How to Make Friends As a Homeschooler: Practical Ideas for Socialization

Are you wondering how to make friends as a homeschooler? You’re not alone—this is one of the most common questions parents ask when they consider homeschooling. The truth is, homeschoolers make friends in many different ways, and often develop deep, lasting connections.

In this article, you’ll learn practical ideas for helping your children meet new people and build friendships while homeschooling. I’ll also share a video and podcast episode where I talk through how homeschoolers make friends and offer mindset tips to make socialization easier.

Whether you have young kids, teens, or you’re looking for ways to connect with other homeschooling families yourself, these strategies will help you feel confident about your child’s social life.

Homeschoolers and Socialization

If you’ve been feeling anxious about your child’s social life, you’re not alone. Many parents wonder if homeschooling will limit their kids’ opportunities to make friends—but the truth is often the opposite. With a little creativity and a willingness to connect, homeschoolers usually have just as many chances to build friendships as children in traditional schools.

To give you practical ideas, I created a video on how to make friends as a homeschooler. In this video, I share dozens of real-life strategies for helping your kids connect with others—from joining sports programs to striking up conversations at the library. I’ll also touch on how your mindset as a parent can make a big difference in supporting your child’s ability to form meaningful friendships.

Watch the video below, and you’ll come away with fresh ideas and encouragement to help make the process of building friendships feel much easier.

Video: How to Make Friends as a Homeschooler

When you sign up for my free course, Homeschool with Confidence, you’ll learn key principles that make homeschooling more effective and less stressful—whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been homeschooling for years.

As a longtime homeschooling mom, licensed teacher, and certified life coach, I bring a unique perspective that blends practical homeschooling strategies with mindset tools to help parents succeed. This combination allows me to support not only your homeschooling journey but also your growth as a parent.

And when you join the free course, you’ll also have the opportunity to schedule a free consultation with me for personalized guidance.

How Do Homeschoolers Make Friends?

If you’re considering homeschooling your kids, you might be concerned about socialization. The truth is, once you know where to look, you’ll find that homeschoolers have many opportunities to meet new friends and stay socially connected.

Here’s a quick list of common ways homeschoolers make friends—you’ll find each explained in more detail further down this page.

• Sports and youth programs
• Local libraries
• Museums and cultural centers
• Public, private, and charter school programs
• Homeschool groups and co-ops
• Community and recreation centers
• Churches and faith-based groups
• Outdoor programs and nature centers
• Parks and playgrounds
• Studio classes (art, dance, martial arts, music, etc.)
• Volunteering opportunities
• Other homeschooling parents
• Social media and online groups
• Search engines (yes—Google can help you find local groups!)

👉 Let’s take a closer look at some of these opportunities so you can help your child start making new friends with confidence.

Become Friends with Other Homeschool Parents

While it’s natural to focus on helping your kids make homeschooling friends, it’s often easier to start with yourself. When you build relationships with other homeschooling parents, your children naturally connect with their kids—and friendships grow from there.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Visit several homeschool groups, co-ops, or classes and notice where you feel most comfortable.
• Invite parents you connect with to coffee, a park playdate, or a casual outing.
• Find out what activities their kids are involved in and see if your children might enjoy joining too.
• Organize a mom’s night out, book club, or game night to deepen your adult friendships.

When you nurture friendships with parents you genuinely click with, your children benefit too. Friendships that begin through strong parent connections often feel more natural and last longer.

Overlapping Interests

The most lasting friendships—both for parents and kids—are built on overlapping interests. For example, your families might attend the same homeschool group, while your kids share a theater class and you gather monthly for a mom’s night out. Add in occasional family game nights, and those repeated points of connection create bonds that stand the test of time.

Making Friends Through Sports

Sports are one of the easiest and most natural ways for kids to build friendships. When children practice, play, and compete together, they quickly form bonds around teamwork and shared experiences.

For homeschoolers, there are often more options than you might expect:

• Homeschool sports programs that are organized specifically for homeschooling families.
• Public school sports, which homeschooled kids may be eligible to join depending on your state laws and local district policies.
• Parks and recreation departments, which often offer seasonal sports leagues.
• National and local youth organizations like Little League, YMCA, or Boys & Girls Clubs.
• Community centers and churches, many of which sponsor sports teams and clubs.

If homeschool sports aren’t widely available where you live, consider partnering with other families to start a program. Often, once a few families express interest, more will join in—and before long, your kids will have a new circle of friends built around an activity they love.

Ways Homeschoolers Make Friends: The Library

Your local library is more than just a place to borrow books—it’s often a hub for homeschool families. Many parents are surprised by how many opportunities there are to connect with others simply by spending time there.

Here are a few ways to make the most of your library:

• Check community bulletin boards for flyers or announcements about local homeschooling groups.
• Talk to your librarian—they often know which families homeschool and can point you toward activities or groups.
• Notice who’s there during school hours. If you see school-aged children at the library on a weekday morning or afternoon, there’s a good chance they’re homeschooled. A friendly, “Do you homeschool?” can open the door to new connections.
• Look for homeschool-specific programs. Many libraries offer daytime classes, story hours, or clubs designed with homeschooling families in mind.

By visiting regularly and getting involved, your library can become one of the easiest places to help your kids make new friends—and for you to connect with other parents.

Museum Activities for Homeschooled Kids

Museums—whether they focus on art, history, or science—are excellent places for homeschoolers to learn and make friends. These spaces naturally bring families together around curiosity and discovery.

Here are some ways museums can help your kids connect with others:

• Children’s museums often host special daytime programs just for homeschoolers.
• Science and art museums may offer workshops, classes, or field trips tailored to homeschooling families.
• General admission visits can be a chance to meet other homeschoolers—especially if you notice small groups of school-aged children there during regular school hours.
• Museum staff and directors may also know of local homeschooling groups and can connect you with them.

And here’s a bonus tip: many museums offer affordable museum passes or memberships that make it easy to attend events regularly. The more often you go, the more likely your kids are to cross paths with the same families and begin forming lasting friendships.

Home School, Public School, Charter School, or Private School

While schools may not be the first place you think of for homeschool connections, they can actually open doors to new friendships and activities. Many families combine homeschooling with outside programs offered through local schools.

Here are a few possibilities to explore:

• Ask at the front office. School receptionists sometimes keep lists of homeschooling groups in the area or know about activities homeschoolers can join.
• Shared or family school programs. Some districts and charter schools offer part-time classes, enrichment days, or extracurricular opportunities for homeschoolers. Keep in mind that if the public education system is funding the program, it’s technically not homeschooling, and some homeschooling organizations are opposed to these arrangements.
• Private schools. Families often move back and forth between private school and homeschooling, which makes private schools a natural place to ask about local groups.

If you want to explore these options, it’s a good idea to also connect with your state or local homeschooling organization. They can help you understand how different school-based programs work in your area—and how they might impact your homeschooling journey and the homeschool community at large.

Help Your Kids & Teens Make Friends with Youth Programs

Youth programs are another excellent way for homeschoolers to meet friends while building skills and confidence. Because these programs are often interest-based, they naturally bring together kids who already have something in common.

Some popular options include:

• Sports leagues like soccer, baseball, or basketball.
• Scouting organizations such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.
• Drama and theater groups where kids can perform and collaborate.
• Community service programs that combine volunteering with leadership opportunities.

Encourage your child to try a variety of activities until they discover something they truly enjoy. When kids participate in programs that match their interests, friendships tend to form more quickly and last longer—because they’re built on shared passions.

Outdoor Programs, Nature Centers, & Parks

Spending time outdoors is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways for homeschoolers to make friends. Many families find that fresh air, open spaces, and shared activities create the perfect environment for kids to connect.

Here are some ideas to explore:

• Nature centers often host bird-watching walks, science classes, or homeschool days.
• Parks departments may organize daytime programs, sports, or field trips for homeschooling families.
• Homeschool park days are a popular tradition—families gather weekly or monthly for play, conversation, and connection.
• Outdoor activity groups like hiking, biking, or rock climbing clubs can help kids build friendships while staying active.

If you don’t see something that interests your family, consider starting a group yourself. Chances are, other homeschooling families in your area are looking for the same kind of activities and would be glad to join you.

Homeschool Programs & Classes Near You

In many communities, homeschool programs or co-ops provide regular opportunities for children to learn and socialize together. These programs often become the foundation for long-lasting friendships.

Here are a few ways to find them:

• Search online by typing your town or region plus the word “homeschool.” Even if groups don’t have formal websites, you may find Facebook pages or directory listings.
• Ask other parents you meet at the library, park, or museum—word of mouth is often the fastest way to discover local classes.
• Look for specialized co-ops that focus on subjects like STEM, geography, foreign languages, choir, or art. Many meet once or twice a week and bring families together for years at a time.

These consistent gatherings allow children to build deep connections, while parents often form strong friendships as well. For many families, homeschool programs and classes become the heart of their social network.

Studios & Specialty Classes

Studios are wonderful places for homeschoolers to develop skills while making friends who share their interests. Because many studios sit empty during school hours, owners are often happy to create daytime classes just for homeschooling families.

Here are a few types of studios to explore:

• Art studios offering painting, pottery, or mixed-media classes.
• Dance studios with ballet, jazz, hip-hop, or tap programs.
• Martial arts studios where kids can build discipline and confidence while training together.
• Music schools that teach instruments, choir, or ensemble work.
• Technology or STEM labs with robotics, coding, or engineering classes.

If you don’t see homeschool-friendly options already available, ask. Studio owners are often open to scheduling a daytime program if they know enough families are interested—and you may even help launch a new community resource for homeschoolers in your area.

Community Centers & Recreation Centers

Community centers and recreation departments are often hidden gems for homeschool families. They provide affordable (and sometimes free) spaces and programs that bring people together.

Here are a few ways they can support friendship-building:

• Community centers may host classes, clubs, or even allow homeschool groups to use their facilities for meetups or co-ops.
• Recreation centers often offer sports leagues, swimming lessons, rock climbing, dance, or other daytime activities that homeschoolers can join.
• Special homeschool programs are sometimes created when local families request them—don’t be afraid to ask if your rec center would consider offering classes during school hours.

By participating regularly, your children will begin to see the same kids week after week, turning casual acquaintances into real friendships.

Volunteer & Make Friends Too!

Volunteering is a powerful way for homeschoolers to connect with others while learning the value of giving back. Whether kids serve individually or families volunteer together, these experiences create opportunities for new friendships and lasting memories.

Here are some ways to get started:

• Join community service projects like food drives, park clean-ups, or charity fundraisers.
• Serve at local organizations such as animal shelters, food banks, or libraries.
• Create a volunteer-based homeschool group where families meet regularly to serve in different ways.
• Encourage your child to volunteer around their interests—for example, helping at a museum, nature center, or sports club.

Volunteering not only helps children make friends, but it also fosters empathy, responsibility, and teamwork—qualities that strengthen both character and relationships.

Do You or Your Child Have Social Anxiety?

For some kids (and even parents), making friends feels harder—not because of a lack of opportunities, but because social situations can bring on anxiety or shyness. If that sounds familiar, small changes can make a big difference.

Here are a few simple habits that can help anyone build confidence and connection:

• Smile and make eye contact.
• Be curious and ask open-ended questions.
• Share something interesting about yourself that others can relate to.
• Be kind, take turns, and look for ways to include others.

These steps might feel uncomfortable at first, but they send a clear signal that you’re open to friendship. Over time, they become second nature.

As both a longtime homeschooling consultant and a certified life coach, I’ve seen how a parent’s mindset and a child’s confidence go hand in hand. If you’d like more encouragement and practical strategies, you’ll find them inside my free course, Homeschool with Confidence. And when you sign up, you’ll also have the opportunity to schedule a free consultation with me for personalized guidance.

👉 Get the Free Course

Parents: Making Friends as an Adult

While it’s natural to focus on helping your kids make friends, don’t forget that your own friendships can open doors for them too. When parents connect, children often become friends simply by spending time together.

If you’d like to be more intentional about building friendships as an adult, one simple tool can help. In the TEDx talk below, speaker John DiJulius shares the acronym F.O.R.D. to guide meaningful conversations. Ask people about their:

• Family
• Occupation
• Recreation
• Dreams

By showing genuine interest in others, you’ll quickly discover common ground and lay the foundation for stronger relationships.

Watch the video: John DiJulius — Meet as Strangers, Leave as Friends

John DiJulius: Meet as Strangers Leave as Friends

How Are Homeschoolers Socialized?

One of the most common questions about homeschooling is, “But what about socialization?” The reality is that homeschoolers make friends the same way anyone else does—by spending time with others, sharing experiences, and finding common interests.

From sports and youth programs to libraries, museums, and community activities, there are countless opportunities for homeschooled kids to meet and connect with peers. Many families also find that homeschool friendships are especially strong because they’re built around shared values and genuine choice, rather than just classroom placement.

In today’s world, homeschoolers can also connect online through virtual classes, interest groups, and communities, giving them even more ways to stay socially engaged.

The bottom line: homeschoolers aren’t isolated—they’re actively involved in their communities and often form deep, lasting friendships both locally and online.

Children Explain How to Make Friends

Sometimes the best advice comes straight from kids themselves. In this video, children share simple but powerful tips about making friends—reminders that even the youngest learners can understand and apply.

If your child struggles to make friends, watch the video together and talk about these ideas:

• Say, “Hello.”
• Smile.
• Be polite.
• Listen.
• Be kind.
• Take turns.
• Join in.
• Share.

These small actions go a long way in building trust and showing others that you’re open to friendship.

Listen to the HomeSchool ThinkTank Parenting Podcast

If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, be sure to listen to my podcast episode on how homeschoolers make friends. In this episode, I expand on many of the ideas we’ve covered here and share additional mindset strategies to help both parents and kids feel more confident about building friendships.

The HomeSchool ThinkTank Parenting Podcast releases two episodes each week:

• Mindset Mondays — episodes designed to inspire and uplift homeschooling parents.
• Wednesday Wisdom — practical conversations about homeschooling, parenting, and education.

🎧 Podcast Episode: How Do Homeschoolers Make Friends

👉 Click here to follow the podcast and never miss an episode.

Ready to Feel More Confident About Homeschooling?

Making friends is just one part of creating a thriving homeschool life. If you’d like more guidance and encouragement, I’d love to share my free course, Homeschool with Confidence with you.

In this course, you’ll learn key principles that make homeschooling less stressful and more effective—whether you’re brand new or have been homeschooling for years. And when you sign up, you’ll also have the opportunity to schedule a free consultation with me for personalized support.

👉 Get the Free Course

Helpful Articles, Videos, & Podcast Episodes

Looking for more resources to support your homeschooling journey? Here are a few popular articles and episodes you might enjoy:

• Should I Homeschool My Kids? — Explore key questions to help you decide if homeschooling is the right choice for your family.
• Game Schooling: Learn Through Play — Discover how board games and activities can be powerful learning tools.
• Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto — Read our summary and reflections on this influential book about education.
• Nature Schooling — See how learning outdoors can benefit both kids and parents.
• Museum Passes for Homeschool Families — Learn how one pass can give you access to hundreds of museums nationwide.

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