The Ultimate Mother's Day Guide in Lake County 2024
By: Stephanie Wylie 05/03/2024
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and Lake County offers a plethora of activities to celebrate and honor the special women in our lives. Treat Mom to a delightful brunch at one of Lake County's charming restaurants, offering an array of delectable dishes to satisfy her taste buds. For the creatively inclined, explore arts and crafts workshops where you can create personalized gifts that Mom will cherish forever. If your mom is an adventure seeker, why not indulge her with a thrilling outdoor experience such as hiking or biking in Lake County's beautiful natural landscapes? Alternatively, surprise her with tickets to a captivating theatre performance or live entertainment event. Whatever Mom's interests may be, Lake County provides endless opportunities for fun, educational and memorable Mother's Day experiences.
Let's check out things to do for Mother's Day, on Sunday, May 12.
Mother's Day Events in Lake County
Take your mom to brunch on Mother's Day because, let's be real, she's the reason you eat avocado toast instead of buying a house.
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. Craft beer enthusiasts in Illinois can look forward to a week of festivities from May 3 -10, as the highly anticipated Illinois Craft Beer Week returns, celebrating the lasting influence of craft breweries on local communities.
Arts & Crafts
Brunch
Join the Deerfield Park District for a Mother’s Day Floral Bouquet Cookie Decorating Workshop, where participants can celebrate the special people in their lives with deliciously decorated cookies! INFO»
Indulge in a delightful Mother's Day experience at the Chicago Mother's Day Craft and Vendor Market at Gurnee Mills, featuring local vendors, sweet treats and endless gift inspiration! (5/3-5) INFO»
Join The Joyful Gourmet for a delightful cookie decorating experience where you can create beautiful cookie creations alongside your kids, grandkids, nieces, or nephews, guided by Beth Sage, owner of Sugar and Sage Bakery! (5/5) INFO»
Celebrate Mother's Day at Broken Earth Winery Long Grove with a special floral workshop, where you can treat your mom to an evening filled with beautiful blooms, delicious wine, and great company! (5/8) INFO»
Join us at The Vine Martini & Wine Bar on Mother's Day weekend for a special cookie decorating event where you can learn to create a beautiful floral cookie platter - perfect for sharing with mom, your girlfriends or your teens! (5/11) INFO»
Mother's Day and Ladies' Night with shopping, wine and appetizers at Reclaimed Artisans in Libertyville INFO»
Explore the "Mother Earth Market" at the Brushwood Center, where you can shop for unique gifts or enjoy a shopping trip with Mom, browsing through artwork, crafts, and specialty items presented by local artists, artisans, makers, businesses, and organizations. (Available now through Mother’s Day Weekend) INFO»
Indulge in a sweet Mother’s Day treat by joining Ma and Pa's Candy for a special Chocolate Making Class, where moms and their kiddos can work together to create fun chocolate and candy projects using Belgian chocolate, toppings, and more to take home! INFO»
Join The Inn on Sheridan for the Girls Matter Too Clothing Drive, where women ages 18 and over can donate unwanted clothing items on Friday night for sorting, then return on Saturday to shop, stuff their bags with what they like, and check out for an enjoyable and charitable event! (5/17-18) INFO»
Experience the vibrant celebration of arts in downtown Waukegan at ArtWauk, where you can enjoy a unique evening filled with art exhibits, live music, and featured performances, making it the perfect opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse cultural scene of the city. (5/18) INFO»
Get creative with your child at the Adult/Child Mug Making Workshop hosted by the Deerfield Park District, where you'll learn how to build and glaze your own functional mugs, making it a perfect Mother's Day activity! (5/18) INFO»
Take mom to the Grandwood Park Park District for their annual Craft Fair, featuring a variety of unique handmade crafts and gifts for Mother's Day and beyond! (5/18) INFO»
Celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Lake County Art League at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, where artwork by league members will be on display throughout May, offering free public viewing and promoting local artists' work. (Now-5/29) INFO»
Join Tony Cannoli for a fun and interactive cannoli making class, where you'll learn the techniques to create their signature, crunchy, bubble-free shells and fill them with delicious cream, perfect for a special occasion or a fun night out with friends! (5/3, 5/15, 5/23) INFO»
Gift Ideas
Ravinia Festival is North America's oldest music festival, renowned for its world-class performances across various genres including classical, chamber music and more. With over 100 events from June to September, Ravinia attracts over 600,000 listeners annually to its open-air pavilion, Bennett Gordon Hall, and historic Martin Theatre. Check out some of mom's favorites that will be stopping by this season including James Taylor, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Violent Femmes, Ben Platt, The Beach Boys with John Stamos, Norah Jones and more. Tickets on sale now. INFO»
Looking to add a touch of sweetness to your special day? Indulge in a delectable assortment of chocolates, candies, and sweet treats at Long Grove Confectionery and Ma and Pa’s Candy in Long Grove. For those who prefer cookies, brownies, nuts, or baked goods, Lambs Farm offers a variety of delightful options perfect for Mother’s Day gifts or visits.
First Friday in Libertyville is scheduled for May 3 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.
Looking for more shopping inspiration? If the saying “shopping is my cardio” sounds like something mom would say, head to Deer Park Town Center, Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills or Gurnee Mills for a mom shopping spree. Both destinations feature a variety of department stores, name brands, and specialty shops guaranteed to delight any fashionista.
This Mother's Day, give your mom a one-of-a-kind experience at the Sock Monkey Museum in Long Grove, featuring the world's largest handmade sock monkey collection, interactive exhibits on sock history, DIY sock monkey crafting and a charming gift shop offering unique finds.
Sport and Adventure
Start Mother's Day off right with a 60-minute yoga class in the barrel room at Harbor Brewing Co. Lake Villa, followed by a $5 Mimosa bar to toast to all the amazing moms out there! (5/12) INFO»
Celebrate the incredible moms in your life with a special Mother’s Day yoga class at Rosewood Beach & Interpretive Center, followed by mimosas and community time to honor everything amazing about them! (5/12) INFO»
Treat your mom to a unique experience at Extreme Flight Simulation in Gurnee, where you can take her on a virtual airplane ride to one of her favorite destinations using state-of-the-art aircraft simulators and a virtual reality lounge featuring dozens of games and destinations, all without breaking the bank or leaving the state. (Open daily, closed on Tuesdays) INFO»
Treat your mom to a weekend of water park fun and family adventure at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee this Mother's Day weekend! INFO»
For the adventurous mom or thrill-seeker, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is the perfect destination to match the energy and excitement of your number one fan! (Open select days through Labor Day) INFO»
Enjoy a fantastic outdoor adventure at one of America's top miniature golf courses, located right here in Lake County at Par-King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire! (Open Weekends) INFO»
Outdoor Experiences
Looking for a unique Mother's Day gift? On Sunday, May 12 only, visit the gift shop for wine tasting, fudge, donuts, and more at Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze in Spring Grove. 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. Don't miss out on their Central State Dahlia Sale (5/4-5/5), World Bonsai Day (5/11) and Butterflies & Blooms (5/31-9/2). INFO»
Experience the magic of the Lake Zurich Water Lantern Festival at Paulus Park, where families, friends, and neighbors can come together to create peaceful and memorable moments filled with hope, happiness, and great memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.(5/18) INFO»
Tee off with mom at one of the many golf courses in Lake County. INFO» :
Satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in all things chocolate at the Long Grove Chocolate Fest, where historic downtown Long Grove comes alive with old-world charm, family fun, live music, and a delectable array of chocolate-infused creations from local vendors.(5/17-19) INFO»
Join the exciting adventure of the Des Plaines River Canoe & Kayak Marathon, spanning 18 1/2 miles from Libertyville to Mount Prospect and a finish line party featuring live music, food trucks and awards for the top 3 boats in each class. (5/19) INFO»
Get a head start on your Mother's Day gardening at Liberty Prairie's Spring Plant Sale and Farm Festival, where you can shop for native food plants, organic vegetables, herbs and flowers grown collaboratively by Grayslake High School District 127 students, teachers, administrators and farmers, as well as native plants from Possibility Place and enjoy a day at the farm! (5/4) INFO»
Celebrate the arrival of spring at Buffalo Creek Brewing Co.'s Maifest, where you can enjoy live German folk music, traditional maypole dancing, charity raffles and delicious food and beer in the 2-acre biergarten, all while supporting the non-profit organization Misericordia! (5/10-11) INFO»
Enjoy the scenic beauty of Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville while sipping on Lake County craft brews at the Beer Garden. (5/4-9/28) INFO»
Join Three States Fiber Art at North Shore Distillery for a Crafts & Cocktails session, where you can create your own beautiful garland with expert guidance. (5/4-9/28) INFO»
Get your garden ready for spring with the Gardeners of Central Lake County Plant Sale, featuring a variety of plants including annuals, perennials, vegetables, and more, just in time for Mother's Day. (5/11) INFO»
Support Volo Bog State Natural Area by participating in the Friends of Volo Bog Native Shrub and Tree Spring Sale Fundraiser. (5/11) INFO»
Enhance your garden with native plants at the annual Native Plant Sale at Independence Grove and while you shop, learn about eco-friendly practices to benefit your home, wallet and community. (5/11-12) INFO»
Don't miss the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club's garden sale, where you'll find a diverse selection of locally sourced plants, tools, pots and other garden accessories, all with expert assistance on hand. (5/18) INFO»
Theatre & Entertainment
Enjoy "Magic Moms Mother's Day" at the Mundelein Park District. Take mom out for a magical brunch and magic show. (5/4) INFO»
Watch the classic "Little Women: The Broadway Musical" at The Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. (5/4) INFO»
Experience the magic of "Cinderella... Really?" at the Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest, where this unique twist on the classic tale, perfect for all ages, promises an unforgettable outdoor theatre experience. (5/8-14) INFO»
Watch the hilarious and heartwarming journey of three couples navigating the joys and challenges of impending parenthood in "Baby: The Musical" at Citadel Theatre. (Runs until 5/19) INFO»
Treat your mom to a night of laughter and fun with comedian Henry Cho at the Genesee Theatre! Cho's clean comedy and versatile act make for an evening the whole family can enjoy, making it the perfect Mother's Day outing! (5/10) INFO»
Celebrate Mother's Day weekend with a delightful night out at Three Brothers Theatre's production of "The 39 Steps," combining a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel and a dash of Monty Python for an unforgettable experience! (Now-5/11) INFO»
Experience the magic of Meredith Willson's "The Music Man" at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, a family-friendly musical comedy that promises wicked humor, warmth, and romance, perfect for all generations to enjoy together! (Now-6/2) INFO»
Enjoy an afternoon of colorful music at the College of Lake County Music Department's Choral Ensembles Spring Concert, featuring performances by the Chamber Choir, Choir of Lake County, College of Lake County Singers and Gospel Choir. (5/4) INFO»
Don't miss the College of Lake County Music Department's Concert Band Spring Concert, featuring a diverse selection of lyrical and technical pieces conducted by Mike Madonia. (5/8) INFO»
Listen to the sounds of Get the Led Out at the Genesee Theatre, where she can relive the iconic sounds of Led Zeppelin in an electrifying live performance. (5/9) INFO»
Experience the rich blend of talent and international flair as the Galvin Cello Quartet takes the stage at Bennett Gordon Hall, offering a mesmerizing performance of classic and contemporary compositions.(5/10) INFO»
Witness the iconic funk and soul of Sly and The Family Stone as original member Jerry Martini and Phunne Stone, daughter of Sly, carry on their legacy at the Genesee Theatre. (5/17) INFO»
Keep her laughing at the Improv Playhouse in Libertyville. For comedy night, visit the First Friday of the month (5/5). INFO»
Don't miss the second annual All American Bully and Nano Bully Confrontation Show hosted by the Bully Breed Kennel Club at the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center. (5/11) INFO»
Fun & Educational
Celebrate Mother's Day Weekend at Volo Museum, where moms receive FREE admission to the museum, Titanic Museum and Jurassic Gardens all day, along with FREE double-decker bus rides all weekend and special treats like Mom-mosas! INFO»
Join Gurnee Mills for the 25th Annual First Responders Expo. This FREE family-friendly event, sponsored by Gurnee Mills and the Lake County Fire & Police Chiefs, features over 25 fire trucks and police vehicles, fire and police safety education, activities, demonstrations and the new 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit, ensuring an educational and fun-filled day for the whole family! INFO»
For a fun and educational adventure, take mom to visit a museum in Lake County. INFO»
Bring mom along to explore the arts at MayFest 2024 at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum. Enjoy live music, fine artwork, crafts and refreshments, all while supporting the arts in Grayslake! (5/4) INFO»
Explore the fascinating world of periodical cicadas at the Dunn Museum's "Celebrating Cicadas" exhibit, where you can learn about their mysterious life cycle, unique sounds, and the benefits they bring to the environment. (Now-8/4) INFO»
Discuss Julia Zarankin's "Field Notes from an Unintentional Birder: A Memoir" at Volo Bog State Natural Area. (5/11) INFO»
Embark on a bird walk at Volo Bog State Natural Area, suitable for both novice and seasoned birders, covering 2-4 miles across various habitats. (5/19) INFO»
Take mom for a run or walk and participate in the Run for D103 5K Run/Walk in Lincolnshire, starting from Daniel Wright Junior High, to support the schools in District 103. (5/18) 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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