Welcome parents of preschoolers! We have compiled some ideas of things to do with the under 5s round Galway. Finding things to do with young children can be tough going, especially if you’re new to an area or it’s your first child! So we have put together some suggestions of Things To Do With Preschoolers in Galway.

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The nice thing about when you have a toddler and are not tied to school times is you have a bit more flexibility to visit places during the day and at less busy times. If you’re looking for ideas for things to do with your toddler in Galway, we’ve got a few suggestions for you:

Things To Do With Preschoolers In Galway

Soft Play Centres in Galway

Visit one of the play centres in Galway, with dedicated soft play areas for preschoolers, this is a great way to spend a couple of hours and burn off some energy! Here are some places that cater for toddlers:

• Monkey Business in Knocknacarra
• Planet Galway in Galway city
• Busy Bees in Oranmore
• Fun Shack in Loughrea

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Storytime in Galway Libraries

Visit one of the many libraries in Galway city and county. Many libraries such as Galway city Library, Oranmore Library, Westside Library and Ballybane Library host a weekly story time and/or a parent and toddler group.

The junior section of the Library is a also great way to spend an hour or two reading and choosing books, also your preschooler can join the library and choose their own books to borrow. Check out your local library to see upcoming events and news.

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Parent Toddler Swimming in Galway

Go swimming! There are a few swimming pools across Galway that have dedicated times for Parent and Toddler swims and/or specific swimming areas for smaller children.

Water Babies run baby swim classes in several locations in Galway, while Turtle Tots do baby and toddler swim classes at The Ardilaun Oranmore Lodge Hotel.

Music and Other Fun Classes

Sign up for a class. Music, movement, dance, drama, play labs, swimming or football! Check out preschool classes, it’s a great way to meet people and make friends too. For example, Gymboree offer music play classes for toddlers across Galway.

Playgrounds in Galway

Visit the playground! Here are playgrounds in galway. Some of our favourite Galway playgrounds include Toft park at Salthill, Doughiska Park and Renville Park in Oranmore which has a fabulous playground in the old castle orchard and a fairy trail in the woods.

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Parent and Toddler Groups

Join a local Parent and Toddler Group. There are many local groups throughout Galway city and county that meet weekly. Parent and Toddler groups are a great way for young children to mix with children their own age and for parents to meet other local parents! Weekend groups are also becoming more popular for parents who work full time.

Attractions in Galway

If you have a free day mid week a big advantage with getting out and about with preschoolers is that you can visit places at “off peak” times when older children are at school and popular places aren’t as busy!

Some of the places my own preschoolers love to visit are:

• Galway Atlantaquaria – watch out for the splash machine when you first go in! My preschoolers both loved exploring the mini submarine, looking out for eels and other fish and feeding time as well.
• Brigit’s Garden in West Galway, located between Moycullen and Oughterard, is a magical place for families with young kids to explore. The family-friendly Celtic gardens offer activities such as a children’s discovery trail, willow play area and sandpit, Nature trail and more.
• Entry to Coole Park is free and it is a lovely place to take your preschooler. There’s a walled garden that is perfect for picnics, deer to spot in an enclosure and young kids will enjoy playing Hunt The Thimble in the visitor centre.
• Turoe Pet Farm, Bullaun, Loughrea. Enjoy feeding the animals at the pet farm, they also have outdoor playgrounds, and indoor soft play areas.

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Events for Preschoolers in Galway

Keep an eye on our events pages as there are regular workshops and events for younger children in the city’s museums, parks and more.

This year Galway 2020 takes place and the family events are being created by Hope It Rains (great idea!) who will be running pop up events throughout the year.

You might also enjoy reading our ideas for entertaining preschoolers at home.

Have you got a favourite thing to do with your preschooler or toddler in Galway? Share it with us in the comments below.