The Best Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Chicago (2024)
Mother’s Day is coming up on May 14th, and there are so many fun ways to celebrate moms in Chicago. There are Mother’s Day Events, special brunch offerings, wine tastings, and a variety of specials at local stores. Every mom is different, so every mom probably has a different idea of how they want to spend their special day. From quality time with the whole family or a solo day at the spa, this list has the perfect way to celebrate you or the mother figures in your lives.
Mother’s Day Brunch
I used to work in the restaurant industry, and Mother’s Day was usually the second busiest day of the year behind Valentine’s Day. Below are some popular spots that have a Mother’s Day brunch buffet or a special brunch menu. These tend to book up fast, and they will definitely be crowded. If you want something a bit more low-key, your favorite local restaurant can probably do something special for Mom if you ask!
Carnivale is one of the coolest restaurants in the city, and they have a fantastic Mother’s Day special menu. They’ll have your standard brunch menu items, like french toast, made-to-order omelets, and pancakes.
They’ll also have a seafood station with ceviche and oysters, a paella and Spanish charcuterie station, a salad bar, and a carving station with lamb, braised short rib, and bone-in ribeye.
There’s a kid’s station with macaroni and cheese, french fries, and chicken fingers. They’ll also have a good time at the cotton candy station, and desserts station complete with key lime pie, churros, fresh berries, and all the sweet treats they can dream of!
The Drake Hotel near Oakbrook Center is hosting a few Mother’s Day specials including brunch and high tea.
For brunch, they have a carving station with prime rib, crab-crusted salmon, and brown sugar & bourbon-glazed steamship ham. They also have more traditional brunch options, like waffles, eggs benedict, and an omelette sation. They’ll have new york strip loin, salads, and a children’s buffet with grilled cheese, fresh fruit, chicken fingers, and more!
$95 adults, $40 for kids 4-10, Free for kids 3-5
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
Website | 2024 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is on our list as one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago, and they also happen to have one of my favorite brunch menus in the city of Chicago.
They are serving their regular menu, so you can pay for what you order which likely makes it a more affordable option. Sipping some bloody marys while enjoying some paella and goat cheese with marinara at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba sounds like a great way to celebrate with Mom.
For moms who want a bit of an edgier celebration, check out the Rock n’ Roll Brunch at any Old Town Pour House location. Listen to your favorite rock music with new brunch items like Jon Bun Jovi and The Boss. All moms will receive a complimentary rose as well.
Celebrate Mother’s Day on the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan. The brunch cruise departs from Navy Pier, and you’ll return at 1:00pm. There will be live entertainment, dancing, a brunch buffet, and classic cocktails.
$75-$105
Hampton Social
Website | Locations in Streeterville, River North, Skokie, Burr Ridge
Hampton Social is also on our list of best places to eat with kids, and they have a fabulous brunch menu. They have plenty of seafood selections, traditional brunch options, and avocado toast as a vegan-friendly option.
Moms will receive a complimentary glass of rose.
The American Girl Store on Michigan Avenue has a dining room that is adorable. We went for my daughter’s third birthday, and it was a great experience. They have a three-course meal that begins with their famous cinnamon rolls and ends with chocolate mousse flower pots. Complimentary orange juice, lemonade, tea, and coffee come with the meal, but beverage upgrades are available.
They have a special Mother’s Day event that includes a special goody bag, a memory game table activity, a craft, and fresh flowers.
$36/per guest
Time Out Market is the perfect place for families because there are many restaurants to choose from. On Mother’s Day, they are hosting a jazz brunch with live music. The bars will be serving mom-approved cocktails. No reservations are required.
Ina Mae Tavern always knows how to celebrate a special event. They will be serving their full brunch menu, and mom will get a free mimosa and beignet with an entree purchase. They will have live music from 12:00pm-3:00pm.
Pizzeria Portofino is a delicious Italian restaurant on the Chicago River. You can add spring tulips to your order as a special gift for mom.
This beautiful rooftop restaurant in the heart of Chicago has spectacular views. They have a special Mother’s Day brunch buffet with gnocchi pomodoro, a sushi station, prime rib, assorted pastries, and more.
Adults $59, Kids under 12 $15
Swift & Sons will have a prix fixe menu with whole wheat pancakes, King Crab stuffed crepes, New York Strip & Eggs. A bloody mary or mimosa is included for the adults.
Adults $89, Kids 4-12 $20, Kids 3 and under are free
This event is a bit more of a splurge, but they have a mouthwatering four-course brunch menu that begins with a choice of sushi, frittata, or smoked Atlantic salmon. The second course features a variety of delicious salads. The main course is a choice between filet mignon, red snapper, roasted lamb, and stuffed eggplant. For dessert, you can choose between strawberry shortcake, chocolate pots de creme, and more.
NoMI has unbeatable views of the Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan, and Water Tower, so this would make for an unforgettable Mother’s Day Brunch.
Adults $130, Kids 5-12 $50
Park and Field
Website | 3509 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Park and Field is known for their lively, fun brunches with their bottomless mimosas. They have a great patio, cornhole, and a menu that will appeal to everyone. They’ll have a special gift just for mom on Mother’s Day!
$30 for just food, $45 for a boozy brunch, $15 for kids
Mother’s Day Dinner
Dinner on Mother’s Day tends to be more low-key than brunch, so if you want to have a delicious meal and avoid some of the crowds, a celebratory dinner in honor of mother is a great option.
Check out our post on the best places to eat with kids in Chicago for ideas!
Spa Day
Moms do a lot and often don’t get a lot of time for self-care. A relaxing spa day, either on Mother’s Day or a gift certificate may be the perfect way to recharge. I also have a few fun “Mommy and Me” spa options listed below for a fun experience with kids.
Chocolate For Your Body
Website | 1743 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Did you know chocolate contains vitamins and antioxidants that nourish the skin? This heavenly spa incorporates chocolate into many of its spa treatments, and a bonus is that you leave smelling a little like chocolate!
They welcome kids and have a “Princess Manicure” for $15 and a “Princess Pedicure” for $20.
Lilies and Spikes
Website | 1105 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
This adorable salon in Oak Park specializes in treatments for kids. From first haircuts to mini manicures, they know how to make kids feel special. They also do treatments for teens and adults.
They have a Mom and Me Manicure special for $30, and a Mom and Me Pedicure special for $57 (for kids up to 6)
Pearl’s Nails
Website | 2676 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Pearl’s has Princess Manicures for $15, and Princess Pedicures for $18.
Spa @ the Wit
Website | 201 N State St 5th floor, Chicago, IL 60601
The Spa @the Wit has some spring-themed specials, like a Botanical Rescue Massage and a Radiant Rose Facial.
Milk & Honey
Website | 945 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
Milk & Honey has some amazing deals on “Mother’s Day” retreats including a massage and facial package for $300.
Aire Ancient Baths
Website | 800 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60642
Aire Ancient Baths is a super luxurious, unique spa that will be both memorable and relaxing. If Mom wants company, this is a romantic date idea.
King Spa
Website | Civic Center Plaza, 809 Civic Center Dr, Niles, IL 60714
King Spa is a beloved Korean Spa in Niles. They offer scrubs, facial massages, and more. They often have Groupon deals, too!
Quality Time
I know all I want for Mother’s Day is to spend some quality time with my family…and maybe to sleep in. Here are some ideas for family fun on Mother’s Day that may be a little bit more geared toward mom.
Street festival season is back, and it kicks off with Mayfest in Lincoln Park on Mother’s Day weekend. They will have two stages, a kid’s area, food vendors. and lots of cold beverages. Some local favorite cover bands, like 16 Candles and Too Hype Crew will be performing.
Spring Lincoln Roscoe Art and Craft Fair
Website | 3329 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
May 13th & 14th 10:00am-5:00pm
Head to Lakeview for the Spring Lincoln Rosceo Art and Craft Fair! There will be works from over 70 juried artists, including paintings, sculptures, fiber pieces, jewelry, and more. There will be “Kids Art Stop” where kids can learn about the art making process.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Head to Lincoln Park Zoo to see the lion cubs, Pesho, Sidai, and Lomelok, that were born in January.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Website | 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
The Garfield Park Conservatory is a wonderful place to spend Mother’s Day, and they have two beautiful exhibits happening right now:
Spring Flower Show: Bees Knees
An Otherworldly Existence: Afrofuturism and the Environment.
Millennium Park
Website | 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Millennium Park would be an ideal spot for a Mother’s Day picnic. Head over to Maggie Daley Park if the kids want to play, or soak in the Michigan Avenue tulips and flowers in Lurie Garden.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Website | 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
The Chicago Botanic Garden is an enchanting place to spend Mother’s Day. The spring blooms will likely still be blooming, and their gardens are expertly curated.
Baseball Game
The Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros at 1:05pm on Mother’s Day, and the first 20,000 fans will get this super cute belt bag, a perfect Mother’s Day gift for Sox fans.
Unfortunately, the Chicago Cubs are away on Mother’s Day, but you could always celebrate at a future game.
See other great places to see spring blooms.
The Perfect Gift
A sentimental, handmade gift is the perfect tribute to Mom on Mother’s Day. Here are some great places to find unique, locally-made gifts.
Getz Stitching
A wonderful old friend of mine, Katie Getz, is the creator and owner of Getz Stitching, a custom embroidery business on Etsy. She makes some truly special items that make perfect Mother’s Day gifts.
Katie lives in the Chicago suburbs and has two adorable young boys, Show this local mama some love!
Ravenswood Mother’s Day Market
Website | 4900 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Wednesday, May 10th 4:00pm-8:00pm
The Wednesday before Mother’s Day, there will be a market with local artists and makers selling unique, handmade gifts for moms.
Chicago Printmakers Collaborative
4912 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Chicago Printmakers Collaborative is a great place to buy some one-of-a-kind, locally-made prints that mom will love.
