When I had my first child I felt like I stopped relating to my high school and college friends. I was one of the first to get married and to start a family. It wasn’t until after I had my second baby that I went looking for a playgroup for my first and ended up finding a core group of friends for myself.
Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here forever and need to find mommy friends, like I did, finding new friends seems like a feat. Never fear, I’ve complied a list of local groups and specialty groups for you:
Social Organizations
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)
An international organization striving to meet the needs of every mom with preschoolers whether they stay-at-home, work away from the home, or are a teen, single or married. They seek to provide an open and caring atmosphere for mothers to share their experiences through discussion, teaching, and creative activities. The popular MOPPETS program provides childcare for members while moms attend meetings. Lake County is home to several MOPS groups which are chartered through local faith-based organizations.
- Christ Church Crossroads- Grayslake
- Wildwood Presbyterian Church – Grayslake
- NorthBridge Church – Antioch
- Immanuel Church (1/3 Thurs) – Gurnee
- Immanuel Church (2/4 Thurs) – Gurnee
- CrossLife Evangelical Free Church – Libertyville
- Alpine Chapel – Lake Zurich
- Christ Church – Lake Forest
MOMS Club of Gurnee (Moms Offering Moms Support)
Founded in 2002, monthly meetings are held and activities range from playgroups, fundraising, book clubs, and Moms’ Nights Out. Services include newsletters and the Helping Hands program which delivers meals to members who have recently had a baby or are otherwise in need of assistance. Annual fees range from $10-$20 depending on the chapter.
A group of Libertyville-area mothers with small children (mostly 5 and under) seeking friendship, support, and advice. This group has members in Libertyville and all surrounding suburbs. An active group hosting events such as playdates, picnics, beach days, crafts, Moms’ Nights Out and more. There is an annual fee of $13/year due 30 days after joining. Email hjsocie@hotmail.com for more information or click here.
North Suburban Moms Meetup Group
A group devoted to connecting moms and children in a fun, friendly manner while respecting each others’ parenting choices and forming lifetime friendships. Moms with kids 0-6 years of age living within a 10-mile radius of the Gurnee and Grayslake area are welcome. A full event calendar includes playdates, coffee dates, train rides, museums, ice skating and more! An Annual Cookie Exchange and White Elephant Gift Exchange are planned for the holidays. There is an annual membership fee of $8; however, events may incur additional costs. Click here for more information.
Lake County Families
A group for happily married couples with kids to meet each other in Lake County. Activities include playgroups, area festivals/attractions, holiday parties, potlucks, game nights, ice cream socials, couples-only events and more! An $10 annual membership fee per family is collected within 14 days of joining. For more information, or to join, fill out a short profile here to be approved for membership.
Moms 4 Moms supports moms in: Lake Villa , Antioch , Lindenhurst, Fox Lake , and surrounding areas. They are a nonprofit group designed to provide unconditional support through experiences, friendship and knowledge to moms who choose to focus on raising their children either full-time or part-time. Through activities Moms 4 Moms offers a community where moms and kids can make friends, find fun activities and participate in community service projects . A general meeting is held monthly and many other activities are planned continuously for children of all ages. There is a annual fee of $20. The first playdate is free to try. For more information contact the group here.
“Do you live between the IL/WI border west of I-94 to Genoa City & anywhere between Round Lake, IL to Salem, WI? Do you have a child born after June 2006? MOBS have a variety of events on the calendar at different times of the days to fit parent’s schedules. Membership dues are $3.00 every May and November.
Special Interest Organizations
For over 50 years, La Leche League has been committed to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. Monthly meetings discussing breastfeeding topics are held by trained and accredited La Leche League Leaders. Mothers, mothers-to-be, and children are always welcome.
Moms RUN This Town (MRTT) is a running club for moms to support and motivate you in your running journey. It doesn’t matter if you are a walker or a runner, someone who has never raced before or a marathoner. Join them on their Facebook page or on their website to find a chapter near you.
Lake County Attachment Parents
A local group of moms with a mission to educate and support all parents in raising secure, joyful, and empathetic children and create a more compassionate world. There are no fees to join and anyone who practices attachment parenting or would like to learn more is welcome to join. Join them on their Facebook Group.
Babywearing International of Chicagoland
A local, non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to helping parents and caregivers discover and enjoy the art of babywearing. Monthly meetings are held to give an overview of carrier types, provide individual guidance, and an opportunity to socialize (children are always welcome.) Members host playgroups and conduct outreach events. Babywearing classes are also available to help in carrier selection and instruction. There is a yearly fee to take home baby carriers from their lending library. Their Facebook Group allows you to ask questions and share information online. Participation is FREE. For more information, visit their blog or email bwichicagoland@gmail.com.
To find other organizations in addition to those listed here, check with your local library, church, hospital or visit Meetup.com.
Are you part of a group that you love and don’t find them listed here? Tell us about them in the comments below!
Hi from a fellow mom who found best friends from a local moms group. Shout out for Lakeside Mom’s n Tots!!! The group overall has been going for over 25 years. Stay at home moms, working moms, single moms. It truly is an awesome group!
Lake County Mother of Twins Club! I don’t know where I’d be without them. ♡♡♡
Hi,
How do we get our group added to this page? The Lakeside Mom & Tots based in the Lake Zurich area! meetup.com/lakesidemomsandtots
Thanks!