The Ultimate Mother's Day Guide in Lake County 2023

By: Hazel Gayheart 04/28/2023

Happy Mother’s Day in Lake County! 

Mothers have many roles in our everyday lives. They are our teachers, cheerleaders, mentors, nurses and most importantly, they give us their unconditional love. On Mother’s Day weekend and in May, we take time to celebrate the moms in our lives as an expression of our appreciation.

Let’s make memories and celebrate them every day especially in May and what better place than in Lake County.

Here are some Mother’s Day ideas in the area.

Mother's Day Events in Lake County

Brunch

 

 

 

 

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Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than having someone else cook and clean up. Experience the many locations around Lake County hosting  weekend and Mother's Day brunches. 

Four-course meal with wine pairing at Vigneto del Bino Winery in Antioch. (5/12-13 and 5/20) INFO»

For breakfast, brunch or lunch, Lambs Farm offers a selection of menu items and baked goods to make a special day even sweeter. INFO»

Toast to mom at any of our Lake County Libation Trail partners. Or, if you want drinks with a view along Lake Michigan, visit Harbor Brewing Co. Biergarten at North Point Marina or Green Town on the Rocks in Waukegan Harbor and Marina.

Arts & Crafts

 

 

 

 

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Shop for a gift or take mom shopping for specialty items at the Brushwood Center for the "Mother Earth Market." Artists, artisans, makers, local businesses and organizations will present their art work for this special event. (Now through Mother’s Day Weekend) INFO»

Does your female role model enjoy flowers? Rise in Mundelein has a floral design class on Saturday, May 13. Learn to create a beautiful hand-tied floral bouquet. INFO»

Mother's Day bouquet painting workshop at Reclaimed Artisans in Libertyville INFO»

Gurnee Mills is hosting a Mother’s Day Craft Show filled with over 30 crafters, artisans and handmade items. Visit them May 5-7 at Gurnee Mills. INFO»

Gift Ideas

 

 

 

 

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Treat mom to her favorite music or performing artist at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park this summer! There are dozens of performances from June through mid-September. This year features renowned artists like Chicago, Santana, Jason Mraz & His Superband, John Legend, Jethro Tull, Kenny Loggins, Carrie Underwood, Boyz II Men and more. Mom can listen to live music at the Pavilion or picnic on the grass under the stars, or you can make a dinner reservation at one of Ravinia’s in-park restaurants before the performance. Tickets go on sale starting Monday, May 1. INFO» 

Want to make a special day even sweeter? Dip into a selection of chocolates, candies and anything sweet at Long Grove Confectionery and Ma and Pa’s Candy in Long Grove. If cookies, brownies, nuts or baked goods are more of mom’s desire, Lambs Farm has many options as a gift or visit during Mother’s Day weekend.

First Friday in Libertyville is scheduled for May 5 and can give you a head start to shopping for Mother’s Day. Visit the multiple stores on MainStreet and find a new or old favorite for mom.

The latest kitchen gadgets and equipment are available at The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville for the baker or the chef in your life. They offer a selection of items for the home kitchen, key ingredients and trending favorites. If a day or evening out is more mom’s preference, they offer a selection of classes each month to learn or explore. (Open Daily)

For additional shopping inspiration, or if the saying “shopping is my cardio” sounds like something mom would say, visit Deer Park Town Center, Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills or Gurnee Mills for a mom spree. Both locations offer a selection of department stores, name brands and specialty stores to delight any fashionista.

Be mom's favorite with a special gift that brings friends and family together at The Temple Lipizzans in Wadsworth. Special Mother's Day discount for performances in June. INFO»

Sport and Adventure

 

 

 

 

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Take your mom on an airplane ride or to one of her favorite destinations using virtual reality at Extreme Flight Simulation. The Gurnee attraction offers aircraft simulators and a virtual reality lounge with dozens of games and destinations. You can take mom anywhere she’d like to go without breaking the bank or leaving the state. (Open daily, excluding Tuesday) INFO»  

Get mom and the family ready for a pre-brunch workout by joining Barrington's Mother's Day 5K Run/Walk on Mother's Day. Aside from the workout, proceeds from the event go to benefit the local WINGS program. #RunWithMom INFO» 

Make a splash or cruise down the lazy river at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee. INFO»  

For the adventuring mom or thrill seeker, what better place to match the energy and excitement of your number one fan than at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. (Open select days through Labor Day) INFO»

Have a swinging good time outdoors at one of America’s Best Miniature Golf courses right here in Lake County at Par-King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire. (Open Weekends) INFO»

Outdoor Experiences

 

 

 

 

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What’s better than a flower bouquet for mom? Try taking her to see thousands of tulips at the Tulip Festival at Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze in Spring Grove. This limited-time experience is the largest display of tulips in Northern Illinois. (Happening Now) INFO»

For beautifully manicured landscapes, flowers and 27 spectacular gardens, the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe offers a uniquely colorful and relaxing experience to delight anyone. INFO» 

Tee off with mom at one of the many golf courses in Lake County. INFO» :  

Moms golf for free at the Mother’s Day Miniature Golf event in Highland Park. (5/14) INFO»

For a zen-ful experience, have mom join the Park District of Highland Park for their Mother’s Day Yoga & Mimosas. (5/14) INFO»  

Does mom have a green thumb? She will surely enjoy selecting her next project at College of Lake County in Grayslake. They are hosting a plant sale on Mother’s Day weekend. (5/11-12) INFO»

Celebrate mom and spring at Buffalo Creek Brewing's Inaugural Maifest. Have mom dance around the maypole, boogie to live music, drinks and food. (5/12-13) INFO» 

Afternoon tea, sandwiches and petit fours inside the big barn with fancy teacups is a perfect way to celebrate mom at Susanna Farms in Lake Villa. Sip, sip, hooray for mom! (5/13) INFO» 

For mom the birder or explorer, visit the Old School Forest Preserve to watch the songbird migration. Binoculars are helpful for these walks and you can include them as a gift for mom too. Two dates: May 13 and May 14.

Walking in nature can be a relaxing time for mom. Have them explore the trail and history with a naturalist on a stroll through Ryerson Woods. (5/13) INFO»

Plants, native shrubs and trees, oh my! The Friends of Volo Bog will hold their Native Shrub and Tree Sale on Mother’s Day weekend. (5/13) INFO»
 

Theatre & Entertainment

 

 

 

 

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Grammy Nominee and American Idol alum Ruben Studdard, perfroms alongside the aforementioned FOX show runner-up of that same season Clay Aiken at the Genesee Theatre stage for an unforgettable evening. (5/12) INFO»

“Love, love me do” and we know you love mom too. Take her back in time with the longest-running Beatles tribute show – Rain: a tribute to the Beatles at the Genesee Theatre. (5/13) INFO»

For a high-energy musical performance that combines elements of bluegrass, hip hop and beyond, the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake hosts Gangstagrass that will have dear mom dancing in the aisles. (5/14) INFO»  

Brecken Miles will be performing at Jesse Oaks Food and Drink in Gages Lake. Miles brings a unique combination of original music blended with top country hits. He’s collaborated with renowned country artists as well as Nashville songwriters and producers. (5/14) INFO» 

If your mom favors the family's fur baby, a stop at the Lake County Fairgrounds for the All-American Bulldog show will keep her happy. (5/13) INFO»

Is mom ready to rock? The Citadel Theatre presents the Chicagoland premiere of "Airness." This musical comedy will be sure to rock her Mother’s Day weekend. (now through May 21) INFO» 

For the baseball fan or theatregoer, the Broadway mega-hit “Damn Yankees” is playing at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. This musical has won seven Tony awards including best musical. You will knock it right out of the park taking dear mom to this performance. (Now through June 4) INFO»

Keep her laughing at the Improv Playhouse in Libertyville. For comedy night, visit the First Friday of the month (5/5). INFO»

Fun & Educational

 

 

 

 

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For a fun and educational adventure, take mom to visit a museum in Lake County. INFO»

Is cruising on the water more your mom’s speed, check out Waukegan Habor’s Weekend Navigator classes. (5/13) INFO»

Books and nature could be the perfect combination. Volo Bog State Natural Area will host its book discussion on the book Sparrow Envy: Field Guide to Birds and Lesser Beasts by J. Drew Lanham. (5/13) INFO»


For more things to do this Mother’s Day, continue here. Happy National Travel and Tourism Week from May 7-13!

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