Are you new to the Lake Country/Waukesha County/Metro-Milwaukee area? Are you a new mom? Are you at a new stage in life? Are you looking for moms groups or other moms to meet up with and playgroups to join with children the same age as your children? Trust me, moms need a village. Just a few years ago, I gave birth to my first born. It was then that my husband and I decided that I would be a stay-at-home mom. I loved spending all that time with my new baby, but after awhile, I missed adults, my old co-workers. Taking my baby to lunch dates with my former co-workers was not cutting it. 😉 I enjoyed them, but we were not in the same stage of life.
When my oldest was six months old, I joined a local mom group, and it was the best decision ever for my mom-sanity. I found my mom group, a village to help me in the trenches, and we’re still friends over 10 years later.
Moms need a village. Have you found your mom group? Check out our list of local mom groups and play groups below.
Lake Country Family Fun has compiled a list of moms groups and play groups in the area. Are you a member of a local moms group or play group? We would love to hear feedback from you on your experience with your mom group. Tell us below in the comments!
We have divided this list of moms groups and play groups into three categories: community groups, church affiliated groups, and library groups. Please click on each tab to find the group that best suits your family and needs.
This guide is sponsored by:
Lake Country Newcomers and Neighbors – Moms and Tots
Lake Country, formerly Oconomowoc, Newcomers & Neighbors is a social women’s club in the Lake Country area of southeast Wisconsin, and they would love to have you join them. Whether you are new to the area or have lived here for years and enjoy meeting new people, they have something to offer everyone. Their primary goal is to enrich the lives of all members by providing varied social activities throughout the year where their members can meet new people and socialize with new friends. The moms and tots group includes monthly events/outings and weekly playgroups. Follow their Facebook Page.
University Lake School Laker Playgroup
University Lake School is for toddlers too! Laker Playgroup is a fun, educational playgroup for ages 18 months to 3 years + a caregiver. Laker Playgroup activities are based on the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, which emphasizes hands-on discovery and exploration in a supportive and enriching environment. Nature exploration and hands-on experiences are complemented with lessons in art, music and more. Each class invites parents and toddlers to explore, create and discover together. Discovery begins here. Learn more about Laker Playgroup.
Prairie Hill Waldorf School Parent-Child Playgroup Classes
The early years of a child’s life are full of wonder and joy while also being the most critical years of development. Parent-Child Playgroup at Prairie Hill not only provides children a rich environment for exploration and play, but also offers parents support in creating a healthy home life.
Deepen your relationship with your child as you enter their world of imagination, initiative, and wonder. Enjoy this opportunity to increase awareness of your amazing role as parent, and learn creative and simple ways to support your child’s developing capacities.
Baby Steps is a small group of moms meeting to have fellowship and friendship as we raise our newest additions to our families. Group led by Lake Country Pediatrics pediatrician, Dr. Jen Glamann. Meet at Fowler Lake Park pavilion area and bring your strollers, and weather permitting, will plan to walk around Fowler Lake. Suggested ages are infant to 2 years old.
Stay up to date on the events via FACEBOOK.
Latched Lake Country Breastfeeding Support Group
Together, Latched Lake Country & Wellnest Chiropractic, host a a bi-weekly breastfeeding support group for moms in the lake country area. The group is facilitated by a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) and a pediatric chiropractor.
Drop in with your babies and toddlers for a morning of coffee and conversation with other moms in the same stage of motherhood, in a super supportive space. While the greatest benefit of support groups is all of the families being able to support one another and share experiences, the facilitators are happy to answer any general feeding questions you may have. A scale is always available throughout each session, as an option to check baby’s weight if you’re interested. Whether you’re pumping for your first baby or breastfeeding your 5th, you and your baby are welcome here—and feel free to bring a friend!
MKE Tot Troop is a mom and toddler social group for parents in the Milwaukee Metro and surrounding suburbs area. The meetups are mostly free activities – think playground meet ups or library story times. There are also special events such as nature classes and Kids Impact Community volunteer projects. The main purpose is to be a resource for Wisconsin moms to find friends easily while our kids get to socialize and play with each other!
Motherhood can be all consuming. Many times it’s hard to find time to make new friends, do things you enjoy, or have the energy to plan fun outings with your kids. It’s hard to flourish.
Through regular coffee dates, park meet-ups, social gatherings, & events, we create the space for moms to connect & thrive. Whether you’re a new mom or mom of 4, young mom or older mom, stay-at-home mom or working outside the home mom — this group all about flourishing motherhood is for you. So grab a mom friend (or 3!) and check us out!
Babbling Babes connects and uplifts local moms at curated Gatherings that cultivate community and connection between moms and with supportive establishments in metro Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs. Babbling Babes hosts Mom & Baby Coffee Dates in local coffee shops, has Volunteer Gatherings for Nonprofits that support local families, Moms’ Nights and Staycations at local hotels and resorts, and has 6 chapters of monthly BB Book Clubs.
Babbling Babes also offers an off-social media safe space, The Village, for local moms to connect and bring connections offline and in-person. More than “Just Another Moms Group” for women who are more than “Just Mom”, Babbling Babes sees the women behind the mom label and is bringing the village back for local moms- one Gathering at a time.
Waukesha County Stay at Home Moms
Watertown Family Connections PACE Playgroup
Kids birth to five and an adult are welcome to enjoy free play, a special activity and snack. Many social and educational opportunities present themselves during your time together.
Play Group is held in the Children’s Activity/Program Room at the Watertown Public Library.
Mondays & Fridays
September thru May
9:00 AM-10:00 AM
-OR-
10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Registration is required. More information can be found on their website.
They are about 80 members from the North Prairie, Eagle, East Troy and Mukwonago area. They do special kid events, moms nights out, book club, playdates, meeting at park days, and currently have 2 playgroups that meet every other week. Everything is completely voluntary so members can participate as much or as little as they wish. New members are always welcome. It is a free support group of moms.
Moms Mental Health Initiative – Mom to Mom Support Group
This is an online support group that has occasional gatherings for moms who have a child less than one year old who may be experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.
This group is meeting via Zoom, but hopes to return to in-person meetings.
Hike It Baby Southeast Wisconsin
Parenthood is an adventure. Bring it outside! Hike it Baby Southeast Wisconsin is an inclusive and welcoming community for all families with babies, toddlers, and small children living within the Southeast Wisconsin area. Their goal is to empower families to get outside, stay outside, and work together to raise an entire generation to truly love and appreciate the outdoors. Free to low-cost outings occur on a weekly basis throughout all four seasons. Outings include activities such as toddler-led hikes, stroller walks, park ‘n plays, picnics, and more! They are always excited to make new friends and look forward to exploring with you soon!
NOT A MOM-ONLY GROUP: “Where You Belong” Meet-Ups
Enjoy facilitated introductions and participate together to improve your social connections and health.
“Where You Belong” Meet-Ups give you the chance to meet with Waukesha Parks, Recreation, & Forestry (WPRF) staff and employees, connect with new people in your community, participate in activities together, make new friendships. They encourage everyone to come, whether you come on your own or with a friend, to help improve your social connections and overall health!
Moms by Design at CrossPoint Church in Oconomowoc, WI
MBD – Mom’s by Design. Meet with other moms of all ages, with children of all ages. Hot breakfast is served while you listen to engaging, professional speakers. Childcare available for a nominal fee.
Come enjoy breakfast, small group time and keynote speakers who present topics relative to becoming the mom and woman Christ intends for each of us to be. MBD is for mothers of all ages with children of all ages. Join them anytime throughout the year. Childcare available for a nominal fee.
Time For Tots at Zion Lutheran in Hartland
Time for Tots is a program at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Hartland designed for the caregiver and child that teaches the basic truths of God’s Word to the youngest of God’s children. Every family will receive a “Read with Me Bible” so that you will have opportunity to conduct a wonderful devotion at home with your entire family.
Time for Tots includes social play, Bible story, music, snack, art and gym/outdoor time. It is open to all children 5 and under, and involves BOTH the grown-up and the child. This class meets once a week from 9:00-10:30 am and you can attend on Thursdays from September – April. They kindly request a $30 donation per family/per semester which includes the materials for the program as well as the children’s “Read with Me Bible”.
Preschool Power Hour at St. Matthews in Oconomowoc, WI
They offer a unique learning experience for both parent and child. Activities are age-appropriate for children 18 months to 4 years, but infant siblings are welcome to attend. A parent, grandparent, or caregiver attends with the child. Power Hour classes are held in 2 eight-week sessions, fall and winter, on select Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.
The fall session of PPH begins on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Registration information is available at www.smls.org under the First Steps drop down menu. This unique preschool program involves children ages 0-4 and their caregivers in a variety of learning activities. During each one-hour class the children enjoy a Bible lesson, music, large motor experiences, art exploration and centers time. The cost for nine classes is $20, and the fall session runs from September 11– November 6. Classes are held each Wednesday during that time from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. in the Flex Room of First Steps.
Divine Redeemer’s Mommy & Me Classes *Tuesdays*
Are you looking for a Mommy & Me Class led by a certified teacher? Look no further! This year, Divine Redeemer is offering a Mommy & Me Curriculum. Any caregiver is able to bring the kids (dad, nanny, grandparent, mom, etc). Session is at 9:30 am on Tuesdays in their new ECDC.
Moms Group at St. Anthony on the Lake in Pewaukee, WI
Mom’s Group is a time for moms to come together for community building, faith sharing, and hospitality. Meetings are facilitated by Ann Grunwaldt. Childcare is offered with preregistration.
Toddler Time Playgroup at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church and School
MOMCo at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa
The MomCo is a group of moms who gather to encourage and support one another through all the moments of motherhood. Being a mom is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone! We gather to provide fellowship, support, and encouragement for one another. Join us on Tuesday mornings, September through May, to meet other moms and make new friendships as we walk through life together.
2024-2025 meeting dates
September 10, 24
October 8, 22
November 12, 26
December 10
January 14, 28
February 11, 25
March 11, 25
April 8, 22
May 13
Elmbrook Moms in Brookfield, WI and Lake Country
Elmbrook Moms meets every other week and takes breaks for holidays.
If you are a mom of a kiddo of any age, then Elmbrook Moms is for you!
This gathering is a place to connect with other moms, learn together, be encouraged, and feel rejuvenated. Each bi-weekly time together includes practical teaching in a large group format followed by time in a small group setting.
Childcare is provided for children ages 0-5. Drop off begins at 9am, with pickup time ending at 11:45am.
Fun Fact, I, Erin was asked to speak on family fun activities at the Brookfield location in February 2020!
MomTime at Fox River Christian Church in Waukesha and Muskego
MomTime is a weekly gathering for moms to take a break, grow together, and feel renewed. It’s an uplifting time for working moms, stay-at-home moms, single moms, and every mom in-between to connect and develop friendships.
Fun Fact, I, Erin was asked to speak on family fun activities at the Waukesha in Spring 2021 and Spring 2023!
Guardians and Angels Playgroup at St. Anthony on the Lake in Pewaukee, WI
A preschool playgroup that includes music, stories, and crafts, as well as time for free play and a snack. Children are welcome to participate at their own level with a parent or guardian. We gather in the child-care space of St. Anthony’s, from 9:30 -11 a.m. on scheduled Wednesdays. Join us as we explore God in our world.
Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
2024-2025 Dates: September 4, 25; October 9, 23; November 13; December 4; January 8, 22; February 5, 19; March 5, 19; April 9, 30; May 14, 28 (Park Day)
JAM (Just Among Moms) Oakwood Church Hartland, WI
Just Among Moms (JAM) is a welcoming place where moms can connect with one another and share their lives. If you’re looking to be encouraged in your parenting as well as your spiritual walk, this is the place for you! Each week, we explore positive, practical ways for you to become the mom God wants you to be.
Two groups meet and study the same topic, but at different times: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 9 a.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Hayden.
Mornings with Mommy at St. John’s Mukwonago
Mornings with Mommy isn’t preschool, and it isn’t childcare, it’s something different. Mornings with Mommy is a fun and easy way for you to enjoy activities with your children and meet other Moms. There will be age appropriate activities for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. And the best part is, we do all the planning, you just sign up! Moms can mingle with each other and enjoy activities with their children including: arts and crafts, sensory table, flannel stories and story time, music, educational toys, and a snack.
What: Educational play-dates with Mommy for children ages 0-5. Each session has a different theme.
When: 1 day per month, September – May. 9:30am-11:30am
Where: Lower level of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Cost: $2 per family per day. Payment can be made by cash or check on the day of the event.
Ripple Effect Moms meet every other Tuesday at 9 am and again at 6:30 pm from September through May in the Loft Sanctuary. Join other moms for food, fellowship, topical speakers, and small group time. This is open to moms of all ages, including those with grown children!
Mommy Playgroup at Christ the Lord Lutheran School
CTL’s Toddler Time is a playgroup for infants through preschool-aged children and their caregivers. Toddler Time meets the second Friday of each month in the CTL gymnasium from 8:30- 10:00 am.
Please join us for playtime for your child, storytime, and fellowship with other adults. All are welcome to attend, so please invite your friends.
If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Bauer at toddlertime@christthelordbrookfield.org
Menomonee Falls Public Library Playgroup
No longer meeting, but you can tap the link above to find when storytimes are happening.
Wednesday and Friday Playgroup at Waukesha Library
The playgroups are not happening at this time, but you can tap the link for other opportunities to connect via the Library.
Toddler Play Group at Elm Grove Library
Children up to three years old enjoy playtime with special toys, including age-appropriate early literacy toys, and interaction with other toddlers and their caregivers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Little Readers Play Group at Sussex Library
No longer meeting, but you can tap the link above to find when storytimes are happening.
Play Group at New Berlin Library
No longer meeting, but you can tap the link above to find when storytimes are happening.
Tuesday Morning Playgroup at Brookfield Library
For infants to 24 months. Stop by to play with toys and make new friends. Program is held in the Harnischfeger Room.
Find more information about individual Waukesha County library programs here.
These are all geared towards stay at home moms. Are there not any groups that are organized on the weekends or afternoon and evenings? Are working moms not supposed to have friends and support too?
Hi Allie! Thank you for your comment. You are correct; many of these playgroups are aimed at stay-at-home moms or moms/caregivers that do not have a typical 9-5 M-F employment. Some of these groups have multiple opportunities for moms to get together for support and friendship. For example, the fall 2017 sponsor, Zion Lutheran Church holds a women’s study group on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 in Hartland. Many of the other church groups listed also hold evening groups or a Bible study group on Sunday.
If you are not looking for a church group, the community group, Oconomowoc Newcomers and Neighbors, offers monthly mingles (meetups) that are on Tuesday evenings (without kids), a monthly book club, family events on the weekends, and a couples club to get out of the house for date nights. If you are not from the Oconomowoc area, you can reach out to the community group that you live closest to, to see if they also have evening or weekend options.
I hope you are able to find the group that best fits you, and do not hesitate to contact me at lakecountryfamilyfun@gmail(dot)com to help you hook up with a moms group or playgroup that best fits your life. All the best!