i am currently a member at gymboree, which my daughter really enjoys, but i don't feel like i am getting my money's worth. she is scheduled for one class a weeks, and they do have "free gym" every day, but they are during her nap time or in the evening and i work nights. just looking for somewhere where i could take her to play with other kids and maybe do projects or something. my sister has recommended MOPS, which i am considering, but not sure if i want something religion based. any ideas???
I have belonged to a local MOMS group since my child was an infant. They are an international group and have chapters throughout the state www.momsclub.org I also found a lot of outlets through my City's Parks and Rec Programs. Good luck.
try your library they have play activitys or yoru local rec center or if there is one near by
If you're anywhere near Ferndale, there's an open playgroup/gym for toddlers on Wednesday mornings from 10am-11:30am at Affirmations. It's totally unstructured, but there's fun gym equipment (mats, tubes to crawl through, tons of balls) and it's a huge open space that's totally "baby-proofed" so the kids can just play and we don't have to constantly chase after them! There's a $2 suggested donation - more if you can, less if you can't. You don't have to register or anything - just show up.
Affirmations is a GLBT community center, but it's open to the open-minded public.
Here's a link to the play-group page:
http://www.goaffirmations.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pr...
Try MeetUp.com. There is a group on line that a friend of mine started. She's in Farmington. She works so her group events are nights and weekends. http://playgroup.meetup.com/820/?gj=sj6
Or search Yahoo! Groups. There may be something on there that could help out. Or, start your own (it's easy...I've already started 3 groups of my own). To promote it, take advantage of sites created for networking purposes (like Playgroups USA, Joining Moms, and Cafe Mom). I just search for moms in my area (you can select your search criteria) and send them invitations to join your group right on those other websites. You can also post/promote it on Craigslist and Topix and other on-line free ads. Also, print up FREE business cards through VistaPrint and pass them out to other moms you see at parks and other places.
Take advantage of community events. Attend fire station open houses, library evening story hours or special events, Michael's stores have craft events on Saturdays. Sign up for Great Stuff to Do's newsletter (http://www.greatstufftodo.com/). You can select up to 6 categories and each week they'll e-mail you the events occurring in 6 or 8 counties surrounding Detroit. And you can visit their website to view events in the rest of the categories.
Join the zoo and attend often. That way, you don't have to try to see it all when you do go. And, you'll be able do to things non-members can't or get discounts to special events. And you'll get free or discounted admission to other zoos across the country.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll find or create what you're looking for.
D.
where do you live.? I live in sterling heights and have done lots of looking for good activities for my 21 month old daughter.
if you live nearby I have suggestions.
I did gymboree too and felt that it was pricey. MOPS is a great way to meet people with kids. I love it! For me, Christian based things are the best to get involved in. I have found the best friends I have ever had through getting involved in my church. I wasn't a church person or religious person until I was 34. That's when life was crumbling around me and I only had one place left to go for help. It was a church of a friend. That's where I realized Jesus is there for me and will get me through anything. That was 8 years ago. Now my alcoholic husband is sober and believing in Jesus. That is a miracle!
I pray that you will join a MOPS group and meet some great people who will lead you to Christ. It might sound funny to you now, but believe me, it's the best thing that could happen to anyone. He really does perform miracles, every day. May God bless you!, L.
The Kulick Center in Ferndale has a nice gym and also a play area that costs $3 per child to play. I don't have the hours here, but it's Tues and Thurs during the week. It's our savior during the winter when we can't get to the park or whatnot. There's always lots of kids there for interaction. Your local community center probably has some parent/tot classes too. We did that every season from 18mos - 3yrs through the Warren Community Center and it was wonderful, and very affordable as opposed to Gymboree. It's the same type of thing, play with other kids, snack time, art projects, gym time. I kept my daughter with the same teachers for nursery school this year because I love them so much.
I have to say I too would recomend MOPS. Although yes, it's based on Christian values, ours is not in your face whatsoever about it. We want to love and help all the moms and you get a lot of support and good advice. We have older (mentor) moms that have been there done that - and have done a very good job, who better to learn from? Anyway, I'm sure your sister has already told you all this. Sorry if I sound like a broken record! (I go to the one at 12 mile and Lasher at Highland Park Baptist church - there were about 45-50 women there last time - and Child care is free! just $5 to cover MOPS cost. first and second thursdays at 915am) Let me know if you have any questions. C.
