I'm the mom of a one year old, in Oak Park, and was wondering if anyone could suggest a fun play group or class for us to attend together. We've heard about the musikgarten and was wondering if anyone found anything else they liked besides that. Any suggestions would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks.
We take classes at MyGym in River Forest (on Lake Street) and it is great! They also are offering summer specials ...
For a play group, try meetup.com. There are several groups in and around Oak Park. I belong to one, and I've made some amazing friends.
Check on www.kidwinks.com - the Services section lists all sorts of classes and moms groups (as well as many other things like summer camps and where to hold birthday parties for kids, etc.). Here's the direct link to the classes (you can narrow your search by using the categories along the left): http://www.kidwinks.com/ForKids/Educational/. If you become a member of kidwinks, which is free, you can sort your search results by distance from your house.
musikgarten is great for a one year old. there are some classes at wonderworks as well and when you child is slightly older, the park district has classes - they may even have singing for your age now. The language and music school also has a singing in spanish class or two. enjoy.
try meetup.com. they do a great job getting like-minded people connected!
We joined the Newcomer's Club when we moved here from MI 5 years ago, and I don't know what I would have done without them. I've met so many great people, and both I and my oldest daughter have made many friends. In fact, just last night, I had a mom's night out with a small group of the moms I've met through the club. They have a playgroup that meets every Monday morning, but also have regular social events for the family and for just adults. You can check them out at http://oprfnewcomers.com/.
We also did Musikgarten with Ms. Amy, and I highly recommend that. She is wonderful with the kids. My youngest, who is 2, has just started classes with her, and she talks about her music class all the time and wants to know when she can go again.
We also did My Gym, which my oldest loved. I plan to enroll my 2 year old there next fall when my oldest starts kindergarten.
I hope this helps. If you do decide to join Newcomer's, please let me know, and I could even introduce you to some of the other mom's in the group.
Hi T.!
I actually am beginning to go out and meet other moms and go to classes myself! I have a one year old boy who I'm sure would like to have other friends than mom and dad so the meet ups we've done so far have been great!
If I find anything specific I will definitely let you know!
Also I started a mom group for this exact reason! Feel free to check it out there will be some good resources there too!
www.momsinthecity.net
www.momsinthecity.ning.com
Have a great night!
Hi T.,
You could also try searching on http://www.socialtoddler.com - it's a playgroup directory and social network for parents that are looking for activities for their kids.
Hope this helps,
R.
There are some really great FREE story hours around town. Marion Street Cheese Market, the Library, Brown Cow. These story times are fun and entertaining and well worth it. And I think many of the mom's frequent often so you could get to meet some folks too.
There are a couple of meetup.com Oak Park Mom's groups too.
I organize a small one called Near West Suburban Families and then I think a much larger one is called Oak Park Mom's. Both of us have a fee structure to take care of the meetup.com fees. Cheap though - $5 every six months. My group is having a garage sale to deflect costs. But you will find that each group has a nice array of 1 year old or thereabout aged kids.
A lot of the mom's in my group love wiggle worms.
I'll second Sarah C's suggestions and add Eastgate Cafe...story hour plus ukele music!
