Find Friends and Support in Lansing – Mom Groups, Dad Groups, Play Meet Ups
The rumors are true and the verdict is in – parenting is hard. The good news is that in mom groups we start to realize that we are not alone and there are others out there going through things JUST.LIKE.US.
Find friends, fun, and support in your community with this list of mom groups and dad groups around Lansing.
Read my personal experience with a mom group or scroll down to the list to get started.
I didn’t know what to expect getting into my first Mom Group – but I’m so glad I went
I wasn’t like those – get right back working out after having a baby – moms. After having an emergency c-section I was the – barely walk without excruciating pain – type. I wore my maternity yoga pants “The Sand Lot” style – Foooreeeverrrr. I was fatigued from waking up every hour through the night. I was shell shocked, now a stay at home mom after working all my life. I “wasn’t myself” with hormones going bonkers. I was tired – emotionally and physically.
One bright day, I was invited to a mom group. I thought “Mom group? No, thank you.” I wanted to say no because I was nervous and prematurely judgmental thinking that I wouldn’t meet anyone who would understand me or what I was going through.
Reluctantly, I said yes and was met with smiles, comfort, solidarity, and a slew of other supportive meet-ups week after week continuing throughout the years with amazing mommas. I’m so thankful I said yes – that I got brave and went and didn’t have to walk these parenting years alone. #momlife #dadlife
The great bonus is that our kids have “grown up” together and I’ve had the opportunity to make life-long friends.
Places and Groups to Meet New Friends and Find Support in Lansing
Now that you know my story, you can see why my enthusiasm to share these Lansing moms and parenting groups with you is high.
Here are tips if you’re new to a Mom // Parent Group:
- Ask to join.
- Confirm on the day of, before you go.
- Go in confidence. You are amazing! You’re a hard-working mom and you’ve got this!
- Remember that kids are kids – if it doesn’t go perfectly the first time, try and try again.
Many mom groups meet up at parks or fun seasonal adventures, or during those long winter months at fun indoor places, others in homes or facilities.
Four Types of Mom Groups to Join (Most are Welcome to Dads too)
1. Mom Groups, Dads Groups, and Meet Up Play Groups
Church of the Resurrection Mom Group – Growing families – married and single, Catholic moms and dads meet up to grow in community together.
DeWitt Area Moms Group This “judgment-free zone” group of moms meet to talk all things kids and enjoy family friendly events.
Grand Ledge Moms and Tots Connect with other moms and kids on a regular basis out and about in Grand Ledge.
Great Start Collaborative Play and learn groups where families can play together and meet others with young kids.
Lansing and Mommy and Baby Club The invitation is always there with this moms group. Enjoy activities, outings, and events.
Lansing Area Dad and Kids Night Out Dads get to enjoy nights out with the kids doing activities like sailing, camping, etc.
Lansing (Surrounding Area) Area Playgroup Play and engage with moms and kids in Lansing. Meet up to make new friends.
Meet Up: The Lansing Moms and Expectant Moms The Lansing community speaks highly about this group often. It’s a fun and great group to meet other moms in our area. You can also join on their Facebook page .
Moms of the Lansing/Grand Ledge areas This group does it all. They meet up with the kids and also get out on mom nights out.
If you’ve been to any of these groups or know of others that should be included – will you comment below and let us know why you love them?
2. MOPS and MOMSnext Mom Groups
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and MOMSnext (for moms of school-aged kids) meet up to enjoy food, speakers, events, and meeting other mom friends. Their kids program gives a chance for moms to connect while their kids are safe and having fun.
First United Methodist Church in Howell
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jackson
Real Life Church MOPS and MOMSnext Charlotte
Redeemer United Methodist Church Dewitt
United Brethren in Christ Fowlerville
If you’ve been to any of these groups or know of others that should be included – will you comment below and let us know why you love them?
3. Refresh, Thrive, and Women’s Groups
Looking for a church-based group to study, meet friends, and where your kids are safe and have fun too? If yes, these groups are for you.
Riverview Church in Holt – Childcare provided
South Church in Lansing – Childcare provided
The Marys & Marthas Women’s Group at St. Jude’s in DeWitt
Thrive: Moms of Purpose – Trinity Church in Lansing
If you’ve been to any of these groups or know of others that should be included – will you comment below and let us know why you love them?
4. Family Resource Parenting Groups
Capitol Area Moms of Multiples Resources, support, and family outings for families with multiples.
Delta Waverly Le Leche League Breastfeeding resources and meetups.
Le Leche League of East Lansing Breastfeeding resources and meetups.
Michigan Lansing Mission Mommas Moms and Dads of missionaries connect with others to share their stories and gain support from others.
Refugee Parent Group Resources for past or present refugee parents. Find activities, learning opportunities, mom meet up groups, mom nights out, and more.
Willow Tree Family Center Support, events, and resources for families from pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
If you’ve been to any of these groups or know of others that should be included – will you comment below and let us know why you love them?
Share the Mom Group Love and Tell Others About These Groups
Do you know of someone who could use this list? Share it with a friend and spread the mom group love!
I went to Refresh in Holt, however it has recently changed to MOPS (childcare still provided). It’s an amazing place to meet other moms with kids close to the same age as yours. We get together every other week in the mornings, talk about moming , play games, do small crafts, eat food, etc. I have made many mom friends this way!
Thank you, Elizabeth! Will get this changed over to MOPS. Also, thanks for sharing your experience! I’m so thankful for places like this! Thanks again!