I am confident that we weren’t meant to do life alone. Motherhood is confusing enough as it is. Life with little ones (LO’s) is an immense joy, but it can also be lonely at times, especially early on. There is something so powerful and so encouraging about having other mamas come along for the journey. 

Some of us are fortunate enough to have an amazing tribe of friends that just so happen to be mamas as well. If that isn’t you and whether due to a move or life’s circumstances you find yourself needing a community of mamas, look no further. Here are 10 places to meet your Mom Tribe in Columbus and beyond:

Mom’s Groups

1. Riverside Breastfeeding Moms Group

Many local hospitals provide resources for nursing mamas. Riverside Methodist Hospital is known for their Women’s Center. They provide a free breastfeeding support group every Thursday at 1:30pm. Without this group, it is safe to say that I would not have been able to continue to nurse. Each meeting is led by a licensed lactation consultant and is attending by Mamas and their nursing babies/ toddlers. I learned just as much from the other mamas as I did the consultants. I met and quickly bonded with women who were in the same season of life.

2. MOPS

MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) is an international organization designed to bring women together in faith and community. Despite its title, your LO doesn’t have to be in pre-school to attend. There are over 4,000 groups in over 35 countries. Childcare is also provided, typically at minimal cost. Visit their site to find one near you!

For a list of local Moms Clubs and Groups, check out this post: Meeting More Mamas

Workout Classes

As a mom, finding time to workout is difficult and there may even be guilt associated with leaving your LO at home in order to workout. Here are some awesome groups that provide the best of both worlds, allowing you to workout with your babe(s).

3. Baby Bootcamp

Jen Rovinsky is the fearless leader and instructor of this amazing workout group. Classes are now held Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday mornings, as well as Tuesday & Thursday evenings. Though the group is based in Dublin, it is well worth the drive for any non-Dublin mamas. There are also regular mom’s nights outs as well as events and activities for kids after class. For me this group was more than just a workout, it became a support group and a community of women to do life and motherhood with.

4. Fit 4 Moms

Fit4Moms focuses on providing support for mamas during every stage of motherhood. They offer a variety of programming in order to fit the growing and changing needs of moms. Fit4Baby focuses on staying fit during pregnancy. Stroller Strides is a full body workout designed to allow you to workout with your LO. Stroller Barre allows you to bring your LO along while providing the perfect blend of Pilates, yoga, ballet and barre. Body Back is a high-intensity workout sans baby.

Activities for Moms and Kids

5. Library storytimes

When my daughter was little, I must admit that selfishly, storytimes were just as much for me as they were for her. Storytimes, whether at libraries or local kids play cafes, are the perfect place to meet other mamas. Los are engaged and entertained while also learning. Every storytime seems to have it’s own character and uniqueness so it can be fun to try new story times periodically in order to provide a new experience for both you and your LO. Read more about the importance of storytimes.

6. Tree of Life Play + Cafe Mom’s Group

Columbus Birth & Parenting presents a weekly Mom’s group at Tree of Life Play + Cafe. Every Tuesday morning at 9:30 am (and the third Saturday of the month) a certified Doula/Lactation Consultant leads the group, often presenting on specific topics. Between the ball pit, mini trampoline, play table so and more, there is plenty to occupy your LO while you socialize with other mamas. The best part is that the class is free, as is admission/play during the class.

7. Coffee Connections

Every Wednesday morning at 10 am Coffee Connections in Hilliard hosts a “Mom’s Coffee Break”. Now is your chance to actually drink a cup of coffee while it’s still hot (gasp!). This is a laid-back setting that allows moms to connect and be encouraged while kids enjoy a puppet show or Bible study in a fun, cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Check out their Facebook page to learn more.

8. Firefly Play Cafe

Firefly Play cafe, located right off of High St. in Clintonville, is the perfect place for both mamas and LO’s. Admission is free for adults and babies under a year, $5 for 12-24 months and $8 for 24 months and up. They have delightful coffee and drinks and snacks for kids of all ages. Though they offer story times and some structured activities throughout the week, they boast a great play area fit for a wide age range, as well as a judgment free atmosphere for mamas to socialize.

9. The Little Gym

The Little Gym offers various movement/ fitness, sports and dance classes for kids as young as 3 months. Their “A Perfect Start” parent/ child class is for ages 4 months to 3 years and is a great way for parents and kids to branch out and meet others while promoting baby’s development.

10. Swim Lessons

Goldfish Swim School offers perpetual, year-round swim lessons for kids ages 4 months to 12 years old. The pools are warm and inviting (90 degrees) and class sizes are small (4:1) so kids receive the personalized attention from Ellis-trained swim instructors. Goldfish’s curriculum focuses on water safety so they teach kids at all levels how to be safe in and around water.

Goldfish Swim School has two Central Ohio locations, in Dublin and Westerville. Both locations have wonderful viewing areas for families to watch their kids’ lessons and progress in the water each week. It’s one of the few activities that children of different ages can do at the same time, and therefore it’s a great place to meet and connect with other parents as well. If children are in a Mini (parent/baby) class, it’s also a nice bonding time for parents as they are in the water together with their babies.

Your Local Rec Center is also a wonderful place to look at for swim lessons. We chose the Worthington Community Center and met families and their kids that we still get together with regularly. Wherever you end up, engage with the other families and kids in the class in order to make the most of the experience!

This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but hopefully, it is a helpful jumping off point for mamas looking for ways to meet their mom tribe both in Columbus and beyond.