guides

2023 Guide to Celebrating Mother's Day in Chicago

By Debra Flanagan, Macaroni KID Chicago Northside April 26, 2023

This Guide is sponsored by Shalimar B. Photography
Shalimar Beekman is an award winning photographer on the north side of Chicago. She loves to photograph families, high school seniors, and kids of all ages, in photo sessions that are fun for everyone and easy for mom!
773-230-5441/hello@shalimarbphotography.com





Let's make this Mother's Day extra-special! 

On May 14th, 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 events, activities, and even a few craft ideas children can do to show their love: 

A special day with Mom

Above Average Candle Studio - Mom & Me - Mother's Day Candle Making Class
In this Mom and Me workshop you'll learn the basics of fragrance blending and make a custom scented signature candle. This is MORE than a class, this is a TRUE Experience. Mom will receive a special Mother's Day surprise. All supplies are included. Pick your day and time. Music, Games, Snacks, Prizes and Fun! Alcoholic beverages are available for attendees 21yrs or older. (at no additional cost)
May 14th - various times available
3414 W. Foster Ave.

Edgewater


Alice's Table - Virtual Floral Arranging, Brush Lettering, Artisan Charcuterie Workshops, or Featured Chocolate Lava Cake Baking Class
Necessary items will be sent to your doorstep. 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. 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!
May 4, 12, 13, 18 - 7pm ET
Virtual


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.  
Available in Lincoln Park and Evanston


Blackberry Farm - Mother's Day Brunch
Treat mom to a special day at Blackberry Farm! Start the day with a beautiful brunch and then enjoy the day with mom at Blackberry Farm.
May 14 - 10:30am to 12:00pm
100 S. Barnes Rd.
Aurora


Bottle and Bottega - Mimosa Brunch (All ages)
Complimentary sweet treats for all the Moms. We supply the OJ, you supply the Bubbly! Ticket price includes all paint supplies, instruction, aprons and a 11x14 take-home canvas!
May 14 - 9am and 12pm
2900 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lakeview


Cirque du Soleil CORTEO - Exclusive Mother's Day Offer 
Buy 3 tickets, get the 4th free - Mom goes free!

View deal on CertifiKID

City Cruises - Mother's Day Premier Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan and 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, and onboard entertainment.
May 14


Coffee with Mom
In anticipation of Mother's Day, give mom what she wants, time spent with you in this adult child and mother workshop! Hand build a matching (or not matching) breakfast set of a coffee cup and muffin plate in our high fire clay. You can put in the texture, and we will glaze for you from a selection of four of our favorites.
May 14 - 10am to 12pm
Lillstreet Art Center 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Ravenswood

Also at Lillstreet:

Lillstreet Family Workshop: Mother's Day Mugs

Lillstreet Family Workshop: Mother's Day Heart Plushies


DAD--Don't Mess Up Mothers Day
We've got you covered. Send mom off to relax with Lena Rose and bring your kids by Green Post for a brew while Le Village leads you and your little in a craft and a card that's just for her!
May 7 - 10am to 12pm
4749 N. Rockwell St.
Lincoln Square


Garden Bros. Circus, Kane County Fairgrounds
It's time for a much-overdue outing with your family! With over 60 performers in 3 rings, this all-new show features: Human Cannonball, Wheel of Death, Motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear, Human Slingshot, Chinese Acrobats, Clowns, Comedy and more! Get a great deal HERE.
May 11-21 - various showtimes
525 S Randall Rd.
St. Charles


Grand Geneva Resort & Spa - Mother's Day Brunch
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has everything your mom wants for Mother’s Day: an extravagant meal with unlimited Champagne, a new Bloody Mary Bar, a relaxing spa, and maybe even a few hours of peace on the green.
May 14 - seatings between 11am and 2pm
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva


Mamma Mia! Brunch
Order from our tasty brunch menu – Breakfast Club, Blueberry Donut French Toast Bake, or Breakfast Tacos – and pair with a brunch cocktail classic like Desert Spring Water or the Coming Up Rosé Fizz. Each is available to order along with our full menu at this special brunch screening.
May 14 - 11am
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema 3519 N. Clark St.
Lakeview


MotherFreakingHood! 
Catch the "irreverent, inventive" (KC star) original musical comedy following three unlikely - and uncensored - friends as they take on the world from pregnancy tests to empty nests... one bottle at a time! Named Broadway World's 2022 Regional Best New Play or Musical, MotherFreakingHood! is making its Chicago debut this Spring!
May 4 - June 11 - various showtimes
Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave.
Lakeview


Mother's Day Tea Party at the Exploritorium
Children can bring a special lady in their life to enjoy teatime at the Exploritorium! Participants will be able to make a special gift for their loved one, enjoy tea, juice, and refreshments and play in the Exploritorium. All participants must register for this event; children under 1 are free. 
May 13, 1pm - 3pm
4701 Oakton St.
Skokie


Mothers Day With The Bad Momz of Comedy! Stand Up Show!
You may have seen them on the Kelly Clarkson Show, on WGN or at Zanies, well now you can see them right here - The Bad Momz of Comedy are hilarious as they share their unique perspectives that may have you laughing at the crazy things you thought only happened in your own home, they may make you want to call your own mom to apologize and they for sure will have you laughing like crazy!
May 12 - 7:30pm
The Laughing Academy, 3230 Glenview Rd.
Glenview

May 14 - 7pm
Zanies Comedy Night Club, 1458 N. Well St.
Old Town


Mother's Day Fest
During this special weekend, with paid admission, indulge in a complimentary massage, listen to live acoustic music from all-female artists, sip on delicious craft-created MOM-mosas and more!
May 13 and 14, 11am to 3pm
Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Rd.
Grayslake


Physician Magician
Touted by the Chicago Tribune as an “immensely likable, intelligent and very intimate show,” Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz is back by popular demand with Physician Magician at the Rhapsody Theater, for a limited engagement. Moms receive a comp drink and pink playing cards on Mother's Day performances.  
May 14, 2:00pm and 6:30pm
1328 W. Morse Ave.
Rogers Park


2023 Ravenswood Mother's Day Market
May 10 - 4pm to 8pm


The Rock and Roll Playhouse - The Beatles for Kids and More Mother's Day Celebration
The Rock and Roll Playhouse is the largest national kid-friendly live concert series having performed to hundreds of thousands of kids and their families. It has hosted over 1,000 shows in more than 35 leading live music venues across the United States, filling the void for shared musical experiences between parents and children across the country.
Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children aged 1-7, games, movement, stories and most importantly an opportunity to rock out. It allows parents to enjoy the music they love while little fans are encouraged to explore their creativity and have fun!
May 13 - 12pm and 2pm
Space 1245 Chicago Avenue
Evanston





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: