Stressed-Out Hoosier Moms Share Mom’s Day Ideas

Brunch is nice. So are flowers. But according to thousands of moms, what they’d really love this Mother’s Day is a break – a proper “momcation.” And with Mother’s Day this coming Sunday, we thought we’d share some ideas for those who are searching for that perfect something for mom.

Our friends at Present.com surveyed 3,025 mothers to find out where they dream of escaping for some well-deserved R&R. The results revealed a strong preference for peaceful small towns, charming spots, and nature-filled retreats – places where mom can truly unwind, explore, and breathe.

Here are the top three Indiana destinations, according to moms:

#1 Madison
Nestled along the Ohio River, Madison is a charming town filled with historic architecture, scenic river views, and tranquil walking paths. Moms can take a slow stroll along the waterfront, explore the town’s preserved 19th-century buildings, or simply relax in one of the many peaceful parks. The town’s slower pace makes it a wonderful escape from the everyday.  

#2 Pokagon State Park
For a quiet retreat surrounded by water and woodland, Pokagon State Park offers beautiful trails, peaceful lake views, and plenty of fresh air. Moms can take a gentle walk along Lake James, enjoy a picnic under the trees, or simply relax by the water. Springtime in the park brings vibrant greenery and a sense of renewal, making it a great place for a restful getaway.  

#3 Brown County
For moms who love nature and quiet retreats, Brown County offers rolling hills, scenic drives, and charming small-town vibes. Moms can take a peaceful walk through Brown County State Park, admire the spring wildflowers, or enjoy the artistic charm of Nashville, Indiana. With its relaxed pace and beautiful surroundings, it’s a perfect Mother’s Day getaway.  

But where moms want to go is only part of the story. The survey also pulled back the curtain on what modern motherhood really looks like – and why that elusive “day off” feels like gold.

When asked how they’d spend a full day to themselves, moms said:

• Watching TV or bingeing a show: 19%
• Sleeping in and relaxing at home: 16%
• Spending time in nature (hiking, beach, park): 15%
• Enjoying a hobby (reading, crafting, cooking): 13%
• Shopping or treating themselves: 13%
• Spa time or massage: 12%
• Catching up with friends/family: 8%
• Traveling or a day trip: 4%

So what’s holding moms back from taking more time for themselves? The biggest barrier by far was lack of time (27%), followed by guilt (19%) and financial constraints (18%). For many, it’s a constant juggling act that leaves little room for rest – and even less for recharging.

In fact, moms say they currently get just 5 hours and 55 minutes of alone time in a typical week  – not even an hour a day. Ideally, they’d like closer to 8 hours and 27 minutes to feel fully recharged.

Even small gestures can make a big difference. When asked what gift or service would help lighten the mental load, here’s what topped the list:

• House cleaning: 26%
• A full day off with no obligations: 20%
• Meal delivery or home-cooked meals: 14%
• A monthly massage or spa treatment: 12%
• Grocery delivery, childcare help, therapy, and laundry service rounded out the rest.

And the emotional toll is undeniable. Nearly half of moms – 42% – admit they feel guilty taking time for themselves, even when they know it’s necessary. One in ten haven’t had a single uninterrupted break from family responsibilities in the past year. For most, the reality is grabbing just a few scattered hours here and there – hardly the kind of reset that truly restores energy or peace of mind.

When moms do get time, they recharge in different ways:

• Sleeping or napping: 16%
• Getting outside: 15%
• Watching movies/TV or doing nothing at all: 14% each
• Socializing, pampering, exercising, and reading all came in close behind.

“Mother’s Day is about more than gifts – it’s about giving moms a real moment to recharge,” says Sanjit Sandhu of Present.com. “Whether that means a peaceful beach, a cozy mountain town, or just somewhere without a to-do list, our survey shows that moms are craving experiences that let them slow down and feel appreciated.”