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Best Parent Gathering Places In Metro Detroit

Baby Strollers Parent
(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Britax)

Meeting other parents while spending time with your children just got easier. There are so many cool places to go, where like-minded moms and dads will be hanging with their kids, too. These unique places in Detroit have something for every type of parent you would want to meet – from athletic and artistic to history buffs and intellectuals. Check out the spots below for a great selection of areas around town that are perfect for meeting other parents with similar interests.

Detroit Public Library 
5201 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 481-1300
www.detroitpubliclibrary.org

Story time at your local library is a wonderful place to meet other parents in a community setting. Most libraries offer a story time for babies and toddlers, visit the local library website in your area for details. There are classes for parents with babies, which include singing songs and reading short, engaging stories. The toddler classes are geared towards that particular age level and may include a simple craft, longer stories and more movement. This is a great way to meet parents and perhaps even form a lasting friendship.

Related: Best Resources For Homeschool Families In Detroit

Jungle Java
6481 Canton Center Road
Canton, MI 48187
(734) 927-6680
www.junglejavaplay.com

Jungle Java is a coffee shop that features an indoor playscape for toddlers to children up to age 10. This is a wonderful spot to meet other parents and have a great cup of coffee at the same time. Aside from the occasional adult intervention, kids can entertain themselves and parents can enjoy chit-chatting with other people whose conversational skills surpass the candy and cartoons talk you may be accustomed to.

Related: Best Party Places For Kids In Detroit

MOCAD 
4454 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 832-6622
www.mocadetroit.org

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit hosts a family day, with a different theme and medium planned every time. The creative activities allow children to explore their inner artist, which gives parents a chance to discuss the latest exhibition with adults who may be a level above macaroni necklaces. This is an excellent place to meet other creative parents as they help their kids fasten a piece of felt to a roll of cardboard. The family-friendly events are held once a month and are suited for various age ranges.

St. Clair Shores Civic Arena
20000 Stephens St.
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
(586) 445-5350
www.scsmi.net

Ice skating at the St. Clair Shores Civic Ice Arena is a fun place to meet other parents. A variety of special activities are offered for children and their parents. Try the 'Pucks & Parents' sessions or the 'Parent & Tot' skating sessions, which are available for those ages six and under to practice their skills on the ice. Meet other parents during these cool sessions, which are open to the public.

The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 982-6001
www.thehenryford.org/village

The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village has always been a special place to take the family to learn about history in an interactive way, but now it is an outstanding spot to meet parents as well. The addition of the historically themed Greenfield Village Playscape has opened up a greater scope of possibilities for meeting other parents in this new area to congregate. Under the shade of the sprawling sycamore trees are benches, which are scattered strategically throughout the area. The equipment at the playground is innovative and engages children of all age ranges. Let the kids explore and play with new friends as parents do the same.

After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, Nicole Wrona began working with a diverse range of musicians. In addition, she is a freelance writer for numerous publications. Her work can be found at www.metalleaves.com and Examiner.com.

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