Parent Groups and Play Groups
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At Family Picnic, we offer multiple groups for parents of babies and toddlers. We understand that parenting is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless learning opportunities, and we are here to support you every step of the way from pregnancy through early childhood. Browse our groups for new parents, parents of toddlers, and other workshops below.
Check out our class listings today!
Groups for New Parents
For first- and second-time parents and their babies.
Wed, July 9th - August 6th
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
This is an intimate group for both first- and second-time parents and their babies. We meet weekly for 5 weeks with loose talking points in each group based on the needs of the group. We always spend a lot of time talking about how life changes when you have a baby!
These topics include:
- Birth stories
- Changes in how mothers see themselves
- How to find time for oneself
- Changes in your relationships, from intimate to professional ones
- How life will change with a new baby
- Breastfeeding and other feeding issues
- Sleeping issues
- Helping fussy babies
- Understanding a baby’s separation anxiety
- Returning to work
- Help finding the right child care
In addition, other topics important to the group are added as they come up. As the group continues, parents talk openly and intimately about their personal situations and find support from this amazing group of parents who are going through similar life experiences. This group provides an opportunity for mothers to spend time with other mothers and for young babies to begin ‘socializing’. It really is a must for any mom with a new baby!
This group will be led by Sue Gottschall, M.Ed.
Cost: $125 (sliding fee scale if needed)
This group is meant for any father (or other non-birthing parent) in their first year of parenthood.
This monthly dad/partner support group will start up again in Septemebr, so check back for the listing soon!
Join dad, Mo Ferdman, who leads our Picnic Dad and Baby Group.
Having gone through the joys and difficulties of the first year with a new baby, Mo has enjoyed hearing about other dads’ experiences in the first year of parenting. That means dads who have new babies, dads who’ve made it through the first year, as well as all dads in between are all welcome to join!
It will be held the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30. Mo hopes that everyone will bring their babies with them, giving partners a break. There will be time to share ideas and challenges with parenting, time to play with and hold babies, enjoy the company of other new parents, as well as refreshments.
Some ideas for discussion include:
- Birth stories from a partner’s perspective
- Changes in relationships
- Figuring out your role as a parent, partner, and provider
- Getting enough sleep
- Time for yourself and with your partner
- Playing with and comforting your baby
The group will determine which topics are important to them and add things to discuss along the way.
Cost: $54 for all three summer group meetups or $20 for 1 Saturday group
Playgroups for Babies & Toddlers
This Play Group was designed for the the developmental needs and abilities of one, two and three year-olds.
Thursdays May 8th - June 12th
Summer session: July 10th - Aug 21st
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Held in our open and exploratory setting, toys and activities will be appropriately aimed at this age group with their growing vocabulary, social skills, gross-motor development, and art and literacy curiosity.
The first hour and fifteen minutes will be spent in open play where children can choose toys, games, activities, and sensory and art experiences. There will also be purposefully chosen activities to encourage socialization and communication among kids and between kids and their adult.
This play group ends with a circle time with songs, games, finger plays, and stories. Feel free to bring a snack for your little one to enjoy during our circle time.
To make the most out of each play group, toddlers must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Led By: Rebecca Nguyen, Masters in Early Childhood Education.
Cost: Full Session (6 weeks): $108
Drop-in rate: $20
Summer session sign up: https://www.hisawyer.com/chicago-family-picnic/schedules/activity-set/1495927
Description Title
Wednesdays, July 9th - August 20th
10:00 - 11:00
Every Wednesday, toddler and preschool aged children will meet along with their parent or caregiver at a local park. We will spend the first 45 minutes playing, adventuring, and socializing and then head to a quiet piece of lawn for a circle time. During circle time, I will lead children in songs and fingerplays, read books, and play games. Feel free to bring a sac lunch to enjoy a picnic with the other families afterwards.
Park Schedule below:
July 9th: Winnemac Park
July 16th: West Ridge Nature Center
July 23rd : skip
July 30th: Welles Park
August 6th: Indian Boundary Park
August 13th: Senn Park
August 20th: North Park Nature Center
Led by Rebecca Nguyen, M.Ed
Indoor playgroup in case of rain at Family Picnic (5306 N. Damen)
This group is designed for the developmental need of babies 6 months to 1 year.
Thursdays
1:00 - 2:00
*Due to low enrollment, our baby playgroup is currently on hold. A new session will begin in July.
Are you tired of being housebound with an active baby - a baby who is increasingly interested in the world and the people around them? Come join us at Family Picnic to meet other parents (or caregivers) and babies. Share the wonderful changes in your baby as well as the difficulties of having an active baby whether sitting, crawling, or beginning to walk. We will spend this hour talking together, while your babies play with and experience an assortment of toys and materials to stimulate exploration and play.
We'll end with songs and finger plays to share together. Join us for some fun, play, and socializing!
Led By: Rebecca Nguyen, M.Ed.
Cost: Semester (6 visits): $90
Drop-in cost: $18
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Family Picnic
Located in Chicago, IL, Family Picnic specializes in childbirth classes, doula services, and parent and play groups. Certified lactation consultant. Competitive pricing. 20 years of experience. Call today.
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