Frequently Asked Questions

Some of our most frequently asked questions. Click on the question to be taken to the answer below:

What does the PLAY Network do?
Why isn’t the PLAY Network free? What do membership fees pay for?
Who runs the PLAY Network and can I help?
I joined the Facebook Group but the moderator hasn’t approved me yet. Why not?
I really just need a PLAY date for ME?! Is that okay?
What times are PLAY dates scheduled?
Where do PLAY dates meet?
How young/old should my child be to attend PLAY Network activities?
What kinds of activities are offered?
At what times are the activities scheduled?
How am I notified about events?
Can grandparents/the nanny/other caretakers bring my child to PLAY dates or activities?

What does the PLAY Network do?

The PLAY Network’s mission is to connect families with families. Those early parenting years can be tough! As parents ourselves, we know just how hard it can be to find other parents out there with kids the same age. We facilitate connections by organizing PLAY Network members in PLAYgroups and organizing activities for kids and parents to get out and meet people while having fun!

Why isn’t the PLAY Network free? What do membership fees pay for?

The PLAY Network occasionally purchases items for Network activities, such as pizza for the Holiday Party (with special guest Santa) or Easter eggs and prizes for the Spring Brunch. Also if an activity requires an entry fee we try to pay that fee for the children or get a discounted rate for attendees. Our ability to do so depends on our current budget, which is replenished by membership fees. The PLAY Network is also a registered non-profit organization, and as such we are required to maintain a P.O. Box and pay a yearly registry fee.

No one on the Leadership Team is paid, and we ask for donations from other organizations and businesses to meet our needs whenever possible.

However, if the membership fee is not affordable for you, please contact us to talk about reduced membership fees, payment plan options or a scholarship. We currently offer two scholarships a year. We are always happy to work with you, just contact us with any questions or if you have need of assistance.

Who runs the PLAY Network and can I help?

The PLAY Network is run by a volunteer group of parents who invest their time and energy into coordinating activities, managing the website, planning annual events, outreach efforts, contacting new members, updating membership lists, and renewing the PLAY Network’s non-profit status. The continued existence of the PLAY Network depends on members volunteering their time! Leadership positions turn over every April.

Many activities the PLAY Network offers are dependent on the time and energy of our volunteers. Would you like to see a kid-friendly Lunch Bunch, Walking Group, Book Club, or some other fun activity? We’d be happy to include you in our volunteer board!

I joined the Facebook Group but the moderator hasn’t approved me yet. Why not?

We’re so glad you found us on Facebook!

If you have already sent in your membership paperwork, please be patient. You will receive an invitation to join the group.

If you haven’t joined the PLAY Network yet, please know that we restrict membership in our Facebook group to currently registered PLAY Network members. Because most of our events involve children, we do not advertise details about the time and place we are meeting. Thank you for your understanding.

If you’d like to follow PLAY Network on Facebook without becoming a member, check out our public Facebook page, where we post occasional event updates and information. We are also on Instagram.

I really just need a PLAY date for ME! Is that okay?

Absolutely! One of the most valuable parts of our PLAY date is the time to connect with other parents. Making space for sharing the parenting experience is part of our mission.

What times are PLAY dates scheduled?

Most PLAY dates tend to meet mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

Where do PLAY dates meet?

Most PLAY dates are at a local parks, library, or a different public venue.

How young/old should my child be to attend PLAY network activities?

Most of our activities are oriented for the 3-5 year old age range. However, we often have older siblings who attend, especially in the summertime when school is out.

What kinds of activities are offered through the PLAY Network?

We schedule a wide variety of activities. In the past year we’ve scheduled: tours of the Post Office, Police Station, Fire Station, Smoke Jumper center, bakeries, and local farms, gymnastics open play dates, cookie decorating with senior citizens, ice cream socials, apple pressing at Fort Missoula and our regular annual events such as the PLAY Network Family BBQ, Favorite Things Party and many more!

At what times are the activities scheduled?

Activities tend to be scheduled for mid-morning or mid-afternoon. If we have a large number of members with an alternative schedule, we try to meet their needs as well.

How am I notified about events?

We use the Evite system to make sure everyone knows about the event and to keep an RSVP count – especially for those activities with limited space. We also send out a monthly newsletter with information about the events and other PLAY Network news.

Can grandparents/the nanny/other caretakers bring my child to PLAY dates or activities?

Yes!

We have many grandparents who sign up as members and bring their grandchildren to events. We also have many children who attend PLAY dates or other events with their regular caretaker, especially when their parents usually work during those hours.