Are you parent to a toddler? Whether you live in Carlow or are just visiting, finding things to do with small children before they start school can be tricky. So we’ve put together some suggestions for fun things to do with preschoolers in Carlow.
One of the nice things about having a toddler and not being tied to school hours is the flexibility to visit places during the day, at quieter times. If you’re looking for ideas for things to do with preschoolers in Carlow, we’ve got a few suggestions for you:
Things To Do With Preschoolers In Carlow
Soft Play Centres in Carlow
Stop by a play centre — many have dedicated soft play areas for preschoolers. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours and burn off some energy!
You Might Also Enjoy Top 10 Things To Do In Carlow With Kids
Visit Carlow Libraries
Visit one of the libraries in Carlow. Carlow Central Library regularly hosts storytelling sessions for young children, and you can find details of these along with other upcoming events and news here for Carlow libraries.
The junior section of the library is also a fun way to spend an hour or two reading and choosing books. Your preschooler can join the library and pick their own books to borrow.
You Might Also Enjoy Free Things To Do In Carlow With Kids
Parent Toddler Swimming in Carlow
Go swimming! Some pools have dedicated Parent and Toddler swim times and specific areas for smaller children.
Graiguecullen Swimming Pool has a heated toddler pool, while Bagenalstown Outdoor Pool, open during the summer months, also has a toddler pool.
Waterbabies run baby swim classes at the Talbot Hotel in Carlow.
Music and Other Fun Classes
Sign up for a class — music, movement, dance, drama, play labs, swimming or football. Preschool classes are a great way to meet people and make friends too.
Gymboree run music and play classes for toddlers at the New Oak Community Centre in Carlow.
Playgrounds in Carlow
Playgrounds are always a big hit with toddlers, and most playgrounds around Carlow have swings, slides and play frames suited to little ones. It’s also a perfect chance for you to get some fresh air and hopefully meet other parents with young kids. All that running around usually tires them out, so they’ll be ready for a nap when you get home.
You May Also Enjoy – The Best Playgrounds In Ireland Recommended by Parents
Parent and Toddler Groups
If you’d like to meet other parents in your area, Parent and Toddler or Baby groups are a great way to do it. They meet weekly in most towns around Carlow.
Attractions in Carlow
If you have a free day midweek, a big advantage of getting out and about with preschoolers is being able to visit places at “off peak” times, when older children are at school and popular spots are quieter.
Some places to visit in Carlow with preschoolers:
- Visit the Visual Centre for Contemporary Art in Graigue, Carlow. It’s very child-friendly, with seasonal activities for families — keep an eye out for family workshops, including Parent and Toddler art classes. There’s also a drop-in Make and Do table where children can draw and make to their heart’s content.
- Oak Park Forest Park has colour-coded walkways of varying lengths for relaxing walks. You can go and see the swans and ducks on the lake, and the park also has an outdoor picnic area and toilets.
- Located on the outskirts of Carlow Town, the Delta Sensory Gardens has 16 beautiful, interconnecting gardens. Small kids will love the Games Garden, which has a giant chess board on the ground, a massive Jenga set and picnic benches.
You might also enjoy All Aboard! Steam Trains and Fun Train Rides in Ireland
Events for Preschoolers in Carlow
Keep an eye on our events pages, as there are regular workshops and events for younger children.
You May Also Enjoy Our Pick of What’s On This Month
Go For A Walk (or A Toddle!)
In Carlow, there are lovely spots for walks in woodland or parks. It’s great fun for your preschooler to run around, collect leaves and stones, and play hide and seek.
You might also enjoy reading our ideas for entertaining preschoolers at home.
If you have other suggestions for fun things to do with preschoolers in Carlow, please let us know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is considered “preschool” for these activities?
Most of the ideas here suit children roughly from toddler age up to starting primary school, though many playgrounds, libraries and swimming sessions welcome babies too.
Are there free things to do with preschoolers in Carlow?
Yes — playgrounds, library visits and storytelling sessions, and walks in parks like Oak Park Forest Park are all free or low-cost ways to spend a day out.
Do I need to book classes or swim sessions in advance?
This varies by provider, so it’s worth checking directly with the pool, class or venue before you go, as times and booking requirements can change.
Is Carlow a good base for a day out with a toddler?
Yes — Carlow has a good mix of indoor options (library, soft play, art centre) and outdoor spaces (parks, playgrounds, sensory gardens), making it easy to plan a day around your child’s routine.
You Might Also Like
- Top 10 Things To Do In Carlow With Kids
- Free Things To Do In Carlow With Kids
- The Best Playgrounds In Ireland Recommended by Parents
- 9 Great Family Walks In Carlow
- Entertaining Preschoolers At Home
Enjoyed this? Browse more ideas for days out with little ones, or save this article to come back to next time you’re planning a preschooler-friendly outing.
Don’t miss our best content, straight to your inbox. Sign up now for our free newsletter packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
