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How to Celebrate Mother's Day in Chicago

Restaurant, gift, and craft ideas, plus itinerary suggestions she's sure to love

By Debra Flanagan, Macaroni Kid Chicago Northside April 29, 2021

Let's make this Mother's Day extra-special because it has been, well, let's say... a challenging year for moms.

So on May 9, let's celebrate the Chicago moms and mom-figures in our lives by letting them know how much we appreciate everything they do for us the other 364 days of the year.

Here are restaurant and gift ideas to spoil her, itinerary suggestions she'll love in, and even a few craft ideas children can do to show their love: 

A special meal out

Looking for restaurants in Chicago to enjoy a special meal out for Mother's Day? Here are restaurants offering Mother's Day specials:

Chief O'Neills Pub & Restaurant - Mother's Day Touchless Brunch

3471 N. Elston Ave.

773-583-3066

Join Chief O'Neill's for our Fabulous All-You-Care-To-Eat Touchless Mother's Day Brunch Buffet

Adults $50.00.  Guests 12 and under - $30.00   

Reservations Required

May 9, 10am - 3pm

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa - Mother's Day Lunch
7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva

(262) 248-8811

The Kismet Table - A Kismet Mother's Day

2142 N. Halsted St.
773.697.7035

Treat your favorite Moms, Aunts, Grandmas & Important Ladies to a lovely High Tea experience at home. 

Replete with Harney & Sons teas, a curated menu of sweet & savory delights, petite floral arrangements & more! 

Available for pick-up May 8th, Noon-7pm & May 9th, 10am-4pm.

STK Steakhouse Brunch & Dinner - Roses for Every Mom & $9.99 Rose'
9 W. Kinzie St.
(312) 340-5636



Where to shop locally for Mother's Day

Searching for that special gift? Get her a great gift and support a locally-owned business all at the same time! Here are some of our favorites:

Photography

A Little Photo Studio
2868 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-299-8635
Mother's Day Bundle includes a studio photo session gift card, a Winifred Grace bronze or silver locket necklace and a 5x7 white Prisma frame. Both the locket and frame will be ready to fill with the new photos from her session! Pick-up available until May 8th.
Nenah's Photography Inc.
5444 N Ashland ave
312-235-9645 
IG & Facebook @Nenah's Photography Inc 
Mother's Day Mini Sessions May 07/ May 08/ May 09 
Register by May 6th! Mention Macaroni Kid and get 10% off your next booking.



Flowers

Primrose Pop-Up at Hotel Zachary

May 6 from 4-7 p.m

3630 N. Clark St.

773-302-2300

There will be flowers and plants available for purchase, and The Bar will be open


Art

Building Blocks Toy Store - Hand-cut Silhouettes by Cassidy Alexander
In Person Sitting: Friday May 7th
3306 N. Lincoln
773-525-6200
A treasure to last forever! $29 per Silhouette. There are two options for special Mother's Day Silhouette orders:
in person or remote sitting

Le Village Unboxed - Mother's Day - Seasonal Special Edition Box

Pre-prepped curated activities delivered to your door. Start out with a little Rose, and have her put on the facemask included. Entertain your toddler with a special flower picking activity that works 4 ways! Prep breakfast with Mr. Nate's special Blueberry Pancakes and have your little one come in to help finish them off. Once the bottle is done, send Mama off for a nap, and use the bottle to make a special keepsake vase and help your toddler arrange some extra special flowers. Everything you need to make the morning great! 




A special day out in Chicago

Whether she's into hiking, spa treatments, or thrills, we have ideas on ways to spend Mother's Day doing something she'll love:

Blush Beauty Studio
4151 North Western Avenue
(773) 564-9454
Mention Macaroni Kid for 25 % OFF for Yoni Steam Service 
for a limited time only
City Cruises - Mother's Day Premier Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan & Mother's Day Premier Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River
In addition to incredible food, both cruises include:
  • Spectacular views of the city skyline and local landmarks
  • Guaranteed table for your party size
  • Onboard entertainment
  • Flower for mom and two souvenir champagne flutes

Alice's Table - Virtual Floral Arranging: Mother's Day Celebration

Receive farm-fresh flowers and join us for an exclusive experience. Throughout the workshop, we will teach you step-by-step how to create a beautiful arrangement in a stylish vase, all while sharing our top floral tips and tricks!

Each ticket includes an abundance of fresh flowers and a vase delivered to your doorstep 1-2 days before the event. All you need to bring is a pair of floral clippers or scissors. To ensure you receive the best quality flowers, this arrangement may slightly change due to our farm's availability.

Prior to the event, each guest will receive tracking details and live streaming instructions. Pour a beverage of your choice and log on to experience a one of a kind Alice's Table workshop.

Amazing Co. - Family Mystery Picnic

Your destination is a mystery and so is how you'll get there! The whole family will have fun throughout the day as you solve a series of puzzles and riddles leading you to collect delicious, gourmet picnic food from local artisan producers. End your adventure at a picnic destination you won’t forget and enjoy what you’ve collected along the way. 

We did this in Lincoln Park last year for Father's Day and it was a blast. Also available in Ravenswood and Evanston.

Game Night Out - Virtual Game Night In

Whether she's across the street or across the country, treat your mom to laughs and memories this Mother's Day! 

Your group will compete, in teams, in a series of original competitive challenges and mini-games. Some games may be scavenger-hunt inspired while some may be trivia inspired. Some games may be guessing-games while others may be skill-based. There is something for everyone!

Our Hosts facilitate the entire experience and will be there to guide your group through everything. They help introduce each game, explain the rules, keep the competition flowing, keep the experience on track, and generally keep your group having fun!

Special Events Management - Chicago Mother's Day 5K Run & Walk

May 9, 9:15am

2410 N Cannon Dr

Mom, mother, madre, mum, momma ... whatever you call her, join us in celebrating mom's at the inaugural Chicago Mother's Day 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk. Located along Chicago's beautiful lakefront, bring your friends and family out to one of the first LIVE events in the city of Chicago since lockdown. LIMITED REGISTRATION is available per wave so don't miss your chance to celebrate! 





Crafts for the kids to make

Handmade gifts are all about the heart. Help the kids make gifts for mom she's sure to treasure: