Find your SWMI Village through Playgroups, Parenting Organizations + Online Groups
Not long after we moved to Kalamazoo, we had our first child. And while I loved being a mom, I quickly discovered how isolating it can be in a new city: most of my days were spent with a tiny companion who only drooled and smiled.
Although I found toddler events and parks to visit, I needed to connect with other people in my stage of life- I needed mom friends.
But where to start? How do I find someone to ask for advice, grab a coffee, or share a morning at the park with our kids for a playgroup? Where could I find a mom group near me?
Answer: You start here. Use our playgroup roundup to connect with other Kalamazoo area parents and build your support network.
In this guide
FYI: “Mom Groups” are not only for Moms
Before we get any further, a quick clarification: “Mom groups” is a generic term to describe many of these organizations; however many welcome moms, dads, and other caregivers.
Be sure to read up on the playgroup or organization you want to join; many invite all caregivers to participate.
Kalamazoo Area Mom Groups and Community Groups
Whether you’re a first-time parent, a homeschooling mom, a father looking to connect with other dads, or simply searching for local families to spend time with, there’s a group for you in Southwest Michigan.
Parenting friendships provide an invaluable support system for parents and caregivers.
From baby groups to kids’ open-play gatherings, check out these fun and casual playgroups for making new friends around Kalamazoo and growing that village.
Our list also includes online-only forums to provide virtual support and advice.
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are typically large, informal, discussion-focused groups with no participation requirements.
SWMI offers many for local caregivers to join:
| Kalamazoo Babywearing Love: Local group for caregivers to connect with other babywearers. |
| Kalamazoo Dads Group: Dads-only group for discussions and playdates. |
| Kalamazoo Heart: Homeschooling-focused support group for Christian families. |
| Kalamazoo La Leche League: Local chapter to support breastfeeding moms virtually. |
| Kalamazoo Mom Friends: Local group for parenting discussions, meetups and advice. |
| Stay-at-Home Parents Southwest Michigan: Stay-at-home parents/caregivers in the Southwest Michigan share ideas, organize playgroups and find new friends. |
| Zoo Mama: Kalamazoo-area moms’ group focused on parenting advice, local recommendations, and other parenting-related discussions. |
| Zoo Mama Disability & Neurodiversity Advocates: Kzoo-area group of mamas/families/advocates/allies for those supporting loved ones with disabilities. |
MomCo Groups (Formerly, MOPS)
MomCo = Mom Community Groups. Previously known as MOPS, these groups are run by local churches.
What is MOPS/MomCo?
MOPS is an international, Christian organization founded in 1972 that focused on mothers of young children. Groups meet twice monthly, providing free childcare while the moms meet separately.
The organization has been renamed MomCo, or Mom Community Groups.
All moms are welcome to join MOPS/MomCo Groups; you do not need to be a member of the sponsoring church.
Many MomCo groups now support parents of older children now too (not just infants and preschoolers).
| Group | Meetings |
| First Reformed Church of Portage 7905 S Westnedge, Portage, MI 49002 | First & Third Wednesdays 9:00 AM – 11:15 AM |
| Gracespring Bible Church 8643 Gull Rd, Richland, MI 49083 | First & Third Thursdays 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
| North Avenue Church of God 1079 North Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49017 | First & Third Fridays 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Kalamazoo Community Church 2435 N 26th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 | First & Third Thursdays 9:15 AM – 11:15 AM |
| Riverside Church 207 E Michigan Ave, Three Rivers, MI 49093 | Second & Fourth Thursdays Contact for Times |
| St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church 1150 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024 | Second & Fourth Sundays 6:30 PM |
| Westwood Christian Reformed Church 620 Northampton Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 | Second & Fourth Wednesdays 9:15 AM – 11:15 AM |
Other Local Parenting Groups
| Allegan County MomTok: Offers weekly meetups for local moms. |
| Baby Talk & Toddler Talk: In-person class and playgroup offered through Bronson. |
| Early Childhood Connections: Resources and playgroups for Calhoun County (Facebook Page) |
| Fit4Mom: Stroller-based and mom-only workouts paired with playdates and MNOs. |
| GKMOM (Greater Kalamazoo Moms of Multiples): Group for moms of twins, triplets or more. It offers monthly member meetings, moms night out, play dates and lunch meet-ups. |
| Kalamazoo County Early Childhood Families: Supports children ages 0-8 by sharing information and events for families. |
| Kalamazoo County Talking is Teaching: KRESA initiative supporting literacy for families with local events, resources and playgroups. |
| Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) Community Playgroups: Community playgroups with KRESA. |
| MOMS Club: Non-profit group supporting moms with activities and community service projects. • Portage Chapter (Portage/Kalamazoo/Vicksburg) Facebook Page |
| Pathfinder M.O.M.s: Group for moms of children of all ages to promote faith, love, and friendship. Pathfinder Church 8740 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002 |
| Southridge Church Mothers of Miracles: Moms group meets twice monthly on Wednesday mornings. Childcare provided. |
| The Fatherhood Network: Local community group supporting dads in Kalamazoo and surrounding cities. |
Storytimes
Library storytimes provide a great opportunity to meet local families.
Check the list for SWMI libraries near you:
Did We Miss Your Playgroup or Organization?
If you know of other mom groups, playgroups or parenting organizations in Kalamazoo that should be included, please comment or email our editor (liz@kzookids.com).
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