This all started as a small Google calendar to help me keep my days straight as a new mom to a young toddler. I was new to the area, didn’t know anyone, and was navigating through early Motherhood, unsure what to do with myself and my little one all day. In a desperate Google search, I found a local library story time, where two kind mothers struck up a conversation and invited me to a play date. That afternoon, they laid out every story time, music class, swim lesson, nature walk, and soccer league within a 10-mile radius.

This knowledge sharing (and the accompanying play date) had a huge impact on my daughter and I, and how connected we felt to the area and our neighbors. While a website and calendar could never - and should never - replace the connection, knowledge sharing, and support that happens between parents and caregivers at the local playground, library, or preschool pick up, I do hope that Eastside Kids can help you and your family find fun goings-on in your local area to grow and nurture your own villages. We’re not meant to do this alone! We’re also not meant to be going all of the time. I hope you find fun activities on our calendar for whenever you want them, but I hope this page never makes you feel the need to fill your calendar for the sake of it. We have just as much fun jumping in puddles and making fake pasta in my daughter’s play kitchen as we do attending amazing programs happening in this community. I’m sure it’s the same for you and your little ones, so please, do not let this calendar give you any FOMO. It’s here to help, not to add pressure!