All About Mom! Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Gift of Time

Get those creative juices flowing: Magnolia's Bakery

Feeling the need for something sweet and creative and have a momma who loves to bake? Magnolia Bakery had to put a pause on their in-person classes, but you can set up private Zoom sessions to learn cake and cupcake decorating techniques at home.

More Info: magnoliabakery.com

Wine tasting for mom at Morton Arboretum

Perfectly timed for Mother's Day Weekend, mom can savor seasonal wines among beautiful spring blooms at Morton Arboretum's Wine Tasting event. A ticket includes 20 one-ounce wine samples from a selection of more than 80 wines. The grounds will remain open until sunset for anyone who wants to take a scenic stroll after their tasting. You must be 21+ to purchase a ticket, but kids are welcome to come along. 

May 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle; Online: mortonarb.org

Get mom's hands deliciously dirty: Lowcountry

Playing on phones at the table is a no-can-do with hands busy digging into a bag of juicy shrimp, crab, sausage, corn and potatoes. Lowcountry welcomes families to savor low-key authentic Southern-inspired seafood boils, complete with menu options to please the whole group—even vegans can enjoy!

Lowcountry, 3343 N. Clark St., Lakeview & 1132 S. Wabash, South Loop; Online: lowcountrychicago.com

Bike or walk The 606

What was once a former elevated train line is now Chicago's 606 trail. Connecting six neighborhood parks at ground level with numerous art installations along the route, the 606 gives moms a sweet (rooftop) view of the city. Stop into one of the many restaurants for a lunch or dinner break!

For other biking options, read our story: Find Your Path to Summer Fun on These Chicago Bike Trails

Online: the606.org

Give mom the gift of Van Gogh

The Immersive Van Gogh exhibition invites Chicagoans to yoga under The Starry Night! Gift mom the experience of a workout choreographed in harmony with music, sounds, light and moving images from Van Gogh's catalog of masterpieces. 

Make it a colorful day: Garfield Park Conservatory

Instead of giving mom flowers, take mom to the flowers. She'll love the Spring Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory. The Show House is filled with a dizzying array of colors that will fill your view and blanket you with aromatic blooms. Take time to reflect and experience the wonder of nature at Garfield Park Conservatory, unfiltered, with this year's theme being Saturation. 

Through May 9; Garfield Park Conservatory; 300 N. Central Park Ave., Garfield Park; Online: garfieldconservatory.org

Nerd out at MSI's Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes

The Museum of Science & Industry's Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes celebrates Marvel history with more than 300 artifacts, including original comic book pages, sculptures, interactive displays and costumes and props from Marvel's blockbuster films. Visitors to the Museum can learn about the origin of iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Black Panther, Hulk and Captain Marvel and see how they have evolved alongside society over the past 80 years. 

Explore Greektown Chicago for the Day

Not only is Greektown brimming with excellent dining options, but you can also walk off your feast by visiting their Fanciful Fish outdoor sculpture exhibit. Created by a diverse group of Chicago artists, the 21 sculptures celebrate Greek culture, from mythological gods and seaside vistas to the language. 

Greektown, along Halsted St., Online: greektownchicago.org

Appease the thrill-seeking mom at Six Flags

If mom likes to feel the wind in her hair and has a need for speed, take her to the midwest's largest theme park! Six Flags has over 45 thrilling rides, shows and attractions ranging from pulse-pounding to low-key activities geared toward tots. 

Six Flags, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee; Online: sixflags.com

Visit sandwich-loving Joey at FRIENDS Experience

Is mom more of a Monica or a Rachel? Whichever way she leans, take her to the wildly popular FRIENDS Experience that celebrates the series' most iconic moments in a two-story, interactive exhibit.