Sunday 11
Glass Bead-Making Workshop
Give in to your mom’s insistence that you do something semicheesy with her. This one-day beading workshop demonstrates basic techniques, including various embellishments. At the end, you’ll both have a few baubles worth taking home. Need another reason to take this class? When you sign up, Mom gets in for free. Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N Ravenswood Ave (773-769-4226). El: Brown to Montrose. Bus: 50 Damen, 78 Montrose. 11am–2pm; $65, LAC members $60.

Mother’s Day Architecture Cruise
Honor Mom with a guided tour of Chicago architecture on this casual river and lake cruise that serves up live music by the Windy City Strings and a breakfast or lunch buffet. Wendella Dock, 400 N Michigan Ave at the Chicago River (312-337-1446). El: Red to Grand. Bus: 3, X3, 4 (24hrs) X4, 10, 26, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151 (24hrs), 157. 10am–noon, 1–3pm; $45, seniors $40, kids $22.

Mother’s Day Cruise
No, you haven’t missed the boat on reserving a nice meal with Mom on Mother’s Day. This one includes a Lake Michigan cruise, buffet-style dining, live entertainment and what else but a floral gift. Boarding begins one hour prior to cruise time. Spirit of Chicago, departs at the south side of Navy Pier, 600 E Illinois St at Fairbanks Ct (888-957-2322, spiritofchicago.com). El: Red to Grand. Bus: 29, 65, 66 (24hrs), 124. 11am–1pm, 3:30–5:30pm, 7–10pm; $44.90–$69.90.

Mother’s Day House Walk
You know how Mom loves looking at other people’s houses? Indulge her with this rare peek into six beautiful, private residences in the Ridge Historic District on this Mother’s Day tour. Evanston History Center, 225 Greenwood St, Evanston (847-475-3410). El: Purple to Dempster. Noon–5pm; $40, advance $35.

Click here to read about Mother's Day spa specials.