Building Your Village: How Walking Groups Bring Parents Together 

Early parenthood can be joyful and lonely at the same time, and plenty of parents feel it even when they’re surrounded by people. Wanting your own people around you isn’t a sign that anything’s wrong, it’s a sign you’re human. This guide looks at why connection matters so much right now, why walking groups are such an easy first step, and how to find or start one. You’ll also find gentle pointers for the days that feel harder.

• Feeling lonely in early parenthood is common, and naming it is the first step to changing it.
• Walking groups are a low-pressure way to meet other parents, because the walk gives you a shared focus and an easy way in.
• You don’t need to be an organiser to build your village. Reaching out to two other parents is enough to start.
• Small, regular connections add up over time into real support.

Why does “it takes a village” still matter?

The old idea that raising children works best with a community around you still holds, even though many families now live far from relatives and long-time friends. A village spreads the small, everyday support that makes parenting feel more manageable.

Modern life has quietly chipped away at that village for a few reasons:

• Distance from family: lots of parents raise little ones without grandparents or siblings nearby.
• Fewer casual run-ins: long days at home can shrink day-to-day contact with other adults.
• A heavier solo load: without others around, the mental and practical weight of the day falls on fewer shoulders.

The Raising Children Network points to social connection as one of the things that helps parents feel supported and cope with the ups and downs of family life. Building that connection doesn’t have to be a big project. It can start with a single walk.

Why are walking groups an easy way to meet other parents?

Walking groups take the pressure off, because the walk itself carries the social weight, so there’s no performance and an easy exit if you need one. You’re all there to move and get outside, which makes the company feel natural rather than forced.

A few things make them especially easy to say yes to:

• Low cost and low commitment: no booking, no fee and no long-term sign-up.
• A shared focus: walking side by side makes conversation feel easier than sitting face to face.
• Little ones come too: babies and toddlers join in the pram or carrier, so there’s no childcare to sort. It also gives little ones a chance to be around other children, with these early social experiences helping them build communication and social skills as they grow. 

There’s a nice bonus, too. You get gentle movement and fresh air alongside the company, which our companion guide on the benefits of walking for families covers in more detail.

What are the simplest ways to find your village?

There are several easy on-ramps to connection, and any one of them can be the start of your village. You don’t have to pick the perfect option, you just have to start somewhere.

Here’s how a few of the most common options compare:

Try one, or try a few. The first hello is almost always the hardest part, and it usually gets easier from there.

How do you start your own walking group?

You don’t need a big group or a detailed plan to get started. A couple of parents, an easy route and a time that works is enough.

Here’s a practical way to set one up:

1. Choose a day and time: Pick a regular morning or afternoon that works around common nap and feeding times. Keeping it consistent each week makes it easier for people to join.
2. Plan a simple route: Look for a flat, pram-friendly path with somewhere easy to meet, plus toilets, parking or public transport nearby. A café at the start or finish is always handy too.
3. Invite a few people first: Message parents you already know, then share the details in local Facebook groups, parent communities, childcare or playgroup chats.
4. Make the details clear: Include the meeting point, start time, approximate walk length and whether you’ll still go ahead if the weather changes.
5. Start a group chat: A WhatsApp or Messenger group makes it easy to confirm who’s coming, share updates and organise the next walk.
6. Keep it flexible: Babies run on their own schedules, so late arrivals, feeding stops and turning back early are all part of it.
7. Pack the basics: Bring water, weather protection and a few snacks for little ones who are at the right age and stage for them.

Your first walk might only be two or three people, and that’s plenty. Once you’ve done it a few times, you can keep sharing the details locally and let the group grow naturally.

What if some days still feel hard?

Getting out, meeting new people or even sending a message can feel like a lot on some days. If you’re finding things particularly tough, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

A few places to start:

• Talk to someone you trust: a partner, friend, family member or another parent who gets it. 
• Speak to a health professional: your GP or maternal and child health nurse can be a good first point of contact if you’re not feeling like yourself. 
• Reach out to a support service: PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) and Beyond Blue both offer free, confidential support for parents.
• Keep connection manageable: it doesn’t have to mean joining a big group. A walk with one other parent, a quick coffee or checking in with someone by message can be a good place to start. 
• Be kind to yourself: finding a community can take time. Try what feels manageable for you, whether that’s joining a local group, showing up to the occasional walk or simply getting to know one other parent nearby. 

Ready to find your people?

Finding your people can start small – a regular walk, a familiar face at the park or one other parent to share the week with.

From 24 to 30 August, Little Bellies is supporting local mum walks across Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada as part of its Do What’s Natural philosophy, helping create more opportunities for parents to get outside and connect in their communities.

This is one of a number of ways Little Bellies plans to support parent communities, with more initiatives to come. Follow along on their socials to see what’s coming next.

Frequently asked questions about parent walking groups

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