The parents of Raleigh Stroll Club are walking together. This sense of belonging is what the club’s founder Jonathan Arellano aims to create: a social network where friendships flourish.
Born from his desire to forge connections and establish support, as Jonathan is both a new and first-time father to Enzo and a recently relocated Cary employee and Raleigh resident, within just months the stroll club community is thriving and providing an inclusive environment where families can bond and share their parenting journeys.
After taking his wife, Brooke, to a mom club event that had over 40 mothers in attendance(!), Jonathan observed that moms often have more established support networks. AJ Johnson, Jonathan’s friend and fellow RSC member, shared one afternoon at North Raleigh’s Lafayette Village, where Enzo and AJ’s 9-year-old daughter Rei spent time together, that there weren’t that many fathers at Apple, where both he and Jonathan work on the MetLife Campus as instructors.
“We came to Raleigh at the same time,” AJ says about how he got to know Jonathan and the club. “Honestly, we hit it off as friends. When Jay pitched the idea of a stroller club, I thought it was pretty cool.”
“There are so many dads here,” Jonathan chimes in, “and many of us are away from family” — his sentiment reflecting the heart of Raleigh Stroll Club: building a local family where there may be none.
“My closest family is in Florida,” AJ explains. “So Jay and Enzo have become like family to me. I call them my little brother and nephew.”
“He doesn’t have family here. I don’t have family here,” AJ continues, describing the need for a group like RSC. “So it was kind of like, let’s build our family.”
After Jonathan had to return home to Los Angeles last summer for an emergency, he decided to take the recommendation of starting a club to give dads their own space to navigate the joys and challenges of fatherhood — a suggestion that came from Amy Hartle of Raleigh Family Adventure and Survive Motherhood after they met at the mom event.
AJ Johnson and his daughter Rei have become Jonathan Arellano and son Enzo’s chosen family thanks to Raleigh Stroll Club.
While the club primarily focuses on fathers, it warmly welcomes mothers into its fold. “We try to include moms all the time,” AJ explains. “They’re curious and often want to join the events. It’s a great way for everyone to connect.”
The club meets regularly, typically one weekend a month, with plans to expand to weekday events in the future. “We show up at the playground,” Jonathan says. “The kids are going to do what they do.” Parks are also popular venues, and thanks to social media, sponsors like Unhinged Coffee Co. and Timber Pizza have provided treats.
But the goal remains simple: to “hang out” with other parents. “I’m sure somebody else has already cracked the code,” AJ explains about a parenting challenge someone might be facing. “You just need to talk to that person.”
Regular meetups provide opportunities for dads to discuss everything from fatherhood to personal interests like fitness and hobbies. “It’s about more than just kids,” AJ says. “We talk about getting back in shape, video games, and life in general. It’s a moment to connect as individuals, not just as parents.”
Jonathan personally covers all costs related to the club. “Our son getting to connect with other kids and have fun is enough pay for me,” he says.
That’s because Raleigh Stroll Club isn’t only about play dates; it’s about creating a safe support system that extends beyond gatherings. “I can count on AJ to drop me off at the airport,” Jonathan says — even if it’s at 5 a.m. — highlighting the deep trust and friendship that has developed within the group. “That’s the kind of connection we have.”
As the Raleigh Stroll Club continues to grow, its members are committed to fostering a welcoming environment. “Relocating can be scary, especially when you don’t know anyone,” Jonathan says. Parenting children of any age can certainly be scary. “We want to change that.”
“We want to make sure everyone has a chance to participate,” AJ agrees. “Kids need positive experiences, and so do parents. Making connections is what it’s all about.”
Together, Raleigh Stroll Club isn’t just building a community. It’s nurturing a growing family.
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