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24 Things to Do on Mother's Day 2023 in Chicago

Celebrate Mom with one of these fun things to do in Chicago on Mother's Day. Photo courtesy of Odyssey at Navy Pier
Celebrate Mom with one of these fun things to do in Chicago on Mother's Day. Photo courtesy of Odyssey at Navy Pier
5/7/23 - By Maureen Wilkey

This Mother's Day, let us help you schedule a day of fun things to do. Because news flash: Moms' favorite activities are not cleaning up and chauffeur duty. For Mother's Day, moms are looking for a break and a chance to do something they enjoy with their kids. So we've put together a list of Mother's Day activities near Chicago that fit the interests of a wide variety of moms. Combine one of these activities with brunch or dinner out, and you've got a perfect Mother's Day 2023.

Music-loving moms can hear Beatles covers in Evanston, jazz in the West Loop, country in Berwyn. Run or walk with your athletic mom at 5Ks in Oak Brook or Barrington.  Artsy moms might like making something with their kids in Darien, Lakeview, or Bucktown. And almost everyone enjoys free frozen yogurt for moms at TCBY locations around the country. 

There are plenty of things to do on Mother's Day near Chicago to celebrate Mom on her special day!

Does Mom like to run? Try the Pink 5K on Mother's Day. Photo courtesy of the Oak Brook Park District
Does Mom like to run? Try the Pink 5K on Mother's Day. Photo courtesy of the Oak Brook Park District

Thing to Do on Mother's Day Near Chicago

Miskatonic Brewing Mother's Day Bouquet Class

Wednesday, May 10, 2023—Darien
Learn how to make a bouquet for mom, or bring her along to make her own bouquet. All flowers and supplies will be provided. Moms can buy a ticket that includes a libation from Miskatonic. READ MORE

Dia de las Madres Walk

Wednesday, May 10, 2023—South Holland
Mothers can enjoy a one-mile guided walk through Sand Ridge Nature Center followed by coffee and pan dulce. Narration will be in English and Spanish. READ MORE

Spring Flower Show: Bee's Knees

Through Sunday, May 14, 2023—Garfield Park
The Garfield Park Conservatory hosts its spring flower show "Bee's Knees." The show displays the relationship between bees and blooms and includes tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, hydrangeas, delphiniums, azaleas, and more. Empty observation and demo hives are hidden amongst the flowers to give visitors a view from the bees' perspectives. READ MORE

Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show: Cooler by the Lake

Through Monday, May 15, 2023—Lincoln Park
From the end of February to Mother's Day, North Side families can enjoy a flower show highlighting the lakefront. The Lincoln Park Conservatory will feature cooler color tones and structures representing the lighthouse and boats within the conservatory. READ MORE

Mother's Day Tea Party at Normandy Park

Saturday, May 13, 2023—Garfield Ridge
Bring your own picnic blanket to Normandy Park for a tea party, crafts, and music. Alice in Wonderland will be there to meet and greet guests. READ MORE

Mother's Day Family Fun Festival Bridgeview

Friday, May 12, 2023- Sunday, May 14, 2023—Bridgeview
Kids and grown-ups can enjoy lots of different activities including a petting zoo, carnival, and magician in Bridgeview. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. READ MORE

Pink 5K

Saturday, May 13, 2023—Oak Brook
Help fight breast cancer at this pre-Mother's Day 5K run and walk. All proceeds benefit Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund. The family friendly run provides scenic views of Oak Brook's Central Park. READ MORE

The Music of The Beatles for Kids: Mother's Day Celebration

Saturday, May 13, 2023 and Sunday, May 14, 2023—Evanston
The Rock and Roll Playhouse and The Cubby Bear host the Music of the Beatles for Kids! Rock n Roll Playhouse hosts regular concert series for kids, featuring some of the favorite music of their grownups. READ MORE

Mother's Day Morning Painting Event: Mommy & Me

Saturday, May 13, 2023 and Sunday, May 14, 2023—Lakeview
Paint a special Mommy and Me picture while sipping on your beverage of choice at this BYOB event. Ticket price includes all painting supplies, aprons, and canvas to take home. All ages events take place on Saturday and Sunday of Mother's Day weekend. READ MORE

Mom & Me Golf at Tinley Junction

Saturday, May 13, 2023 and Sunday, May 14, 2023—Tinley Park
Moms golf for free with a paid round of mini golf at Tinley Junction mini golf. Concession specials are also available. READ MORE

Mother's Day Country Brunch with Iris Marlowe

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Berwyn
Singer-songwriter Iris Marlowe blends her love of 60's music with modern day influences to create music to get lost in the moment to at Fitzegerald's Pub in Berwyn for Mother's Day. Reservations are not required and food and beverages are available for purchase. READ MORE

Mother's Day Jazz Brunch

Sunday, May 14, 2023—West Loop
Enjoy brunchy bites and mom-approved mimosas and spritzes at Time Out Market. Jazz music featuring John Fournier Trio will play from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. No reservations required. READ MORE

Mother's Day Concert in Lilacia Park

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Lombard
The Four C Notes perform the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons as part of Mother's Day at Lilacia Park's Lilac Time Festival. This high-energy retro performance should be fun for all ages. READ MORE

Mother's Day 5K Run/Walk

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Barrington
Run or walk a 5K with mom, or take part in the kids dash to compete with your friends and siblings. All finishers receive a rose and cake pop. READ MORE

Mother's Day Brunch at Untitled

Sunday, May 14, 2023—River North
Enjoy a family-style buffet brunch along with music from Angela Martin. Cocktails are also available for purchase. READ MORE

Mother's Day Picnic on the Porch

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Oak Park
Kids can bring their moms for some old-fashioned family fun at Pleasant Home in Oak Park. The event features a spring lunch, checkers, games on the lawn, and more. READ MORE

Mother's Day Cruises

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Downtown
The whole family can celebrate mom aboard the Odyssey, with an indulgent meal, live music, dancing, and of course, spectacular views. Guests can choose from several different types of cruises all day long, including brunch or dinner on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River.  READ MORE

Mimosas and Moms on the Mat

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Highland Park
Join mom for some morning yoga and mimosas at Rosewood Beach in Highland Park. This special yoga class celebrates all that mothers do. HP Lakefront Parking pass is required for parking. READ MORE

Moms Get FREE TCBY For Mother's Day!

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Multiple locations throughout the city and suburbs
Make mom’s day a little sweeter with free FroYo from TCBY on Mother’s Day! TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt), the world’s original and most iconic frozen yogurt brand, is celebrating Mother’s Day by gifting moms across the country with a free cup (first 6-ounces) of frozen yogurt! The deal will run in-store Sunday, May 14 at participating locations where moms can stop by their local TCBY and grab a free cup of FroYo!   READ MORE

DÍA DE LAS MADRES: MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Pilsen
Latin Grammy-nominee Mariachi Herencia de Mexico performs a special Dia de las Madres concert at Pilsen's Thalia Hall. The band promises an unforgettable afternoon of Mexican music and culture celebrating moms. READ MORE

Tommy James and the Shondells at the Des Plaines Theater

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Des Plaines
Tommy James and the Shondells perform their '60s hits like Hanky Panky, Crystal Blue Persuasion, Mony Mony, and Crimson and Clover. This show is sure to sell out, so buy tickets early. READ MORE

Palos Park Woman’s Club Mother’s Day Walk

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Palos Heights
Walk, roll, or stroll for 1-2 miles around Lake Katherine with other moms this Mother's Day. Participation supports PPWC initiatives of purpose promoting cultural, educational, wellness and civic interest as a charitable organization. Along with this, $5 of every entry will be donated back to Lake Katherine to support the new boat house renovation. READ MORE

Mosaics for Mother's Day

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Bucktown
Create a beautiful personalized gift for mom with the experts from Epic Art House. Arrange colorful tiles, stones or other materials into a larger image or design. Artists will help kids learn to cut and adhere pieces to make a stunning mosaic. READ MORE

Mother's Day Fashion Show

Sunday, May 14, 2023—Chatham
The Greater Chatham Initiative invites moms to see some great fashion, paint a flower pot with their children, and plant flowers! Kids can also find the perfect gift for their mom. READ MORE
Kid's Suite bedroom photo courtesy of Swissotel Chicago
Kid's Suite bedroom photo courtesy of Swissotel Chicago

More Things to Do on Mother's Day 2022 Near Chicago

Best Mother’s Day Brunches in Chicago

Spoil mom with these Mother's Day meals around Chicago. READ MORE

Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago

Soak up nature in these forest preserves and parks near the Windy City. READ MORE

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Raise a glass to these great Chicago beer gardens that welcome kids and families. READ MORE

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Places featured in this article:

Bottles & Bottegas Lakeview
Tinley Junction Mini Golf and Batting Cages
Location Mahalia Jackson Court