Start Planning Now for Mother’s Day : Choices Include Brunch, Baseball, Ballooning, Boating, Jousting or English Tea

Preparations for Mother’s Day is child’s play, right? Wrong. Unless your kids have reached the age of reason--which is at least 30 years old--the responsibility for making Mother’s Day special falls squarely upon Dad’s shoulders.

When junior was a bubbling baby in a high chair, Dad could get away with slipping a sentimental card into baby’s applesauce-caked hand. More is expected now. What Mom wants is something out of the ordinary, something to show how much the kids appreciate her, something that demands more than a necktie come Father’s Day in return.

Throughout Southern California, you’ll find numerous activities sure to impress. From the elegance of a traditional English tea to the excitement of a one-day cruise, there is no reason to disappoint Mom this year.

(Pssst, Mom! Want to make sure your Mother’s Day is what you want? Circle, star or check any of these ideas that sound good to you, cut out this article and place it on his pillow, tape it to his shaving mirror or the television, staple it to the front of the sports page, wrap it around his golf clubs, insert it into his briefcase or fax it to him at work.)

The following information is valid for Mother’s Day, May 13. Phone ahead for reservations for all activities:

DAY AT PLAY

Mother’s Day in the Rose Garden is a family event held at the Robert Mondavi Wine and Food Center. The celebration will feature face-painting for children, a Maypole, mimes, music, wine tasting for adults and soda for children. Chef Alan Greeley will prepare a selection of strawberry creations including stuffed and dipped strawberries, cheese layered with strawberries, crepes, waffles and ice cream. A photographer will create mother and child portraits for an additional fee. Cost is $25 for adults, $7.50 for children 12 and under. 1570 Scenic Ave., Costa Mesa, (714) 979-4510.

If the crack of the bat is more Mom’s style, head for Anaheim Stadium where the California Angels take on the Boston Red Sox. Every mother in attendance will receive a makeup/jewelry bag with printed Angels logo. Game time is 1:05 p.m. Ticket prices are $3 to $9. Family section tickets cost $5. 2000 State College Blvd., Anaheim, (714) 937-6750.

The new spring animal babies will be celebrating Mother’s Day at the Santa Ana Zoo. The zoo is open to human moms, dads and children from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, 75 cents for children, seniors and students, and free for children under 3. 1700 E. 1st St., Santa Ana, (714) 1835-7484.

The Renaissance Pleasure Faire will be honoring mothers throughout the day with three separate crownings and tributes. A mother will be selected from the audience and crowned with a floral wreath at the opening of the Faire, at the Lord Mayor Show and at the Queen’s Joust. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Glen Helen Regional Park in Devore. Prices are $14.50 for adults, $7.50 children. (800) 52 FAIRE.

At the end of the day, check into Le Meridien Hotel in Newport Beach. The special Mother’s Day package includes one-night accommodations plus a dozen roses. This package is also available as a gift certificate, valid yearlong. 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, (714) 476-2001.

UP AND AWAY

Balloon Adventure in Seventh Heaven combines the thrill of a hot air balloon flight over Temecula wine country with the culinary delights of a full brunch and wine-tasting party. The 1- to 1 1/2-hour balloon flight is followed by champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a special Mother’s Day cake. Mom will also receive an engraved wineglass, a rose and a card commemorating her flight experience. Cost is $120 per person for two to three people and $110 per person for four to five people. A full brunch, wine tasting and winery tour immediately following the flight are offered at the Cilurzo winery for an additional $20 per person. Balloon passengers meet at the Temecula Visitors Center, corner of Ynez and Rancho California roads. (800) 677-3600 or 699-6014.

Whisk Mom 8,000 feet into the air aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and enjoy lunch at the Alpine Restaurant near the top of the mountain. If you purchase the combination Ride and Dine ticket after 2:30 p.m., you’ll feast on a prime rib, barbecue chicken or beef rib dinner. The tram operates between 8 a.m. and 9:45 p.m. The Alpine Restaurant opens for lunch at 11 a.m. Tram prices are $13.95 for adults and $8.95 for children 3 to 12. Ride and Dine prices are $17.95 for adults and $11.50 for children 3 to 12. 1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs, (619) 325-1391.

STAGING THE DAY

South Coast Repertory presents three very individual performances on Mother’s Day. “The Arkansa Bear” is the story of an old circus bear who helps a young girl cope with the death of her grandfather. The play, based on a children’s story, will be performed by the Young Conservatory Players at the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Founders Hall at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $7.

“Once in Arden,” the story of acclaimed Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska, will be performed at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on SCR’s Mainstage. Tickets: $21, $23.

“Man of the Flesh” is a black comedy of Don Juan’s life with the famous lover’s mother playing a prominent role. Show times are 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at SCR’S Second Stage. Tickets: $20, $22. Phone (714) 957-4033 for reservations for all three productions.

CRUISING ALONG

Indulge in a mini-cruise from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico, aboard the Ensenada Express. Depart from the B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal in San Diego at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Ensenada at 12:30 p.m. Shop, dine and relax for the day before returning to San Diego at 9 p.m. Round-trip fares are $59 for adults, $53 for teens, $29 for children 3 to 11. (800) 422-5008.

A trip to Catalina Island combines an adventure on sea with a short island getaway. Catalina Express has one-hour cruises departing at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from the Long Beach Port at the Queen Mary, returning at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Fares are $32 for adults, $23.50 for children 2 to 11 and $1.50 for children under 2. (213) 519-1212.

Catalina Cruises offers a leisurely cruise of 1 hour and 45 minutes to Catalina. Ships leave 32 Golden Shore Drive in Long Beach at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. and return at 4 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Fares are $26 for adults, $16 for children 2 to 11 and $1.50 for children under 2. (213) 514-3838.

Brunch aboard the Pavilion Queen comes with music and other entertainment while cruising Newport Harbor. The brunch cruise departs at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., 400 Main St., Balboa. Price is $25.(714) 673-5245.

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Arrange to have an environmental or studio portrait taken of the family, with a makeup artist standing by to make everyone look his or her best. Mark Jordon of Mark Jordon Portrait Design, who has been inaugurated into the International Photographers Hall of Fame, shoots portraits by appointment only. Sitting fee is about $100. Makeup artist Diane Broitman is available, starting at $75. A consultation is usually required. 32 Yorktown, Irvine, (714) 552-9519.

REFINED DINING

The old English charm of afternoon tea is offered in the Lobby Lounge of the Westin South Coast Plaza hotel. An assortment of fine teas from Harney & Sons Tea Ltd. of Salisbury, Conn., are accompanied by freshly backed scones, petit fours, plum tarts, pound cakes and light finger sandwiches. Tea is served daily from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Prices are $4 to $11. 666 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, (714) 540-2500.

A gourmet, champagne brunch in the mountains overlooking Lake Arrowhead is served at the Lake Arrowhead Village Hilton in the San Bernardino Mountains. (714) 336-1511. Price is around $25.

Children can enter the “My Mother’s the Best Because . . .” Mother’s Day contest during the “Ultimate Brunch” at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles. Contest winner will receive a weekend at the hotel, brunch and tickets to the Los Angeles Children’s Museum. On Mother’s Day, all moms will receive a rose. Brunch includes balloons for the children and entertainment by a juggler/mime/unicyclist and a Dixieland Band. A photographer and caricaturist will be on hand for family portraits. Served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 404 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, (213) 624-1000. Price is $17.95 for adults, children $1 per year old.

Christie Costanzo is a regular contributor to Orange County Life.