show Mom the History of Route 66
Route 66 Museum & Gift Shop
For those looking for nostalgic Mother’s Day ideas in Williams, head over to the Route 66 Museum & Gift Shop. Originally built in 1958, the shop has been meticulously restored to its original Route 66 “Filling Station” glory. Inside, visitors will find a unique collection of fine and rare pieces of vintage gasoline and oil memorabilia. Treat mom to a piece of beautiful hand-crafted Native American art or jewelry. Known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, this is a must-stop when traveling to Williams.
Swing into Mother’s Day
Elephant Rocks Golf Course
Located in the shadow of Bill Williams Mountain, the Elephant Rocks Golf Course meanders its way through the tall Ponderosa pines. Featuring 18 holes of championship golf, Mom will get a chance to improve her game while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Start or end at the Clubhouse and enjoy the bar and grill. The course typically opens in April, depending on the weather so be sure to call ahead. Tee times can be booked online.
A Grand Adventure for Mom
Grand Canyon Railway
We saved the grandest adventure for last on our Mother’s Day Ideas list in Williams – the Grand Canyon Railway. This relaxing two-and-a-half-hour train ride will take you from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Give your mom a journey that blends adventure, history, and culture. Enjoy a wild west shootout before the train departs and be entertained on board with Western musicians. Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon South Rim, you’ll have more than 3 hours to explore the canyon and its historic buildings and exhibits. We promise this will be a Mother’s Day adventure Mom will forever cherish.
Williams is the perfect place to make some memories with your mom that she’ll always look back fondly on! For more Mother’s Day ideas in Williams, be sure to visit the Experience Williams website here. Discover more attractions, dining, outdoor activities, and places to stay, plus a calendar of events.
