A question for the US mumsnetters....

[Gem13]

Looks like we might be accompanying DH on a business trip to the US in a couple of weeks (not definite yet - these things are always last minute).

But the plan is that we will be in Atlanta for nearly a month with DH working and I'll be 'home' with a 2 year old and 8 month old. I want to find out if there are any mother and toddler/baby groups we can go along to when we are out there to keep me and the children entertained and have a sociable time.

Who do I contact for that kind of information? Here it would be a case of asking the health visitor or posters in the library but I can't imagine how it works in the States! I would be interested in paid drop-in creches too if such things exist but again, how do I unearth them?

This is only the start of my planning so I may be back later to pick your brains!

Hmmm. That's a tricky one. Will you be staying in a hotel? In downtown Atlanta?

I don't know what it's like in Atlanta, but my experience is that British-style mother & toddler groups are very thin on the ground. You might be lucky and stumble on something, though.

All I can think of that you can truly drop into is library story-time. Most other things you have to book ahead and sign up for a whole term.

You might find a church that runs a "playgroup" - ie mother & toddler.

Isn't there someone on here who posts from Atlanta? Or am I imagining that?

I've been giving it some thought and I think my old friend Ameriscot is right. We have a "playgroup" in our neighborhood, but it's a once a week get-together at someone's house, and we all know each other. (We would be happy to have an out-of-towner join us if they were looking for company, but I don't know how they would ever find us!)

Definitely try the library, they do tend to have storytimes. I was thinking about the YMCA which have activities, but you usually have to be a member, and sign up for a whole session, as AS said.

My girls go to a local gymnastics place that has a free play time that anyone can pay $5 to go to, but as I don't know Atlanta I don't know if there is anything similar where you'll be.

Malls often have little playground areas. You could try that - maybe you'll get talking to a local Mum.

I was going to suggest the YMCA as well, I think you do have to join to go to the actual play group, but most of them have mum and baby swim times that you can just pay for as and when (only about $6 usually), where you could meet local Mums and find out about other things.

I don't know, maybe this website here could be of some help. My friends have some of these orginizations where they live, and they are great resources to find out playgroup information and such, but where I live, it is just too small.

Thanks for your replies.

KATG - I'm hoping to find an apartment somewhere central so that I can walk to a park, shops, etc. I'll try and find one close the YMCA now too! I don't want us to be in a hotel as I want a bit more space and independence.

Library storytime sounds a good place to hang out and waylay other mother and DS (27 months) might enjoy it (haven't been to them here yet).

stickynote - it was probably me on a previous thread asking about moving there (DH's company has an office there)!

colinsmommy - thanks for that. It looks really helpful.

Where are you?

Southern Oregon. The MOMS organization is national, and supposedly quite helpful according to a friend, but not a chapter here, I'm afraid. I had the hardest time finding a playgroup, because there weren't any advertised anywhere, but managed to stumble upon one by sheer luck while talking to another mom in a Dr's office one day. Good luck, and have a fun time in Atlanta.

I have a friend outside Atlanta who might have some advice. I know here in the bay area there are a fair number of things you could do, including a few drop-in daycares and Mother's day out programs. You need to know to look for "daycare" instead of "creche". Libraries always have story programs and often have noticeboards. GoCityKids Atlanta looks useful.