Mother’s Day 2015 is fast approaching, which means we’ve got a few extra options for celebrating moms and motherhood over the next few days.

While there are oodles of kid-friendly things to do in Bend throughout the year (and I’ve rounded up a bunch of them in this post and this one) here are a few things focused purely on celebrating the woman of the hour—hey, hot mama!

Treat Mom to a Mother’s Day brunch

While bacon and mimosas might not make up for the 2 a.m. diaper changes, they sure go a long way toward letting Mom know she’s appreciated. Luckily, you’ve got a lot of options to pick from around Central Oregon.

Brasada Ranch is offering a fabulous brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday for moms who enjoy killer views and serenity along with their eggs. The meal will feature farm-fresh omelets, local artisan cheeses, meats, and produce, plus deserts and even a 10% discount on spa services booked between May 10-June 10. Brunch tickets are $43 for adults, $23 for kids 5-10, and free for young’uns 4 and under. You can make reservations by calling 541-526-6870.

For moms who prefer to stick close to the Bend Ale Trail, McMenamins is also hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The scrumptious meal will be served buffet style, and you’ll earn bonus points with Mom if you fetch her a pint of Ruby to wash it down.

Other local hotspots offering special Mother’s Day meals include Pronghorn Resort, Five Pine Lodge, and Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards. You can learn more about each of them by clicking those links.

CUTE ALERT! Show Mom some baby animals

The only thing cuter than a baby porcupine is the fact that it’s actually called a “porcupette.”

As luck would have it, one of the porcupines at the High Desert Museum just gave birth to a wee one last week. Honey (that’s the new mom) and her porcupette are among many cool critters and exhibits moms can enjoy AT NO COST on Mother’s Day when all moms get FREE admission to the High Desert Museum May 10.

Now, as a stepmom whose young’uns won’t be with me on Mother’s Day, I felt inclined to ask if the “free admission for moms” applies to those of us who haven’t actually given birth or to those whose kids won’t be accompanying us to the museum. The answer is a resounding “yes!” though they added the caveat that the kids must be human—in other words, no dog-moms (though we’ll get to you later, I promise!)

If you still haven’t gotten your fill of baby animals, take a stroll through Drake Park and stare up into the trees. Odds are good you’ll see the mama great-horned owl and her fuzzy little owlets celebrating Mother’s Day in their nest. Those heading to the aforementioned brunch at Faith Hope and Charity Vineyard should also make a stop at Crescent Moon Alpaca Ranch to check out the baby alpacas (called cria, in case you’re wondering).

Don’t worry, dog-moms—there’s stuff for you, too!

Until my late 30s when my stepkids entered my life, I considered myself a proud “dog-mom,” content never to procreate. Truth be told, I still consider my pooch to be my real baby, and I know I’m not alone. Bend was named the nation’s dog-friendliest city by Dog Fancy magazine, so you know it’s a great place to be for Mother’s Day if your kids have fur and four legs.

I’ve blogged numerous times about fun things for dogs to do in Bend, but here’s a link to a recent post written by my dog (yes, really) about her favorite Bend activities. From seven off-leash dog areas to dog-friendly restaurants and shopping areas, you know there are plenty of fun things to do with Fido for Mother’s Day.

But for those dog-moms who prefer an organized event, check out the Downtown Doggie Daze from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 (the day before Mother’s Day). Dogs and their companions begin at Mirror Pond Plaza and fetch paw prints at participating businesses. Those who gather all the paws will be entered to win prizes valued at more than $300. There’s also a 5k run/walk and a variety of demos and family-friendly activities for two-legged and four-legged participants.

Moms play outside in Bend—and they deserve a FREE kayak or paddleboard rental, right?!

I’ll be honest—my idea of a perfect Mother’s Day in Bend doesn’t involve fancy meals or elaborate gifts (unless someone’s figured

Ahhh….this is the life! If you or a special mom in your life deserves to enjoy it, comment for a chance to win a free canoe, kayak, or SUP rental from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe.

out how to put a bow on a box of fresh air?)

Take me hiking. Plan a simple picnic in one of Bend’s countless city parks. Drive me to the Deschutes River or one of the high Cascade Lakes for an afternoon of standup paddleboarding.

Does the last idea sound good to you, but you’re lacking the basic gear? The folks at Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe can help with that! Comment here with why you (or a special mom in your life) deserves a free rental of a canoe, kayak or standup paddleboard and we’ll choose one lucky winner to get her wish!

Now get out there and thank your mama!