Mother's Day 2012

Saturday 12

Moms of Avon
City Lit Theater, 1020 W Bryn Mawr (773-293-3682, citylit.org). Noon–4pm; $75.
The Viola Project, an organization that aims to foster girls' interest in theater, invites mothers along for a pre–Mother's Day Shakespeare workshop. The Viola Project serves girls ages 10–16.

Mother's Day Paint-A-Plate Kid Event
IKEA, 750 E Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook (630-972-7900, ikea.com). 1pm.
Dads, give your kids a hand in creating something cool for Mom by taking them to IKEA for this free craft session. First purchase a plate (99 cents to $3.49), then head to the craft corner to paint and personalize it with a picture or poem just for Mom. Paints and decorations will be supplied.

Mother's Day Portraits in the Park
Lincoln Park near Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St (773-478-6607, rickaguilar.com). Must call for prices and to reserve an appointment time.
For Mother's Day, treat your mom to a professional portrait with the little ones with a park in full spring bloom as the backdrop. Rick Aguilar Studios' mini sessions provide a mix of candid and posed shots.

Mother's Day Tea
Richard H. Driehaus Museum, 40 E Erie St (312-482-8933, driehausmuseum.org). 3pm; $60.
Catch up with your mom, wife or partner over tea, teeny crustless cucumber-mint sandwiches, scones and pastries. Tour the regal Driehaus Museum mansion after nibbling on dainty refreshments. Reservations required.

Motherhood the Musical
Royal George Theatre, 1641 N Halsted St (312-988-9000, theroyalgeorgetheatre.com). 2pm, 8pm. $48–$65.
The trials of motherhood might not always give reason to break out into song, but in this comedic musical, catchy choruses spring from blessings and perils alike. The four-woman show, written by Sue Fabisch and directed and choreographed by Broadway’s Lisa Shriver, follows the ups and downs of four mothers in four very different life situations.