Happy Mother’s Day! To all the moms out there, this is your special weekend to celebrate you and all you do for your kids and family.
How do you want to celebrate Mother’s Day this year? Do you want to kick your feet up and take a load off, just sitting around at home with some peace and quiet and the stack of magazines or Netflix queue you’ve been wanting to catch up on? Perhaps you’d like to have a picnic at the park and let the kids run around while you enjoy some sunshine? Or maybe you’d like to get out into the town and make some great Mother’s Day memories with your family? If you want to get out and do something special, go for it! You deserve something fun, memorable, and special to mark the occasion this year. And fortunately, Chicago is never at a shortage for great things to do!
Here are some ideas for things you can do to make some wonderful memories as you celebrate Mother’s Day in Chicago this year:
Head to the Shedd
The Shedd Aquarium is always a great place to take the kids and see some critters, and Mother’s Day is no exception! Shedd’s Family Festivals gives you and the family 2 hours of engaging and up-close interactions with animals, some creative time making interesting take-home crafts, and all kinds of fun activities specially-geared for families with kids ages 5-12. For Mother’s Day this year, the fun festivities will go from 10a-12p on May 12 and costs $25, or $20 for members.
Hunt for trolls at the Arboretum
Danish artist Thomas Dambo has brought something really special to the Arboretum, in the form of massive 15- to 20-foot tall magical, mythical trolls made out of reclaimed wood. Bring Mom, Grandma, and mother figures to take a lovely stroll through the Morton Arboretum and enjoy the Troll Hunt that has been put together by dedicated crews of volunteers and woodworkers. Seeing these incredible forest guardians is included with your admission of $15 for adults and $10 for kids ages 2-17.
Get creative and floral at Magnolia’s Bakery
On May 11 from 11a-1p you can go for a creative and unique experience at Magnolia’s Bakery, located at Block 37, 108 N. State St. Spend a fun afternoon learning how to decorate gorgeous flower cupcakes! You’ll get to take home six of your new beautiful creations, and also get a starter cupcake icing kit to take home and continue honing your newfound skills. Cost is $75.
Enjoy a family meal on the rooftop at I|O Godfrey
Rooftop dining is a really fun experience for moms and kids alike, and thanks to I|O Godfrey’s retractable glass roof, you can do it rain or shine. This Mother’s Day, come treat Mom to a rooftop brunch buffet with delectable treats like Truffle Poutine, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Baked Huevos Rancheros with mango salsa, pancake, waffle, omelet, and carving stations, family style pastas, and more. A play room for the little ones makes it a very kid-friendly event, and the views will make for a wonderful backdrop to a memorable Mother’s Day. Make sure to make reservations because they are required!
Happy Mother’s Day!