Mother's Day: the ultimate guilt trip. You've got to do something for the woman who brought you into this world, but the traditional brunch will be twice as crowded as usual, and you know you can't get as drunk with your mom as you can with your pals. And if you're a mom yourself, waiting impatiently for a table while you try to keep your kids from running roughshod over the entire restaurant doesn't sound that great, either. So here are ten better ways to spend time with your mom on Mother's Day weekend — some of which you might even enjoy yourself.

Audubon Center at Chatfield Bird Banding Breakfast
Sunday, May 13, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
11280 Waterton Road, Littleton
303-973-9530
Even if your mom's not an empty-nester, she'll probably enjoy this unusual Mother's Day morning. Meet at the Audubon Center for a Continental breakfast, then head out for a spring hike (wear your boots; it'll be muddy) to the Chatfield Bird Banding Station to watch warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers, thrushes and other songbirds be trapped, weighed, banded and released. Moms will be admitted free (though space is limited); kids pay $8 and other adults $16 for this unique outdoor activity. See denveraudubon.org for more info, and call 303-973-9530 to reserve your spot.

Hotel Boulderado Mother's Day Brunch
Sunday, May 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2115 13th Street, Boulder
303-442-4344
We couldn't resist including just one traditional Mom's Day brunch on this list — so sue us. This one, in the elegant, century-old Hotel Boulderado, actually sounds enticing: pink peppercorn prime rib; Rocky Mountain trout with pineapple-coriander salsa; truffle mashed potatoes; blueberry pie with Chantilly cream; chocolate-Kahlua toffee cake; and three different kinds of chocolate fondue are on the menu. And given that it's being served practically all day, you shouldn't have a problem getting a reservation, even if you've waited until the last minute. Make your reservation ($65 for adults, $25 for little ones under eleven, free glass of champagne for Mom) and see the entire menu at boulderado.com.

City Park  Mother's Day 5K and Brunch
Sunday, May 13, 9:30 to 11 a.m.
17th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard
active.com
Mothers have to work for their meal at this family-friendly run-then-brunch event. As befitting a Mother's Day event, strollers are welcome on the race course, but child care is also available during the adults' 5K (especially appealing if this is the only time all weekend you'll be rid of your kid; we wouldn't judge if you decided to walk the course to maximize your me time). Brunch after the race (al fresco, of course) is included in the cost, and a children's run is also on the agenda. Register, $36.25 and up, at active.com.

Re:Vision Garden Bazaar
Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3800 Morrison Road
720-465-9605
Picking out garden plants on Mother's Day isn't anything new, but Re:Vision's weekend festival is a much better proposition than fighting the crowds at Home Depot. First of all, the event runs both Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13, so mom can sleep in on Sunday and end up with some seedlings. There will also be free family yoga classes and cooking demos of Venezuelan arepas, food trucks, mimosas and kids' activities from Museo de las Americas (to keep the kids occupied while mom two-fists mimosas, of course). The affair supports the Westwood Food Co-op and Re:Vision's community development; learn more on Facebook.

Solutions Lounge and Restaurant
Mother's Day Brunch and Escape Room
Sunday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2220 California Street
solutionsrestaurant.com
There are many things you and your mother can try to escape from together: Mutual dysfunction, tears and recriminations, extravagant expectations and crippling guilt are just a few. But if your relationship is healthier — or you're just in denial — try getting out of an escape room with your mom this Mother's Day. We guarantee it will be simpler than trying to escape from her unwavering disapproval. Visit the Solutions Lounge Facebook page for details and a code for 20 percent off the room fee (usually $34 per person).