Seeking Play Groups - Santa Cruz,CA

Hi C., Your parents might try together in the park. One meets at Jose avenue park off of Capitola rd close to 7th ave. 8 months might be a little young but they can push her in the swing and there is a big tarp with baby toys. There will be other babies their ,most might be siblings. This is a wonderful program that your daughter can grow into. They set up art projects and bring sand toys. Have them go at least once to check it out. I know there are other grandparents there. It mets on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 12:30 I believe. You just show up for how ever long you want. They want you to sign up if you plan on coming. Thats how it is funded.

I don't live in your area, but I do have a suggestion. Go online to www.meetup.com, there are groups of all kinds on that website. I joined a playgroup with my son in the area which we live. Even though it is mostly mothers and children, the playgroup is open to all caregivers and their children. You might try a "moms" group and see if they are open to adding your child and her grandparents.

Here are some suggestions:

The Branciforte library has a baby storytime on Tuesdays at 10:15 am. The librarian reads short simple stories and does songs and rhymes that are fun. There are also storytimes at most branches for toddlers/preschoolers as your baby grows.

Mothersong happens every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:15 and 10:30 at the Unity Temple on Broadway and Ocean. Joya Winwood plays very loving songs and also songs from around the world. She uses transparencies up on the wall so you can sing along. The cost is $5 per adult and kids are free. The library has her DVD if you wanted to see what it's like.

The Live Oak Family Resource Center has support/playgroups for babies up to 9 mos, 9-18 mos, and 18-24 mos, but I'm not sure which days for which ages. I think these are free, but they accept donations since they get their money from First 5, and it's never enough. They are located on Capitola Rd near 17th Ave.

Music Together is fun but expensive. You can check out www.musicalme.com. They have some free demo classes coming up this week.

I would recommend picking up a copy of Growing up in Santa Cruz. It's a free monthly publication you can usually get at coffee houses, library, etc., and they have a calendar of events for the month.

Hope this is helpful!

check out your local human resourse counsel they may have already scheduled groups. also check out first5 or your WIC rep. these are available in california. i take my grandson everyweek to an organized playgroup. i don't live in sta. cruz county but they may have more than you think avail. for you. good luck.