Celebrating Mother's Day in the city

There are plenty of ways to show mom how much she’s loved this Mother’s Day with food, fun and gifts.

Dining

Kick off her day with breakfast in bed or take mom out for an unforgettable city brunch.

Big Star in Wrigleyville is offering a buffet brunch perfect for the whole family including pancakes, horchata French toast, mixed fruit, sausage, bacon and eggs. Kids can enjoy a cookie decorating station. Visit bigstarchicago.com for more information.

It’s a “Mommapalooza” Mother’s Day Brunch Blow-Out at The Duck Inn Chicago with Latin spiced deviled eggs, smoked salmon, spring vegetable salad and more. Reserve between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on exploretock.com.

STK Chicago is taking reservations for brunch and dinner. Enjoy mimosas, bloody marys and specials featuring lobster benedict. Visit stksteakhouse.com to reserve.

Try Dusek’s in Pilsen for inventive farm-to-table dishes during brunch. Feast on flavorful, creative dishes, seasonal pastries and artisan cocktails. Visit

dusekschicago.com.

Take mom to a decadent brunch buffet at Thorn Restaurant and Lounge in Rosemont from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All moms receive a free mimosa and a complimentary family photo. Visit thornrestaurant.com for more information.

Things to Do

Set sail on a cruise full of festivities aboard the Spirit of Chicago on Lake Michigan. Get out on the water and enjoy a buffet, interactive DJ, dancing and breathtaking views. Choose from brunch or dinner cruises at cityexperiences.com.

Treat mom to a luxurious day of pampering at The Chuan Spa at The Langham, Kohler’s Waters Spa in Lincoln Park or Aire Ancient Baths. The Spa@TheWit is offering Mother’s Day specials during May. Visit spaatthewit.com.

Stop and smell the flowers with mom at the Garfield Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show, Knock Knock. The show ends on Mother’s Day, so be sure to get there in time for last call.

Book a photoshoot with your favorite photographer. Mom will feel glamorous, and the photos will create lasting memories for years to come.

Take mom out to the ballgame to see the Cubs play the LA Dodgers at Wrigley Field at 7:08 p.m. on Sunday, May 8. Catch the White Sox on TV as they take on the Boston Red Sox at 10:35 a.m.

Gifts

You can’t go wrong with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for mom on her special day. City Scents Floral and Home in Streeterville offers high quality floral arrangements with a personal touch. cityscents.com.

For a sweet treat, try Stephanie Izard’s Sugargoat in the WestLoop. You’ll find special occasion treats and creative flavor combinations that will make the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Sip, socialize and create with mom at Bottle & Bottega in the South Loop. Book on Sunday, May 8 to paint freshly picked flowers, a peaceful sunset or a Mommy and Me at the Lake set. paintingwithatwist.com

Take a bike ride on one of the many cycle-friendly paths in Chicago like the 606 or the famous Lakefront Trail. Both offer miles of traffic free lanes with beautiful views of the sparkling city.