Celebrating Mother’s Day in Chicago

I can’t believe I’m hosting my mom this weekend in Chicago for Mother’s Day. Two weeks ago we didn’t have plans to see each other, but when I realized I had relatively nothing planned until the end of the month, I put the offer out there to her. We’re not a very spur of the moment family, but she had free airline miles so it worked out she could make the trip from Tampa. My parents come to Chicago about once a year, and I’m happy to have my mom when the weather is (hopefully) better than when we hosted them in November.

This time we opted for my mom to stay in town for three nights, because our time together always goes by way to fast to fit in everything we want to do. Of course our days are still already starting to pack up but it’s all things we’re looking forward to! I outlined some of the ways in which I’m celebrating my mom this weekend to share ideas for things to do on Mother’s Day in Chicago.

1. Broadway in Chicago, specifically the RENT 20^th Anniversary Tour running May 10-19! I’ve been fortunate enough to attend past shows with Broadway in Chicago (Cruel Intentions, Rock of Ages) and was excited to get an invitation to the performance of RENT. When it happened to coincide with my mom’s time in Chicago, she looked forward to it too, stating she’s “probably the last person in America who hasn’t seen the musical.” We’re changing that this Mother’s Day.
2. Afternoon tea at one of Chicago’s many great options. After having afternoon tea in Ireland, I wanted to experience it with friends in America. So, I asked for a gift certificate to The Russian Tea Time for Christmas. I loved the experience and booked it this weekend for my mom and me as well.
3. Pampering at a local business like Mojo Spa, my top recommendation for a Chicago nail salon. Everyone at Mojo is so friendly and the manicurists hit the appointments out of the park whether you ask for a regular mani/pedi or nail art. Plus, the shop in Wicker Park sells unique handmade spa and beauty products. If you aren’t near store, you can always shop online and send your mom something so she can treat herself at home.
4. One of Chicago’s many lovely cultural institutions and museums. You’re sure to find an activity that fits your mom’s interests, whether she (for example) has a green thumb and would enjoy the Lincoln Park Conservatory or is interested in architecture and wants to do a history walking tour of Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park.
5. Girls night in with delivery and a great movie. Of course Chicago has amazing restaurants and bars for you and your mom to go out to, but I find it hard to talk over the noise. Sometimes, it’s better to order delivery and catch up on the couch. I begged my mom to watch Crazy Rich Asians with me this Mother’s Day weekend because it has a great subplot of a tear-jerking mother-daughter relationship.