Parenting is hard whether you have one child or five. But it gets even harder when you feel like you’re doing it alone. That’s why a well-timed gathering with other parents can make all the difference. Parenting groups, whether for support or just for friendship, provide a much-needed space to learn, socialize, vent, ask advice, share stories, and laugh with others who understand what you’re going through – both good and bad.
The following parenting groups in the Richmond area provide everything from support, education, and resources for specific needs, situations or age groups, all the way to simple social gatherings where moms, dads, and kids can get out and about with other families.
If you’re looking for ways to interact with other parents and kids, and maybe even make some lifetime friends along the way, then be sure to take a look at the following list to find the group that’s right for you.
Mom’s Play Groups
Dad’s Play Groups
Health, Wellness, and Fitness Groups
Parenting Support Groups
Keep in mind that we do our best to keep our information up-to-date, but it’s always best to check with the websites and/or contact person for each group to confirm times and locations before attending.
In the meantime, if you know of a group we missed or want to have your group added to our guide, send us an email at cs@richmondmom.com!
Mom’s Play Groups
Babyccino
This fun, interactive playgroup brings moms and little ones together in a theme-based environment, providing opportunities to build and deepen creative relationships. While the kids play, moms can socialize with one another and enjoy coffee and pastries. Babyccino meets in eight-week sessions that explore different topics through hands-on learning and play.
Time: Contact Aleph Bet Preschool for a complete listing of Babyccino meeting times.
Address: Aleph Bet Preschool, 212 N. Gaskins Road, Henrico, VA 23238
Contact: Call (804) 740-2000 Ext 1 or email nechomi@alephbetpreschool.org
Brunch Mamas
Brunch Mamas is for Mamas (and Papas) in the Richmond, Midlothian, and North Chesterfield areas who need a break during the day to get out, let their little ones play and get a coffee (or mimosa!) with friends. They also host movie nights, days at the park, hiking, wine tastings, and more.
Time: Click here to see upcoming events.
Address: Click here to see upcoming locations.
Contact: Learn more or sign up here.
Midlothian Area Moms Group
Midlothian Area Moms Group welcomes moms in the Midlothian area (zip codes: 23112, 23113, 23114, 23235, 23236, 23832, 23838, or 23120) with kids anywhere from infants to preschool age. This busy group meets for activities in the local areas and offers the chance to socialize with other moms while kids play and explore. New members are accepted in the summer (usually June), but new membership forms can be completed at any time. Click here for more details.
Time: Click here to see upcoming events.
Address: Click here to see upcoming locations.
Contact: Learn more or sign up here.
Mocha Moms Inc. of Richmond
Mocha Moms Inc. is the premier voice for mothers of color. Join their signature “support groups” and Moms Night Outs. Gather your mom friends and find out what Mocha is all about! Learn more at www.mochamoms.org and on Facebook.
Time: Click here to see upcoming events.
Address: Click here to see upcoming locations.
Contact: Learn more or sign up here.
Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too
Join other parents and tots at The Shops at Willow Lawn for a free monthly morning out. The group includes crafts, games, storytelling, dancing, and educational programs designed to enhance parent’s interaction with their children.
Time: Second Wednesday of every month (April – October); 10am – 11:30am
Address: The Shops at Willow Lawn, 1601 Willow Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23230
Contact: Complete the online contact form.
MOMS Clubs (Moms Offering Moms Support)
MOMS Clubs offer local chapters that provide support for stay-at-home moms. The group is designed for moms who are interested in the world around them and who want a variety of activities for themselves and their children. Find an existing chapter from the list below or start your own MOMS Club chapter here.
MOMS Club of Chester
Serves mothers in Chesterfield (south of 288), Chester, & Colonial Heights.
MOMS Club of Mechanicsville, Cool Spring
Serves mothers living in the Cool Spring Elementary School district.
MOMS Club of Midlothian – North
Serves mothers in Midlothian zip codes 23113 and 23114 and Richmond zip codes 23235 and 23236.
MOMS Club of Midlothian – South
Serves mothers in the zip codes 23112, 23120, and 23832 (west of Hensley Rd).
MOMS Club of Richmond – Short Pump
Serves mothers in the zip codes 23059, 23060 and 23233.
Moms Together – West End
Moms Together is a group for moms in the West End of Richmond who are looking for a chance to meet new friends and find playmates for their little ones. They provide activities for moms and kids alike. They meet regularly for support, playdates, friendship, and fun.
Time: Click here to see upcoming events.
Address: Click here to see upcoming locations.
Contact: Learn more or sign up here.
Rowdy Moms
Rowdy Moms is made up of mothers with kids ranging from newborns to teens. Their goal is to provide a support system for one another, as well as to lend their hearts, minds, and creative energies back to the community at large. At Rowdy Moms, you’ll find a book club, a place to voice concerns and get advice, as well as opportunities to participate in varied projects.
Time: Wednesdays; 6:15pm – 7:15pm
Address: Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 4825 Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059
Contact: Sarah Hardymon at thetrap4@hotmail.com
Time Out for Moms in Chesterfield and Richmond
If you’re looking to find an outlet for all the stress that inherently comes with parenting, this is the group for you. They offer a wide variety of meet ups and activities, including day time and night time outings. Their members are looking for a balance between family, career, relationships and life, but hope to make some good friends to help them along the way.
Time: Click here upcoming meeting times.
Address: Click here for upcoming meeting locations.
Contact: Learn more or join the group here.
Dad’s Play Groups
Richmond Dad’s Group
Richmond Dad’s Group is a diverse community of fathers who take an active role in their children’s lives. Dad meet at parks, playgrounds, museums, nature centers, and parent-and-me classes across Richmond. The group includes stay-at-home dads, dads with flexible schedules, work-from-home dads, freelance dads, working dads, and any dad who wants to socialize and interact with other guys who enjoy spending quality time with their children. The Richmond Dad’s Group is part of the City Dads Group, a dynamic and diverse community of fathers dedicated to being active in their children’s lives and, by example, redefining what it means to be a dad in the 21st century.
Time: Click here for upcoming events.
Address: Click here for upcoming locations.
Contact: Visit them on Facebook or Meetup.com
Fatherhood Programs at the Relationship Foundation of Virginia
Whether you’re a new dad, a father who needs to improve a few aspects of his relationship with his children, or you just want to ensure you’re heading in the right direction, Fatherhood Programs at RFVA pair you with experienced dads who provide practical tips and perspectives by bringing their own babies. Enjoy activities that make fathers feel good about being fathers while preparing them for a fundamentally sound future.
Time: Click here for available programs and meeting times.
Address: 2101 Maywill Street, Richmond, VA 23230
Contact: (804) 288-3431 or hello@rvfa.org
Health, Wellness, and Fitness Groups
Fit 4 Mom
FIT4MOM is the country’s largest fitness program for moms offering pre- and post-natal fitness classes for every stage of motherhood. Their goal is to help moms make strides in fitness, motherhood, and life with classes designed to provide a total body workout that can be modified for any level of exercise. Enjoy programs like Stroller Strides®, Body Back®, FIT4BABY®, Stroller Barre®, playgroups, and more!
Time: Click here to see a full class schedule.
Address: Click here to see a list of locations.
Contact: Email natalierussell@fit4mom.com or visit them on Facebook.
Moms Interested in Natural Health
This group connects moms who are seeking natural health and healing methods for their families. They host online forums, as well as gather for workshops, seminars and local events that relate to natural health.
Time: Click here to see upcoming events.
Address: Click here to see upcoming locations.
Contact: Learn more or sign up here.
See Mommy Run
This free site connects moms with local running, walking and fitness groups in their area. Join up online to see other moms in the Richmond area who are part of existing running groups, or start your own.
Parenting Support Groups
Fresh Start
Fresh Start is a group designed especially for single mothers and their children. This unique faith-based 8+ week program provides an environment of positive support for single mothers and their children in which they will find encouragement, education, inspiration, growth, and hope. Classes are currently registering in the West End and Richmond. Dinner and childcare is provided free of charge.
Click here for meeting information and locations for Fresh Start groups in the West End and Richmond City.
Contact: info@whatsnextfreshstart.org
MISS Foundation
The Richmond chapter of the national MISS Foundation provides a place of support for parents who have lost a child. Members who have experienced loss through stillbirth or miscarriage are also welcome. For resources and support outside of monthly meetings, visit the MISS Foundation website.
Click here to enter your zip code and find MISS Foundation meetings near you.
MOPS (Mothers Of Preschoolers)
With chapters around the globe, MOPS is a place for moms of young children to come together for friendship, community, resources and support. MOPS’ groups typically meet at local churches and provide fellowship, education and more – for both children and their moms. There are currently dozens of MOPS groups in the Greater Richmond Area.
Click here to find the MOPS groups nearest you.
Mothers of Multiples: Southside Area (SAMOM)
SAMOM offers support for mothers of multiples and expectant mothers of multiples in the Southside/Midlothian area of Richmond. The group consists of MOMs of all age groups and lifestyles. Meetings are held at the St. Francis Medical Center and include guest speakers, social time, support groups, and more.
Time: Contact SAMOM for meeting/event times.
Address: St. Francis Medical Center, 13710 St. Francis Boulevard, Midlothian, VA 23114
Contact: Complete the online contact form for general inquiries or email membership@samom.com to join.
Mothers of Multiples: Richmond Area (RAMOM)
RAMOM provides support, education, fellowship and socialization for mothers and fathers of multiples, and those expecting multiples. Meetings are held monthly at the St. Mary’s Hospital in the Education Center.
Time: Third Tuesday of each month (September – June); contact RAMOM for meeting/event times.
Address: St. Mary’s Hospital Education Center; 5801 Bremo Rd, Richmond, VA 23226
Contact: Email RAMOM.VA@gmail.com or register for membership here.
No Nuts Moms Group
This is a national peanut and tree-nut free group for all ages. They provide play, support, encouragement and shared education for mothers of children with life-threatening allergies. The group meets for indoor and outdoor events, as well as hosting adult-only outings. All members are free to organize events. Visit their main website to learn more or to find important resources for those facing nut allergies.
Join the Richmond chapter of No Nuts Moms Group on Facebook to learn more about events.
Postpartum Strong Moms Circle
This group provides a safe space to learn and share about the common issues and concerns faced by many women after having a baby and to empower them with education, choices and solutions. They offer a relaxed environment where you can connect and share your experiences with other moms. Meeting are held monthly in various locations and feature different speakers on a wide variety of topics. Little ones are welcome.
Time: Click here for upcoming meeting times.
Address: Click here for upcoming meeting locations.
Contact: Learn more or join the group here.
Sister Fellowship
Sister Fellowship is an inclusive group for women of all backgrounds, including working moms, stay at home moms, and work at home moms. Their goals is to create connections for the purpose of networking, group activities and support. This group is meant to be inclusive, supportive and uplifting to the moms of RVA.
Time: Click here upcoming meeting times.
Address: Click here for upcoming meeting locations.
Contact: Learn more or join the group here.
Thrive Outreach Network
This resource for single moms under the age of 40 provides life-help through social bonding, relevant workshops, counseling, study groups and faith-based life principle teachings. These and other relevant outlets, opportunities and resources help to meet young, unmarried mothers’ unique needs, as well as the needs of their children.
Time: Programs vary. Visit Thrive Outreach Network to learn more.
Address: 13501 East Boundary Road (2nd Floor), Midlothian VA 23112
Contact: Call (804) 640-8961 or email ThriveMoms@aol.com.
Know of a group we missed or want to have your group added to our guide? Send us an email at cs@richmondmom.com!
