This story was produced by #ThisIsTucson for Tucson Parks and Recreation and its Summer Activity Guide. Thanks for supporting the local organizations that support us!
When you have kids, you need mom (or dad) friends.
We're not throwing shade at the kid-free friends, of course. You need them too, even if you find yourself jealous of them once in a while.
But they won't get it when you can't keep a normal conversation going, or don't want to go out because your baby needs you, or why you haven't showered for three days.
Mom friends will. They've either been there or ARE there.
Finding them isn't always easy, though. The search is like dating or being the new kid at school trying to find your tribe.
But they're out there. And chances are, they're feeling just like you.
If the thought of going up to somebody at a park sends you into panic mode, don't worry. We've been there too. So, to make it easier, we've listed eight Tucson places you can meet your mom tribe without having to walk up to random strangers.
Kids activities
Play-based parenting groups, such as Babytime at the Kirk-Bear Canyon Library, are opportunities for parents to play with their children and form a network of other parents.
Kids activities are a gold mine for making parent friends. Chances are you'll see the same group of parents every week, making it easier to strike up a conversation.
The Arizona Children's Association offers support, classes and workshops for families, including Stay and Play. They're held at places like libraries and churches and are free to attend.
For example, there's one at 3 p.m. on Mondays at Kirk-Bear Canyon Library, 8959 E. Tanque Verde Road. There are several others on different days and locations. Click here for a calendar.
Library Storytimes are another place to meet other parents. Pima County Public Library hosts them for babies, toddlers and families in all areas of town.
Woods Memorial Library, 3455 N. First Ave., hosts Babytime! Storytime for Babies at 10:15 a.m. every Thursday. The program is about 25 minutes long and is followed by free play. It's designed for babies up to 18 months of age. Free play time is the perfect time to get to know other parents. Use your kids for conversation starters if that makes it easier.
Click here for a full list of library storytimes.
When the kids play sports, parents can get to know each other on the sidelines. Pictured is P.J. Dutson at a sports summer camp at Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa in 2003.
You can also meet parent friends at sports, gymnastics or dance classes the kids are enrolled in. You'll be spending most of your time on the sidelines watching, so talking to other parents happens pretty naturally.
My Gym Tucson, 7942 N. Oracle Road, has classes for kids from 6 weeks to 10 years old, with prices starting at $80 per month. Click here for info.
Group fitness
Anytime you can combine exercise with social time it's a good idea. Even better if it's a group of moms and kids.
The Barefoot Momma hosts Aerobic Walk for Momma & Playtime for Littles events on Sundays. It's a two-mile walk starting at St. Philip's Plaza Farmers Market, 4280 N. Campbell Ave., Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road, or Rio Vista Natural Resources Park, 3974 N. Tucson Blvd.
You'll stop every half mile for strengthening and yoga poses. Bring your baby in a stroller and if she's old enough, let her out while you strengthen. The walk is followed by an hour of playtime for the kiddos, AKA social time for mama.
The next walk is scheduled for 8 a.m. Sunday, April 22. Click here for a list of upcoming events.
Camaraderie is built into Glo Fitness Center's intimate space. These ladies just finished the Ballet Booty Barre class.
Tucson Yoga, 150 S. Fourth Ave., hosts Mama & Baby Yoga classes at 1:30 p.m. every Thursday. The cost is $6. Click here for more info.
Glo Fitness Studio, 130 W. Duval Mine Road, is a new group fitness gym that is run by three mom friends. When you walk in, you feel like you've got an immediate set of new friends. It has classes like Zumba, Ballet Barre, yoga and more. The studio is kid-friendly, so you can bring your kids to hang out in the sitting area while you get your workout in. If you go to the same class more than once, you're bound to make a friend or two. Click here for updates and class schedules.
Join a group
Tucson Moms is a non-profit group that works to create a support network for moms with young kids through social camaraderie and volunteerism. The group offers a variety of activities including weekly playgroups, support groups, family events, mom's night outs, volunteer opportunities and charity drives.
There are three memberships to choose from: full, mini and summer which range in price from $15 to $38 per year. If you're interested, you can go to two playgroup meetings for free before signing up.
Click here for info.
Babywearing International of Tucson chapter hosts events for parents and their kiddos to create a network of those who have the common interest of wearing their babies. Click here for info.
Facebook groups: Go to Facebook and search Tucson mom groups. You'll find tons of them on every topic and every side of town for moms of every age group.
FB groups are nice because you can get to know each other online first. Some of them are meet-up type groups, so the intent of them is to connect in person at some point by setting up play dates for the kiddos and hang outs for the parents. Click here for our search results.
Tucson Parks & Rec's inexpensive baby and toddler activity classes are a low-cost way connect with other moms
Try a motor-development class like Little Movers & Shakers to bond with your baby and other parents. This one is for kiddos 6-12 months; 12-18 months; 18-24 months and 2-3 years old and is only $42 for seven weeks of classes. Register starting Saturday, April 28!
Experience, explore, engage, and discover through places and programs at Parks and Recreation on the web and on Facebook.
