So much more than just mom and baby classes

Connecting families with community in Toronto’s East End

Make friends with other moms, dads, and caregivers

Families come in all shapes and sizes in our city. Together, we’re creating a vibrant, diverse community of parents and other caregivers who value in-person connection and love to discover everything the East End of Toronto has to offer.

For people with tiny humans

Connect with a small group of caregivers who have tots the same age and stage as yours for weekly playdates at all the best spots in your neighbourhood.

Join a playgroup

Find the information you need to know about everything from daycare and splash pads to family-friendly local businesses and hiking trails, and much more.

Get the scoop

You want to get out of the house, but you have no idea what to do and you’re too busy to figure it out. We’ve got you covered with a calendar of community events in Toronto’s east end.

See what’s going on

East End Mom Friends has been featured in

A screenshot of an article about East End Mom Friends in Beach Metro Community News
Beach Metro Community News logo

“East End Mom Friends . . . has emerged as a beacon of hope for parents in Toronto’s east end. Through the community’s growth and [Trish] Goodwin-Lawrence’s dedication, a genuine and diverse network of parents and caregivers have found their village; challenging the expectation that parenting has to be a solitary journey.”

A screenshot of an article featuring East End Mom Friends in BlogTO
blogTO logo

“East End Mom Friends hosts a variety of events, group chats, and parents' night outs, providing a judgment-free environment to combat loneliness and isolation in the early stages of parenthood.”

  • "East End Mom Friends has been such an incredible resource for myself as a new mom. Trish has created a community for us to join, activities to suit every interest (and schedule) and much-needed connections with other new moms and babies. Without this, I would have found maternity leave much more isolating but instead we are thriving!"

  • "A fantastic and supportive community of friends, who become more like family. The events are well thought out, and offered in many local event venues and child driven environments which often offer discounts if you are associated with EEMF. Great way to meet parents and other like minded individuals."

  • "This group is an invaluable resource for parents in the east end to share best practices and ask questions. They host events and also have a community to share items for free or buy used items. The forums in the group will also allow to customize your experience based on your needs and family situation."

  • "East End Mom Friends had such a positive impact on my maternity leave. I'll never forget drinking a hot latte for the first time in months while a new acquaintance ran after my wandering child. The playgroups are a great way to connect with others. They've pushed me out of my comfort zone -- brunch or coffee with my wiggly worm sounded daunting, but was a great time! They've allowed me to make new friends and strengthen relationships with others I'd met in passing."

  • "The perfect new parent playgroup around! Relaxed and informal (zero stress for late or ‘nap trapped’ moms, especially in those early weeks!) meeting in small group formats of all age groups, visiting spaces across your local neighborhood. Make new friends, try new local businesses & amenities (parks, playgrounds etc.) & watch your baby learn & develop from seeing other babies week to week. It’s also a treat to see your fellow playgroup mamas and their babies grow, too. East End Mom Friends is a must!"

  • "This has been such a great resource as a first time Mom. I’ve loved getting to know my neighbourhood, and other neighbourhoods, better while meeting other parents."

  • "Such a great resource for meeting other local Moms! I've been to a couple of their events and am currently in one of the playgroups. Everything is always well organized and thoughtfully planned!"

  • "We're doing playgroups and having a blast! Everyone in my group gets along well. We're only 3 weeks in and already doing activities together outside of group times. Would definitely recommend."

Thank you to our community partners

  • Ameera Rajwani

    Real estate agent specializing in Toronto's East End

    Website
  • Ampersand Bakehouse logo

    Ampersand Bakehouse

    Kid-friendly cafe with the best cupcakes, cookies, and cakes in Toronto

    Website

  • Black Lab Brewing

    Dog-friendly craft brewery in Leslieville

    Website

  • BOK Play Cafe

    An all-in-one space to play, work, eat, and party

    Website

  • Caitlin Bar Photography

    Family, maternity, and newborn photographer

    Website
  • Canopy Kids Secondhand Shop

    Canopy Kids

    A kids’ secondhand shop with a thoughtfully curated product range

    Website
  • Del Sol Photographs

    Del Sol Photographs

    Family, wedding, and portrait photography

    Instagram

  • Everyday Beauty Bar

    BIPOC-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQ-owned beauty bar

    Website
  • Hilary Spencer Creative Photography

    Hilary Spencer Photography

    Award-winning photographer for the chill romantic

    Website

  • Jump For Joy

    Indoor playground and party centre with two locations

    Website

  • Kidnasium

    Party and play hub with drop-in play, classes, and more

    Website

  • Kids Fun Town

    Indoor playground with drop-in play and parties

    Website

  • Left Field Brewery

    Community-minded craft brewery in Toronto's East End

    Website

  • Little Ones Closet

    Preloved and new children's wear, toys, books and more

    Website

  • Little Rebels Music

    Infant and child music and development classes

    Website

  • Locus Kids & Big Kids

    Inclusive recreational spaces located in Leslieville

    Website

  • Pizzeria no.900

    True Neapolitan pizza and private import wines in the Beaches

    Website

  • Red Tape Brewery

    Inuit- and family-owned bespoke brewery

    Website

  • Reid's Distillery

    Family owned and operated craft gin distillery

    Website

  • Riverdale Flip & Tumble

    Recreational, advanced, and competitive gymnastics

    Website

  • Sarah Hull

    Life, disability, critical illness and insurance solutions

    Website

  • Soul Chocolate

    Specialty chocolate shop, cafe, and lounge space

    Website

  • Sprouts

    An indoor playground/gym for children 0 - 7

    Website

  • wellbe family wellness

    Family wellness clinics in Leslieville and the Beaches

    Website
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