Tod Pod is growing and thriving! Through a partnership with the City of Richfield, Minnesota, we are excited to expand our free playgroup offering to Richfield.
What is Tod Pod? Tod Pod is a free playgroup for families with children age birth through five years old that offers regular opportunities for kids to play and adults to connect. It was started in Bloomington, Minnesota, in 2020 by a group of parents who were looking for social connection during the COVID pandemic. It has since grown to over 600 families and was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2023.
Tod Pod Offerings in Richfield:
Weekly Storytime in the Park: 30 minutes of songs and stories at Augsburg Adventure Park followed by open play at the park. Free. Drop-in.
Weekly Park Playdate: 2 hours of open play at parks in Richfield, visiting a different one each week. Free. Drop-in.
Twice-a-Month Indoor Playdate: 30 minutes of storytime followed by 30 minutes of free play for children age birth through 5 years old (older siblings welcome) at Richfield Community Center. Free. Drop-in.
How to Access the Schedule:
Please visit our Calendar page. To receive a weekly email with schedule details and updates, please Sign Up for the Tod Pod Richfield Email List
Tod Pod FAQ
Who can attend Tod Pod?
Tod Pod is for babies, toddlers and pre-school aged children. They can be accompanied by parents, grandparents, nannies or other caregivers. Older siblings (age 6 and older) are welcome, but all events and activities are intended for children birth through five years old.
What happens at a typical playdate?
Families show up anytime during the window of time the playdate is scheduled for. The kids play and the adults connect while supervising their children.
What does it cost?
There is no cost. Tod Pod is about the greater good–helping families, building community, and increasing well-being–therefore we are committed to it being free for participants. The only barrier is getting out the door with your child!
Can I drop my kids off?
No. Parents and caregivers come to Tod Pod together with their children.
How do I join?
Sign Up for our Email List. It is how we communicate all Tod Pod activities. (Important note: to protect participants' privacy, we do not post or share our schedule publicly, thus the email list is how we communicate the schedule of activities directly to participating families.)
Can I try out Tod Pod before signing up for the email list?
Sure! Please Contact Us to arrange this.
Where do you post the schedule of events and activities?
Please visit our Calendar page. To receive a weekly email with schedule details and updates, please Sign Up for the Tod Pod Richfield Email List
Please visit our Calendar page. To receive a weekly email with schedule details and updates, please Sign Up for the Tod Pod Richfield Email List
Do I have to live in Richfield to join?
No. Tod Pod Richfield's activities are simply based in Richfield, Minnesota.
I work as a nanny. Can I join Tod Pod?
Yes. Some nannies have permission from the families they work for to sign up on behalf of the family, and some sign up separately from the family themselves. Whatever your family prefers works for us.
Who runs Tod Pod?
Tod Pod has a volunteer board of directors that sets the direction for and organizes the activities of the group. The board engages volunteers and the local community to help with events and activities. Read More About Our Volunteer Leadership
Richfield Volunteer Leader:
Antara Busse-Rein, Richfield resident since 2016, has deep family roots in Richfield. You'll most likely find her gardening and exploring parks and playgrounds in all weather and seasons. She loves baking and cooking and is an avid reader. Antara studied visual and culinary arts and now works professionally part time in the food industry and sells her jewelry locally. She is passionate about sharing her creativity and working to embrace the chaos of parenthood. She lives in West Richfield with her husband and two daughters.
Community Partnerships
