Mom Groups Help You Find Your Village in West Michigan
After I had my first baby, I spent three months working up the courage to find mom groups in my area to join.
I’m so thankful that I did because I quickly learned that we are not meant to parent alone. We need the support and camaraderie of other people who understand us.
Whether it’s parenting or fitness or finding a general support group, being part of a community is great for your well-being.
In addition to mom groups, we’ve found groups for fitness, newcomers, dads, and more.
Parenting & Mom Groups
Who will adventure in Grand Rapids with you? Who will encourage you? Who you can do life with?
These are the places and mom groups where you can find friends for the journey.
Extended Area Parent & Mom Groups
Bright Beginnings
Locations in Kent County
The Bright Beginnings program is free and includes the following services: personal home visits, playgroups/parent meetings, developmental screening, and a resource network.
Attending Bright Beginnings playgroups is a fantastic way to connect with others in the area and make friends.
Bright Beginnings is available to all families in Kent County with children from birth to Kindergarten entry.
Ottawa Area ISD Play N Learn
Locations in Ottawa County / 616-738-8940, ext. 4129
Play N Learn parent-child playgroups are designed for families with children ages 0 – 5 in Ottawa County. No pre-registration is required.
Monthly sessions are based on a children’s book, with a story, finger plays, crafts, and activities centered around the book.
Each family receives a children’s book to take home. Child development and reading readiness information are also available for parents.
MOPS International (Mothers of Preschoolers)
Multiple Locations in West Michigan
These mom groups meet around town at various locations, usually in churches. MOPS caters to the needs of the mother with young children (newborns until kindergarten). This is a Christian organization.
Registration usually begins in the spring for the following fall. Some MOPS groups fill up quickly.
| MOPS Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Thornapple Evangelical Covenant | 6595 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-6427 |
| New Community Church | 2340 Dean Lake Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-4446 |
| First Evangelical Covenant Mops Group | 1933 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-4869 |
Daddy Daughter Time
Locations in West Michigan
Daddy Daughter Time is a non-profit organization dedicated to deepening the bond between fathers and daughters. They host monthly events for dads and their girls where they create lasting memories.
Their D.A.D.U.P. program offers invaluable encouragement and “dadvice” focusing on five traits: Dependability, Accessibility, Devotion, Understanding, and Patience. Tickets are available for individual events or membership.
Belmont Parent & Mom Groups
MotherWell
West Cannon Baptist Church
5760 Cannonsburg Rd. NE Belmont MI 49306
MotherWell is designed to encourage and renew moms to navigate the everyday challenges of motherhood with joy, wisdom, and hope. Please join us for breakfast and coffee, rich mom friendships, helpful teaching, casual crafts and games, and more, all while your child(ren) enjoys active play and engaging teaching in our classrooms down the hall.
For moms with 1 or more children who have not yet entered Kindergarten.
They meet every other Tuesday morning 9-11:15 am, Sept 20-Dec 13 and Jan 17 – May 9.
They also schedule one playdate a month, details TBD.
Grand Haven Parent & Mom Groups
St Pat’s MOMS Group
920 Fulton Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417
MOMS (Mothers Of Many Seasons) is a group of women who are mothers of any age or stage of mothering, providing spiritual, social, emotional and practical support in the vocation of motherhood.
This moms group is open to the community. Activities and topics change from week to week.
Meetings are Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 AM, September-May.
MOMS Club of Grand Haven
Locations in Grand Haven, Ferrysburg, Spring Lake, Nunica
The MOMS Club of Grand Haven (MOMS Offering Moms Support) is a non-profit chapter of the International MOMS Club organization offering Moms Night Out, themed get-togethers, member meetings, and other events.
This moms group seeks to bring community, socialization and support to all moms in and around the Tri-Cities area (Grand Haven, Ferrysburg, Nunica, Spring Lake) through weekly free or low cost events.
Most events are held Monday through Friday 9:00-5:00 PM.
Grand Rapids Area Parent & Mom Groups
ABC Moms
1640 E Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
ABC Moms is a community group for mothers of children birth through age six. They provide the opportunity to connect with other mothers and be encouraged in your role as a wife, mother, sister, friend. They meet at Ada Bible Church – East Paris Campus on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Tuesdays of the month from 9:30 AM to 11:15 AM. Childcare is provided.
LifeChange Moms
3014 Newell St, Dorr, MI 49323
LifeChange Moms is a program for moms led by moms! We all want to be the best mothers we can, so we choose to grow, learn, and work together. We are a close community experiencing motherhood together.
A MOMS meeting includes practical teaching through speakers, demonstrations and videos. Plus, there’s usually food… food you didn’t make!
You’ll get to have honest conversations with other moms who understand the joys and frustrations of motherhood. We look forward to SERVING each mom who walks through our door, fully understanding this community because we’re all in the throws of it together.
Expect to be blessed, nurtured, and taken care of a few hours every other week because frankly, you give enough of yourself every day and it’s time for your batteries to be recharged in a safe and welcoming environment!
You are welcome from the time you get pregnant to when your child is done with high school.
Grand Rapids Mothers of Multiples Club
3090 Pine St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Grand Rapids Mothers of Multiples Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting moms of multiples in the Greater Grand Rapids area. Their goal is to support and assist women who have, or are expecting, multiples.
In addition to online support, they offer many opportunities to meet in-person to support and learn from each other.
MOMS Club of Grand Rapids – North
Locations around Grand Rapids
MOMS Club of GR North is a group of stay-at-home, work-at-home, and part time working moms from Grand Rapids. They offer lots of activities geared towards mothers and children. Except for the monthly Mom’s Night Out, their activities are during the day, and children are always welcome. The group includes women with varying interests, ages, and lifestyles, however they come together with the important goal of raising healthy, happy children.
Moms of Grand Rapids
Locations around Grand Rapids
Moms of Grand Rapids is an inclusive non-profit organization. They support all individuals that identify as a mom and live in the West Michigan area. Their mission is to provide a supportive community for women to make connections to other mothers navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood. They have weekly playgroups and monthly meetings. Each month they also have a moms’ night out, book club, movie night, game night, and craft night.
Seymour SuperMoms
840 Alger St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
SuperMoms is a group of moms of all ages with kids of all ages supporting and encouraging each other through all seasons of motherhood. This community provides an open, caring, and accepting atmosphere where women can come together to connect, grow, learn, and laugh together.
They meet the 1st Fridays of every month from 9:00-11:00 AM at Seymour Church. Coffee and breakfast treats will be served. Childcare is provided for infants through kindergarteners.
Grace’s Table
835 Richmond St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
This mom group invites teen mothers to come hang out, make other mom friends, and make memories. Additionally, teen moms are supported with resources, caring people, and growth opportunities.
Holland Parent & Mom Groups
M&Ms
446 W. 40th St., Holland, MI 49423
A place where moms of young children can be encouraged in the community. Moms of young kids carry a lot of responsibility, and it can feel lonely at times. M&Ms is a place where they can be encouraged by Mentor Moms who’ve ‘been there…done that’, while building friendships with moms in the same stage of life. Enjoy laughter, learning and life while the littles are cared for. Meetings are Tuesday mornings at Central Wesleyan Church.
Moms in Tow
Based in the greater Holland area
Moms in Tow provides local discounts, a way to find out what activities are going on, and helps with general support and resources for families in the greater Holland area.
Hudsonville Parent & Mom Groups
Mom’s Time Out
3617 Hillcrest Rd., Hudsonville, MI 49426
Mom’s Time Out is a mom group outreach to moms of all ages. Whether a newly pregnant mom, a mom of babies and toddlers, a stepmom, a mom with school-aged or teenaged children, a single mom, or a grandmother – all are welcome!
The premise of Mom’s Time Out is a time for friendships to be formed while providing a time of relaxation and renewal. It also gives support and an opportunity for outreach to the moms in the community. These nights are totally free and include a nice dinner, time to visit with other moms, a speaker, and usually an easy craft. Meetings at Hillcrest Church and free childcare is also provided.
Fitness Groups for Moms and Dads
Fit4Mom – Grand Rapids
Trinity Lutheran Church – 2700 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Immanuel Reformed Church – 1300 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Fit4Mom offers fitness classes for women at all stages of motherhood – from pregnancy to postnatal and beyond – as well as free playgroups and mom’s nights out.
Hike It Baby
Locations around West Michigan
Hike It Baby is a family organization dedicated to getting children outside with their families and friends through various group events. They host a variety of outdoor events, including trail hikes, stroller walks, and park and plays around West Michigan. Hike It Baby members can hike with any of 300 Hike It Baby branches across the United States.
Community Groups
Great Start Parent Coalition
651 Franklin St., Grand Rapids, MI 49507
The Great Start Parent Coalition is made up of committed parents from all over the county who want to ensure a GREAT START for their own children in the community.
Its mission is to increase parents’ skills, knowledge, and participation in early childhood planning and decision-making in the community.
Newcomers Club of Grand Rapids
6595 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
A non-profit, all-volunteer social organization that provides a network of friendship to people in the Grand Rapids area.
They invite people of all ages and backgrounds to join as they make new friends, enjoy fun activities and learn about the Grand Rapids community.
Once a month they have a General Meeting, which features a speaker from the community. Members can also sign up for various activities that meet throughout the week, either in person or virtually – book clubs, cards and games, lunches, and much more.
Side by Side
2012 Griggs St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
A local chapter of Side By Side, an international organization that brings together wives of physicians and dentists to encourage them in their marriages, in their faith in Jesus Christ, and to provide support for the unique challenges that come with being married to someone in the medical field.
Online Groups
Grand Rapids Moms, Dads, Kids & Family Connection
What’s going on in Grand Rapids & West Michigan for families, plus a place to ask your local parenting/family questions.
Grand Rapids Moms
Where greater Grand Rapids area Moms can come together to share, support & connect. **All membership questions must be answered in order to join**
West Michigan Moms
This group was made to be a “safe place” of sorts for questions, rants, advice, or funny things for all moms.
Moms Seeking Mom Friends – Michigan
This is a group for Michigan Moms looking for Mom friends. It is for moms to meet other moms in their area for friendship and play dates.
Allendale Michigan Moms
A site for Allendale Michigan Moms! Local news, activities, and discussion.
Grand Rapids Area Autism Moms and Dads
For the greater Grand Rapids area. This group can be a place to connect with other parents with autistic kids, vent (we all need that at times), offer tips and encouragement to one another, plan days out as well as play dates for our kids and more!
Moms and Kids of Jenison/Hudsonville/Grandville
This group is meant to bring together local moms. Please post questions, give advice, anything you think might be useful to other moms. Let’s initiate playdates and share local places that host activities for our kids.
Moms of Rockford Michigan
Moms of Rockford Michigan is a private group where moms can receive support and encouragement, enjoy motherhood-related discussion topics and plan local playdates or get togethers with other moms in the area.
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Hi! Single Mom of two young ones and I work full time. Are there any groups that meet in the evenings and/or weekends that would work for a working Mom?
Hi I am a grandmother of a 2 year old and mother of a 16 year old and 22 year old. Would like a moms group to be a part of that includes anything from book club, nights out, play dates, movie night, game night, meetings, etc.
Moms Connect is a group in Kentwood and we meet at Saint Mark Lutheran Church on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 9 am until 11 am. Free child care is provided!
Hike it Baby is open to any family in West Michigan (branches also located in Holland, Muskegon and Kalamazoo. Our goal is to make it easier for parents/caregivers and young children to get into nature. Any caregiver is welcome to attend…mom, dad, grandparents, nannies, aunts, and uncles… We do hikes, stroller walks, park and plays, and other outdoor meet-ups around the Grand Rapids area. For more information visit http://www.hikeitbaby.com and find the Hike it Baby Grand Rapids Group on Facebook.
I’m a dad in Rockford, looking for a group here or in Grand Rapids to take my 4 y/o son to.
(Prefer non-religious based group)
Single mom of a 16 yr old boy, Jenison area. I work full time days and would like to get involved in a group. Any ideas?
Hi Bandi!
I would be happy to ask our readers. I’ll email you. Thank you!
Hi My name is Bobbie Jo and I am looking for a group of understanding people that homeschool there children. I have a beautiful little kindergardner that is shy and sencitive. We really need other children to have fun with and women that are understanding of the same choice I made to Homeschool. Thanks
Hello
Any play groups for working moms preferably on the weekends? Always looking for new things to do with my 10 month old dd.
How about a group for stepmoms?
Single mom, a year and a half living in west Michigan cedar springs area. I work full time during the day but want to be involved. Any words of advise or groups i can attend?
The Community Family Partnership Family Center is a place for youth with behavioral, emotional, or mental health needs and/or their families to get involved, engaged and equipped. Here, they can connect with others through ongoing support groups, training, parenting classes, a resource library, social activities, and sometimes just a warm cup of coffee and a comfy, quiet couch near people who understand. Check out our website to find current opportunities!
I’m looking for a playgroup for my toddler that meets on the weekend. I live in Wyoming. Do you know of any?
Any RIE parenting groups in the Grand Haven area?
Is there a parent group out there for parents of kids with ADHD?
Babywearing International of Grand Rapids is a great place for caregivers too!
I love my mops group!
I can’t say enough amazing things about Bright Beginnings and their structured play groups. There were a lot of things on the list for moms, but we always see many dads, grandparents, nannies, and caregivers at bright beginnings groups! They really are for everyone.
You should add MOMS Club of Grand Haven to your list 🙂 It’s part of the same International Organization as the other MOMS Clubs listed, but serves Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Nunica, and Ferrysburg.
Great idea! Let’s talk!
Jen Eckhoff Brazys
Danielle we did a series about SAHD’s last year but I am not sure there is a recent list of groups for these awesome guys! I would be happy to ask our readers if there are any groups they know of! Please look for it to post sometime tomorrow! 🙂
Where are the stay at home dad groups? My huband is a sahd and this list doesn’t seem to have a place for him.
Danielle- i just messaged you some info!
Hello,
I would also like information on sahd groups if you have some! My husband also stays home and it seems all the groups are for moms.
Thanks!