Mother's Day Freebies and Deals in California: Restaurant Offers, Retail Discounts, and Community Events

Mother's Day 2025 approaches on Sunday, May 11, offering California residents various opportunities to celebrate without significant expense. Based on current information, multiple national restaurant chains, local retailers, and community organizations are providing complimentary items, discounted services, and free admission to events specifically for the holiday. The following guide details verified offers and activities available across the state.

National Restaurant Chains Offering Mother's Day Promotions

Several major food and beverage brands have announced specific deals for Mother's Day, primarily targeting loyalty program members. These offers range from free food items to discounted group meals and bakery specials.

Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins is promoting Mother's Day with specialty ice cream cakes. Two specific designs are available: the Perfect Peony Cake and the Strawberries ‘n Cream Cake. Members of the Baskin-Robbins loyalty program receive a $5 discount on these purchases. Additionally, the chain highlights Strawberry Tres Leche as the flavor of the month for May, which can be incorporated into custom ice cream cakes. The brand also offers a "Floral Bouquet Cake" featuring an ice cream cone bouquet of pastel frosting flowers, allowing customers to select their preferred cake and ice cream flavors.

Burger King

Burger King offers a free Whopper to loyalty rewards members who purchase a King Jr. meal. This promotion is valid on Mother's Day.

Cinnabon

Cinnabon provides two distinct promotional structures for Mother's Day. Through May 11, customers who purchase $30 or more in gift cards or eGift Cards receive $10 in Cinnabon Rewards. Alternatively, customers purchasing $25 in gift cards by June 15 will receive $5 in rewards.

Dunkin'

Dunkin' Rewards members can access a specific discount on Mother's Day weekend. A 10-count order of Munchkins Donut Hole Treats is available for $2. This offer is valid through May 15.

Starbucks

While specific deal details were not listed in the source material, Starbucks is identified as one of the national chains participating in Mother's Day promotions.

Denny's

Denny's offers a $10 discount on purchases of $30 or more for Mother's Day. This deal applies to orders placed online or through the Denny's mobile app. Customers must use the promo code "MOMDAY" at checkout to redeem the offer.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels offers a "Brunch Box" specifically for Mother's Day. The contents and pricing of the Brunch Box were not detailed in the source material.

Fast Food and Casual Dining Offers

In addition to the national chains, other fast-food establishments are offering buy-one-get-one deals and specific meal discounts.

Arby's

Arby's is running a Mother's Day weekend promotion offering a buy-one, get-one-free deal on sandwiches on May 10.

Retail and Grocery Discounts

Retailers are facilitating home celebrations with discounted flowers and meal components, allowing consumers to prepare brunch or dinner at a lower cost.

Amazon Fresh

Amazon Fresh provides budget-friendly options for home-cooked Mother's Day meals. Specific offers include 15-stem tulip bouquets for $9.99. Prepared main dishes start at $5, and desserts are priced under $5. Brunch essentials are available for under $6.

DoorDash

DoorDash offers a promotion for DashPass members, providing $75 worth of select Mother's Day gifts. Non-members can access up to $50 in credits. These credits are automatically applied at checkout when ordering flowers and can also be used for breakfast or dinner from local restaurants.

California-Specific Community Events and Activities

Beyond food and retail, various California cities are hosting free community events, garden tours, and workshops on Mother's Day.

Free Garden and Park Admissions

California Botanic Garden (Claremont): On Sunday, May 11, mothers receive free admission to the 86-acre garden, which focuses on native California plants. The garden is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors are required to reserve free tickets online at calbg.org.
Kimberly Crest House and Gardens (Redlands): The historic Italian Renaissance and rose gardens at Kimberly Crest House are free to tour on Sunday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No reservations are required for the garden tour. However, touring the historic house requires a reservation and a fee.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (Laguna Beach): A guided walk featuring play, mindfulness exercises, and a tea ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The walk is less than one mile and is recommended for ages 10 and older. Parking at the Nix Nature Center costs $3, and advance registration is required at lagunacanyon.org.

Arts, Crafts, and Workshops

Compound (Long Beach): Located at 1395 Coronado Ave, Compound offers a Mother's Day event featuring a breathwork and sound bath session at 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. A brunch buffet by Union includes a complimentary mimosa or mocktail. Add-on activities include a DIY flower bouquet bar and mother-child aura photography. A free art-making zone allows guests to create cards for their mothers.
Museum of Latin American Art (Long Beach): The museum at 628 Alamitos Ave offers a free children's workshop from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Mother's Day. Kids can create crafts and gifts for their mothers. Reservations are available online.
Studio Saturdays: Artfully Celebrating Mother’s Day (Ontario): The Ontario Museum of History and Art hosts a workshop devoted to honoring mother figures. Participants create their own Mother's Day gifts. Advance sign-up is recommended.
La Sierra Library (Riverside): On Friday, May 9, at 3:30 p.m., attendees can make their own Mother's Day cards to take home at 4600 La Sierra Ave.
GEM Community Center (Rancho Cucamonga): A free Mother's Day arts and crafts event takes place on Saturday, May 10, at 4 p.m. across from 8338 Day Creek Blvd. Attendees can make gifts and meet Hello Kitty. Vendors will be present, and advance sign-up is required at thegemcommunitycenter.org.

Cultural and Remembrance Events

Pan American Fiesta (Lakewood): This free event runs Thursday, May 8, through Sunday, May 11, at Mayfair Park, 5720 Clark Ave. While carnival rides cost extra, the event features live music, dancing, crafts for sale, and food trucks. Most activities occur on Saturday, May 10, from noon to 10 p.m.
Mother’s Day Remembrance Service (Los Angeles): Hillside Memorial Park hosts a remembrance service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, in the large sanctuary at 6001 W. Centinela Ave.

Conclusion

Mother's Day 2025 in California offers a diverse range of free and discounted opportunities. Consumers can access complimentary food items from national chains like Burger King and Dunkin' via loyalty programs, or take advantage of buy-one-get-one deals from Arby's. For those preferring to celebrate at home, retailers like Amazon Fresh offer affordable meal components and flowers. Furthermore, numerous cultural institutions and parks across the state, including the California Botanic Garden and the Museum of Latin American Art, are providing free admission and workshops, ensuring that budget constraints need not limit the celebration.