The ultimate play date can be set up in SM
Dear Dorie, I am new to Santa Monica and am having trouble meeting other parents with young children. In my old neighborhood, we had a community room where people met, dropped off their kids to play for a few hours and generally hung out. Is there a place like that here? What other options do I have? — New Local Dear Local, At 9:30 a.m. on Monday in the Joslyn Park craft room, families gather for a Santa Monica Public Library “Laptime” session followed by an informal set-up for networking. While there is no drop-off policy, many parents take turns watching each other’s children for errands and appointments. There is also a lovely outdoor play area — the only one in the city that is entirely fenced and gated — should you have an active toddler or climber.
Tuesdays are lively at the Fairview Branch library on Ocean Park Boulevard, or back at Joslyn if you’re interested in a Spanish-speaking gathering of parents and caregivers.
Wednesdays join a vivacious group at Memorial Park for a “Spanish Baby & Me” class.
Thursdays head to the Ocean Park Library for another “Laptime” session and then straight to the beach for a nice group of parents with young children.
One of my favorites is the Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art (LACMA) where they have a large, interactive room devoted to children. — Dorie (Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Meek answers questions concerning children ages birth to 5 years old. Submit your questions to “Dear Dorie” at, or call (310) 452-6132; fax (310) 452-6392).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 5, 2005. Read the original PDF.