Angela Nyameba of Des Moines' east side sat cross-legged on a mat playing blocks with her 15-month-old son.
It was her first time visiting Play and Learn at the Boys and Girls Club at Carver Community School, 705 E. University Ave. It's a free group meeting for moms and kids from newborns to preschoolers.
Nyameba said she heard about the group from a friend, who encouraged the stay-at-home mother of two to attend. Nyameba said it's a good opportunity for her to meet other moms and for her boys to have fun.
Katie McKenzie, coordinator of Play and Learn, said this is the second year for the Carver group. Another group began meeting on Thursdays this year and has a Spanish-speaking facilitator. That group meets at St. Peter's Hall, 1746 Des Moines St.
"There's a need for Spanish-speaking families to get out and interact with each other," McKenzie said. "That group is getting bigger every week."
At both locations, kids have a variety of play options, they're given a snack and they get to take home a book - all at no cost. Play options often include activities that teach art, science, math and other curricular areas.
"We're promoting the areas of development, socialization and parents learning how to play with their children," McKenzie said. "A lot of parents won't put out Play-doh or things like play snow. It just requires a little guts and supervision."
- Amber Bryant-Tapper