Welcome, parents of preschoolers! 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’ve put together some ideas for things to do with preschoolers in Galway, whether you have a free morning, an afternoon to fill, or a wet day to get through.
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. Here are our suggestions for things to do with your toddler or preschooler in Galway.
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Things To Do With Preschoolers In Galway
Soft Play Centres in Galway
Soft play centres are a great way to spend a couple of hours and let little ones burn off some energy, whatever the weather. Places that cater for toddlers and preschoolers in Galway include:
- 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
Galway’s libraries are a lovely, free way to spend an hour with a preschooler. Many libraries across the city and county host a weekly storytime and/or a parent and toddler group, and the junior section is always worth a browse for choosing books together.
Your preschooler can also join the library and pick out their own books to borrow. Check your local library’s page for current storytime slots and events, as these can change term to term.
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Parent and Toddler Swimming in Galway
Getting in the water is always a hit with little ones. Several swimming pools across Galway offer dedicated Parent and Toddler swim times or specific areas for smaller children.
A few options to look into include Water Babies, who run baby swim classes at various locations in Galway, and Turtle Tots, who offer baby and toddler swim classes at The Ardilaun Oranmore Lodge Hotel.
Music and Other Fun Classes
Signing up for a class is a great way for your preschooler to try something new and for you to meet other local parents. Music, movement, dance, drama, play labs, swimming and football classes are all popular options for this age group in Galway.
Playgrounds in Galway
A trip to the playground never gets old. Some of our favourite spots in Galway include Toft Park in Salthill, Doughiska Park, and Renville Park in Oranmore, which has a lovely playground in the old castle orchard as well as a fairy trail through the woods.
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Parent and Toddler Groups
Joining a local Parent and Toddler Group is a lovely way for young children to mix with others their own age, and for parents to meet fellow local families. Many groups meet weekly across Galway city and county, and weekend groups have become more popular in recent years for parents who work full time.
Attractions in Galway
A free weekday is a great chance to visit popular attractions at off-peak times, when older children are at school and things are much quieter. Some family favourites in the Galway area include:
- Galway Atlantaquaria – watch out for the splash machine on your way in. Little ones love exploring the mini submarine, spotting eels and other fish, and watching feeding time.
- Brigit’s Garden in west Galway, between Moycullen and Oughterard, is a magical spot for families with young children, with a children’s discovery trail, a willow play area, a sandpit, and nature trails to explore.
- Coole Park is a lovely spot to bring a preschooler, with a walled garden that’s perfect for a picnic, deer to spot in an enclosure, and a game of Hunt the Thimble to enjoy in the visitor centre.
- Turoe Pet Farm in Bullaun, Loughrea, is always a hit for feeding the animals, with outdoor playgrounds and indoor soft play areas too.
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Events for Preschoolers in Galway
Keep an eye on our events pages for regular workshops and events aimed at younger children, run in the city’s museums, parks and other family-friendly venues throughout the year.
You might also enjoy reading our ideas for entertaining preschoolers at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do with preschoolers in Galway?
Libraries are a great free option, with many hosting storytime and parent-and-toddler sessions. Playgrounds such as Toft Park, Doughiska Park and Renville Park are also free to visit, and Coole Park offers free entry too.
Are there indoor options for preschoolers on a rainy day in Galway?
Yes, soft play centres like Monkey Business, Planet Galway, Busy Bees and Fun Shack are ideal for rainy days, as are library visits and indoor classes such as music, movement or swimming sessions.
Where can I find swimming classes for toddlers in Galway?
Several pools around Galway offer parent and toddler swim sessions, and providers such as Water Babies and Turtle Tots run dedicated baby and toddler swim classes at various locations.
Are there parent and toddler groups in Galway?
Yes, there are many local Parent and Toddler groups meeting weekly across Galway city and county, and an increasing number of weekend groups for parents who work full time.
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Keep the Ideas Coming
Have a favourite spot for preschoolers in Galway that we haven’t mentioned? Share it with us in the comments below, and browse our other Galway family guides for more days-out inspiration.
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