Moms. They are the absolute glue of a family, they raise you, look after you, and love you all while balancing the rest of their life. This can oftentimes be thankless work, so it’s our job to make sure they feel the gratitude they deserve, at least once a year! This Mother’s Day, take care of mom like she’s taken care of you. Need a little inspiration? We’ve got you: below are just a handful of some of the wonderful gift ideas to surprise her with this May!

Nathan Cooper

Loyly Sauna Massage

Loyly Sauna has two Portland locations to choose from. The larger Northeast facility features two cedar saunas, a cold shower cooling room, and therapeutic massage and holistic skincare services. The Southeast location is slightly smaller and features a cedar sauna, steam room, showers, locker rooms, along with their signature therapeutic massages and holistic skincare services. Purchase your special mama a gift card for a massage and sauna experience and we guarantee she’ll be feeling like a million bucks! The whole family will be feeling her afterglow.

2713 SE 21st Ave
503-236-6850

3525 NE M.L.K. Blvd
503-914-4303

Online: loyly.net

Beaumont Florist Flowers

This northeast Portland flower shop is exactly where you want to go for your Mother’s Day bouquet. With flexible pricing options, same-day delivery, and an endless amount of customization options, these master florists are guaranteed to piece together something thoughtful and beautiful. Beaumont Florist targets a certain temperament with each of its bouquets and offers additional gift items like chocolates or balloons to pair with your arrangement! Truly a one-stop-shop. Check out their sister shop in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Portland, too!

 4201 NE Fremont St., Portland, OR 97213
(503) 281-5501
Online: beaumontflorist.net

Sammy's Flowers Personalized Arrangments

Open seven days a week, this adorable, Parisian gem builds beautiful arrangements that are sure to leave you satisfied and your mother’s dining room table looking great. Want to depart from a standard bouquet and give her something that she can cherish for longer? Sammy’s Flowers sell beautiful orchids in several dazzling shades, as well as cards and chocolates for the ultimate flower-gifting experience! Want to build mom an arrangement made especially by you? At Sammy’s Flowers, that’s no problem! Just pick out some of their individually priced flowers and they’ll arrange and wrap them for you. Make sure to jump online or give them a ring soon, Sammy’s gets especially busy during the Mother’s Day week.

1710 W Burnside St., Portland OR 97209
(503) 222-9759
Online: sammysflowers.com

unique dessert charcuterie board
iStock

Moonstruck Chocolates & Cacoao Sweets

Mom's love is oh so sweet, so why not get her some luxury sweets for her special day? Grab a box of the classic truffle collection at Moonstruck Chocolates. If she likes bars, there's a delectable variety to choose from. And don't forget to scope out the bundles that let you mix and match her treats.

Three Portland locations
(503) 247-3448
Online: moonstruckchocolate.com

Tender Loving Empire Gifts

Need a few things to help mom feel like she’s pampered? Good news: Tender Loving Empire has everything under the sun for helping mom feel adored and appreciated! From incredible-smelling candles and adorably-designed tote bags to jewelry and spa-night kits, they’ve got you covered! Come with a plan or come without! You’ll be sure to leave with something special for that extra-special woman who you call mom. 

Multiple Locations throughout Portland
Online: tenderlovingempire.com

Lush Cosmetics

If you frequent NW 23rd, it is more than likely that you’ve found yourself in Lush Cosmetics dazzled by their soap collection. This Mother’s Day, Lush is pulling out all the stops so you can be in awe even more. From scents like earth and herbal to citrusy and floral, and need-levels like soothing or deeply cleansing, Lush has the gifts that mom needs to let those shoulders down and enjoy a bit of an at-home spa night. Whether it’s a bath-bomb, a shower scrub, a face mask or a vegan body wash, Lush will help you help mom take a load off and enjoy herself. Head online to see their full list of options, or head in to the store today! 

708 NW 23rd Ave., Portland OR 97210
(503) 228-5874
Online: lushusa.com/home

 

Roselinde Bon

Portland Nursery Plants

Gifting a living plant is a long lasting present that will forever remind your loved one of your thoughtful gesture. Pop by one of Portland Nursery’s two locations and find the perfect house plant. Pick from aloes or bonsai to cacti and succulents.

Stark Location
5050 SE Stark

Division Location
9000 SE Division, 97266
Online: portlandnursery.com

With Love From PDX

Love our city? So does With Love From PDX! Maybe mom doesn’t live here in town (but she should!) and you want to treat her to a little bit of the place you call home. That’s where With Love From PDX comes in. They’ve got curated gift boxes that will fit exactly what you need, whether that’s the ultimate charcuterie set or a gardening box for the green-thumbed lady in your life. Have a friend with a newborn? Send her With Love From PDX’s “Mama + Baby” gift set, so they’ll both feel a bit of your love. Can’t find all the right things in one box? No worries, you can create your own custom box, so both gifter and gift-ee can rest satisfied! All the goods in each of these bundles of love are filled with locally-made goods from Portland, so you can give gifts and support small businesses! Head online to check things out today!

 

7412 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale HWY, Ste #103, Portland, OR 97225
(503) 267 - 1472
Online at: https://withlovefrompdx.com/

 

—Hanna Judge

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The past year (or so) has left a lot of families missing big group vacations. Which is why if you’re thinking about booking a group getaway for next summer, it’s especially important to snap up that large vacation rental now! We found spots for large groups with kids, family reunions and girls getaways in popular NYC area getaways like the Hamptons, Dutchess County, New Jersey and the Finger Lakes, and for sure there’s a rental house for tribe no matter what its vibe.

Beachy Bargain in the Rockaways

Airbnb

If your crew loves to hear "surf's up!" and needs a place that's not too precious (but has lots of beachy cred) this Rockaways surfhouse is the place to be. Not only is the price right, but it's also got a backyard made for chilling and grilling, and a hot water outdoor shower! The house is two blocks from the beach and a short walk to area restaurants, cafes and bars. And if you for some reason need a change of pace from the shore, you can hop on the train or the NYC ferry and be in NYC in less than an hour! P.S. A fleet of surfboards comes with the place!

Sleeps: 15
Cost: $589/mnight
Online: airbnb.com

Family-friendly East Quogue Escape

Airbnb

Head to the Hamptons without breaking the bank. This East Quogue house has its own pool and a deck for lounging and BBQing, but it's also minutes from the Hamptons and Bay Beaches. The living room and kitchen feature an open layout good hanging out and group meals, and the kid's room has double bunk beds, as well as books and games. The large backyard is backed by a nature preserve, offering additional privacy and bird-sighting. This spot is typically booked, so act fast! 

Sleeps: 10
Cost: $650
Online: airbnb.com

70s Cool Space in Rhinebeck

Airbnb

Mellow out in this lovely Rhinebeck bi-level escape, appointed with tasteful vintage decor. Beyond the suspended orb chair (!) the house features a wraparound deck, fireplace, pool table, record player and LPs, tons of natural light, comfy seating areas and even a mini gym in the garage. Located on 2.25 acres it offers privacy and natural surroundings, while also being close to the shops and restaurants of Rhinebeck Village. 

Sleeps: 10
Cost: $1,020
Online: airbnb.com

Big Berkshires Retreat

Airbnb

Located in Lee, Massachusetts, this Craftsman-inspired house is big enough for your big crew but still cozy. Close to Berkshire towns and attractions like Tanglewood, Stockbridge, Lenox, the Norman Rockwell Museum and others, it's also a good home base for exploring and enjoying nature. Large picture windows and sitting rooms showcase the lush landscape that surrounds the house.

Sleeps: 15
Cost: $725/night
Online: airbnb.com

Cape May House By the Bay

Airbnb

This North Cape May house has some serious, yet tasteful, beachy vibe. It's a short walk to the Delaware Bay with access to a private beach, and the neighborhood pool is also nearby. After a day of fun in the sun, come home to the large backyard and BBQ pit. For classic seaside summer fun, the piers of Wildwood, with waterslides and rides are a quick drive away. 

Sleeps: Nine
Cost: $750/night
Online: airbnb.com

Celebrity Chef Lakeside Retreat

Airbnb

Hey, you only live once. This impressive home on Connecticut's Candlewood Lake is the place for culinary clans: it features not only a deluxe chef's kitchen inside, but a professional kitchen outdoors, with every bell and whistle you could want: wood-burning pizza oven, grill, bar, fridge, etc. Of course, there's ample al fresco seating, including a wraparound deck with lake views. Every bedroom in the house has a king-size bed, the open plan living area looks out onto the water, and kayaks, water boards and other lake toys are provided. 

Sleeps: 10
Cost: $2,000/night
Online: airbnb.com

Ulster County House With Hot Tub, Sauna & Movie Theatre

Airbnb

A hot tub, a sauna, a wide expanse of grass with a volleyball net—what more could you want? (Aside from an HD movie theater with surround sound and leather reclining seats, which this place also has.) Located on five acres in the Catskills near the Willowmoc Wild Forest, this house sleeps 12. Enjoy a campfire beneath a canopy of stars outside, or cozy up by the fireplace inside if it gets chilly. 

Sleeps: 12
Cost: $546/night
Online: airbnb.com

Pet-Friendly Poconos Chalet Kids Will Love

Airbnb

Located in the private community known as The Hideout, this colorful house dubbed "Villa MiaNova" brings everything to the table with gusto. Features of the rental include an open plan kitchen and living area, a large deck, screened porch, two bathrooms with soaking tubs and king-size beds all around. But there's (a lot) more: Disney+ and HBO Max, a finished basement with screening room, mini arcade, ping-pong and air hockey tables, a toddler room with toys and even a kitschy Instagram background. Plus: privileges at the community lake, pools, playground, etc. 

Sleeps: 12
Cost: $471/night
Online: airbnb.com

—Mimi O’Connor

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Shopping at Costco can be a bit of an adventure––you never know what kind of treasure you may find. While we can’t get enough of the bulk paper products, oversized bags of cheese and furniture choices, the warehouse retailer also sells some interesting and expensive items you may not know about. Keep scrolling to see our roundup of some of the more ridiculous things you can check out on your next Costco run.

Mario Andretti Signed 1969 Camaro Pool Table

For the game room, how about this unique pool table? Signed by the legendary car driver, it's got real rims, tires and working lights, and can be yours for only $19,999. There's even a white glove delivery service included! 

Mountain House 1-Year Food Storage

You never know when disaster will strike, but Costco has you covered. For the bargain price of $5,000, you can outfit your home with 3,986 total servings of food to get you through whatever comes your way. With 220 cans that cover entrees for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and a shelf life of up to 30 years, that zombie apocalypse's got nothing on you.

D’Artagnan Premium Locker Pack of Sustainable Meats 41 lbs.

While the idea of having enough chicken, steak and pork to last a year seems like good planning, we're not even sure who would have the freezer space to store 41 lbs. of meat! If you do, it'll only cost you $499.99 to have this delivered to your door. 

Kirkland Signature Whole Wheel Parmigiano Reggiano, 72 lbs

Cheese lover? This 72 lb. Kirkland Signature Whole Wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano is for you! Imported from Italy, the 24-month aged cheese is actually quite a steal at $12.50 per pound. The beautiful rind make it a great gift or wedding appetizer!

Wine Enthusiast 600 Bottle Classic LX Double Wine Cellar

Don't have your own wine cellar? No problem! Costco stocks the Wine Enthusiast 300 which holds––you guessed it––300 of your fave vino bottles! The compressor-cooled fridge comes with Vino View so you can proudly display those fancy labels and a surprisingly affordable price tag of $1,899.99

Round Brilliant 10.03 ct Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring

Show how much you care by picking up a stunning diamond platinum solitaire ring on your next Costco run. This 10 carat, near colorless diamond has a VS1 rating and a gorgeous platinum band. Act fast––there's only one available and at $420,000 you don't know when this ring will be gone forever.

Urns & Caskets

Costco is all about putting affordable products at your fingertips so it's no surprise they stock a line of urns and caskets. Plan ahead or order in a pinch, most of the products for funeral needs are under $1,000 and make the details of a difficult time a little easier.

A Mortgage

Alturas Homes via Pexels

Looking to buy a home or refinance? Check with Costco before you do! Members can take advantage of the warehouse's Mortgage Program where up to four lenders will communicate with you on available loans. Costco also offers Veteran options, too!

Almost Heaven Fayette 6-person Steam Sauna

Stop wasting money on a gym membership and just buy your own 6-person sauna the next time you head to Costco. The Almost Heaven Steam Sauna ($4,700) is a sound investment that heats in 30-60 minutes up to 190°F. The outdoor designed product is made with thick cedar, comes with two long benches, backlighting and is "easy" to install in just 4-5 hours.

Osaki OS-4D Pro Maestro Massage Chair

Forget expensive spa memberships when you can come home to a great massage in your $3500 Osaki Massage Chair. The in-home treatment features Bluetooth speakers, touchscreen remote, 3D heated rollers, and knee kneading, toe, foot and ankle air massage.

Gorilla Playsets Wilderness Retreat II Playset

We are all about kids having fun, and if you're ready to fork over the $4,000 it takes to play on the Gorilla Playsets Wilderness Retreat II Playset then more power to you! Your backyard will be the talk of the town with the unit's two play decks, three slides, two swing stations, one ring station, rock-climbing wall, fort and picnic table, phew! And don't worry––installation is included.

 

––Karly Wood with Gabby Cullen

All photos: Courtesy of Costco

Featured image: iStock 

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A spa day in LA can mean many things.  It could be sneaking away for a few hours of pampering sans kids, but it could also be treating the little ones to their own rock star worthy beauty bash or even taking the whole gang along for a family day of lounging in gold, ice or Himalayan salt rooms.  Kick the year off with some plush pampering at one of our favorite whole family or just-for-kid spas in town.

photo: Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills (A Four Seasons Hotel)

 

Super Heroes and Princesses Get Glam at The Beverly Wilshire
Rock stars, princesses and super heroes get the star treatment at the spa of this very chic hotel via massages, manis, pedis, super hero spray and candy-flavored lip gloss. Other treatments were inspired by the book Larry Gets Lost in Los Angeles, such as the “Larry Gets Pampered in the Spa” package, which translates to a vitamin C hand and foot exfoliation plus hand and foot massage. Most kid services include a toy to take home!

9500 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills
310-275-5200
Online: fourseasons.com

photo: Snip-Its

Throw a Beauty Bash at Snip-Its
The whimsically decorated Snip-Its is one of the local go-to places for kids’ haircuts, but they also offer spa services. Book a Mommy & Me Package for side-by-side pampering or a Signature Spa Party for just the tiny folks. For some reason, many youngsters think all spa visits involve cucumber slices on people’s eyes and here you get them, along with a mani and pedi with polish and nail decals and a facial featuring that special beautifying veggie.

Plaza El Segundo
730 S Allied Way
El Segundo
310-322-7647
Online: snipits.com

photo: GreenBliss EcoSpa

Little Ones Bliss out via GreenBliss EcoSpa
Let the magic, mobile and all-organic fairy of spa parties come to you and turn your little miss and her minions into a “Blissy Missy” courtesy of a mini-facial, mani, aromatherapy massage, sparkly hair bling and other age-appropriate pampering (5 & up). This could be a special treat for a sleepover night or for a beautylicious birthday fete. You can add on extras like Mendhi art henna tattoos, glitter tattoos or taro card readings. The spa party also includes robes, gift bags, a serene ambiance with candles and rose petals, all at the location of your choice, from backyard to club house to hotel suite.

310-859-2272
Online: greenblissecospa.com

photo: Terrin M via yelp

It’s a Family Affair at Wi Spa
Escape to the spa and bring the kids? Not having to pay for a sitter? Brilliant and possible 24 hours a day, seven days a week at this lovely Korean Spa, which features a Jimjilbang. This term refers to the heart of Korean spas, where the whole family can lounge together and enjoy mineral saunas. A favorite is the soothing and beautiful Salt Sauna with its orange-y-pink glow. Another bonus: Admission for kids ages 3-12 is just $10.  Get all the details on a family day here at our insiders guide to Wi Spa-ing with kids.

2700 Wilshire Blvd.
Koreatown
Online: wispausa.com

photo: Shana L via yelp

Co-Ed with the Kids at Spa Palace
The Elvan Room sounds like fairies and elves congregate here, but in this case it refers to one of the many cool rooms at this family-friendly day spa. Like many Korean spas, this one is totally democratic and co-ed, which means you can bring the whole brood to enjoy saunas and the ice room. Open 24 hours, every day of the week, their jimjilbang or family-style common area boasts an immunity-boosting Gold Room, a Himalayan Salt Room, the healing Elvan Stone Room and other themed or sauna spaces. There’s also a kids’ play room!

620 S. Union Ave.
Downtown
213-637-0000
Online: spapalacela.com

photo: Le Chic Spa

Pretty in Pink at Le Chic Spa
Unless you have oodles of time, massages and facials are a rare treat—for Mom and her little beauties, too. At this pink palace, dainty divas can celebrate a special occasion with their besties involving glitter polish, a chocolate soufflé facial, luxe robes and karaoke, depending on the type of party you book. Options include “Rock Star Chic,” “Day Spa Diva” and “Pinkalicious.” Little dudes’s options are a bit more limited: tattoos, face paint and fauxhawks; but that seems to suffice.

19461 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana
818-654-9570
Online: lechicspaonline.com

photo: Desert Hot Springs

Road Trip: Mineral Springs for the Fam at Desert Hot Springs
Many spa hotels have a 16-and-up age policy, but this low-key getaway for Angelenos looking to soak in some hot mineral waters works for the whole family, from babies and toddlers to tweens. Some of the shallow Champagne pools are just lukewarm, perfect for little critters, while others are steaming hot and ideal for achy adult muscles. There’s a full bar and cocktails are allowed at the pool. Keep in mind: This place is super casual and far from a luxury spa retreat, but we love being able to bring the brood. Worth the drive!

Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
10805 Palm Dr.
Desert Hot Springs
760-329-6000
Online: dhsspa.com

How do you spa with your petite pampered progeny? Recommend your favorites in the comments.

—Sylvie Greil

In the heart of Koreatown, a tranquil oasis awaits, begging to pamper you and your entire brood for the day. Yep, that means kiddos, too! Wi Spa offers a truly unique opportunity for families to spend a spa day together whether it’s enjoying an extensive list of spa services, cozying up in mineral saunas or simply relaxing on a nap mat in the family area.

photo credit: Wi Spa

Welcome to the JimJilbang
It’s extremely rare to find a spa that would dare welcome your rag tag group of minions, but Wi Spa believes the spa experience is even more special when it’s enjoyed by the entire family. The “jimjilbang” is the traditional, co-ed center of Korean spas. Here, Wi Spa guests can unwind together while lounging on the heated floor, or parents can take little ones into any of the five signature sauna rooms, together.

Clay, Jade or Ice?
Pick your pleasure.  At a steamy 231 degrees, the Bulgama Sauna provides an intense cleansing by removing toxins and reducing muscle tension. The nearby Salt Sauna helps strengthen your respiratory and immune systems and even aids in healing skin conditions. In the Clay Sauna, you can immerse your body under layers of clay balls which stimulate the lymphatic system—just think of it as an uber healthy ball pit! The Jade Room relieves muscle tension and is even known to help with hormonal imbalance. And the piece de resistance, and most guests’ final stop at the end of the day, is the Ice Sauna which helps bring down body temperature, improves circulation and tightens the skin. (Tell kids it’s like the Ice Palace in Frozen!) Recommended usage for most saunas is 10-20 minutes, but use your best judgement on what little ones feel comfortable with, temperature wise.

photo credit: Jennifer O’Brien

If tots get antsy with all this relaxation, the kids’ zone portion of the jimjilbang is is the perfect escape. Here, rugrats can play video games, explore endless toys and treasures, conquer a pirate ship fort and slide, and read an array of colorful comic books. Parents can keep an eye on their tikes from a large monitor outside the playroom while they lounge nearby reading a good book or working from their laptops with free wi-fi. On most Friday and Saturday evenings, the spa even hosts special entertainment for kids, including magicians, bubbles and clown shows.

photo credit: Wi Spa

Services for the Small-fry Set
A great variety of services are offered on the women’s and men’s floors of the spa, respectively. Before your service, tots can enjoy the dry and steam saunas, as well as the hot and cold tubs as long as they’re accompanied by mom or dad. Most parents choose to use the body scrub towels to scrub down tikes themselves, and kiddos often love getting a special manicure, pedicure or facial as part of the overall experience.

For mom, the 90-minute “Buff and Aroma Massage” treatment is a must-do. Imagine a thorough body scrub from head to toe, aroma oil massage, cucumber face mask/collagen face mask and gentle hair washing at the end. Hello, Heaven! Afterwards, skin feels as soft as a baby’s bottom. No, really. It’s life changing.

Clean and Relaxed.  Now Hungry!
When hunger strikes (and you know it will), Wi Spa features a full-service restaurant, back in the jimjilbang area, offering a wide variety of fresh Korean cuisine that tots will devour. From spicy cold noodles, ramen and Belgian waffles to fried chicken wings and unforgettable french fries, there’s something on the menu for every finicky palate.

photo credit: Jennifer O’Brien

Up on the Rooftop
For a great finale to your spa day, bring the family upstairs to Wi Spa’s stunning rooftop terrace. With gentle breezes, warm sunshine and ample lounge chair seating, it’s the perfect place to kick back, enjoy a beverage and reflect on the incredible day you shared together. (It’s also a fabulous chance to plan the next one.)

Pricing: Entrance to the spa is $25 per adult (ages 13 and up), but spa fee is waived with the purchase of any service $110 and above. Babies and Toddlers under 3 are free and kids aged 3-12 are $15. Be sure to check the Wi Spa site often for coupons and discounts on entrance fee and services.

Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Parking: Free parking is available in the big lot next to the spa.

What to Wear: Leave swimsuits at home. T-shirts, shorts and towels will be provided to all guests for your stay. Wristwatch style keys will also be given upon check-in to store any valuables in the locker area.

Nearby: If your tots have any extra energy left after a long day of spa fun, Chuck E. Cheese’s is conveniently located right next door to the spa.

Wi Spa
2700 Wilshire Blvd.
Koreatown
Phone: 213-487-2700
Online: wispausa.com

Been to any other great spas around town that welcome families? If so, hit us up in the comments section below! We’d love to find more spots like this.

–Jennifer O’Brien

Heat have you feeling a bit haggard? Think you don’t have time (or the budget) for a fresh look? Think again. Whether you need a new ‘do but hate the thought of shelling out for a haircut and a sitter—or in need of the perfect postpartum wardrobe that is trendy instead of tired—we’ve got you covered. Here’s your busy mom’s guide to looking chic on the cheap.  

Take Time for a Trim

Salon Red Kids
Technically, this Decatur haircut spot is just for kids—but the grownup salon is right next door. And since the kid salon includes all sorts of fun entertainment, including cool car seats with individual TVs, the awesome people here have been known to bring over a stylist from next door to give mom’s hair a quick cut while your little one is getting one too. Just don’t try this with a toddler who won’t sit still for a movie, because if your kid gets distracted by the candy and toy shop at the front of the store, your haircut experience may get cut short.

123 East Ponce De Leon Ave.
Decatur
404-377-6230

Lifetime Spa
You thought Lifetime was just a gym, right? Think again. You don’t have to be a member to get your hair done, and standard cuts start at only $32. You can get your kids’ hair trimmed here too, and after Junior’s hair is out of his eyes, drop him off at the complimentary childcare center so you can get your own done in peace.

5590 Roswell Road #250
Sandy Springs
678-832-2324

Trade Up Your Togs

Given Take Swap Boutique
Given Take was the brain child of East Atlanta mom Adrienne Tankersley. Not wanting to spend a lot of cash on a temporary postpartum wardrobe, even at consignment prices, she thought it’d be easier if she could just swap clothes with friends—and Given Take was born. Given Take organizes swap events. You buy a ticket and bring at least 10 items of clothing to swap—in season and in great condition, with no stains or tears. You leave with a bag of new clothes. Bonus? Each event also includes free spa activities. You will need to hire a babysitter for this one, since only infants-in-arm are invited to most swaps, but when the ticket costs less than one item of clothing, splurging on a babysitter ain’t so bad.

Soak Away Stress

 

Jeju Sauna and Spa
Jeju is hard to describe. Modeled after traditional Korean spas, it includes everything from massage to exfoliation to a pool and a restaurant. Kids are welcome, but be prepared: nudity is also welcome in some areas (separated by gender). Jeju is open 24/7, so you can also leave your partner with the kids and head out for some relaxation after bedtime.

3555 Gwinnett Place Drive
Duluth
678-336-7414

How do you freshen up when you are frazzled? Share your multi-tasking mama secrets below!

–Lisa Baker

Photos courtesy of Salon Red via FacebookGiven Take via Facebook and Jeju Sauna and Spa via Facebook

She loves brushing your hair. You know what silly expression will elicit a giggle fit. And nothing beats your afternoon dance parties. Treat your little girl to a solo outing with her best pal — mom. Whether you enjoy being on the go or kicking back in nature, there’s a mother-daughter date that’s tailor-made for your twosome.

Nature excursion: Jackson Park
The details: While you might be fascinated by Jackson Park’s history (it was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Daniel H. Burnham, and was the site of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition) your daughter just wants to skip across the Osaka Garden bridge on Wooded Island, get up close to the waterfall and step on the rocks overlooking the lagoon. Admit it: Mom does, too.

Perfect for: Budding bird watchers and their birds-of-a-feather moms.

Good to know: Pack a picnic lunch — a bento box would complement the Japanese theme — and spread out your blanket in the historic teahouse in Osaka Garden.

Cost: Free

Jackson Park
6401 S. Stony Island Ave.
Woodlawn
312-742-7529
Online: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Spa date: King Spa & Sauna
The details: Soak up quality time at this family-friendly Korean bathhouse in the ’burbs. Dip your toes in the heated spa tubs or alternate among nine ornate therapy rooms, including the gold-coated Pyramid Room sauna and the chilly Ice Room. Then rehydrate with a sikhye, a Korean cold drink made with rice and malt powder. Less adventurous palates can indulge in a banana shake or strawberry smoothie. Have another hour or two? Kick back in the movie room in adjacent recliners.

Perfect for: Older girls and their stressed-out moms.

Good to know: Patrons go nude in the women-only wet room — where you find the showers and spa tubs — so make sure everyone’s on board with wearing their birthday suit. (For the coed sauna rooms, you get a pink cotton T-shirt-and-shorts outfit to wear.) Show her you’re comfortable with your body, and with luck she’ll feel the same way about hers.

Cost: $25 for adults, $20 kids under 12

King Spa & Sauna
809 Civic Center Dr.
Niles
847-972-2540
Online: www.kingspa.com

Afternoon tea: The Drake Hotel
The details: Introduce your daughter to a Chicago tradition: afternoon tea at The Drake. You’ll relish the three-tiered tray stacked with dainty finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones served with jam, lemon curd and double Devon cream. Grownup treats lean toward roast beef on an Asiago-pepper roll and poached chicken with lemon-tarragon mayo on wheat. The Little Princess (or Prince) menu has kid-friendly fare like PB&J and egg salad sandwiches. China plates, sterling silver tea strainers and live harp music will make you both feel like royalty.

Perfect for: Girls aged 4 to 12 and their Anglophile moms.

Good to know: The dress code is “smart casual” — no ripped jeans, shorts or flip-flops — so break out the party dresses and pretend you have a date with the Queen. Offered from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm daily in Palm Court, tea services takes about an hour and a half. They’re happy to accommodate food allergies and special diets.

Cost: $38 for adults, $20 kids 4 to 12

The Drake Hotel
140 E. Walton Pl.
Gold Coast
312-787-2200
Online: www.thedrakehotel.com

A play date: “The Coral King” at DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre
The details: Through May 25, the talented students at DePaul University’s Theatre School mount an original fairy tale centered on the adventures of Pierre, the Majesty of the Ocean. Fun details like an acrobatic octopus, mermaids and a blue cat enchant younger viewers, while older ones will appreciate the message of environmental stewardship. It’s produced by DePaul’s Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences. 

Perfect for: Aspiring actresses of all ages and their patron-of-the-arts mothers.

Good to know: Merle Reskin prides itself on accessibility. Discounted tickets are available for guests with disabilities or issues with vision or hearing, and a handful of performances are interpreted in American Sign Language. Call for details.

Cost: $10

“The Coral King”
DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre
60 E. Balbo Dr.
South Loop
312-922-1999
Online: www.theatre.depaul.edu

Active endeavor: Waveland Bowl
The details: Let the good times roll on a mother-daughter date at this classic Chicago bowling alley, open since 1959. Automatic scoring lets you focus on bonding (not figuring out how to add up a spare), and programmable bumpers on every lane let the littlest ones in on the action. Afterward, take your sweetie next door to Alley Dogs for cheese fries.

Perfect for: Active kiddos (who can hoist an eight-pound ball) and their adventurous mamas. 

Good to know: Go for Cozmic Kidz bowling (Fri., 3:00 pm-5:00 pm; Sat. & Sun., 1:00 pm-3:00 pm), where the black lights and fog machines will take mom back to her clubbing days.

Cost: $1-$5 per person per game, depending on time of day. Shoe rental is $3.50 a pair.

Waveland Bowl
3700 N. Western Ave.
North Center
773-472-5900
Online: www.wavelandbowl.com

What would be your dream mother-daughter date? Tell us in the Comments section below.

–Heidi Moore

Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Park District, King Spa & Sauna, The Drake Hotel, DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre (by Michael Brosilow) and Waveland Bowl

Salons and spas used to be one of the last bastions of peace and quiet for stressed-out adults, but now these doors are opening up to allow, gasp, kids. Don’t worry, you can still get your spa on sans kids, not everywhere admits them, but if you want to take your mini-me along to get her tootsies sloughed and buffed you can. We found two spots in the city, and one that’s totally worth the drive, that have specific treatments for kids, or allow them to tag along with you and get treatments from the regular menu.

Not Your Mom’s Salon

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
Bond with your daughter over manicures and hair-dos at this Upper East Side salon. They offer a mother-daughter package, starting at $74.50, that includes a shampoo and blowout for you and shampoo, blowdry and a simple hairstyle for her, along with manicures for both. All of Sharkey’s haircare products are either certified natural and organic or chemical free, and in the end, not only will your hair look good but also, it will smell like a piece of fruit or a yummy slice of cake. To paint those pint-sized tootsies, Sharkey’s uses non-toxic Piggy Paint. And if she asks, “Please Mom, may I have day-glo nails with sparkly flowers?” It’s no problem! Whatever design your daughter wants, she gets, unless it’s something super challenging like the face of a One Direction member on each nail.

Feel Free to Bring the Kids

Dashing Diva
Are you a dashing diva? If so, then take yourself and your mini-diva to the nail salon of the same name. Try their Spoiled Diva Manicure and Pedicure and get “white-glove” treatment; after all, you deserve it. Your little diva can get a full manicure and pedicure, lotion, massage and all, not just a polish change, though they offer that as well. Worried about those nasty nail polish toxins touching your precious little snowflake’s skin? Not to worry – for a bargain price of only $3 more you can choose to use Deborah Lippman polishes, which are toluene, formaldehyde and DBP free. Little Diva manicure prices start at $12 and pedicures start at $15; the prices increase as your kids get older. Don’t want to have to travel too far with all of your infant/toddler paraphernalia and kids in tow? Dashing Diva has six salons in Manhattan and three in Brooklyn, so chances are, you have one nearby.

Worth the Trip

Spa Castle
Servants waiting on you hand and foot, closets full of gorgeous clothes and drawers full of royal jewels – wait that’s not your life; you aren’t the queen and your kids are not heirs to the throne. But you can feel like a queen for a day and your kids can feel like mini-royals at Spa Castle in College Point, Ny. At five stories high and with 100,000 square feet of soothing space, this has to be bigger than any spa you’d find in the city. Inside, you will find lots of pools, including a kiddie pool and a hydrotherapy pool, hot tubs, hot and cold sauna rooms, a salt sauna and a fitness center. Whew! Can you say that list three times fast? There are also treatment rooms where you can get regular spa services. Kids under age 16 can get regular mani-pedis and they’re allowed full use of all the aforementioned services. It’s a flat fee of $45 per person to enter the building, and specialty treatments are additional. You might have to do some fast-talking to get your kids to go, but we are positive once you get them there, they won’t want to leave.

Where do you go when you need a spa day? Know any other great place to relax with your kiddo?

— Mikaela Walker

Photos 1-3 Courtesy of Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids NYC, Photo 4 Courtesy of Spa Castle