Meeting fellow parents can offer you a wealth of support, camaraderie, and friendship. It’s beneficial for both parents and children, as it provides opportunities for socialization, advice sharing, and playdates for your little ones.
In the wake of COVID-19, many parents experienced a significant shift in their social lives. With in-person activities shut down for nearly two years, it became challenging to maintain connections with other families and establish new relationships. As things gradually return to normal, it’s time to rebuild those vital support networks and embrace the opportunity to bond with fellow parents once again. Meeting and talking to other parents shouldn’t feel scary – it should be fun! Plus it has real benefits.
Studies have shown that strong social connections can improve mental health and overall well-being for parents and children alike (Cohen, 2004). So, where can you meet fellow parents in the City of Angels?
In addition to your child’s school/daycare and your local kid’s park, here’s a list of 11 fantastic places in and around Los Angeles to make new parent friends.
1. Griffith Park (and LA Zoo)
Griffith Park is a family favorite, offering a vast array of activities for parents and children to enjoy together. The park features playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a miniature train. It’s a great place to connect with other parents while your children play and explore. While you’re at it, check out the Los Angeles Zoo and Travel Town Museum located within the park for more family-friendly fun.
2. Tongva Park, Santa Monica
Located in the heart of Santa Monica, Tongva Park is a modern, beautifully designed park with a playground, splash pad, and plenty of grassy areas for picnics. It’s an ideal spot for parents to meet other families and forge new friendships. Plus, the park is just a short walk from the Santa Monica Pier and the beach, so there’s always something fun to do nearby.
3. Kidspace Children’s Museum, Pasadena
Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena offers interactive exhibits and programs designed to inspire children and create a shared learning experience for the whole family. It’s the perfect place to meet other parents while the kiddos learn through play. The museum hosts various events, workshops, and classes, providing plenty of opportunities for parent-child bonding and mingling with other families.
4. Minibop Music, Glassell Park
Wait a sec… that’s us! Sure, we’re a bit biased on this one, but don’t take our word for it. So many parents and their children have met in our group music classes and become permanent friends. The parent-and-me nature of our classes means you’ll be among other parents with children about the same age. Come try a class and if you meet some fellow parents that you vibe with, head next door to Lemon Poppy for some coffee or a smoothie! (tell them Minibop sent you!)
5. The Original Farmers Market, West Hollywood
A beloved LA institution, The Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax is a fantastic place to meet fellow parents while shopping for fresh produce, enjoying a meal, or browsing the unique shops. With plenty of outdoor seating and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with other parents and make new friends.
6. Silver Lake Reservoir and Meadow, Silver Lake
The Silver Lake Reservoir and Meadow is a popular spot for families in the trendy Silver Lake neighborhood. The meadow (on the northeast side) offers a large grassy area for picnics, playing, and socializing, while the walking path around the reservoir is perfect for stroller walks and casual chats with other parents. The nearby Silver Lake Recreation Center (on the southwest side) also features a playground, basketball courts, and more. Just watch out for fast joggers and the occasional dog poop.
7. Will Rogers State Historic Park, Pacific Palisades
For a more laid-back option, consider a visit to Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades. This picturesque park offers stunning ocean views, picnic areas, and easy hiking trails suitable for families with young children. It’s a great place to connect with nature-loving parents while enjoying the beautiful Southern California weather.
8. Playa Vista Farmers Market, Playa Vista
Held every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, the Playa Vista Farmers Market is a fantastic place for parents to meet while shopping for fresh produce, artisan goods, and delicious food. The market features live music, kid-friendly activities, and a beautiful park setting, making it an enjoyable experience for the whole family. With a friendly and lively atmosphere, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with other parents and make new connections.
9. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, Baldwin Hills
Located in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood, the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is a stunning urban oasis that features a beautiful Japanese garden and offers a wide range of other family-friendly activities. With its vast green spaces, multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails, it’s an ideal spot for parents to enjoy a day outdoors with their children while also connecting with other families.
10. Books and Cookies, Santa Monica
Books and Cookies is a unique children’s bookstore, enrichment center, and event space in Santa Monica that brings parents and children together through the love of reading. With a curated selection of children’s books, interactive storytimes, and various classes for children and parents, it’s a fantastic place to meet other families who share a passion for literature and learning. The space also offers a play area and comfortable seating for parents to relax and chat while their kids explore.
11. The Grove / The Americana / Palisades Village
These three shopping centers are operated under the same brand and offer a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options that cater to families. With beautifully designed outdoor spaces, these destinations provide a fantastic opportunity for parents to meet fellow parents in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
The Grove, located in the Fairfax District, features a lively fountain show, a charming trolley, and a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year. The Americana at Brand in Glendale offers a similar experience, with its dancing fountains, spacious lawn, and kid-friendly play areas. Palisades Village in Pacific Palisades, on the other hand, brings a coastal vibe with its upscale boutiques, lush greenery, and family-oriented activities.
All three locations host events and activities aimed at young children and their families, such as “Kid’s Club” where Minibop Music frequently performs!
Get Out There and Have Fun!
Los Angeles and its surrounding cities offer countless opportunities for parents to meet and connect with one another. From parks and museums to cafés and farmers markets, there are plenty of family-friendly spots where you can make new friends and build your parenting village.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to meet and connect with parents. Let things happen organically. Timing is everything. Eventually everyone who is looking will find “their people.”
So, until there’s an app for parents to meet other parents, pack up the stroller, grab your diaper bag, and head out to explore all the amazing places LA has to offer – and don’t forget to say hello to your fellow parents along the way!
