Have a toddler or preschooler and looking for ways to fill your days? Whether you’re visiting Kildare or living here, it’s not always easy to know what’s on offer for the smallest members of the family. So we’ve put together some ideas for things to do with preschoolers in Kildare.
One of the nice things about having a preschooler is that you’re not tied to school hours — you can visit places during the week at quieter, “off peak” times when older kids are still in class. Here are some of our favourite ideas.
Things To Do With Preschoolers In Kildare
Soft Play Centres in Kildare
Soft play centres are a great way to spend a couple of hours and let your little one burn off some energy, whatever the weather. Many of the play centres below also run dedicated activities for parents and toddlers.
- Fun Factory, at the M7 Business Park in Naas, offers lots of fun play spaces and activities for preschoolers.
- Jungle Den, Monread Road, Naas (opposite Smyths Toys), runs weekday morning activities for parents and toddlers including storytime, play doh, classes and arts and crafts.
- The Playbarn in Johnstown, Naas has a dedicated under-2s space.
- Joey’s Play Centre and Café, on the first floor in Naas Town Centre, has a small play area suited to ages 0-6, so you can keep an eye on your little one while relaxing with a cuppa.
- Celbridge Playzone runs Parent and Toddler activities Monday to Friday, with play doh time, sensory play, character visits, arts and crafts and storytime.
- Tricky Trickster’s Magic Castle in Naas offers play for babies from 6 months up.
Storytime in Kildare Libraries
Visit one of the many libraries in Kildare. Many host a weekly storytime and/or a parent and toddler group — Leixlip Library runs a monthly storytime, while Newbridge Library has stories, rhymes and songs for under-5s on Wednesday mornings. It’s worth checking your local library’s events calendar to see what’s on.
The junior section of the library is also a lovely way to spend an hour, letting your preschooler choose their own books to borrow.
Parent and Toddler Swimming in Kildare
Swimming is always a hit with little ones, and many pools in Kildare run dedicated Parent and Toddler swim times or have separate areas for smaller children.
The K-Leisure pools in Naas and Athy have historically offered free swimming for very young children, and the Naas venue has a great kiddies’ pool — it’s worth checking current age limits and pricing directly with the pool before you go. You can also pay as you go at The Gables swimming pool in Newbridge.
For structured classes, Aquababies run baby swim classes in Naas, Turtle Tots offer classes at Gym Plus Naas, and Water Babies run baby swim classes at various locations across Kildare.
Music and Other Fun Classes
Signing up for a class — music, movement, dance, drama, play labs, swimming or football — is a great way for your preschooler (and you!) to meet other families locally.
Gymboree offers music play classes for toddlers at various locations in Kildare.
Playgrounds in Kildare
A trip to the playground never goes wrong. Take a look at our full list of playgrounds in Kildare — several have dedicated areas for younger children. Some of our favourites include:
- Kildare Town Playground, on Station Road, has a variety of play facilities for children of all ages, including children with disabilities. There’s seating and paid car parking on site.
- Maynooth Playground at Harbour Field has a junior multi-play unit. Being close to the train station, the free car park can fill up with commuters, but there’s also parking at the Glenroyal Centre, and you can feed the ducks nearby.
- Kilcullen Playground, beside Kilcullen Community Centre, has plenty of equipment for little ones and a lovely sand and water play area — a change of clothes or wellies is a good idea.
- Clane Playground, beside Aldi in Clane, is a modern playground with separate areas for toddlers and older children. The toddler area has a fun pirate boat along with the usual equipment.
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 way for young children to mix with others their own age, and for parents to meet people locally. There are groups meeting weekly right across Kildare.
Attractions in Kildare
A midweek day out with a preschooler means you can often visit at quieter, off-peak times. Some places worth a visit in Kildare include:
- Irish National Stud and Gardens is a lovely spot for preschoolers, with beautiful Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden. Explore the woodland fairy trail, then let the kids run off steam at the playground. Keep an eye out for seasonal events too.
- Clonfert Pet Farm, Maynooth, is perfect for preschoolers, with animals to pet, an indoor play area, and a Parent and Toddler group.
- Donadea Forest Park is great for young kids, with plenty of walks and interesting historical features, including the remains of a castle and walled garden. There’s a lake with ducks and other birds, and a lovely display of water lilies in summer. The small café is open year-round, with picnic benches throughout the park. Car park charges apply — it’s worth checking current fees before you travel.
- Lullymore Heritage Park has lots for preschoolers, including indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a pet farm, a fairy bower and more.
Events for Preschoolers in Kildare
Keep an eye on our events pages for regular workshops and events for younger children at galleries, museums, parks and more locally.
You may also enjoy: Our Pick of What’s On This Month
Go For a Walk
Many of the walks in Kildare are perfect for preschoolers to run about, collect leaves and stones, and play hide and seek. Pop on the wellies and head out to the Curragh plains with a ball or a truck — just watch out for sheep droppings along the way!
You might also enjoy: Entertaining Preschoolers at Home
Frequently Asked Questions
What age counts as “preschooler” for these activities?
Most of the activities above suit children from around 1 to 5 years old, though many venues — like soft play centres and libraries — welcome babies too. Check individual listings for specific age guidance.
Are these activities free?
It’s a mix. Playgrounds, libraries and walks are free to visit, while soft play centres, swim classes and some attractions charge admission or class fees. Always check current pricing directly with the venue before you go.
What’s the best time of day to visit with a preschooler?
Midweek and mid-morning tends to be quietest, especially at attractions and playgrounds, since older children are usually at school during term time.
Related Articles
- The Best Playgrounds in Ireland Recommended by Parents
- Great Family Walks in Kildare
- Entertaining Preschoolers at Home
- Our Pick of What’s On This Month
Save These Ideas for Later
Got a favourite spot for preschoolers in Kildare that we haven’t mentioned? Let us know in the comments below — and bookmark this page so you’ve always got a few ideas on hand for your next free morning or afternoon.
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