How to Make Mommy Friends and Meet Other Parents in NYC
Bowery Babes
It's almost Mother's Day, time to celebrate motherhood. And what better way to celebrate being a mom than to get together with other moms and support each other. Let's face it, when you are a new parent New York can be like a sea of humanity: people, people everywhere, but not a soul to commiserate with. Finding the right parenting group can give you an instant social network to share the trials and tribulations of parenthood. Some mothers groups plan events and get-togethers, some offer seminars and discussions on pertinent topics, and some are just a place to chat on-line. Here are some of the best NYC parenting groups for moms and dads of every stripe.
Big City Moms is one of the biggest mom groups in NYC. They host lots of different fun and informative events, lunches, dinners and seminars for moms, families and moms to be including mompreneur dinners, mommy and me work-outs, preschool seminars and more all with the hidden agenda of just getting you out there having fun and making friends with other moms.
Divalysscious Moms is the group that lets you keep feeling glamourous even though you may be covered in spit up half the time. This predominantly Upper East Side group hosts enough swank events [all over NYC] to keep your calendar just as full post baby as pre and will give you plenty of reason to get out of your sweats and go out and make some new mommy friends.
Hudson River Park Mothers Group organizes free play groups, as well as educational and social events for mothers, children, and families residing in Lower Manhattan. the group members have online forums as well and offer a supportive environment and advocacy for local parenting issues. Similar groups centered around other neighborhoods include West Village Parents and the Lower East Side Parents group.
Meetup.com is a national site that hosts every kind of meetup group. You can search by kind of group you are looking for and location. There are lots of New York area parenting groups listed including nursing mommies, stay-at-home moms, single mothers, and MILFs, and if you can't find the group you're interested in you can start it.
Bowery Babes, mostly Lower East Side and Soho moms, have parties and potluck picnics in local parks and restaurants, two art classes at the Lafayette Street Childrens museum, excursions to museums and galleries, music classes held in several private loft homes, as well as lectures on sleep and the environment, and occasional Mommy Beauty Mornings at Bloomingdales Soho. The website contains passionate discussion about "alternative" lifestyle ideas as well as green products.
Park Slope Parents is an incredible group of local parents dedicated to supporting the families of Park Slope, Brooklyn by providing a way to exchange information about parenting in the Park Slope community with a yahoo group, events and a website. This group is predominantly an online email group, but they also have some events like their concert series. Park Slope Parents also has a great classifieds group where neighbors can buy, sell or swap just about anything.
Parents of NY Teens. New parents aren't the only ones who need guidance and support. As your kids get bigger, so do their issues. That's why the people who bring you Park Slope Parents also run a group for parents of teens. There are currently over 150 members and recent discussions included summer programs for teens, shaving and teen depression. The board is open to all parents - citywide - with kids 12 - 20 years....To join - just send an email to parentsofnyteens-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
The Bronx New Mommies Group hosts monthly meetings, educational workshops, tele-classes, and seminars where moms come together to socialize, discuss, and tackle common issues related to motherhood, children, and parenting.
Soho Parenting hosts parenting groups that balance developmental information with guidance about the emotional work it takes to be a thoughtful parent, as well as being a place for parents to meet and form lasting friendships.
Executive Moms has thousands of members from across the NY metropolitan area and nationwide. Free membership gets you subscribed to their emailer, access to the resource-filled website and invites to events especially tailored to the needs and interests of professional moms. Events are often networking opportunities as well as social ones.
Moms Night Out is just what the name says. This group was started in the spirit that daytime meetings only get you so far. Sometimes a girl's just got to be out after dark to really unwind and what better way than with other moms just like you.
Motherhood Later than Sooner is a group for moms who have children at the age of 35+ (which probably includes most of NYC). Meet other mature moms at playdates, family outings, moms night out dinners, and more.
Yahoo Groups. There are a gagillion (according to spell-check I spelled that wrong) Yahoo Groups out there. The active ones are really a great resource for sharing information, support, and, sometimes, stuff. Many of the groups are dedicated to one particular neighborhood. You can search the Yahoo Groups directory for your neighborhood plus "parents" and see if there is an active one in your neck of the woods. I think these groups are a great resource for New York City parents where you can share ultra-local information.
I could not find any active groups for New York City Dads. if you know of one please share it with us. In the meantime, this weekend at The New York Historical Society, NYC Dads, an outreach program by the NYC Department of Human Resources to support fathers and encourage dads to get more involved in parenting, is hosting a fun event for dads and kids. There will be Revolutionary-era games, crafts and historical re-enactors of George Washington and the 2nd Regiment. Plus food and prizes. This event is on Saturday, May 3rd beginning at 10am.
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What a great article! Angela
What a great article!
Angela Smith
Hi- I am an NYU
Hi-
I am an NYU undergraduate student in a public health course, and we are doing a study about what influences women to either formula feed or breast feed. We have created a short list of questions and would really appreciate it if anyone could take a few minutes and fill it out. All of the responses are completely anonymous. The link is below.
Thank you so much!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me: steph648@aol.com
Stephanie
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=izeB54hcLHWRJfijrBiJbQ_3d_3d
Chelsea Babes is an informal
Chelsea Babes is an informal email group dedicated to the parents of kids in the Chelsea area. Topics include kid related events, classes and shopping.
Go to http://groups.google.com/group/chelsea-babes to join.
Hi guys, I am looking for
Hi guys, I am looking for affordble or free any summer programs for my son who is 7 years old. If anyone recommend program please let me know.
I really love this artical, it helps a lot
Thanks
Bushra
Bushra, We are just gearing
Bushra,
We are just gearing up to start our summer program content and will have TONS of free and cheap stuff to do this summer. Also our summer fun guide is going to be coming out in just a couple of weeks which will focus on affordable summer fun. Please subscribe to get our free daily emails and I promise your summer will be full of free fun activities.
Kids & Family Fun New
Kids & Family Fun
New York
2009
CITY-WIDE
NYC PARKS 212-360-8290 or 1-888-NYPARKS
Playground Sports Clinic: NYC Parks & Recreation offers free instruction citywide in sports to children
from June through August. Equipment provided. Call 718-760-6999 for free tennis, golf, track and field,
or 718-760-6969 for swimming lessons.
City Parks Kids (Five Boroughs puppet shows, dance, theatre for children age 4-16)..……311 or 212-360-8290 www.cityparksfoundation.org or www.nycgovparks.org for park activities and locations.
Governors Island: tour the historic island, car-free bike riding. Meet at Governors Island Ferry Terminal
10 South Street, Slip 7 for free ferry. Contact Tel: 212-440-2202 or www.govisland.com
• Saturday & Sundays June – October, 10AM – 7PM & Fridays open 10-5PM
Governors Island Living History Weekend: Recreation of a day in the life of a Civil War Soldier on
• Aug 9 from 11AM - 4PM.……….……………………………………………….212-825-3045
MANHATTAN
Children’s Day: Includes Robert Bobber & the Bubble Machine, Seaport Express Train Ride
South Street Seaport, Pier 17 ☻ June 13, Noon to 5PM
Battery Park City - Wagner Park (walk west on Rector Street)………….................................212-267-9700
• Go Fish, June 13, Sept 19, Oct 17 from 10AM-2PM, 212-267-9700
• Swedish Midsummer Festival – Music & games, June 19, 5-8PM
• Summer Jam – join in a drumming circle led by master drummers, Fri, July 10-Aug 28, 6:30-8:30
• Harmony on the Hudson – performances for the entire family, Sept Sun 13, 1-6PM
Battery Park City Soccer - Rockefeller Park ……Tuesdays, June - August………………..212-267-9700
• 4 Year Old: 2:30-3:15
• 5 to 8 Year Old: 3:30 – 4:15
• 9 to 12 Year Old: 4:30-5:30
Battery Park City Basketball, Rockefeller Park (North end of BPC)…………………………212-267-9700
Mondays & Fridays: June - August
• 5-6 Year Old: 3:30-4:30PM
• 7 Years & Older: 4:30-5:30PM
Battery Park City – Esplanade Plaza– Family Dances – (Liberty Street) 6:30 – 8PM……..212-267-9700
• July 18: Irish Family Dance (fiddle, flute, tin whistle, guitar, mandolin)
• Aug 15: East Indian Family Dance
Stories for All Ages – Rector Park (South End Ave/Rector Place)……………………………212-267-9700
• July 18: Folktales & Fairytales, 11AM
• Aug 15: Stories from India, 11AM
Tour de Parc…………………………………………………..pre-registration required at 212-267-9700
Tricyclists, bicyclists, scooter riders 9 years old and younger join in an “everyone wins” cycling tour of the parks.
Helmets required. September 19 at 10AM, meet at Esplanade Plaza (Liberty St)
Free Theatre: “Click, Clock, Moo”………………… ● July 21 – August 28 ……………...212-647-1100
Theatreworks, Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St, 7th Ave & Hudson, Free tickets one hour before performance,
first come, first served, ages 4-10.
Family Movies at Hudson River Park (Pier 46 at Charles)…………8:30PM………...……212-533-PARK
• July 10: Wizard of Oz (G) July 31: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (PG)
• July 17: Kung Fu Panda Aug 7: The Muppet Movie (G)
• July 24: Ghostbusters. (PG) Aug 14: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Madison Square Kids Music, Stories, Theatre ……………………………………………….212-538-6667
Madison Square Park, 23rd Street between 5th & Madison Ave
• Thursdays June 9 and August 13 at 10AM
Bryant Park Classic Kids……………………….……6-7PM………………………………..212-768-4242
Classical music performance by young virtuosi, 42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave
• Tuesdays, June 23 – July 28
Bryant Park Word for Word Kids, 42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave, Reading Room …………..….212-678-4242
• Saturdays from June 27 – August 15: Character visits, specially themed events,, 12Noon to 1PM
Broadway in Bryant Park……………………………..12-1:30……………………………..212-768-4242
Fountain Terrace, Bryant Park, 42nd St & 6th Ave ● Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, August 13
Bryant Park Flaubert Frog, 42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave
Sing along with Flaubert and play “Flaubert Says,” hot potato, leap frog.
• Saturdays from June 27 – August15, 1-2PM
Bryant Park Chess Lessons, 42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave………………………………..….212-768-4242
• Saturdays from June 20 – September 19, 12Noon to 1PM
• Monday – Friday, June 15 – September 4, 3-4PM
Le Carrousel Magigue, Bryant Park, 42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave…………………………..212-768-4242
Fun filled tricks of all kinds
• June 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 1 from 12Noon – 1PM
Big City Fishing – free equipment & instruction, Pier 84, 44th Street
• Weekends in June and Tuesday – Sunday in July & August ● 10AM-4:30PM
Fall Equinox Celebration – fishing & boating…….Pier 84 at 44th St…….…4-7PM….…....….Sept 20
Pet Parade – bring your own pets and compete for prizes…Pier 84 at 44th Street…1-4PM ....October 18
Clinton Cove Festival, Hudson River Park – Live music, children’s games & activities, free barbeque.
Clinton Cove at 55th Street ● Saturday, July 25, 1-4PM
Fishing Fun, Riverside Park, Pier 1 (70th Street & Hudson River), equipment provided
• Saturdays June 20 at 11AM, July 25 at 2PM, Aug 8 at 1PM
Family Day at Lincoln Center
• Puppet Pageant: Beautiful Princess Rat of the MTA, North Plaza ☻ August 15 at 2PM
• Bubble Do Beatles, Damrosch Park ☻ August 15 at 3PM (Dr. Ban)
Children’s Performance Series – music, storytelling, theatre………………………………..212-408-0219
Riverside Park South, Pier 1 at 70th Street Thursdays from 10:30-11:30AM
• July 9: The Bossy Frog Band
• July 16: Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz Goes Green
• July 23: Buckaroo Bindlestiff’s Wild West Jamboree
• July 30: Robbi K and Friends
• Aug 6: Family Jam
• Aug 13: Puppeteers-Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
Kayaking on the Hudson ……..20 minute instructional kayaking …………………………...212-408-0219
South Waterfront Westside, 72nd & Hudson River, Riverside Park dirt road beneath overpass
• Sat & Sun from June – September 27, 10AM-5PM
Soccer Tots & Pee Wee Basketball: 2 ½ to 5 years…………………………………………..212-408-0219
Riverside Park South, 71st Street Soccer Field &Basketball Courts
• Wednesdays, July 8 – Aug 5: Soccer from 9-10AM & Basketball 10:30-11:30
Summer on the Hudson: Lawn Party, games, music………………………………………..212-408-0219
Riverside Park South, Locomotive @62nd Street ● July 19 & August 16, 3-5PM
Globic Sound Dance Party – Clowns, Magic, Dance…….…7-11PM…………………….…212-408-0219
Riverside Park South, Pier 1 at 70th Street ● July 17 & Aug 14
Family Day, Summer Stage, Central Park at Rumsey Field, 5th Ave & 72nd Street
• July 12: Nickelodeon stars, hip music, story telling, marionette puppets, dancing, 3-7PM
A Clearing in the Forest, Central Park………………………………………………..…….212-860-1370
Peter Jay Sharp Children’s Glade on the Great Hill, enter on West 106th Street
• June 7: Mexico Beyond Mariachi – 2PM
• June 20: Swan Lake Ballet Workshop with American Ballet Theatre, 11AM – 1PM
• June 28: African Dance Workshop, 1-2PM
• July 11: Great Jazz, 1-5PM
• July 19: Native American Stories, 1-2PM
• July 26: Labybuy One Songs with the Harmonica Packet, 1-2PM
• Aug 2: Batsongs with Musical Mark, 1-2PM
• Aug 30: Czech & Slovak Fairy Tales, 1-2PM
• Sept 12: Large scale puppet show, 1-2PM
• Sept 20: Stories uner the Elm Trees, 1-2PM
Inwood Astronomy Programs, Inwood Hill Park (Seaman Ave & Isham St)………………..917-529-2359
Free star & planet gazing, cloudy sky cancels
• Wednesday & Saturdays from June – September, 8:30PM -10PM
QUEENS
Tour de Queens, bike ride throughout borough………..July 12………..….pre-register tourdequeens.org
Plant & Play Time, Plant flowers, dig in soil, harvest fruits & veggies, engage in games
Detective Keith Williams Park, Liberty Park (173rd St & 107th Ave across from the Liberty Pool)
• Saturdays: July 11 – Aug 15, 1-4PM
• Tuesdays: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 30, 4-7PM
Family Concert, Alley Pond………………..…………….August 9……………….…………..6:30-8PM
“Rock & Roll with Squeaky Clean” featuring the band Squeaky Clean
Jabali Afridan Acrobats, Forest Park, George Seuffert Bandshell ☻ July 21 at 7PM
Puppets in the Park: Sleeping Beauty…………………………………….…………..………718-352-4793
Alley Pond Park, 76th Ave off Springfield Blvd → July 7 & August 3 at 10:30AM
Forest Park → June 30 at 7PM
Sorrentino Rec Center, 18-48 Cornaga Ave → August 10 at 11AM (718-471-4818)
Ft. Totten Family Day, Ft. Totten Parade Grounds ● July 19, Noon – 4PM ……..……718-352-4793
Sandcastle Contest, Rockaway Beach & Boardwalk, Beach 117th…. July 26 ● 12Noon-2PM…..718-318-4000
Rock & Skate, Rockaway Beach & Boardwalk, Beach 108th & Shorefront Parkway Skating Rink
Free skate clinic with music, skating instruction, skate equipment on loan for all ages.
• June 25 and Aug 12 from 6-9PM
Kayaking & Canoeing……………… Sundays, June 7, 14, 21, 28 ● 1-5PM…………….…..718-228-9214
Socrates Sculpture Park, Vernon Blvd & 31st St, Astoria, Hallets Cove
Bike Parade………………….June 6 ● Workshop 11-2 and Parade 2-3……………….…..718-956-1819
Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City
Movies Under the Bridge – Family Movies………………………………………………….718-352-4793
Little Bay Park, 212 Street at Bell Boulevard & CIP service road intersection
• Aug 18, 25, September 1 from 8-9PM
Storytelling in the Park, Broad Channel Park……………Call for schedule.…...…………718-318-4000
Cross Bay Blvd E. 16 – E. 18 Rds, Channel Road
Storytelling, Alley Pond Park………………………….Under 10 years………..…………….718-352-4793
76th Ave off Springfield Blvd Call for schedule
Family Concert: Rock & Roll with Squeaky Clean……………………………………….…..718-352-4793
Alley Pond Park, 76th Ave off Springfield Blvd ☻ Sunday, Aug 9, 6:30-8PM
Theatre: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory……………….……………….…………….718-352-4793
Alley Pond Park, 76th Ave off Springfield Blvd ● July 31: 7-8:30PM and August 9 from 6:30-8PM
Schools Out for Summer……………………….……..Pre-registration required at 718-318-4000, Ext 307
Micahelis-Baywater Park at Beach Street & Beach Channel Drive
• June 27: Music, games, canoeing, refreshments, 12Noon – 4PM
Arthur Ashe Kids Day – tennis clinics, games, music – USTA Tennis Center………..….www.usopen.org
Flushing Meadows/Corona Park ● Saturday, August 29 @9:30-4PM
BROOKLYN
Mermaid Parade: Mermaids of all shapes………….Saturday, June 20….…………………718-372-5159
Coney Island Boardwalk, Stillwell & Surf Ave in Coney Island………..……...................................Starts at 2PM
Theatre: The Tale of Flutterby & Piggle: musical interactive program……..…………..718-802-0603X18
The Cove, Brookly Bridge Park, DUMBO ☻ Suggested Ages 2-5 ☻ August 11: 3:30-4:30
Kayaking
The Cove in Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO……………………………………………………..718-802-0603, X12
Aug 15: 2-6PM ☻ Aug 22: 11-3PM ☻ Aug 29: 2-6PM
Plant & Play Time, Plant flowers, dig in soil, harvest fruits & veggies, engage in games
Umoja Garden, Broadway & Putnam
• Saturday, July 11 – Aug 15, 1-4PM ● Wednesday, July 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 4-7PM
BRONX
Van Cortlandt Swimming Pool: Open June 27 – Sept 7 from 11AM-7PM (closed 3-4PM)
Plant & Play Time, Grove Hill Playground, 158th St & Eagle Ave
Plant flowers, dig in soil, harvest fruits & veggies, engage in games
• Saturdays: June 20 – Aug 15, 1-4PM
• Wednesdays: July 9, 16, 23, 4-7PM
Family Fun Day, Pelham Bay Park………………………………………………………….…..718-430-1890
Playground, Bruckner Expressway & Middletown Road
• July 11: Children’s performances, storytelling, bike lessons, 12Noon – 3PM
Bronx Week Parade, Van Cortlandt Park, East & Moshulu Parkway
• June 21, 8AM-7PM
Family Camp Out, Van Cortlandt Park……………………………………Call to pre-register 718-548-0912
• Friday July 24 & August 7
Canoeing in Van Cortlandt Park, 246th St & Broadway (Lake by Golf House)…………………..718-548-0912
• Sunday, July 5 & 26 and Saturday, August 15, 11AM-2PM
Scavenger Hunt, Van Cortlandt Park (west 246th & Broadway )… …………………….….....718-548-0912
• Sunday, July 19, 11AM & 2PM
Fishing Clinics, Van Cortlandt Park………………………………………………………..…..718-548-0912
• Fishing Derby, June 27 at 1PM
• Saturday, July 25 and Sunday Aug 9 at 12Noon
City Kids Performances, Van Cortlandt Park at 10:30AM
• July 9 & 16: Classic Playground
• July 14 & 21: Sachkerah Playground
• July 23 & 30: Woodlawn Playground
• Aug 4 & 11: Southwest Playground
Tour de Bronx……………………………………………….pre-register 718-590-3518 or tourdebronx.org
• Sunday, October 18, 25 – 50 mile bike ride
STATEN ISLAND
After School Book Club: Grades 4-7………………………………….……………..718-351-1611, Ext 280
Historic Richmond Town ● Wednesdays in June at 3:30PM
Chubby, Hubby Fun Run: Three-legged races, games, crafts ☻ Saturday, June 20, 12-2PM
Cloves Lake Park, Slosson Ave, Victory Blvd & Clove Rd.
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