Trying to find more mommy and me stuff to do

Colette - posted on 11/15/2012

the local aquariums and wildlife centers here on long island have toddler classes

Rebecca - posted on 02/15/2010

Oh, one more idea -- do you have a YMCA near you? Ours has baby gym classes and swim classes, plus family swim times, not to mention the nursery so I can get some gym time!

Rebecca - posted on 02/15/2010

This is a tricky age! A little younger and you can just toss baby in a sling and go shopping, meet a friend for lunch, or invite a fellow SAHM over and let the kids play on the floor. But now the kids won't sit still long enough for you to talk and lunch is hardly relaxing -- but they're not old enough for an indoor playspace, storytime at the library, etc. For me the key has been joining MOMS Club, which is aimed specifically at SAHMs and provides lots of activities just for us.

Check out this link -- you can contact the HQ for contact info for the chapter if it's not on the website: http://www.momsclub.org/links.html#Illin...

MOMS Club is non-religious and is for at-home moms. Children are always welcome at all of the activities (except our monthly mom's night out and couple's night out -- those are our chances to get away!). Our chapter has a monthly business meeting plus indoor/outdoor playdates (based on the season), family events on the weekends, and lots of stuff to do during the day -- playgroups, cooking club, book club, coffee dates for moms whose kids are in school, and lots more!

Another group is Mothers of Preschoolers, which is a Christian organization aimed at all moms, not just SAHMs. They have meetings a few times a month with speakers and activities; childcare is provided. I personally do not attend these mtgs b/c I'm not interested in the religious aspect and we keep busy with MOMS Club events and playdates we set up with our other friends! But here's the link to check out: http://www1.mops.org/web/web_group_searc...

Lorrie - posted on 02/14/2010

My son just turned one. We've taken swimming lessons since he was six months old, and have recently started a baby signing class. It teaches them American sign language, and is a way for him to communicate with us before he is able to talk. We sing songs and learn basic signing, like common everyday words and the ABC's. I don't know if something like this would be available in your area, but it's worth looking into!

Christine - posted on 02/14/2010

meetup.com has lots of local groups across the country. Your bound to find a mommy and me group there.

Randi - posted on 02/13/2010

We joined Gymboree and love it. We were lucky and my mom pays for it as an ongoing Christmas gift b/c not cheap. Its great though. Singing and all soft gym equipment. Great for the winter. In the summer we just went to the park. I know gymboree is worldwide. I have also heard of mygym. Maybe you have something like that?? Good luck!

Laura - posted on 02/11/2010

I run into this problem as well. My son and I attend a "Book Babies" club at our local library. It meets once a week and is completely free. There is singing and dancing, as well as reading and letter recognition activities. We participated in the fall and havent been back since the holidays due to scheduling conflicts, but it was fun and provided social interaction for the kids. They are also grouped according to age. I don't know if your local library does anything like this, but I stumble upon it and loved it. Where in Northern IL? I am in Aurora and am always looking for new things to do.