Although there are plenty of ideas on the PeoriaParent.com calendar and blog, joining a playgroup is great way to socialize for both parents and kids, especially during winter. It is unbelievable how many playgroups there are to choose from now, compared to 5 years ago when my oldest was a baby. I’ve made great friends to share motherhood stories and stresses, and enjoy watching my kids blossom with new friends. Usually from a playgroup list this long, it’s ok to try out 2-4 play groups, and then find where you click with chemistry. There are some moms who belong to several play groups (like myself), and others are fine with sticking to just one. On a side note, please appreciate that these playgroups are run by VOLUNTEERS and are busy parents like all of us.
MOMS club is a non-profit organization with over 2000 chapters nationwide. We get together regularly to provide interactions for our children, and conversation and friendship for our members. Our activities include monthly meetings, playgroups, park play days, Moms night out, lunch bunch, and so much more! We also do service projects that benefit needy children in the greater metropolitan community. There are 2 Peoria chapters- the south and the north. The south chapter territory is south of 150 and south of 24. The north chapter is north of 150 and north of 24. More info on meetup.com
Meetup.com list several Peoria mom groups/play groups. They are Moms on the Move, Washington Area Moms, Attachment Parenting of Peoria, Connected Parenting, Group, Morton Area Moms & Munchkins, 35 and Up Mom’s Night Out- Peoria, and MOMS Club. Read their full descriptions on meetup.com
MOPS is a popular group. MOPS stands for "mothers of preschoolers" - but don't let that confuse you. MOPS is about meeting the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten. Whether you're urban, suburban, rural, stay-at-home, working, teen, adoptive, special-needs, single or married, MOPS is for you! There are several chapters at local churches throughout Central Illinois. For more info visit, www.mops.org
Some local Catholic churches have started play groups this year. You don’t have to be a member of the church to attend, and all are welcome. Check them out at St. Vincent de Paul, St. Jude, and St. Philomena.
Mommy Moments at First United Church purpose is to refresh, renew and refocus mothers of young children to become the women, wives and mothers God intends them to be. Speakers, Bible study, Craft Day, and more. For more info, visit www.fumcpeoria.org
OSF has a New Mom Support Group. Babies and children are welcome to join in this support group titled "Creeping, Crawling, Stepping and Falling" For more info, visit www.osfsaintfrancis.org
Play n Pray is a monthly sub-group of the Peoria Christian Women’s Club. It is a non-denominational Christian group where moms share motherhood ideas and stories, while the kids play. For more info, email obeythetruth@yahoo.com.
For moms of multiples there is Peoria Mothers of Twins. Visit www.peoriamothersoftwins.org for more info.