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Mother’s Day Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Brunches and More Things To Do with Kids

Our Chicago Calendar Editor, Maureen Wilkey, loves to visit the Lilac Festival on Mother's Day.
Our Chicago Calendar Editor, Maureen Wilkey, loves to visit the Lilac Festival on Mother's Day.
5/8/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this Mother's Day weekend.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and grandmoms, and may your breakfast in bed include bottomless coffee and minimal burnt toast. We've got a lot of fun activities on our calendar for this Mother's Day weekend in Chicago: Sporty moms can see a Chicago Dogs game or run a 5k.  Nature mothers can help clean up the Chicago River for Chicago River Day or celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday. And stage moms might like to see Mamma Mia! or Ruth Page Dance Company this weekend.

If you need more plans for Mother's Day weekend in Chicago, we've got a list of our favorite Mother's Day brunch and dinner spots and a roundup of mom-related events happening this weekend, too. Planning for summer? Check out our newest day trip ideas—Springfield or the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

Here are our favorite things to do with kids in Chicago this Mother's Day weekend!

More Things To Do in Chicago this Week with Kids 

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Mother's Day Brunch. Photo courtesy of City Experiences
Mother's Day Brunch. Photo courtesy of City Experiences

Things to Do on Mother's Day Weekend in Chicago

Modern Motions

Gold Coast
Friday, May 10-Sunday, May 12
This mixed repertoire program will feature exciting world premiere works alongside revivals of some of the dance company's favorite repertoire. Bring mom and make the day special at our Mother’s Day matinee! READ MORE

Chicago Dogs 2024 Season Opening Weekend

Rosemont
Friday, May 10-Sunday, May 12
Join the Chicago Dogs at Impact Field for their 2024 season home opening weekend. On opening night, Friday, May 10, all fans will receive a free Hawaiian shirt and have the chance to run the bases after the game. Saturday, May 11, is Barbie and Princess Night. Fans can dress as their favorite Barbie or princess and enjoy fireworks after the show. For Mother's Day on Sunday, May 12, moms can play catch on the field before the game, and the first 1,000 fans get a pink Chicago Dogs hat.  READ MORE

Spring Circus Show: Lost & Found: A Journey of Discovery

Uptown
Friday, May 10-Saturday, May 11
"Lost & Found: A Journey of Discovery" invites you to join the whimsical trio of Zest, Yeto, and Xave on an enlightening journey that delves deep into the essence of "home." This collaboratively crafted show explores the significance of safe spaces, meaningful connections, and the joy of discovering where your heart truly belongs. Through 10 vibrant scenes, characters embark on a voyage of self-discovery and enlightenment, engaging with a diverse range of identities and stories of belonging. READ MORE

Mother's Day Family Fun Festival Bridgeview

Bridgeview
Friday, May 10-Sunday, May 12
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

Broadway in Chicago: Mamma Mia!

Downtown
Friday, May 10-Sunday, May 12
Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago. READ MORE

Kids Day at Lilacia Park

Lombard - FREE
Saturday, May 11
Kids can enjoy a concert from Nanny Nikki, along with games, art, crafts and special guests at this special day just for them during the Lilac Time festival. READ MORE

Mother's Day Origami Workshop

Lincoln Park
Saturday, May 11
Make mom a bouquet of origami flowers for Mother's Day at the Japanese Culture Center. Individual tickets are $30, or you can purchase a family ticket (parent and child) for $45. Yamamoto Sensei will provide a variety of paper to fold. READ MORE

Pink 5K

Oak Brook
Saturday, May 11
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

World Migratory Bird Day: Migration Madness

South Holland - FREE
Saturday, May 11
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County invites families to celebrate birds at Sand Ridge Nature Center. Kids can enjoy crafts, go on a bird walk, and explore the preserves throughout the day. READ MORE

Umbrella Arts Festival

Evanston - FREE
Saturday, May 11
Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander culture and art in downtown Evanston. This event is designed to increase visibility and representation of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, create shared experiences, and dispel myths. The umbrella symbolizes the ASPA diaspora which includes a diversity of ethnicities from over 40 countries around the world. READ MORE

Mother's Day Tea Party at Normandy Park

Midway
Saturday, May 11
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. A bounce house will round out the fun if the weather accommodates. READ MORE

Switch on Summer with ComEd

Downtown - FREE
Saturday, May 11
The whole family can join ComEd and the Chicago Park District to watch the Buckingham Fountain officially switch on at 12pm and enjoy free family-friendly activities and live entertainment!  READ MORE

Chicago River Day

Various Locations along the Chicago River -FREE
Saturday, May 11
Volunteer to help the Friends of the Chicago River create a litter-free environment. Dozens of sites throughout Cook County invite families to come pick up trash, paddle up and down the river, and be inspired by the animals, plants, and people around the river. READ MORE

Palos Park Woman’s Club Mother’s Day Walk

Palos Park
Saturday, May 11
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

Mother's Day Gospel Bowl

East Garfield Park
Sunday, May 12
The Mother's Day Gospel Bowl celebrates its 35th anniversary with more than a dozen gospel artists performing at JLM Abundant Life Center. The Cantons, Doc McKenzie, Jackson Southernaires, Bolton Brothers, Willie Banks Jr & more will sing and play their music. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Kathy Lockett and Claude Jefferson Scholarship Foundation. READ MORE

Pretty in Pink Mother's Day Tea

Oak Park
Sunday, May 12
Celebrate Moms with an elegant Mother's Day Tea inspired by the timeless beauty of delicate pink hues. A blushy, beautiful setting, Cheney Mansion will be ready for your to celebrate the women in your life with treats curated to go along with the springtime theme. READ MORE

Mother's Day Jazz Brunch at Eaglewood Resort and Spa

Itasca
Sunday, May 12
Enjoy a variety of culinary stations, bottomless mimosas, full bar service, and a family photo op at Eaglewood Resort and Spa on Mother's Day. Lush Life will perform live jazz music from 10am to 2pm. READ MORE

Mother's Day Cruises

Downtown
Sunday, May 12
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

Family Storybook Yoga

Lincoln Park
Sunday, May 12
Connect with nature through family-friendly yoga movement on the terrace at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. This imaginative yoga class will flow through a sequence of fun and creative poses that embody the story—bringing literature to life.  READ MORE

Mosaics for Mother's Day

Bucktown - FREE
Sunday, May 12
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 Bluegrass Brunch on the Patio

Berwyn - FREE
Sunday, May 12
The Box Band plays on the Patio at Fitzgerald's Night Club while Babygold Barbecue serves brunch for moms and families! The drums, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar quartet plays bluegrass music and prides themselves on getting all of the audience members involved in the show. READ MORE

Mother's Day Brunch at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield
Sunday, May 12
Celebrate human and animal moms at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. The venue will have a gourmet brunch, live music, bottomless mimosas, and a special gift for mom. Explore the zoo before or after you enjoy your brunch. READ MORE
Try the Pink 5K on Mother's Day. Photo courtesy of the Oak Brook Park District
Try the Pink 5K on Mother's Day. Photo courtesy of the Oak Brook Park District

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Places featured in this article:

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum