Having support from other parents is HUGE, and mom groups and playgroups are a great place to find that support. Of course, building a friendship is a process, but attending a group is a great first step.
Seeing a friendly face during the day, getting out to the park together, having trusted friends to text with funny stories… these are the things that keep us all (somewhat) sane. Read on for more ideas about where to meet moms, dads, nannies, grandparents, and other caregivers who can lend a listening ear or a helping hand!
Mom Groups and Playgroups in the Western Suburbs
Mom/Family Groups
- Moms of Brookfield
- DuPage Moms/Mothers and More
- DuPage Area Moms
- Downers Grove Area Moms and Families
- Elmhurst Area Moms
- Hinsdale Area Moms
- Naperville Moms Meetup
- Cradle Talk (for moms who delivered at Edwards Hospital with 0–6 month old babies)
- Special Needs Parent Community of Chicago and Surrounding Suburbs
- West Suburban Mothers of Multiples
- Moms Connect in Darien
- Stay-at-Home Moms in the Western Burbs
Newcomer Groups
- Downers Grove
- Western Springs
- Hinsdale and surrounding area (includes Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Oak Brook, Westmont)
- LaGrange Area Neighbors
- Elmhurst Neighbors
- Newcomers Club of Wheaton, Winfield and Warrenville
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Groups
MOPS programming is available at churches throughout the Chicagoland area. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers welcome. You may also find MOMSNext groups for families with school-aged children.
- Wesley United Methodist (Aurora)
- Our Savior Lutheran Church (Carol Stream)
- Christian Church of Clarendon Hills
- Cityview Community Church (Elmhurst)
- Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
- Alleluia Church (Naperville)
- Naperville Convenant MOPS
- Christ Church of Oak Brook
- OPRF MOPS (River Forest)
- Gary United Methodist (Wheaton)
- St. John the Baptist Church (Winfield)
Nursing Groups
Other Ideas for Playgroups
- Sign up for classes through your local park district, especially “Parent and Me” classes.
- Many Indoor Playgrounds have baby and toddler times where you can meet other parents and start a group.
- Volunteer in the nursery or children’s program at your place of worship.
- Attend story time and lap-sit classes at your local library.
- Search Meetup.com for groups that reflect your own interests. Don’t limit yourself to mom groups!
- If you are interested in studying the Bible, check out Bible Study Fellowship classes in our area. Most offer both daytime and evening studies with free childcare, so you’ll meet lots of moms!
- Check out workout classes tailored for moms included in our Parent and Child Exercise Guide.
- There are great music and swimming class options in our guide to Classes for Little Kids 0-5 Years Old that you can sign up for with your little ones.
Looking for more local resources? Head over to our Resources for Families page!
Hi Annie! Downes Grove Area Newcomers is a social group with tons of family, kids, women only, and playgroup options. Elmhurst Newcomers and Neighbors does as well.
Do you know of any groups for Stay-at-home dads?
We always keep our eyes open for them, but don’t know of any unfortunately. I asked on the Kidlist Facebook page and people commented on wanting a dads group in general, even for working dads, but no one commented with the name of an existing group. Maybe try Meetup? Or searching on Facebook? There needs to be one!
I’m a grandma who nannies my two toddlers in Brookfield; are there playgroups geared towards the “older moms”?
Hi Lori,
I have been keeping an eye out for any specialty mom groups such as the one you are looking for, but haven’t run across any yet. We will be sure to update this article if any pop up!
Hi Lori, Moms of Brookfield on Meetup has a wide variety of Mom’s not geared towards anyone specifically. Majority of the group are mom’s of toddlers those with older kids are welcome to join but it seems like once the kids hit school age the participation in the group stops. The group is very casual and does lots of just drop in type playdates.