Searching for ideas to celebrate Mother’s Day in Chicago? The Windy City offers endless options for families and adults to honor mom on her special day. From relaxing activities to special holiday dining, check out our top things to do in Chicago for Mother’s Day here.
Mother’s Day in Chicago: 10 Ways to Celebrate in the Windy City for Families & Adults
Below are our top 10 recommendations to celebrate Mother’s Day in Chicago with public transit directions.
1. Enjoy a Beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden Mother’s Day Brunch
Source: Chicago Botanic Garden
Take mom to a new kind of brunch she won’t forget. The Chicago Botanic Garden has a special Mother’s Day buffet-style brunch with a carving station, made-to-order omelets, a cash bar for mimosas, and more. Perfect for families who can stroll the 28 gardens, four natural areas, lakes, and specialized plant collections before and after eating.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is located in Glencoe, a nearby Chicago suburb, on 100 Lake Cook Rd. It’s a 20-minute walk from the Union-Pacific North (UP-N) line via the Braeside train station. There are also bus connections from Davis St in Evanston, Glencoe, and Highland Park train stations.
2. Go Jewelry Shopping for Mother’s Day Gifts at the Magnificent Mile
Springtime is in full swing in Chicago, and it’s great for shopping outdoors during this time of year. The Magnificent Mile is a premier shopping district with over 430 retailers across 13 walkable blocks. You can take mom to fine jewelry stores like Razny Jewelers or Tiffany & Co. for timeless Mother’s Day gifts she can pick out herself.
The Magnificent Mile is located in the River North neighborhood, spanning across the Chicago River to Oak St in the Near North Side.
There are several public transit stops along the way, including:
•Chicago Metra (seven-minute walk via the Red Line)
•Grand Metra (10-minute walk via the Red Line)
•Michigan & Huron (two-minute walk via Buses 3, 26, 125, and more)
•Michigan (Lower) & Illinois (one-minute walk via Buses 120 and 121)
3. Have a Relaxing Spa Day at AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago
Source: AIRE Ancient Baths
Searching for Mother’s Day spa specials in Chicago? Then check out AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago. It’s not your traditional spa.
The building was converted from a factory with original exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and dim candlelit rooms with orange blossom fragrances. They have thermal baths at various temperatures, a salt exfoliation, hot stone massages, and a steam room with ambient music for a truly unique and relaxing experience that mom deserves.
AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago is located in the River West neighborhood at 800 W Superior St. The Grant train station is a seven-minute walk away via the Blue Line. The Milwaukee & Carpenter bus stop is a seven-minute walk via Buses 8, 56, and 66.
4. Go on a Mother’s Day Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River
Source: City Cruises
While dinner is always a classic idea for Mother’s Day, create memories you won’t forget with dinner on a yacht instead. Hosted by City Cruises, they have a special Mother’s Day dinner cruise on the Chicago River. Eat inside a glass-enclosed vessel with panoramic views right from your table. For $219 per person, you get 2.5 hours of cruising time with a chef-curated plated dinner, a live DJ, and a fully stocked cash bar.
The City Cruises boarding area is located in the Streeterville neighborhood on Navy Pier at 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr. The Grand train station is a nine-minute walk from the boarding area via the Red Line. The Columbus & Illinois bus stop is a two-minute walk away via Buses 66 and 124.
5. Grab Mother’s Day Brunch With the Family at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Source: Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Want a unique Mother’s Day brunch that’s family-friendly? Brookfield Zoo Chicago also has a Mother’s Day brunch. You get a gourmet brunch buffet, live music, bottomless mimosas, a glass of Frosé for mom, and a take-away gift from the culinary team.
Brunch tickets cost $120 for adults, $40 for children, and are free for infants. It includes full-day access to the zoo, where you can explore the exhibits and animals after eating with the kids.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is located in the Brookfield suburb, 12 miles west of downtown Chicago at 300 Golf Rd. It’s less than a 30-minute drive via I-55 S. The Westmont train station is a 15-minute drive via ride share on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF).
6. Eat at Local Restaurants with Mother’s Day Specials
The Windy City has diverse cuisine with Mother’s Day specials worth checking out. Some top-rated local restaurants with holiday-related menus include:
Travelle at The Langham
Source: The Langham Chicago
Have a classy Mother’s Day brunch in Chicago at Travelle at The Langham. It’s an upscale restaurant and lounge serving seasonal American Mother’s Day brunch, including multiple buffet stations, live acoustic music, and complimentary champagne, mimosas, and bellinis. It takes place on Saturday, May 10th, and costs $285 for adults and $85 for children. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Travelle at The Langham is located in the River North neighborhood at 330 N Wabash Ave, inside The Langham, Chicago. The Grand train station is a five-minute walk via the Red Line. The State & Kinzie bus stop is a two-minute walk via Bus 29.
Adorn Bar & Restaurant
Source: Adorn Bar & Restaurant
Serving globally-inspired cuisine, Adorn Bar & Restaurant has an annual Mother’s Day brunch from award-winning chefs, serving breakfast, pastries, and live jazz music. All moms are also greeted with bubbles and fresh blooms.
Adorn is located near the Magnificent Mile on the 7th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago at 120 E Delaware Pl. The Chicago train station is an eight-minute walk via the Red Line. The State & Delaware bus stop is less than a five-minute walk via Bus 36.
The Duck Inn
Source: The Duck Inn
Craving a more casual Mother’s Day brunch in Chicago? The award-winning The Duck Inn is a retro-inspired gastro tavern and dining room, serving creative duck dishes, American cuisine, and local beers. They have a Mother’s Day brunch buffet including carving stations, seafood towers, a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar, sweets, and more. Known as the Mommapalooza, tickets cost $125 and $55 for kids on Sunday, May 11th.
The Duck Inn is located in the Bridgeport neighborhood at 2701 S Eleasnor St, near the Chicago River. The Ashland train station is about a 15-minute walk via the Orange Line. The Archer & Loomis/Fuller bus stop is a little over a five-minute walk via Bus 62.
7. See Stunning Exhibits at the Art Institute of Chicago
Source: Art Institute of Chicago
Is your mom an art enthusiast? The Art Institute of Chicago is another fun option to celebrate Mother’s Day in Chicago. They have special mother-themed exhibits for a limited time, free daily tours, and several on-site dining options. Their Ryan Learning Center also has family educational programs if you’re taking children or teens for printmaking, drawing, and crafting.
General admission tickets cost $32 for adults or $20 for Chicago residents. Discounted prices are available for seniors, students, and teens, with children and members for free.
The Art Institute of Chicago is located in the Loop neighborhood at 111 S Michigan Ave. The Adams/Wabash station is a two-minute walk via the brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines. The bus lines are in the same station via Buses 1, 7, 28, 126, and 151.
8. Stroll the Market at Gallagher Way Near Wrigley Field
Source: Gallagher Way Chicago
You don’t need to love sports to enjoy Mother’s Day near Wrigley Field. On Sunday, May 9th, Gallagher Way will host a special open-air market outside the venue featuring local businesses, flower carts, themed photos, live music, and more.
The Gallagher Way market will be located at 3635 N Clark St in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. The Addison train station is at the entrance via the Red Line. The Clark & Waveland bus stop is a two-minute walk via Bus 22.
9. Take Wine-Making Classes at Bev-Art Brewer & Winemaker Supply
Source: Wild Blossom Meadery
If you prefer an adults-only Mother’s Day celebration, wine-making classes are sure to be fun. Local award-winning winery with a supply store, Bev-Art Brewer & Winemaker Supply at Wild Blossom Meadery, offers hands-on wine-making for 24 to 30 bottles of wine for first-time customers. Classes cost $149 for one or two people making the same batch, with step-by-step guidance over two sessions for Chardonnay to estate-grown Cabernet.
Bev-Art Brewer & Winemaker Supply is located in the Beverly neighborhood at 9300 S Heritage Ave. The 91st – Beverly Hills train station is a two-minute walk via the Rock Island (RI) Line. The Ashland & 91st St bus stop is a five-minute walk via Buses 9 and X9.
10. Soak in the Spring Sun on the Lakefront Trail
Source: Chicago Architecture Center
You don’t need to spend money on mom to make her feel special. The Lakefront Trail is gorgeous during the spring season with waterfront views of Lake Michigan, an 18-mile biking path, and an 18.5-mile walking trail. There are also several connecting beaches, dining spots, and recreational areas for all skill levels along the way.
The Lakefront Trail is located in the Lakeview neighborhood, stretching from Ardmore Ave to 71st St. The south trailhead portion is accessible from the South Shore train station, a five-minute walk via the Metra Electric (ME) Line. The 71st St & Yates bus stop is also a five-minute walk via Bus 71.
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