Our gatherings provide an opportunity for parents to connect and share experiences, reinforcing the belief that it truly takes a village to help our children thrive. Each session includes snacks, games, and music, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for everyone. Come and discover a supportive community where you and your little ones can enjoy a delightful mix of activities and companionship.

MDM is generally hosted the first Monday of the month (excluding holidays) from 3:00pm – 4:00pm at Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts near UC San Diego. We are a space for parents to connect and build community as such feel free to invite other families, all are welcome!

Visit ievents.ucsd.edu to select the gathering you wish to attend and complete the registation. 

Questions? Email iprograms@ucsd.edu

You can easily register using our iEvents calendar by finding the MDM gathering you want to attend and clicking "register." This helps us have a count of how many people to expect. We try to have a special activity each month and want to make sure we have enough supplies for each child.

Location

MDM gathers at the beautiful Doyle Park near UC San Diego! You can find us sitting on picnic blankets next to the Sand Volleyball Courts! This open, grassy area is the perfect spot for us to come together. We bring picnic blankets so everyone can come together and enjoy the wonderful space.

When you arrive to Doyle Park follow the walking path that wraps around the baseball fields. This path will lead you directly to the our meeting location near the sand volleyball courts.

• Google Maps to location
• About Doyle Park

Dates and Time

MDM is hosted the first Monday of the month (excluding holidays) from 3:00pm – 4:00pm at Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts near UC San Diego. 

• November 24, 2025: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• December 15, 2025: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• January 5, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• February 2, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• March 2, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• April 6, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• May 4, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• June 1, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• July 6, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• August 3, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• September 14, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• October 5, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• November 2, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts
• December 7, 2026: Doyle Park next to the Sand Volleyball Courts 

Explore helpful resources for parents, including child-friendly spaces and local family activities to enhance your parenting journey.

• ISEO Family Resources: iFamily.ucsd.edu
• San Diego Library Resources and Services: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/services
• Crafting in the community
  • Home Depot in Store Workshops (free): https://www.homedepot.com/c/kids-workshop 
  • Michaels Zoom Workshops (Some are at no cost, and others come with a fee): https://www.michaels.com/classes/ 
• Ideas for exploring San Diego: https://www.sandiego.org/explore/things-to-do.aspx 

Do I need to register?
Yes! Registration helps us ensure we have enough supplies and snacks for every child. We don’t want anyone to miss out on the fun.

How do I register?
You can easily register using our iEvents calendar finding the MDM gathering you want to attend and clicking "register."

What if I forgot to register? Can I still come?
While we prefer you register, we warmly welcome everyone to join us!

Is there a cost?
No, Mommy, Daddy, and Me (MDM) is completely free for all families.

Can siblings join?
Absolutely! Siblings of all ages are welcome.

What is the typical age of attendees?
At this time, most children are between 0 - 7 years old, but we welcome all ages! Activities will adapt based on the children attending.

Do I have to be international Scholar, Student or Spouse to attend?
No! We welcome everyone in the UC San Diego and greater San Diego community to join us. Please register through our iEvents calendar. We ask that all participants adhere to the UC San Diego Principles of Community to help create a welcoming and respectful environment for all.

Can I invite my friend who isn’t affiliated with UCSD?
Yes! Everyone is welcome to join us. Please register through our iEvents calendar, which includes a community member option. We ask that all participants adhere to the UC San Diego Principles of Community to help create a welcoming and respectful environment for all.

Does the primary F-1, J-1, H-1B, etc. need to attend?
No! We don’t have any requirements for primary status holder (F-1, J-1, H-1B, etc.) to attend. This is an opportunity for everyone to come and enjoy the time together!

What can I expect?
Each gathering is a wonderful opportunity for free play, meeting new friends, and enjoying time together! We usually plan one group activity, like a craft related to a holiday or season, to bring everyone together in a shared experience.

You’ll also find a variety of sensory toys for newborns, outdoor sports toys for active play, cozy picnic blankets for relaxing, and snacks and juice boxes for the little ones. (All toys are carefully sanitized after every event to keep everyone healthy!)

What do I need to bring?
Nothing! We provide snacks, juice boxes, water, and toys for everyone to enjoy. For your peace of mind, we also have a first aid kit for minor injuries and wipes to keep those tiny hands clean.

We’d love to hear from you! You can email us at iprograms@ucsd.edu for general inquiries or reach out directly to our MDM Program Coordinator, Nallely Garcia, at nallely@ucsd.edu.

We’re here to help and can’t wait to connect with you!