Let someone else cut off the crusts on Mother’s Day. It’s the most popular brunch day of the year, according to the National Restaurant Association. But that’s not the only way, or day, to make mom feel like the queen she really is. From mimosas to matinees, we’ve got you and her covered for the week ahead.
Mom & Me Painting Party at Mayfair Park
Mothers love artwork created by their talented offspring. But do you know what any hardworking parent enjoys even more? Not having to supply the materials or clean up afterward. Can you put a price tag on the warm-and-fuzzy glow from the combo of quality time and paint-free couches? We think so.
When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, May 2
Where: Mayfair Park, 4550 W. Sunnyside Ave. (773-685-3361, http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com)
Cost: $25 per parent/child pair.
Kids workshop at the Home Depot
This fun hands-on event happens on the first Saturday of each month, and May’s iteration features a paint-covered creation moms will treasure: a picket-fence photo frame, just perfect for showcasing a picture of their favorite little builders (ages 5-12). Project supplies, aprons and commemorative pins are all free.
When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 2
Where: Various Home Depot stores, including 1300 S. Clinton St.; 4060 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. For additional locations, see http://www.homedepot.com.
Cost: Free, registration recommended.
VIPink festivities at Westfield Old Orchard
Put the “fun” in fundraiser and celebrate the women in your life with the help of Bright Pink, a national non-profit dedicated to preventing and detecting breast and ovarian cancer in young women. This event includes henna-tattoo stations, cotton candy galore and a live deejay.
When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, May 2
Where: Westfield Old Orchard, 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie (847-673-6800, http://www.westfield.com/oldorchard).
Cost: Free, with donation-based events.
Elmhurst Memory Jar Project
Kids and parents alike will love this rare chance to be part of the Elmhurst Historical Museum’s active gallery: All month long, visitors can place significant items in a Mason jar (provided by the museum) and pen a few lines about the memory it evokes. While it’s not mandatory to wax poetic about Mom, this opportunity to immortalize her recipe for lasagna would go a long way toward solidifying Favored Kid status.
When: 1-5 p.m. daily (except Mondays) through May 31
Where: Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst (630-833-1457, http://www.elmhursthistory.org).
Cost: Free.
Card-making at Mariano’s
It’s a win/win: Dads can grab all of those brunch-making supplies while the kids create masterpieces of motherly love, just perfect for adding to a breakfast tray the following morning. And did someone say “samples?”
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 9
Where: Various Mariano’s stores, including 5353 N. Elston Ave.; 2601 W. 95th St.; 1900 S. Cumberland Ave., Park Ridge. For additional locations, see http://www.marianos.com.
Cost: Free.
Dia de los Dandelions at Calumet Park
Who says dandelions are just weeds? After this festival to learn about and celebrate this hardy plant, spend some time stargazing in Calumet Park’s lovely fields and stretches of beach, with plenty of room to picnic and enjoy an evening of music. The Chicago Park District even provides a native plant to take home for Mother’s Day!
When: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, May 9
Where: Calumet Park, 9801 S. Avenue G (312-747-6039, http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com)
Cost: Free.
Switch on Summer at Buckingham Fountain
An afternoon festival of music, food and giveaways will remind Mom of Chicago’s very best season: the one where the kids are out of the house, already! Witnessing Chicago’s favorite fountain powering back up for summer (those bronze sea horses! all that pink marble!) also happens to be a visually cool perk.
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, May 9
Where: Buckingham Fountain, 301 S. Columbus Dr. (312-742-3918, chicagoparkdistrict.com)
Cost: Free.
Mother’s Day brunch at the Palmer House
Does your mother deserve the royal treatment this Mother’s Day? (Tip: There’s really only one correct answer.) The buffet at Lockwood Restaurant & Bar should do the trick, with its crab claws, caviar and blinis, and organic omelet station, while the younger set will thrill for the waffles, which they can top with cherries, crushed Oreos or mini marshmallows. The icing on the (fancy) cake? Kids under 5 eat for free and validated parking is included.
When: Sunday, May 10
Where: Lockwood Restaurant & Bar at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St. (312-917-3404, http://www.lockwoodrestaurant.com)
Cost: $65 prix fixe for adults, $35 for kids 6-12.
Mother’s Day brunch at Bistro Campagne
Bistro Campagne offers up a divine brunch, but you’ll feel like you hit the mother lode with its Champagne cocktail menu. The Mimosa Campagne in particular — with Koval ginger liqueur, grapefruit juice and sparkling wine — is a fabulous way to enjoy a Sunday. (Or so we’ve heard.) Got those pesky kids in tow? Crepes, house-made biscuits and other French delights will keep les enfants busy for at least a flute or two.
When: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10
Where: Bistro Campagne, 4518 N. Lincoln Ave. (773-271-6100, http://www.bistrocampagne.com)
Cost: Varies.
Mother’s Day brunch at City Winery
You wouldn’t think a wine bar and concert venue would be a perfect fit for a Mother’s Day celebration (with the kids, that is), but the CW Vintner’s Breakfast is wonderfully decadent and surprisingly family friendly. Sure, there are pink-tinged mimosas and a wine-infused take on the traditional English breakfast, but the youngest diners will enjoy a yummy kids menu (French toast! Margherita pizza!) and delight in the take-home bag of specially crafted cookies from pastry chef Angelica Rangel. Don’t worry about having to share everything, ladies: The complimentary City Winery-produced bottle of Mother’s Day chardonnay is all yours.)
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, May 10
Where: City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St. (312-733-9463, http://www.citywinery.com/chicago)
Cost: Varies.
Mother’s Day brunch at the Art Institute
Fun fact: Moms love organic and local menus alongside their Impressionists and architecture. You don’t need an MFA in art history to appreciate Terzo Piano’s buttermilk pancakes with coconut mousse or the decadent lobster-hollandaise French fries. The smallest art critics will be happy, too; there’s a fresh and fun kid’s menu.
When: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, May 10
Where: Terzo Piano at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111. S. Michigan Ave. (312-443-8650, http://www.terzopianochicago.com).
Cost: $65 prix fixe for adults, $25 for kids 12 and under.
Champagne brunch at the Brookfield Zoo
Kids will love the idea of eating close to their zoo pals, while Mom will appreciate the table-side Champagne service. Even better? After you’ve had your fill of the carving station and sweet treats galore, your bill covers admission to the zoo. Now that’s something to roar about!
When: Seatings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10
Where: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield (708-688-8355, http://www.czs.org)
Cost: $40 prix fixe for adults, $30 for kids 3-11.
Mother’s Day brunch at Tippling Hall
Some say “Happy Mother’s Day” with carnations, but the really savvy say it with global comfort food. Whether you’re piling the build-your-own frittata sky high or staring down the business end of a 20-ounce Bloody Mary, all diners will enjoy tunes spun by DJ Madrid. And why should the party stop there? Mothers get a gift: the special soundtrack of the day, suitable for ears both young and not-so young.
When: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10
Where: Tippling Hall, 646 N. Franklin St. (312-448-9922, http://www.tipplinghall.com)
Cost: Varies.
“Mamma Mia” at the Music Box Theatre
Hosted by comedian Dick O’Day, this special screening of “Mamma Mia” (starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried) pretty much begs for ’70s garb, ABBA singalongs and an afternoon of reveling with your favorite matron — buoyed, of course, by pre-show mimosas.
When: Noon Sunday, May 10
Where: The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. (773-871-6607, http://www.musicboxtheatre.com)
Cost: $12.
