My son and I need a social outing and rather just wandering around the mall and people watching I thought about joining a play group :-)! My son is almost 16 months old and has a 2 year old cousin who he plays with about once a week. I want him to have some more social experience so a play group sounds like just the ticket. I've never been a part of a play group before but would like to try it!
check out meetup.com
I am a member of Clearwater Small Tots & am the organizer of North Pinellas Playgroup - we are both fun :)
I definately second the idea of joining a moms support group, but even if you don't, there are sOOOOOO many more things to do around town other than walking through the mall! And most of the other activities will give you the chance to interact with other moms while your little one plays with other kids.
Lots of local parks are great, and FREE. Largo Central is nice and shaded - and the train runs the 1st weekend of every month. Hammock Park is nice for picnic lunch and a walk. Highland Rec park is also cool/shady.
There are story times for kids at all the local library locations every week, just check their websites and find the age appropriate one. Largo has one at 10am on Wed where the kids get stories, music, a craft and you can let them play in the childrens area of the library after. Clearwater, Gulf Beaches, Pinellas Park, Countryside, East Lake all have weekly story times.
Cafe Bebe and Gymboree offer mom/me play and different classes for a fee. Highland Rec Center has a toddler Suessercise play class on Mondays 10-11am. Great Explorations Childrens Museum is awesome and is great during the hot summer. The Lowry zoo, Florida aquarium and Clearwater Marine Aquarium are kid hits! The Botanical Gardens now has a childrens trail. Once the hot weather starts the pools will be filled with kids and moms, especialy Morningside kids pool and Highland Rec, which charge a fee, but the splash park in Safety Harbor is FREE.
Whether you join a moms group or not, there are LOADS of ways to get out there and give your son lots of other kids his age to play with, and you will surely have some mom companionship along the way too! Best wishes!
Hello M.! You should definitely check out my group, it sounds like exactly what you are looking for! I am one of the organizer's and my son is about the same age, 15 months. We do lots of outings like play dates at peoples homes, the park, Planet Jump and lots more! It is nice to have a group to socialize with myself while my son has some play pals!
you can check us out at :
http://www.meetup.com/proudmommies/
If you are interested in joining, go ahead and email me privately so I can get your information and I can accept you as a member, since I referred you!
Hi M.,
Have you looked into the MOMS Club of Clearwater? Check out the web sites below to see if this may be the right group for you and your son:
http://www.geocities.com/clwmomsclub/
http://www.momsclub.org/
It's geared towards SAHMs, but welcomes anyone. They offer playgroups specific to your child's age, Mom's Night Out, Seasonal Parties, etc.
I've been a member since my 4yr old was only 3 months old and I now have a second daughter who's almost 9 months. Both of them love going to playgroup. It's not only great for our children, it's a wonderful support group for us! I have made lifelong friends through my playgroups.
If you have any questions, please feel free to message me.
Best of luck to you,
J.
