2024 Mother’s Day is May 12th!
Welcome to Chicago North Shore Moms 2024 Mother’s Day Guide! We’ve curated a list of Mother’s Day brunches, Mother’s Day themed events, and gift ideas from local businesses throughout the North Shore to make the moms in your life feel extra special this year–including you! The individual listings are not sponsored and have been chosen simply because we enjoy them.
A special thank you goes to our Mother’s Day Guide sponsor, Lori Nieman Real Estate. With real estate licenses in Illinois and Florida, Lori’s decades of real estate experience is unparalleled. This guide would not have been possible without the support of this amazing local mom!
Mother's Day Brunch
Egg Harbor Cafe Deerfield, Glenview, Lake Forest and Evanston (NEW): Open 7-2pm daily Egg Harbor is solid and consistent. The new location in Deerfield Square is a great place to hit up with the littles. They’ll delight at the fountain and get their sillies out at the little jungle gym just next door (hidden from street view). Plus, it’s walking distance to Jewett Park. Don’t miss their Mother’s Day Momosa: A shimmery pink cocktail made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, sparkling wine, and house-made strawberry lemonade!
Guildhall Glencoe: Brunch at this upscale dining establishment is available on Saturdays & Sundays from 10-3pm. If you’ve never been here, you’ll want to know that they kept those class houses that were cropping up all over the restaurant seen a few years ago (we won’t remind you why). Anyhow, they’re super cool and intimate.
Brunch Factory Riverwoods: Open 7-2:30 daily, this brunch spot knows… well… brunch. You bet they’ll have something special for mom here.
Country Kitchen Highland Park: Open 8-2 daily Country Kitchen has a giant menu from breakfast to lunch! And you can’t beat the location near shops!
Walker Bros. The Original Pancake House Highland Park and Wilmette: Open 7-2:30 at all locations, this is home of the famous Apple Pancake and you know the drill. Need I say more?
The Glen Club in Glenview (located caddy corner from Kohl Children’s) (4) two-hour seating options available.
Wilmette Harbor Club – Service is from 9-4pm, reservations required. Indoor and Outdoor dining options.
Sandy’s Diner Highwood: Sandy’s Diner in Highwood is a family-owned and operated tiny but mighty diner with a throwback vibe and really fast service. The food is fab, too. No reservations here and you’ll wait a bit to get seated but worth it. Your food will come out pretty fast. They’re so old school they don’t even have a website.
Chevy Chase Country Club Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet 11:30 – 2pm
Mother’s Day Brunch at Brunch Café Deerfield: Brunch Café has everything that you need to create the perfect special occasion, whether you visit us locally or you choose to have a catered Mother’s Day brunch for a larger group or family. We can create custom menus and have special items just for this occasion, making sure that mom gets a one-of-a-kind experience.
Cherry Pit Cafe Deerfield: Open 7:30-2pm daily this adorable little brunch spot is probably one of the best on the North Shore. At the Cherry Pit Cafe they pride themselves on traditional dishes and welcoming, family-style hospitality. Our owners are all involved in the day to day operations and are always eager to provide an exceptional experience. The menus are inspired by a blend of traditional homemade recipes and twists on classics which will leaving you wanting for more. YUM.
Hanger Two by Tangled Roots Brewing Company: The food here is sooo good. The brunch is sure to impress. Brunch is available on the weekends through 3pm. Check out the menu because we think it’s a little different from the rest!
Pixca Highland Park: This upscale bistro serves brunch every Sunday from 10-2pm. At the time of this post, there were no specific details about the Mother’s Day brunch but knowing Pixca, they’ll do something special! Call 847.926.3189 for details.
Extravagant Mother’s Day Brunch at Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook: Celebrate Mom with an extravagant brunch buffet at Prairie Grass Cafe. Mother’s Day Brunch will be served buffet style from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call to make a reservation because they are not allowing online reservations for this date.
The English Room at Deer Path Inn, Lake Forest: The brunch buffet here is served 11-2. Dress to impress and make your reservations early, this event typically sells out 6-8 weeks in advance.
Chicago Botanic Garden Mother’s Day Brunch: Alrighty, if you’re just now considering a special Mother’s Day brunch here, you’re too late. So why did we include CBG on our list of brunch spots? Great question. The answer is, so you have your radar on for next year! There are three time slots offered at 9, 11, and 1. This brunch is completely sold out about six weeks prior to Mother’s Day. Good luck for next year!
That Little French Guy, Highland Park This place is beloved for it’s charming french street inspired interior and the delicious french treats and brunch options. At this cafe, there won’t be any reservations but you can be sure there will be a long line. The treats make a great gift, just sayin’…
Brunch Cafe, Deerfield You can’t make a reservation here but you can join a “wait list.” This is a great place to come for a quick, high quality meal – in and out in a jiff. The service is good and fast and the food is reliable.
Please continue to check back with us. As information gets released about special Mother’s Day brunch offerings, we’ll update this guide!
Mother's Day Events
Events with a Mother’s Day theme!
May 3 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 4 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Make a functional mug for whoever you’re celebrating! All mugs will be available for pick up by May 10, just in time for Mother’s Day. All mugs will be food safe and dishwasher and microwave safe.
Mother’s Day Gift Making @Takiff Center, May 11 @ 10:00 am, Make something special for Mother’s Day!
Spring Wild Edible Walk @Heller Nature Center, May 11 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Eat the forest! Join Shane Alden: The Wild Dyrad on a foraging tour of Heller’s woods; learn how to spot wild edibles and how best to prepare them or even how to make your own botanical tea. Sample some of the botanicals we find in a tea specially brewed for Mother’s Day.
Mother-Daughter’s Innovation Event @Gorton Center, May 11 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, This is a mother-daughter event like none other where you and your daughter will engage in interactive activities designed to spark creativity, collaboration and imagination!
Mother’s Day Rose Tea + Sound Bath Meditation @Sole Luna Wellness, May 11 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am, Join Reiki Master, Julie Dynek as we honor Mother’s Day, the divine feminine and sacred energy of the rose. With a focus on our heart chakra, sip our artisanal rose tea as you lay back and relax to the soothing sound bath meditation. All are welcome!
Mother’s Day Wine & Cupcake Pairing @Lynfred Winery Roselle, Celebrate mom with a wine and cupcake pairing! We’re pairing up with Candy from SmallCakes CupCakery in South Barrington for a sweet union of wine and sweets. Enjoy a flight of 3 wines with 3 cupcakes, including Lemon Drop, Pink Chocolate, and Hot Fudge Sundae. Enjoy our suggested wine flight, or create your own from our May tasting menu.
May 11 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 12 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
‘DEAR MAMA’ – a Mothers Day Pop-Up Market @Sketchbook Brewing Co, Kick off Mother’s Day Weekend at our ‘DEAR MAMA’ eventt! Join us at Sketchbook Brewing Co for a day filled with shopping, sipping, and celebrating all things mom. Treat her to unique gifts from over 15 local vendors, grab a cold brew, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Let’s make this Mother’s Day one to remember! FREE to attend – No ticket necessary!
May 11 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
May 12 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Taste Buds Kitchen “Mother’s Day: Southern Brunch Sun May 12, 11:00am-1:00pm (Ages 9+ Family Class) Enjoy special bonding time with mom as you work together to create and enjoy a sweet and savory homemade brunch.
Barrington Mother’s Day 5k Run/Walk, May 12 @ 8:00 am, 5K & Kids 100-meter dash! Start and finish in downtown Barrington
Mother’s Day Concert At Three Crowns Park, May 12 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, The Elaine Dame Duo provides entertainment for residents and their guests – featuring pianist Dennis Luxion
Mother’s Day Yoga + Mimosas @Rosewood Beach, May 12 @ 8:30 am – 10:00 am, Moms are the women in our lives who inspire us, guide us, and encourage us to pursue our dreams. Join us for a special Mother’s Day yoga class celebrating all that mothers are and all they do. Bring the mom or moms in your life and let’s celebrate everything amazing about them. Stick around after for mimosas and community time.
Mother’s Day Miniature Golf @River’s Edge Mini Golf, May 12 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Moms receive a free round of miniature golf. Enjoy a relaxing, fun round of golf.
Mother’s Day Tweets and Tea @Rosewood Beach, May 12 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm, Calling mother birds! Enjoy a leisurely stroll talking about local and migrating birds with a Naturalist. Roost back at the Interpretive Center with some cozy teas and a talk about birding.
Bad Momz of Comedy W/ Emcee Orly K.G. @ZANIES Comedy Night Club, May 12 @ 7:00 pm, we’re inviting all the cool moms to hang loose at Zanies Rosemont on Sunday and Zanies Old Town on Monday!The Bad Momz of Comedy — featured on The NBC Kelly Clarkson Show — is a not-safe-for-playdates group of moms who celebrate the joys and challenges of motherhood, womanhood, and the joys of aging like fine wine — well, more like bad cheese.It’s not just a comedy night; it’s a celebration of unsung heroes – moms!
Evanston History Center’s Mother’s Day House Walk, May 12 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, The Mother’s Day House Walk is back, offering up close visits to five unique homes nestled in Evanston’s esteemed Lake Shore Historic District. All five have been carefully chosen for their architectural significance, rich histories, and interesting interior features.
Mother’s Day Yoga Flow & Mimosas @Lakeview Center, May 12 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am, Start your Mother’s Day with an all-levels yoga class, then top it off with a mimosa toast alongside your fellow yoginis!
Mother’s Day Workout @WIN Athletic Club, May 11 @ 8:15 am, Join Heather Hughes, Creator of the Power Sculpt Fitness Method (&Mom of 4!) For a Mother’s Day Sweat Session!
More ideas!
Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is open 8am to sunset: Reserve ahead for Mother’s Day because tickets will be limited. Members, you may also have to reserve a time.
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle open 7am to sunset: Spend the day with the family outdoors hiking amongst the 16 miles of trails and beauty!
Mother's Day Gift Ideas
Family portraits and personalized brand photography with Nicola Levine Photography
Nicola Levine works expertly with your family or your brand to capture your story in beautiful imagry. Start the conversation here.
Mother’s Day Mural with Art Party!
Looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift that will last a lifetime? Book The Mural of The Story Today @ Art Party. Come to the Art Party Studio where your entire family will be guided through a collaborative experience. Together you will create a beautiful, meaningful piece of art for your home that sparks joy every time you see it. Book today, schedule later, enjoy forever! 10% off now through Mother’s Day. Limited spots available.
This new massage studio is owned and operated by Buffalo Grove mom of four kids, Victoria Shen. Use code NSMOMS for $30 off your first massage!!!
This luxury spa owned and operated by Chicago mom Eryn Kingsly, is the hottest thing to come to Highland Park! The manicure services are expert level and it’s one of the only places in the area where you can get a gel overlay. Don’t miss out on the full-service facials, purchasing top rated skin care and spray tans! Use code NORTHSHORE20 for 20% off any service (first time clients only).
Cute craft ideas for kids to create as gifts for mom: https://www.
Mother Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt
North Shore mom, Lydia Kutko (picture above) has filled a pain point that moms can all relate to – the messiness of motherhood! Mother Oxford clothes are essential spill friendly cotton oxford shirt for motherhood and beyond.
North Shore mom, Diana Peters, brings to us hand crafted on trend designs at affordable prices! We love her layered bracelet collections!
North Shore mom, Dawn Gagerman created Sasha Grace Designs (named after her daughter). This jewelry designer creates unique and trendy jewelry and accessories!
We love this beauty and skin care haven! CEO and founder Marla is a mother of 3 and curates the selection to perfection.
Pick up a gift set for Mom like The Best of Clean Beauty, or bring the spa to her with a few of our favorite at home treatments from Trish McEvoy (love the Retinol Eye Cream), a new sent, a curated gift set like The Expert Edit Set (pictured above), or a gift card to shop the large selection. Call to order ahead for pick up- but an in person trip is much more fun!
Lynfred Winery Highland Park is a satellite location for Illinois’ oldest family winery. Obviously bottles of wine are a perfect gift for just about any occasion but we think another great options is gift card for a wine tasting! Enjoy!
From injectables to lasers, peels and facials to medical weight loss and more, FreshSkin is your one-stop place for beauty inside and out. Consider a gift card to this medical spa for that special mom in your life. Personally I love the laser hair removal here and sometimes I pair with a B12 injection for an extra boost.
Hand-Painted Bags at Randoons of Winnetka Multi Holographic Phoenix Crossbody Phone Bag
Hands-free water bottle at all times. Boom!
We frequent this sanctuary, with and without the kids. It’s truly such a gem and we’re lucky to have this resource! A Chicago Botanic Garden membership pays for itself in as little as two visits. With your membership, you not only enjoy many members-only privileges but also support the Garden and its mission!
We can’t really narrow it down to any one product at this store. Why? Because when you book your appointment with the fabulous staff and owners of Chantilly Lace, you get exceptional service with a fitting just for you. A gift certificate here really goes a long way. It’s a special outing for really high quality undergarments.
This local clothing boutique has everything a girl wants (and needs) when it comes to seasonal on trend pieces. North Shore mom and founder, Julie Cohen, is super sweet, which makes it that much easier to support local! Grab a gift certificate here, accessories, or a wardrobe essential.
Style Shack, Highland Park Jewelry
Everything from Style Shack is the perfect gift but if we had to pick one item this Mother’s Day it would be the paperclip jewelry trend. Trust us.
About our Mother’s Day Guide sponsor Lori Nieman
Thank you to CNSM Mother’s Day sponsor Lori Nieman Real Estate. Lori is a seasoned realtor with licenses in Illinois and Florida and super knowledgeable about all aspects of the real estate market. Ask Lori any real estate question you have by reaching out: [email protected].