Lake County Parent/ Mom Groups

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 the second baby that I went looking for a playgroup for my first and ended up finding a core group of friends for myself.

Lake County Parenting Groups

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 compiled a list of local groups and specialty groups for you:

Social Parenting 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 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 offers 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
• The Chapel – Grayslake
• Wildwood Presbeteriyan – Grayslake
• Immanuel Church – Gurnee
• CrossLife Evangelical Free Church – Libertyville
• The Chapel – Libertyville
• Christ Church – Vernon Hills
• Northbridge Church – Antioch
• Alpine Chapel – Lake Zurich
• Christ Church – Lake Forest
• Christ Community Church – Zion

Moms 4 Moms

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 an annual fee of $20. The first playdate is free to try. For more information contact the group here.

Special Interest Parent Organizations

La Leche League International

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.

• La Leche League of Libertyville

She Runs This Town

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.

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 [email protected]

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!