Cool Mom Walks

Mom Walking Group in West Hartford, Connecticut: Free, Friendly, and Open to Every Age

If you've been searching for a mom walking group in West Hartford, Connecticut, you probably want a few simple things: get out of the house, move your body, and talk to another adult who understands life as a mom.

At least that’s what I was looking for when I began hosting a free monthly mom walk.

Moms come with kids of every age, in strollers, on bikes, or on scooters. We walk, talk about the latest book we read, what shows to binge, and what solids our babies are liking.

No matter how we feel at the start of our walk…we go home feeling a bit lighter and completely seen.

Here's an overview of what to expect, why walking groups work so well for moms, and how to join us!

What is a mom walking group?

A mom walking group is a regular meetup where moms walk together, usually with their kids. There's no fitness test and no class to keep up with. You show up, and the pace is set by the group, which often means by the slowest toddler.

Our walk is free and meets monthly. It's relaxed; there's nothing to sign up for or buy, and you can come to one walk or all of them. Moms with babies, toddlers, school-aged kids, or a mix are all welcome, and so are moms who are expecting.

Who can join?

Every mom is welcome, whatever her stage of motherhood. Whatever her fitness level.

• Newborns and babies: bring the stroller or a carrier.

• Toddlers: let them walk, ride, or hop in the stroller at any time.

• Older kids: bikes and scooters are welcome, and they can zoom ahead with a grown-up nearby.

• Moms new to town: a walk is one of the easiest ways to meet people.

• Moms who've been here for years: it's a good way to meet other moms outside your usual circles.

You don't need to know anyone. You don’t need to make excuses for a crying baby or a tantrum-throwing toddler. We’re moms. We see you. We welcome you.

Why walking with other moms works.

It gets you out of the house

Some days, leaving the house feels like the hardest part of the day. But do we ever regret fresh air, movement, and meeting up with people?

It moves your body without in a low-pressure way

Walking is one of the most accessible kinds of exercise there is. We don't need equipment, a gym membership, or childcare. It's also easy to adjust: go faster if you want a workout, or slow down if you'd rather chat. Regular walking is linked to better heart health and mood, and it fits into a busy day more easily than most workouts.

If you're recently postpartum or have any health concerns, check with your healthcare provider about what's right for you. Our walks are at a gentle pace, and you can always go at whatever pace you’d like.

Truth be told, while these walks are great exercise…they’re really more about connecting and talking to someone outside of our own house.

It builds real community

Making friends as an adult is hard, and it can be harder as a mom. Playdates and group chats help, but nothing replaces regularly seeing the same faces. When you walk side by side, conversations come easily. And often, moms find the best and unexpected connections during these walks.

Many moms tell me that the best part is hearing that someone else is dealing with the same thing, whether it's sleepless nights, picky eaters, or a three-year-old who has decided shoes are optional.

It's good for our kiddos, too

I believe our littles need to move, get outside, and do activities with us that are mutually beneficial. A walk gives them room to burn off energy, notice what's around them, and play with other kids. Little ones get fresh air in the stroller, and bigger kids can ride, roll, or run. It's a low-key way for them to be active and make friends of their own.

It gets you outside year-round

It’s easy in the summer to spend time outside but monthly walks encourage us to get fresh air even when it’s cold. Having a regular date on the calendar gives you a reason to dress warmly, put on sunscreen, or grab an umbrella, and get outside anyway. You'll often feel better afterward, even on a gray day. Honestly, those are the days we need these walks most of all!

What to bring:

You don't need much, but a few things help:

• Water for you and the kids

• Snacks because someone will always be hungry

• Weather-appropriate layers, since we walk in all seasons

• Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses

• Comfortable shoes

• A stroller, bike, scooter, or carrier, whichever works for your kids

What a walk looks like

We meet at various locations throughout West Hartford. After we welcome everyone, we head out.

The pace is whatever you make it. Many moms push strollers, some chase scooters, and some walk at the back with a toddler who found an interesting stick.

There's no agenda. We talk, we check in on each other, and kids often times set the speed. When we finish, there's time to chat before everyone heads home.

Walk lengths vary but they are often between a half of a mile to one mile. Sometimes they’re a loop, and often times it’s a straight path out and back.

We pritoirze locations with easy and accessaible parking! Bathrooms are not always at the ready…so come prepared!

Frequently asked questions

Is the mom walking group really free?
Yes. There's no fee to join, and you don't need to sign up for anything else. Come and enjoy!

What if I don’t have a kid yet but I am pregnant?
Come with your kiddos. Come by yourself and leave your kids at home. Come with your baby bump! Just come and join us!

Can I bring a bike or scooter?
Yes. Bikes, scooters, strollers, and carriers are all welcome.

What if I haven’t worked out in forever?
You’re in great company! The pace is gentle, and you can slow down or stop whenever you need to.

What if it rains or the weather is bad?
We may reschdule our walk depending on the severity of the weather. Snow blizzards and icy roads? We’ll rescsedule. A light drizzle. We’ll pack the rain coats!

Do I need to RSVP?
You technically do not need to RSVP or register. However, we do encourage you to register! It helps us to udnerstand how many moms and who to expect. We totally get that plans change and as a mom, they can change quickly! Can’t make it? No worries! We hope to see you next time.

How often do you meet?
The walk happens once a month. Check our Class Schedule page to find our monthly walk and register to join!

Come walk with us

If you're searching for a mom walking group in West Hartford or anywhere in the Farmington Valley in Connecticut, you don't need a special reason to join. Come because you want fresh air, because your kids need to get outside, or because you'd like to meet some other moms.

Join the next walk, bring your stroller, bike, or scooter, and bring your kids. We'd love to meet you and your littles!