Looking to join a moms’ group in Champaign, Urbana and surrounding communities?
If you’re looking for an opportunity to meet other moms, make new friends, and share your experiences, consider joining one of the mom groups or playgroups in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Some moms groups are church-based or religiously affiliated while others are not; some charge a membership fee while others are free. But the main intent of all of the groups is to offer local parents opportunities to meet other parents, and find camaraderie and support in a fun and caring social environment.
Playgroups, for the purposes of this list, are different in that there is likely not a set “agenda” or activities; rather, they offer a chance to connect, often somewhere out in the community like a playground. Both mom groups (dad groups, too!) and playgroups offer a chance to connect socially with other parents in a similar age as your children.
Many of the groups start in the fall and run throughout the school year, although others meet year-round. Some groups are exclusively meeting in-person at this time, while others are connecting virtually, too.
Editor’s Note: Something to note — chambanamoms.com is NOT a moms group. We are a trusted community information hub. We love to support resources for families in our community! If you know of any other parent groups not listed here, please email us at editor@chambanamoms.com so we can add your information to this list.
Mom groups (not faith-based)
Mothers’ Center of Champaign County
This is a long-standing support and social group for moms of kids of all ages. While they have regular playdates and field trips for moms and their children, many events are focused around the mom with social activities like Moms Nights Out, book club and brunch meet-ups. An informational open house is held every fall.
If people are interested in joining Mothers’ Center of Champaign County, visit the Facebook page, their website, or email them to get information about events and meetings.
Sistering CU
This group is designed to empower women and provide relief from isolation and loneliness that sometimes comes with parenting. The focus is to surround one another with non-judgmental support, empathy, and validation by sharing experiences and learning new ways to cope.
Like their Facebook page or join their Facebook group for more information.
Mahomet Parents Network
The Village of Mahomet Parents Network is a constantly evolving service created and brought to you by local Mahomet moms with small children. They wish to serve the community by supporting the parents within it and cultivating strong relationships prior to the first day of kindergarten.
Check them out on Facebook for a list of all upcoming events. Smaller groups of kids, broken down into an age range of a year, may have opportunities to get together.
Working Moms of Chambana
This group is here to support working Moms in the Chambana area with low key events, like monthly weekday lunch meet-ups, monthly play dates on weekends, and quarterly Moms night out.
Join their Facebook group for more information.
Beyond Blue Support Group (happening virtually)
Please join this group, organized by the Crisis Nursery, for the Beyond Blue support group. There are bi-weekly activities related to understanding and acknowledging your mental health. This is a safe and supportive space for you to be heard.
Faith-based mom groups
MOPS
MOPS or Mothers of Preschoolers is for moms with children birth through kindergarten. MOPS groups meet all over the world but there are several local MOPS chapters in the area including ones in Savoy, Danville and Tuscola.
NEXT, another arm of MOPS, is for moms who have school-aged children. A Tuscola chapter of NEXT meets in Tuscola. For more information about MOPS or MOMSnext chapters in your area, go to The MOPS website.
Mahomet MOMS
Mahomet MOMS is a group of Moms Offering Moms Support. Whether you are expecting your first child or you are already a mom, ALL moms are welcome to come and enjoy a few free hours, a hot breakfast, and a chance to meet new people and make new friends. Learn how other moms deal with the daily ups and downs of life, parenting, marriage, spiritual needs, and have a little or a lot of fun too. The Mahomet MOMS Facebook page has the most up-to-date information about activities and events. They meet mostly September through May.
Empty Arms
Empty Arms Ministry is a grief support network established by moms who have experienced infant loss. They aspire to provide understanding and compassion to parents who have suffered the loss of a baby through miscarriage, still birth, and infant death. They invite grieving parents, their adult family members, and friends to learn more about the grieving process, to grow through experience, and share in each other’s lives. Email emptyarms@windsorroad.org with any questions or for more information. Empty Arms is held at Windsor Road Christian Church.
Playgroups
Do you know of a moms group or a playgroup in the Champaign-Urbana area not on this list? Please email us at editor@chambanamoms.com.
Good Beginnings
Good Beginnings is a program for parents and their children ages newborn to 5 years old. According to the website, “Children are introduced to socialization and hands-on activities that help stimulate and develop the various senses while allowing you, the parent, to be a part of it all! Music, Arts/Crafts, and circle time can be expected each session.” They meet once a week at the Cooperative Nursery School in Urbana. Call (217) 384-1128 to register. See more information at the Cooperative Nursery School website.
Bright Starts
Not exactly a playgroup, but a free community opportunity to connect with other families of preschoolers and enjoy preschool lessons, dinner and more during monthly events. Visit the Junior League of Champaign-Urbana website to learn more about Bright Starts, dates and how to register ahead of time.
Gender-Expansive Kids Play Group
Uniting Pride recently held their first playgroup for families with gender-diverse kids ages 5-9 at the Champaign Public Library. No more dates are scheduled at this time but we encourage you to follow Uniting Pride on Instagram to see if more dates are announced soon.
Library Story Times
There are so many great libraries in the Champaign-Urbana area and beyond that offer a story time for specific age groups. Story times usually include a craft, songs, games and more. Check out the chambanamoms.com calendar to find out when and where they are offered.
Groups that are suspended or that we can’t find recent information on (2020 and beyond)
Editor’s Note: We realize that an absence of updates and information on the groups below since March of 2020 may not necessarily mean the group is no longer happening. We will look out for updates on these groups and share current info if they begin meeting in the near future.
International Families Playgroups at Orchard Downs
University Housing facilitates playgroups at Orchard Downs for its residents, and they take place Mondays, Thursdays, and some Saturdays. For children ages 0-5 and their caregiver(s).
Mom’s Group of Monticello
A community of mothers that share time and talents with one another within an accepting and supportive environment. They share the joys and challenges of their lives, build friendships and benefit from educational and social activities. In the past, they met the first and third Tuesday of the month September-May at the Monticello United Methodist Church from 9-11 a.m. They welcome all mothers, no matter what stage of life you are in. Loving, qualified childcare provided during meetings.
Windsor Road Moms Group
The Windsor Road Moms Group welcomes moms at different ages and stages of parenting who are seeking a deeper relationship with God and want to find community of women grounded in the Word. This group is designed to help moms place their relationship with God as their top priority. You can attend either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, the content is identical. Advance registration is required for childcare and there is a nominal fee.
GEMS – God Embracing Mothers who are Single
GEMS – God Embracing Moms who are Single is a ministry in Champaign-Urbana that supports the single moms in our area. Email Kim at GEMS@windsorroad.org for more detailed information on upcoming events or visit https://www.windsorroad.org/gems.