Best Places For Moms To Meet in Detroit
Being a mom can be lonely, especially for new mothers or those who have moved to a new town. Some Detroit area organizations have recognized this fact, and structure their facilities or programs to not only benefit kids, but also encourage moms to meet and develop friendships.
Price: $7 for kids 2 and older/$3 for kids 12 – 23 months/kids less than 12 months; adults free.
Hours: Mon to Sat – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Moms can meet up over a latte while the kids have fun in Java Jungle's large indoor play area. On-site dining includes kids meals, snacks, sandwiches, smoothies and specialty coffee drinks. Cozy leather couches set a relaxing stage for adult time, while the play structures are large enough for moms to join their kids in the fun, too.
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Price: Resident fees $4.25 for kids 4 to 12 years old/$5.75 for kids 13 to 18 years old/$7.25 for adults 19 to 61 years old/$4.25 for seniors 62 and up/kids 3 and under free with accompanying adult pass. Non-resident fees are double. Multi-visit packages and annual memberships available.
Hours: Mon through Fri – 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sat – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More than just a gym, the Livonia Community Recreation Center includes pools, courts, cardiovascular and exercise equipment, and an indoor track. A rock climbing wall, tree fort, game room and gymnastic center add to the variety. Moms will enjoy the on-site child care and separate lounge area for relaxing and socializing, complete with pool tables, televisions and Internet access.
Price: Free. Advance registration may be required.
Click here for a calendar of events.
Hours: Mon through Thurs – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri and Sat – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Royal Oak Public Library has a wealth of programs for kids and families. Weekly story times give moms a chance to interact regularly with the same families and build friendships with other moms. The library's parenting series also offers opportunities for moms to meet, discuss issues and concerns, and support one another during difficult stages.
Price: $6.50 for kids 1 to 15 years/kids younger than 12 months free/kids 16 and older free when accompanied by younger child
Hours: Sun to Tues – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wed to Sat – 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Tree House in Chelsea has become a popular destination for moms as well as children. The 9,000-square-foot floor plan includes an indoor playground for kids and a gathering area for moms. Large tables and comfortable chairs, along with available light meals, snacks, and hot or cold drinks, make the Tree House a true multi-purpose facility. Here busy moms combine play time with their own activities, such as scrapbooking and book club.
Price: $65 per month for one child or one class/$120 per month for two children or two classes/$125 per month for an unlimited family pass. $35 registration fee.
Schedule: Click here to search classes
Hours: Vary by class
Gymboree classes are designed to foster the physical, social and cognitive development of infants and toddlers, with an emphasis on parental involvement. Regularly held classes give moms time to foster friendships with other moms, and open gym times allow scheduled play dates for both kids and moms. Special events held throughout the year provide fun social gatherings for the whole family.
Related: Best Places for Cold Weather Activities With Your Kids
Jennifer Walker is a freelance writer living in Detroit. She earned her Bachelor's degree in animal science from Michigan State University. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
