Cary Moms Playgroup celebrates five years

The group, organized through Meetup.com, has had more than 2,500 events during that time. Members gather for playdates, museum visits, family events, dinners and holiday parties.

For the moms, there are moms' nights out, wine tastings, craft nights, book clubs, game nights and more. some months, I'm told, it's hard to find a day where there is no activity scheduled.

Members tell me that the group has played a big role in their life as a mom. At gatherings, they find a positive and nurturing place for them and their kids to make friends, support each other and just get out of the house (which we all know is critical when you have young kids at home).

The group caters to moms with babies to preschoolers. You don't need to live in Cary to join. Many members live in Apex, Holly Springs and elsewhere.

"It's a great group of women," Lisa Mead, a mom of two and co-organizer tells me.

The group is divided among age groups to make sure that activities are age appropriate. A couple of working moms also organize special activities for families with limited schedules.

Member participation is expected. Each member (annual dues are $24) must occasionally host an event and participate on a regular basis.

At a gathering a few weeks ago, a member organized a walk along the greenway next to Ritter Park in Cary. Kids collected leaves and made leaf rubbings before they burned up a lot of energy on the playground.

Thanks to all the moms who welcomed me at their event a few weeks ago!