How to Make Mom Friends

Making new friends can be tough, especially as an adult and a busy mom. If you didn’t grow up in the area, like me, it can be even harder as you can’t rely on childhood connections. One of the most frequent topics of my online mom’s groups is women seeking to make connections with other like-minded moms. If you feel lonely, you are not the only one! Check out our list of ideas for meeting mom friends.

Take a look at these other fun resources:

1. Get to Know Your Neighbors

It’s so easy to get home, pull into the garage, shut the door, and go into the house. There are lots of people who don’t even know their close neighbors. Strike up a conversation while your neighbors are outside (easier of course in warmer weather), take them flowers or treats, and build a relationship. It’s nice to live on a street where everybody looks out for each other and each other’s kids. If you like to host parties, organize a barbeque, hang out in the driveway in lawn chairs, or even plan a block party. Join (or start) your neighborhood social media page.

2. Engage in School and Extracurricular Activities 

School Events

If you have the time and desire, volunteer at your child’s school. It can be super isolating having young children, especially if you stay at home. One of my best friends told me that once my kids were school age I would have more opportunities to meet fellow moms. When my son started kindergarten, I decided to volunteer to be his Homeroom Parent. It really helped me get to know the other kids and their families.

Extracurricular Activities

If your child plays sports or is involved in other activities chat with the other moms while you are watching. Break the ice by talking about their activity.

3. Network: FemCity Des Moines

Owner of Des Moines Parent, Erin Huiatt, is also the FemCity Des Moines Women’s Networking Group President. FemCity is a networking group for women that provides local business workshops as well as social events each month. It seeks to provide connections and help women grow together in business. There are two options: signing up for a free community membership or purchasing a business membership. This is a really great way to connect with other women, collaborate, and publicize your business. 

4. Attend Community Activities

Many local play areas host meet-up times, special activities, and story times. This can be a great way to meet like-minded moms with kids of a similar age.

Libraries

Check your local library website for their schedule each month for free events. They often have story times, special events for holidays, or even adult groups like writers’ groups.

JouJou Des Moines

This indoor playspace is for kids 0-5 and can be paid as a drop-in or with a membership. It’s a smaller space which makes it easier to talk with other parents. They host a variety of child-related classes and special events with music, sensory play, and other fun experiences. Their Metro Meetups are special times to get to know other families with same-age children. Check out their event calendar for more information.

Playgrounds Café for Littles in Waukee

This playspace and full service café was designed for families and their children 0-6. Enjoy coffee or other drinks and snacks while watching your child play during a pre-reservation play session. Pay for just the session, buy a play pack, or become a member. They also host special events including music classes, dances, holiday events, and events for adults only like cooking and decorating.

Des Moines Children’s Museum

Chat with other parents while your kids play or attend their weekly story time for ages 0-3. Those with babies can attend the free Museum Babies Wednesday to socialize with other caregivers and their babies. Older children can attend as well. Participating in smaller groups with children of similar ages can make it easier to talk with other parents. Learn more about the Des Moines Children’s Museum here.

5. Attend Church and Parenting Groups

For moms that attend church or are looking for a church home, there are often moms groups or Mommy and Me groups that you can try. Here are a few examples but check options at your local church (check their website for day/time):

Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines

Website: https://wdm.lutheranchurchofhope.org/get-involved/classesevents/

  • Monday Morning Moms: Attend each Monday to find support with other moms while connecting to Jesus.
  • Single Parent Provision: Each Wednesday receive support with programs and services to help thrive as a single parent.
  • Foster Care and Adoption Support: The second Tuesday of the month seek support from other foster and adoptive parents.
  • Moms of Neurodiverse Kids: On the fourth Friday of each month bring your lunch and share in the joys and challenges of raising neurodiverse children.

Valley Church in West Des Moines

Website: https://valleychurchdm.churchcenter.com/groups

  • Single Moms: Meet each Wednesday with other single moms for dinner while childcare is provided for a fee.
  • Special Needs Moms: Moms of children with special needs meet on the first and third Mondays of the month to find community.

6. Join a Gym or Workout Class

Some women find community by joining a local gym and working out together. There are also workout classes as well as pre and postpartum classes that are great places to meet other moms.

Burn Boot Camp Waukee

Website: https://burnbootcamp.com/locations/waukee-ia/

Burn Boot Camp is a great community for moms looking to stay fit and make friends. They are much more than a gym, but also offer childcare, regular events, and an uplifting community.

Image from Burn Boot Camp Waukee Facebook Page

Roots Prenatal Yoga and The Family Tree in Des Moines

Website: https://tft.heymarvelous.com/?

Engage in prenatal yoga sessions and Mommy and Baby classes.

Before and After the Birth in Clive

Join their free postpartum/parenting group classes on Tuesday mornings from 9:10:30 AM on the second Tuesday of the month at Clive Library. All other Tuesday mornings are online meetings. Check their website for the current schedule as well as other childbirth, postpartum, and parent education options.

Stroll Fit with classes in Des Moines and West Des Moines

Check their website for the schedule. It usually runs from Summer to Fall.

Des Moines native, Sara Albright, started Stroll Fit when her first son was a baby to provide fitness classes that women can attend with their children. Stroll Fit is an outdoor workout class that includes cardio and resistance work and Sara adapts it for each level of fitness. I joined Stroll Fit when my oldest son was a baby because I wanted to work out and meet other moms but didn’t want to leave my child in childcare. It’s a wonderfully supportive environment and all are welcome. I cannot say enough good things!

6. Utilize Social Media

There are many online local mom and parent groups to join and find community. Here are a few:

Des Moines Parent

Keep up with local activities and events on Facebook, their website, and Instagram.

Moms Club DSM

Join the Facebook group Moms Club DSM to ask questions, and share tips and concerns about mom-related topics. There are other online moms groups by town including Waukee Mom’s Group, Ankeny Mom’s, etc.

Iowa Special Needs Connections

This Facebook group is to connect families and share resources for those with special needs children in Iowa.