No need to traipse from store to store looking for the perfect gift this Mother’s Day when the best gift you can offer is time well spent. We’re helping you out with ideas that appeal no matter what brings a smile to mom. From moms who dig the great outdoors to those who prefer a big-time thrill, take advantage of these Mother’s Day activities in Chicago. Read on and get planning, May 8 will be here before ya know it!
For Moms Who Love the Outdoors
Human + Nature at Morton Arboretum
Five massive outdoor sculptures created exclusively for Morton Arboretum by artist Daniel Popper rise above the natural landscapes in the Human + Nature exhibition. The 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures are installed across the 1,700-acre site and lead guests to areas they may not otherwise explore. Using thought-provoking human forms paired with elements of nature, each piece will bring attention to the deep connections between humans and nature.
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!
Spring is fantastic. . . but add fresh air, unforgettable blooming scenery and a chance to spy on animals in their natural habitat and you're guaranteed a memorable family day. Lace up your hiking boots, strap an infant to your back and hit one of Chicago's many low-key hiking trails.
Walk In Beauty at Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden
Smell flowers, walk the greenhouses, breathe fresh air and run around outside at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; Online: chicagobotanic.org
For Moms That Like Good Old-Fashioned Fun
Be Old-School Cool & Go Roller Skating
Stock
Impress the family with your 8-wheeled dance moves at one of these retro-fun spots that have stood the test of time.
For Wine-Loving Moms
Wine Tasting 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 25 1-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.
Frida: Immersive Dream focuses on the art and life of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954). This beloved 20th-century Mexican artist is best known for compelling self-portraits and radiant pieces inspired by life in her native country. Her best-known works will be brought to life and set to music.
Ongoing; Lighthouse ArtSpace, 108 W. Germania Pl., Lincoln Park; Online: immersive-frida.com
Museum of Science & Industry's The Art of Brick
Museum of Science & Industry
MSI's The Art of Brick features intriguing works of art made exclusively from LEGO bricks. The collection of creative and inspiring pieces was created by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya.
Immersive Art Experience at WNDR Museum
WNDR Museum
WNDR Museum, the ever-evolving, immersive art and technology experience features one-of-a-kind installations from artists, collectives and studios globally and locally.
WNDR Museum, 1130 W. Monroe St., West Loop; Online: wndrmuseum.com
For Moms Who Like a DIY
Have a tea party: The Kids' Table
Let The Kids' Table help your family create and enjoy a Mother's Day Tea Party. As a family, you'll make tea sandwiches, fruit kabobs with honey yogurt dip, mini strawberry cupcakes & lemonade. Yum!
May 8, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; The Kids' Table, 2337 W. North Ave., Wicker Park; Online: kids-table.com
For Thrill-Seeking Moms
Pretend It's Summer at an Indoor Waterpark
Great Wolf Lodge
Lazy rivers. Wave pools. Slides that go so fast you’ll forget to breathe. No matter your water park speed, or the age of your kids, you’ll find anindoor water park near you that will make you forget you're still in Chicago's chill.
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
For Moms Who Like to Feast
Get mom's hands deliciously dirty: Lowcountry
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 locations in Lakeview, South Loop & Chinatown; Online: lowcountrychicago.com
You should be proud—you braved another Chicago winter. And, it was a brutal one. Your reward is the flurry of new activities the change of seasons brings. Nature walks, outdoor art displays, new museum exhibits. Put on your shades and your favorite tee (but layer it with a fleece. . . this is the windiest of cities, after all) and get out there. Here are just a few ways to say “well, hello there!” to spring.
Astrographics at Art on theMart
Art on theMART
Beginning Apr. 1, Art on theMART is presenting Astrographics in collaboration with Adler Planetarium. The outdoor show on the facade of Merchandise Mart will explore ways in which humans conceptualize their universe and how that has changed over time. It will consist of four movements (Earth, Other Worlds, Stars and Beyond) which will transport the viewer from Earth to other planets and stars, then out to deeper and more speculative realms.
Spring Nature Walk at Peggy Notebaert
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is definitely a favorite museum among Chicagoans, but they've been closed for an extended period due to COVID. If you're missing them, register your family for a guided nature walk through the museum's outdoor exhibits. You'll learn about the plants and animals that call the museum's grounds home. From grasses to trees to bugs and birds, you never know what you'll see! Nature walks scheduled for Mar. 30, Apr. 1 & Apr. 3.
Greektown Chicago invites Chicagoans to take a stroll down Halsted St. to view Fanciful Fish, an outdoor sculpture exhibit with 21 artworks. The exhibit was created by a diverse group of Chicago artists and celebrates Greek culture, from mythological gods and seaside vistas to the Greek language.
Immersive Van Gogh at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago
Immersive Van Gogh
Chicago's must-see art exhibition this season is Immersive Van Gogh. The experience invites audiences to step inside the iconic works of the post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh, evoking his highly emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, music, movement and imagination.
Interactive Fun at WNDR Museum
WNDR Museum
The ever-evolving, immersive art and technology experience, WNDR Museum, has reopened with new interactive art, touchless experiences and enhanced safety measures. Prioritizing joy, curiosity and creativity, the reimaged experience features one-of-a-kind installations from artists, collectives and studios locally and globally.
Virtual Sleepover with Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd's virtual sleepover introduces kids to the aquarium's impressive world of aquatic animals, with a special emphasis on tropical adaptations. The whole family will experience up-close animal encounters, play games, participate in activities and watch a live feeding in the Caribbean Reef over breakfast. Sleepovers are available Mar. 19, Apr. 9 & May 8.
Marvel Super Heroes Exhibit at MSI
Museum of Science & Industry
The Museum of Science & Industry's Marvel: Universe of Super Heroescelebrates 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.
Six Flags is the Midwest's largest theme park featuring over 45 thrilling rides, shows and attractions. When the park reopens on Apr. 24 with COVID safety protocols in place, your family can feel the thrill of pulse-pounding coasters or have a chill day on gentle rides geared toward the tots.
Tee Up at Mini-Golf
iStock
Hit a hole-in-one by going clubbin' with the family at Topgolf Naperville and Wood Dale. Kill two birds with one—improve your golf game while also showing your kids just how amazing you are with a club in hand. If you prefer your game miniaturized, check out one of these mini courses for kitschy fun.
Take a Hike
iStock
You could hang in the urban jungle all year round and never run out of things to do, but how about adding fresh air, unforgettable scenery and facetime with critters in their natural habitat to the mix? Lace up your boots and hit these favorite hiking spots no matter the temps. Tip: Spring is the absolute best time to visit Starved Rock to see their waterfalls in action.
Dinos Everywhere & Virtual 5K with Brookfield Zoo
Nearly 45 animatronic dinosaurs that are BIGGER and BADDER than any dinos you've ever met are visiting Brookfield Zoo. Dinos Everywhere features acres of earth-shakers, including the largest—argentinosaurus—that was estimated to measure more than 100 feet in length and weigh up to 110 tons.
Brookfield Zoo is hosting their first-ever Virtual 5K Spring Run/Walk. Get outside and enjoy the warm weather and glorious colors of spring. You choose the time and place—take a hike in a forest preserve, jog along a waterfront trail or stroll through a neighborhood. Each runner will receive a numbered bib and commemorative swag with registration.
Jo Jo Shake Bar's Candyland
Jo Jo's Shake Bar is even sweeter than normal with the launch of Jo Jo's Candyland. In this immersive dining experience, you'll experience over-the-top shakes, biggie hot chocolates, signature cocktails and delicious diner fare.
Set the dinner table with a little help from Anna and Elsa! Disney’s Frozen 2 Collectible Ceramic Dinnerware set is here—and it may just make your kiddo eat whatever you put on their plate.
The 16-piece set includes four complete settings. You’ll get four 10.75-inch dinner plates, four seven-inch dessert plates, four 16-ounce bowls, and four 12-ounce mugs.
Each perfectly crafted piece features sweet silhouette designs from the Frozen film franchise. Whether your child is a fan of Anna, Elsa, or both, they’ll find the now-iconic characters on this fancy (but family-friendly) dinnerware set. Along with the character silhouettes, the dishes, bowls, and mugs also include awesomely ornate snowflake designs.
Find this Robe Factory Disney Frozen 2 Anna and Elsa Themed Dinnerware Dining Set on Amazon for $119.99. As if the Frozen 2 dinnerware set isn’t enough princess-y goodness, you can also nab another 16-piece set, featuring Princesses Tiana, Rapunzel, Aurora, and Mulan (also $119.99 on Amazon). Add the Disney Princess 4-Piece Dinner Placemat Set ($42.99 from Amazon) to complete your Disney dinner table look!
Pay homage to every kid’s favorite poet by celebrating his birthday and Read Across America Day on March 2! From The Lorax to Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, Dr. Seuss’ stories have a special place in our hearts (and our heads—we could probably recite The Cat in the Hat by heart by now!). Get the fun rolling and whip up one of these tasty Seuss-inspired treats your little bookworm is sure to love.
Cat in the Hat Tomato Stack The Cat in the Hat might just be one of Dr. Seuss’ most iconic characters, and this snack from Anders Ruff is the perfect way to bring him to your plate. The mozzarella and tomato makes for a tasty twist on the classic caprese salad. Click here to get the recipe.
I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today! Tiger Pops Your kiddos might not be too enthusiastic about licking zoo animals, but they’ll definitely love noshing on these adorable pops from Play Eat Grow. They’re super easy to throw together using colorful candy wafers. Click here to find out how it’s done.
The Grinch Who Hash Warm up with a big bowl of Who Hash (that’s corned beef hash to the citizens of Whoville) from Food in Literature and cross your fingers that the Grinch doesn’t come and try to swipe the whole stash. To get the recipe, along with a printable label to decorate your cans, click here.
A Pile of Cupcakes Like one of Seuss’ topsy turvy stories, this stack of cupcakes from Easybaked will make the tots smile. Luckily, you won’t have to dig out your mini muffin tin—the mini cupcakes are just peanut butter cups with frosting on top. To snag the recipe, click here.
The Lorax Lunch Plate How cute is this creation by The Fantastic Five? With a Lorax face sandwich, broccoli grass, and cotton candy Truffula Trees, there’s no way a kid could resist this meal. Click here to get all the info on how to recreate it.
Dye-Free Green Eggs and Ham Make the classic green eggs without using artificial food coloring. This genius recipe from The Food Charlatan makes use of spinach and a blender for a crazy quick and delicious (not to mention festive!) breakfast. Click here to get the full recipe.
The Lorax Fruit & Veggie Plate Get inspired by Little Food Junction to create a whimsical Seussian plate using whatever fruits and vegetables you have on hand. An orange becomes a face, grapes are eyes, and leftover lettuce is facial hair—the sky’s the limit. Click here for more details.
Disney+ announced that Keke Palmer will host and executive produce the new series Foodtastic. The unscripted build competition series has teams of contestants create whimsical, larger-than-life, Disney-inspired works of art made out of all types of food, including everything from cheese and butter to fruits and vegetables. NYC’s City Cakes founder Chef Benny Rivera and FLOUR SHOP founder Amirah Kassem will serve as judges for Foodtastic. The 11-episode series started production this week and is slated to premiere on Disney+ later this year.
In each self-contained episode, three teams of food artists transform iconic characters into extravagant masterpieces that tell a story from Disney’s legendary IP. These food sculptures will be judged purely on their design, technical skills and narrative, and not by taste. Unused food from each competition will be donated to local food banks.
Palmer is also lending her voice to the new character “Maya” in the upcoming Disney+ revival The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.
Foodtastic is produced by Endemol Shine North America. In addition to Palmer, Josh Silberman, Sarah Happel Jackson and Endemol Shine North America’s Sharon Levy, DJ Nurre and Michael Heyerman are executive producers.
Today, General Mills and got milk? have joined forces for the first time. This partnership aims to bring extra fun to the breakfast table and remind families of all the benefits that these two icons deliver together. To celebrate, General Mills has launched 6 limited edition boxes featuring their beloved characters – such as Buzz, Lucky, Trix Rabbit and more – donning the famous got milk? mustaches.
“We believe in the power of cereal and milk to be an easy, affordable and delicious way to deliver the nutrients people need with the taste they love,” said Amy Cohn, Senior Nutrition Manager at General Mills. “And for kids who eat cereal, 53 percent of their daily milk consumption comes from pouring cereal and milk together. So, while General Mills cereal and milk have been a perfect pairing for a long time, we’re thrilled to officially come together to share this important message through our iconic characters.”
While Big G cereals and milk are each great on their own, they are even better together. This powerhouse partnership is aimed at highlighting the unbeatable benefits of cereal and milk, including:
Top-Notch Nutrition: Cereal is the number one source of whole grain, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals, including iron, at breakfast, while dairy milk is the number one source of calcium and vitamin D as well as a high-quality source of protein.
Affordability: General Mills cereal with dairy milk costs an average of just $0.50 per serving.
Simplicity: Cereal and milk make it quick and easy for busy families to start their day with the nutrition they need – and the taste kids love.
“Now more than ever, families are looking for quick and affordable ways to get the nutrition they need,” said Yin Woon Rani, CEO MilkPEP. “A bowl of cereal and milk is always a winning combination and an easy way for parents to feel confident that their kids are starting the day off right. Our goal with this campaign is to provide inspiration and tools that are accessible to all parents to help make breakfast fun and nutritious. We think breakfast is the perfect time to make sure families got milk? in the year ahead and beyond.”
To help make this dynamic duo even more affordable for families everywhere, the limited-edition boxes will include coupons on the back of the box. Shoppers can also get $2.00 back via digital rebate when they buy two gallons of dairy milk and two boxes of General Mills Big G cereal. Details about the digital rebate can be found at BigGCerealAndMilkSavings.com.
Additionally, with the launch of this campaign, General Mills Big G cereal and got milk? are delivering even more right to your door. Starting Jan. 11, National Milk Day, Big G’s Cereal Collective Milk Truck will be popping up across the Los Angeles area with a reimagined take on the vintage milk man experience. The fun will also be delivered straight to your social feeds with the launch of the #CerealMilkStacheChallenge, where some of today’s biggest social media stars will show off a new take on the classic milk mustache – after they drink cereal and milk straight from the bowl.
You can find the limited-edition General Mills Big G cereal and got milk? partnership boxes of Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Cocoa Puffs, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Trix at most major retailers nationwide now.
To learn more about the partnership and join in on the #CerealMilkStacheChallenge, please follow @GeneralMillsCereal and @gotmilk on Instagram and @GenMillsCereal and @gotmilk on TikTok.
Does your pooch like to get into mischief when they are left home alone? BarkBox and Super Chewer are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the classic film Home Alone with limited-edition boxes. Timed with the release of “Home Alone” on Disney+, pups can join in on family movie night.
The boxes are filled with BARK original toys representing iconic characters and items from the movie, such as plush Marv and Harry, a crinkly tarantula, and a squeaky paint can. Starting today, the boxes are available for new and current subscribers on BarkBox.com and SuperChewer.com, while supplies last.
Every box is filled with two themed toys, two bags of all-natural treats and a chew. This week is also Cyber Muttday (11/16 – 11/22) where subscribers can receive a Double Deluxe box (double the toys, treats and fun) for the price of a standard box ($22/a month).
Whether you’re heading out to a trunk-or-treat event or just looking spooky-cool for the pumpkin patch, these awesome Halloween themed masks for kids will keep them safe and in character at the same time. Scroll down to snag our favorites.
For toddlers, kids and adults, these Star Wars masks from BespokeBoutiqueAndCo come in Chewy, Yoda, Storm Trooper, Darth Vader & Mando. They also come with filters.
Seattle-based renowned corset maker Period Corsets is making some of the best masks money can buy and they just added stylish Halloween masks to their collection. They come in boys/girls sizes from toddler to big kid and you can even specify if you want them to be over the head or over the ear. as well as some stylish and festive fits for adults.
Get that mustached vibe while staying safe with Billie Blooms masks that come in toddler, and daddy or mommy and me styles. The fitted masks come with an inner pocket to add your own filter.
Cubcoats masks in playful designs transform kids into Kali the kitty, Uki the Unicorn, Papo the Panda and Pimm the Puppy. Each mask is made of two layers of fabric, lined with 100% cotton and contain an inner pocket for filters.
Available at cubcoats.com 12.99 for pack of two, $24.99 for pack of three
Now you will be looking forward to Monday morning! Today Disney and Lucasfilm announced Mando Mondays. This all-new global consumer products, games and publishing program, kicking off on Oct. 26 will debut goods inspired by The Mandalorian.
The Mandalorian premiered last fall and quickly took the world by storm. Who doesn’t love Baby Yoda? The series, which won seven awards at the Primetime Emmy Awards, will return for its highly anticipated second season Fri, Oct. 30, streaming exclusively on Disney+.
The Mandalorian and the Child continue their journey, facing enemies and rallying allies as they make their way through the dangerous galaxy in the tumultuous era after the collapse of the Galactic Empire.
After fans experience the latest episode every Friday on Disney+, they can visit MandoMondays.com each Monday to see what new toys, collectibles, apparel, books, comics, digital content and more will be unveiled. Mando Mondays will run for nine weeks, culminating on Dec. 21.
“When The Mandalorian debuted last year on Disney+, the show became an instant phenomenon, with fans of all ages expressing excitement for products related to its iconic characters – particularly the Child,” said Kareem Daniel, president, Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing. “This fall, as the world continues to watch the narrative unfold, we will further bring this unique Star Wars story to life through a must-have selection of toys, books, comics, digital content, and more.”
To celebrate this announcement, select pre-orders for the first wave of Mando Mondays products will kick off today at 1:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. ET across top retailers globally, including shopDisney.com. Products available for pre-order today include the Hasbro Black Series Credit Collection, new Funko Pop! bobbleheads, the LEGO Star Wars The Child construction set and much more, all viewable now at MandoMondays.
The countdown starts now! For more details, visit MandoMondays.com and follow the conversation on social using #MandoMondays.
This talk show is out of this world. On Fri. Sept. 4, Disney+ will debut 10 episodes of its first original talk show Earth to Ned. The fresh take on the late-night format stars larger-than-life extraterrestrial creatures Ned and Cornelius as they interview some of the biggest stars in our galaxy.
This brand new talk show comes from The Jim Henson Company. Hosted by alien commander Ned and his lieutenant Cornelius, who call off the invasion of Earth after they fall in love with human culture. Broadcasting from the bridge of their spaceship, hidden deep underground, Ned and Cornelius interview Earth’s greatest resource, celebrities. With the help of the ship’s artificial intelligence, BETI, and the destructive CLODs (Cloned Living Organisms of Destruction), Ned must keep his show a secret from his home planet or suffer the wrath of his father, the Admiral of the Galactic Fleet.
Each episode focuses on a topic or theme that is both equally unique to earthlings and fascinating to Ned, including comedy, sports, social media, and fashion. Ned beams in celebrity guests from across the known universe to put on the ultimate chat show, and the more he learns about our human culture, the more obsessed he becomes.
Guests include Bindi and Robert Irwin, NeNe Leakes, Joel McHale, Andy Richter, RuPaul, Jenny Slate, and Raven Symoné.
Ned, Cornelius, their Artificial Intelligence BETI, and army of CLODs are brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the team behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic characters.