guides

Local Mom Groups Guide: Finding Your Village

πŸ“ Local Mom Groups Guide: Finding Your Village in Riverbank, Oakdale, Escalon & Merced

By Elena Menchaca September 13, 2025

Raising kids takes a village—and in the heart of California’s Central Valley, that village exists in the form of mom groups, play circles, fitness meet ups, and parenting support communities. In all stages of life in parenting, we all need support in one way or another. Whether you're a new mom, a working parent, or somewhere in between, there's a place for you to connect, share, and grow. No matter where you are on your parenting journey, there’s a group nearby that can walk beside you. Whether you’re looking for a supportive community, a fitness outlet, or just a chance to chat with someone who gets it, these local mom groups can be a lifeline.

Check back often as I will be updating with more groups. If you have a group you'd like to share with the community or if any information needs to be updated, please reach out to me at elenam@macaronikid.com.

Here’s your go-to guide to mom groups in Riverbank, Oakdale, Escalon, and Merced, CA.


🌸 MOMS Club of Escalon (Serving Oakdale, Riverbank & Escalon)

Looking for a warm, welcoming group that offers friendship and fun for both moms and kids? The MOMS Club of Escalon brings together mothers for regular playdates, moms' nights out, community service, and social outings. It’s perfect for stay-at-home or part-time working moms wanting to build local friendships. Kid friendly activities and mom support. 

πŸ“ Local Meet ups Weekly

πŸ“§ Contact: escalonmoms@yahoo.com

πŸ“˜  Facebook Group


πŸ’ͺ FIT4MOM Modesto-Riverbank

Combine fitness with friendship! FIT4MOM Modesto-Riverbank offers pre and postnatal fitness classes—including stroller workouts—plus playgroups and social events for moms. Riverbank locations like Silva Park make it convenient for local moms. Inclusive of all fitness levels and any stage of motherhood.

πŸƒ‍♀️ Stroller Strides, Stroller Barre, Body Boost

πŸ“žContact: (209) 214-9074

🌐 modesto.fit4mom.com


🏠 CASA del Rio – Healthy Start Family Resource Center (Riverbank)

More than just a mom group, CASA del Rio is a full-service family resource center offering parenting workshops, play-based learning, a Women’s Circle, and support for families with children ages 0–5. Spanish-speaking programs available.

πŸ“ž (209) 869-0468

πŸ“ 2400 Stanislaus St, Riverbank, CA 95367d

🌐 riverbank.k12.ca.us


πŸ‘Ά Merced MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

MOPS is a global organization with a strong local presence in Merced. It offers encouragement and community for mothers of kids from birth to kindergarten. Meetings include brunch, speakers, crafts, and plenty of mom-to-mom connections. Childcare available during meetings.

πŸ•˜ 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 9:00–11:30 AM

πŸ“ Yosemite Church, 2230 E. Yosemite Ave, Merced

πŸ“ž (209) 622-9276

πŸ“˜  Facebook Group


🧑 Parent Support Services – Merced County (Help Me Grow)

From home visits to parenting classes, Help Me Grow Merced County offers valuable programs like All Moms Matter, especially for new moms seeking guidance and support in those early years. Developmental screenings, parent coaching, resources.

🌐 Reach out via help4mychild.org

πŸ“§ HMGMerced@epuchildren.org


πŸ‘Ά Oakdale MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

MOPS is a global organization with a strong local presence in Oakdale. It offers encouragement and community for mothers of kids from birth to kindergarten. Meetings include brunch, speakers, crafts, and plenty of mom-to-mom connections. Childcare is included with registration.

πŸ—“ 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month

πŸ•˜ 9:15 AM – 11:15 AM

πŸ“ River Oak Grace Church

7712 Rodden Rd, Oakdale, CA

πŸ“ž Contact: Tracy Mota – MOMSnext Coordinator: (209) 324-3649

Kristyn Sorrick – MOPS Coordinator: (209) 988-5911

πŸ“§: tracy91600@aol.com

🌐: rogmops.blogspot.com


πŸ“ MomCo — Yosemite Church (Merced)

MomCo gatherings are for moms with children from birth through kindergarten. frombirththroughkindergarten. Yosemite Church meetings include faith‑based teaching, speaker/video segments, games, crafts, food, and community time. Yosemite Church. Childcare is provided for ages 0‑Kindergarten during MomCo events. Spaces are limited and available for paid participants.

πŸ“ Address: 2230 E. Yosemite Ave, Merced, CA 95340

πŸ“ž : (209) 383‑5038

πŸ“§: info@yosemitechurch.com

Instagram