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. 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.
Oconomowoc Newcomers and Neighbors – Moms and Tots
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 here.
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. Learn More Click HERE.
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.
Lake Country Circle Round Playgroup
Lake Country Circle Round Playgroup meets at the UU church on Wednesdays at 10:00 am. This playgroup is for the whole community and is not associated with the church. The location is subject to change. No rsvps needed, no worries if you are late or leave early – just pop in whenever you can and enjoy chatting with other adult humans while playing with your kids! There is a nice toy room and outdoor space for if the weather is nice. Come, be comfortable, and socialize your little ones! If interested, it is best for people to join the Facebook group for the weekly details (link above). It is 100% Free and also free coffee!
Watertown Family Center – ALL PROGRAMMING CURRENTLY ENDED DUE TO COVID
They meet every Monday and Friday from 9:00 am – 11:00 am in a bright friendly room at the Watertown Family Center. 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. Free and no registration required. They also have an open gym every Thursday from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Children five and under are encouraged to run, jump, slide and have fun with an adult. We provide balls, slides, scooters, and more. Free and no registration required. Please bring gym shoes or wear socks. Lastly, they offer a building blocks playgroup on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am for 3 and 4 year olds. 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.
Holistic Moms Network – Lake Country
The Holistic Moms Network is a non-profit organization whose mission is to generate national awareness, education, and support for holistic parenting and green living by providing nurturing, open-minded, and respectful local community networks that encourage families to share these ideals and learn from each other. They hold monthly meetings.
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.
They run a drop in play group every Friday morning during the school year from 9:30-10:30 a.m. They also offer an Alphabet Adventures program on Tuesday’s from 9:30-10:00 am. Moms are invited to stay with their kiddos and participate. All programs are free.
Waukesha County Stay at Home Moms
This group is for stay at home moms in Waukesha and Waukesha County. There will be play dates, mom’s night outs, and events will be posted on this page along with discussions. Contact Katie S. or Ashley F. C. for more information.
A group for moms in the Lake Country area who are looking for general support or just things to do with other parents! Meets at the Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital every 2nd Saturday of the month. {Not currently meeting due to COVID}. More details here.
This new, modern mom/baby group meets in spots around Milwaukee. Some-pre-baby frequented locations (Journeyman Hotel and The Goddess and the Baker) and some baby/kid focused (Little Sprouts and Neighbor Art). The aim of the group is to help new and new again moms get back out into society, together with their babies, so they don’t feel alone. {Not currently meeting due to COVID}
Moms by Design at CrossPoint Church in Oconomowoc, WI
MBD – Mom’s by DesignMeet 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 us anytime throughout the year. Childcare available for a nominal fee.
Every other Tuesday from 9:00 – 11:15 am September through May. Starts September 14th. For registration and additional information go HERE. Contact Liz@crosspointwi.com with any questions.
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 choose to attend on either Tuesdays or Thursdays from September – April. We 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”.
Please register for either Tuesday or Thursday mornings by calling Zion’s office at 262-367-3617 or emailing adaniels@zionhartland.org.
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 and select Monday evenings from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Register here.
Please note that they are having 3 FREE OUTDOOR events in September.
Divine Redeemer’s Mommy & Me Classes *Wednesdays*
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). The class size is small. Session is 9:30 am – 11:00am.
The curriculum will include Jesus Time, Music & Movement, Gross Motor time, Book time, Art Activity, Snack, Closing activity (like Bubbles). Coffee to be provided for caregivers.
Reach out to stephanie.cutler@drlc.org with any questions, but sign up soon. Space is limited! Cost is $200 for 27 sessions (includes 7 sick or missed classes) or $10 per class; however only the annual fee spots are reserved.
Mom’s Bible Study (called MOM Cafe) at Divine Redeemer in Hartland
When: Thursdays 8:15 – 10:15 starting 9/10 (schedule here)
Where: Divine Redeemer in Hartland
What: MOMS Group – Bible Study, Speakers, War Room – the Movie
Who: All are welcome. Moms with kids of all ages! We have moms with babies that they bring with them to moms of college students.
Why: Besides free coffee and breakfast every morning and in-house daycare at our certified Divine Daycare available for $10 for the two hours (apply asap as spaces fill up), we use this time for Christian fellowship and growing and deepening our faith through studies, speakers and prayer.
How: Register here today! Fees cover all materials for the year, including speakers and books. Sign up by 9/15 to save $10. If Mom Cafe doesn’t meet in person for any reason, we still meet virtual and you still receive the books! FUN FACT: Mom Cafe is led by LCFF team member, Stephanie Cutler.
More Info: View our 2021- 2022 brochure here.
Friday Morning Mom Group at St. Charles in Hartland, WI
They meet around 10:00-11:30am Friday mornings in the main entrance to St. Charles Church. If it’s nice outside, they usually go for a walk and/or head to a nearby park. If it’s cold or rainy, they hang out at the parish in the Borromeo Room. They have a casual atmosphere with a “come and go as you please” feel. Bring the kids and come for some fun & fellowship! Many moms bring toys to share and if inside, the room is big enough for kids to move and run, while the moms enjoy conversation and fellowship. More details and weekly updates can be found on the Facebook Page “Lake Country Catholic Moms” although, moms of any denomination can attend. {Not currently meeting due to COVID}
Moms Group at St. Anthony on the Lake in Pewaukee, WI
Moms Group is an opportunity for women to connect with other moms while we laugh with, learn from, and support one another. They will discuss family, relationships, priorities, friendship, and the presence of God hidden in the everyday. Through a variety of experiences, discussion and prayer, we will grow together in faith and our relationship with God. Come nurture your spirit!
Join them on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:00 am.
Coffee and Community at St. Joan of Arc in Nashotah
Join St. Joan of Arc Parish School for coffee and meet the parents, faculty, and other community members. Toddlers are encouraged to attend and channel their energy playing in the beautiful gym. {Not currently meeting due to COVID}
Elmbrook Moms in Brookfield, WI and Lake Country
Depending on the Brookfield or Lake Country campus, the group starts in September, and they are also offering ZOOM options to join!
If you’re a mom of a kiddo from birth through elementary, then Elmbrook Moms is for you! Their mornings begin at 9:15 am with a shot of hot coffee and uninterrupted conversation. Then they add an eclectic mix of speakers: experienced moms, parenting experts and helpful professionals who will help us explore our homes, marriages, relationships and emotions. Finally, they stir in some great discussions where they have the opportunity to walk together and inspire one another! There is no fee for this program. Register online, but walk-ins are always welcome, so invite a fellow mom!
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
Mom Time is a weekly gathering for moms to take a break, grow together and feel renewed. It’s a time for working moms, stay-at-home moms, single moms and all the moms in between to connect and develop friendships. This ministry is FREE and they do have paid childcare available. They meet Tuesday mornings or Wednesday nights.
MomLife program at River Glen church in Waukesha, WI
This group meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month September through May from 9:30-10:30 am.
*Virtual option to connect!
*Support and encouragement for moms in every stage of motherhood
*Grow as individuals and in faith through friendships, service projects, guest speakers, Mom’s Night Out, playdates and much more!
*Questions? Please email us at momlife@riverglen.cc
Brookfield CRC MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
MOPS is an outreach ministry serving women in the church and surrounding community, and meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (9:15 to 11:00 a.m.) from September through May. The primary focus is fellowship, support, and encouragement among mothers of small children. Listen to past MOPS keynote speeches. Contact Melissa Jongetjes at mopsbcrc@gmail.com.
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. They gather in the child-care space of St. Anthony’s, from 9:30 -11:00 am on scheduled Wednesdays. Join in as they explore God in the world.
JAM (Just Among Moms) Oakwood Church Hartland, WI
JAM meets at Oakwood Church in Hartland on Thursdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. New moms are welcome anytime.
Mornings with Mommy at St. John’s Mukwonago
Mornings with Mommy is a fun interactive program for children ages birth to 5 years old and their caregivers. Each session costs $10.00 for each family (NOT per child). The registration fees are used to cover crafts, supplies, and snacks.
Next session: April 13th – May 5th, 2021
They welcome you to come and enjoy a hot breakfast, receive encouragement from weekly topical speakers, and small group time with seasoned mothers. Contact Jaime Meissner (jaime@mywhitestone.org) with any questions. Moms of all ages are welcome anytime! Child care is available for an additional fee.
*There are not currently any library groups meeting in person in the libraries due to COVID. Programs are happening virtually or outdoor at local parks while weather permits.
Menomonee Falls Public Library Playgroup
Previously held on select Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am. Stop by the Library for a drop-in play time where children and caregivers have the opportunity to play, read together, and interact with other families.
Friday Playgroup at Waukesha Library
Previously, babies and preschoolers with an accompanying adult would meet informally on Fridays, 10:00 a.m.-noon. Simply drop-in and you will find toys to play with and books to read.
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
Stay a little longer for some together-time play following storytime each day. Discover our cheerful and engaging early literacy learning areas. No registration. Just drop in!
Play Group at New Berlin Library
This is a social opportunity for young children and their adults to meet others at the library to play together and read together. Friday Playgroup is every Friday, year-round. Though pre-registration is not required, participants must check in at the Youth Services Desk before entering the room. When the room is filled to capacity (25 people: children and adults), we will no longer to be able to let others in.
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!