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.
This guide is sponsored by:
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.
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!
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.
They also have an open gym every Thursday morning during the school year. Children five and under are encouraged to run, jump, slide and have fun with an adult. They provide balls, slides, scooters, and more. Please bring gym shoes or wear socks.
Lastly, they offer a building blocks playgroup on Wednesdays 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.
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 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.
This group is meeting via Zoom, but hopes to return to in-person meetings.
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.
Every other Tuesday from 9:00 – 11:15 am September through May. 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. Register here.
Please note that they are having a fall 2022 session.
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). Session is 9:00 am – 10:30am.
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 here. Space is limited only 5 spots left. Cost is $200 for 27 sessions (includes 7 sick or missed classes).
Mom’s Bible Study (called MOM Cafe) at Divine Redeemer in Hartland
When: Thursdays 8:15 – 10:15 starting 9/8
Where: Divine Redeemer in Hartland
What: MOMS Group – Bible Study, Speakers, Love & Logic, More
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 9/1 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 2022 – 2023 brochure here.
Moms with young children are invited to attend a weekly Friday gathering from 9:30-11 a.m. Bring the kids and enjoy a conversation with other parish moms while they play. During the school year, we will meet in St. Jerome’s youth room and in the summer months, we will meet at the school’s gated playground. Come and go as you please!
For more information about this group, please email colleenwaech@gmail.com.”
Moms Group at St. Anthony on the Lake in Pewaukee, WI
Moms Group is a time for moms of all ages and stages to come together for community building, faith sharing, and hospitality. Meetings will take place on Thursday mornings beginning in September and be facilitated by Kathie Amidei and Ann Grunwaldt. Consider joining us as together we see how God is present in your life. Childcare will be offered with preregistration. Contact Kathie at amideik@stanthony.cc with questions or for more information.
Coffee and Community at St. Joan of Arc in Nashotah – TBD in 2022
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.
Fun Fact, I, Erin was asked to speak on family fun activities at the Waukesha in Spring 2021!
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 Lindy Eisenmann or Rhiannon Forton 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. We gather in the child-care space of St. Anthony’s, from 9:30 -11:00am on scheduled Wednesdays. Join us as we explore God in our world.
2022-2023 Dates: Coming Soon! Email Ann Grunwaldt at grunwaldta@stanthony.cc.
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 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.
Next session: Fall 2022
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.
Mommy Playgroup at Christ the Lord Lutheran School
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!