Whether you’re visiting Limerick or you call it home, finding fresh ideas for keeping a toddler happily entertained can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve pulled together some of our favourite suggestions for things to do with preschoolers in Limerick — from soft play and storytime to swimming, playgrounds and family days out.
One of the nicer things about having a preschooler is that you’re not tied to school hours. That means you can visit places during the day, at quieter times, when the crowds haven’t arrived yet. If you’re stuck for ideas, here’s where to start.
Things to Do With Preschoolers in Limerick
Soft Play Centres in Limerick
A play centre is always a good shout when you need to burn off some toddler energy, and most in Limerick have areas set aside just for smaller children.
Here are some soft play places in Limerick worth trying:
- Tons of Fun at Eastway Business Park runs Parents & Toddlers drop-in sessions during school term. No booking needed — just note that socks are required at all times in the play areas, for kids and adults alike.
- Kidstown in Corbally has a fairy-themed space with bright colours and a ball pool for babies to crawl around in, plus a separate two-level structure for more adventurous toddlers.
- Dreamland is one of Ireland’s all-inclusive play centres, designed so children of all abilities can play together in a space that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook.
Storytime in Limerick Libraries
Limerick’s libraries are a brilliant, low-cost way to spend a morning, and many run a weekly storytime or a parent-and-toddler session. It’s worth checking your local branch’s events page directly, as storytime days, times and age groups can change.
The junior section of the library is also a lovely way to while away an hour — let your preschooler pick their own books, and if they don’t have a library card yet, it’s free and easy to sign them up.
Parent and Toddler Swimming in Limerick
Getting into the pool is a great way to tire out a toddler and build their confidence in the water. Several swimming pools around Limerick offer dedicated Parent and Toddler swim times or areas for smaller children.
Providers offering baby and toddler swim classes in Limerick include Aquababies, based at St Gabriels, and Waterbabies, which runs classes at a number of locations across the city.
Music and Other Fun Classes
Signing up for a class — music, movement, dance, drama, play labs, swimming or even football — is a great way for your preschooler to learn something new while you meet other local parents.
The Hunt Museum runs a themed craft session for families, giving kids the chance to try a new skill through a fun hands-on project. It’s worth checking the museum’s website for current dates, times and pricing before you head along.
Playgrounds in Limerick
A trip to the playground never goes out of style, and several playgrounds around Limerick have areas designed especially for smaller children. Browse our full guide to playgrounds in Limerick, or try one of these local favourites:
- People’s Park, Pery Square, has a secure playground with a separate area for small children. Street parking nearby requires a parking disc.
- Castletroy Park, opposite Castletroy College, has a fully equipped children’s playground with an off-street parking area.
- Ballingarry Playground, in the local village park in Ballingarry, is surrounded by trees and has car parking available.
- Moyross Playground has a large play area with wooden climbing structures, a wooden train, a grocery shop role-play area, seating and plenty of space to run around.
You may also enjoy – The Best Playgrounds in Ireland Recommended by Parents
Parent and Toddler Groups
Joining a local Parent and Toddler group is a lovely, low-key way for your child to mix with others their own age, and for you to meet other parents in the area. Limerick has plenty running weekly — ask at your local library, community centre or GP surgery if you’re not sure where to find one nearby.
Attractions in Limerick
One of the best things about a free weekday with a preschooler is being able to visit popular spots at off-peak times, while older children are still at school.
Some places to visit in or near Limerick with preschoolers:
- King John’s Castle has plenty for little ones, including interactive exhibits and dressing-up areas.
- Funworld Bowling can add buffers to the lanes so small ones are guaranteed to knock down a few pins.
- Curragh Chase Forest Park at Kilcornan has two children’s playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas, toilets, forest walks and gardens.
- For an airplane-mad preschooler, The Foynes Flying Boat Museum has an authentic 1940s cinema and the only full-sized replica B314 flying boat in the world.
- Little ones will enjoy the Folk Park at Bunratty Castle, strolling between houses and along the village street — complete with school, post office, doctor’s house and pub — plus a fairy trail and adventure playground.
Events for Preschoolers in Limerick
Keep an eye on our events pages for workshops and events for younger children happening in the city’s galleries, museums and parks throughout the year.
Riverfest is Limerick’s popular free family festival, usually held over the May Bank Holiday weekend, with street performers, food, crafts and live music. Check the official event page nearer the time for that year’s dates and programme.
You may also enjoy – Our Pick of What’s On This Month
Go for a Walk
Many of the walks in Limerick are ideal for preschoolers — plenty of space to run, collect leaves and stones, and play hide and seek along the way.
You might also enjoy our ideas for entertaining preschoolers at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do with preschoolers in Limerick?
Libraries, playgrounds and walks are all free and easy to fit into any day. Many Limerick libraries run storytime sessions, and the city has several playgrounds with areas designed for younger children, plus family-friendly walking routes for exploring outdoors.
Are there indoor options for rainy days?
Yes — Limerick has a few soft play centres, including Tons of Fun, Kidstown and Dreamland, all of which offer indoor play areas suited to toddlers and preschoolers.
Is it easy to find swimming classes for toddlers in Limerick?
Yes, several providers, including Aquababies and Waterbabies, run parent-and-toddler swim classes at pools around the city, so it’s worth checking which locations and times suit your schedule.
What’s a good weekday outing for preschoolers away from the crowds?
Weekdays during school term are a great time to visit attractions like King John’s Castle, Bunratty Folk Park or Curragh Chase Forest Park, since they tend to be much quieter than weekends.
Related Articles
- The Best Playgrounds in Ireland Recommended by Parents
- Family Walks in Limerick
- Entertaining Preschoolers at Home
- Our Pick of What’s On This Month
Save This for Later
Heading out with a preschooler takes a bit of planning, so why not bookmark this page or share it with another Limerick parent who’s stuck for ideas? Browse more things to do for even more inspiration.
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