Looking for things to do with your preschooler in Sligo? Finding ways to fill the days with a small child can feel tricky, especially if you’re new to the area or this is your first time doing the toddler-and-preschooler rounds. Here’s a handy list of ideas for things to do with preschoolers in Sligo, from soft play and swimming to storytime, playgrounds and beaches.
Things to Do with Preschoolers in Sligo
Soft Play Centres in Sligo
Visiting a soft play centre is a great way to spend a couple of hours and let your preschooler burn off some energy, whatever the weather.
- Happy Days, in Cleveragh Business Park, has a separate baby and toddler play area, along with parent and toddler morning sessions.
- Five Star Fun Activity Play Centre, located in the centre of Grange, Co Sligo, has a separate toddler area.
- Funny Bones, at Toberbride Business Park just outside Sligo Town, has soft play along with dedicated toddler morning sessions during term time.
(Days and times for toddler sessions can change, so it’s worth checking each venue’s own website or social media before you head out.)
Storytime in Sligo Libraries

Sligo’s libraries are a lovely, low-cost way to spend an hour or two with a preschooler. Sligo Central Library runs a weekly toddler storytime with songs, rhymes and stories, and other branches around the county run their own parent and toddler story sessions.
The junior section of the library is perfect for browsing and choosing books together, and your preschooler can join the library and pick out their own books to borrow. It’s worth checking your local branch for current storytime days and any upcoming events.
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Parent and Toddler Swimming in Sligo
Swimming is always a hit with little ones. Several pools across Sligo offer dedicated parent and toddler swim times or smaller pools for little swimmers. Sligo Sports Complex has a heated children’s pool and runs swimming lessons for ages four and up, while Water Babies runs baby swim classes in Sligo.
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 are all popular choices — take a look at what’s running locally to find a class that suits your child.
Parent and Toddler Groups
Joining a local parent and toddler group is one of the best ways for young children to mix with others their own age, and for parents to connect with people going through the same stage of life. Groups typically meet weekly, and weekend sessions are becoming more common too, which is handy for parents who work full time.
Playgrounds in Sligo
A trip to the playground is always a winner. Many of Sligo’s playgrounds have had recent upgrades, and most now include areas designed especially for smaller children.
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Attractions in Sligo
If you have a free day midweek, one of the perks of having a preschooler is that you can visit places during quieter “off-peak” hours, while older children are at school.
Some places worth a visit:
- The Model is a bright, welcoming space with frequent workshops and programmes for all ages, along with family films and activity sheets to help younger visitors get the most from their trip.
- Waterpoint Aqua Park in Enniscrone has an indoor heated pool with a separate baby and toddler pool.
- Gillighan’s World has botanical gardens, miniature “faerie” villages, an “enchanted” glade, a wildlife pond and aquatic cove, plus a pet village.
Sligo Beaches
A beach day isn’t just for summer! Sligo is spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches. Enniscrone has 5km of sandy beach, while Mullaghmore Beach — around 25km from Sligo town via the N15, beside the town of Mullaghmore — is another stunning spot in North County Sligo.
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Events for Preschoolers in Sligo
Keep an eye on our events pages for regular workshops and events for younger children in the Sligo area. The Hawkswell also puts on plays suitable for preschoolers.
You might also enjoy reading some ideas for entertaining preschoolers at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some free or low-cost things to do with preschoolers in Sligo?
Playgrounds, beaches and library storytime sessions are all free or very low-cost ways to spend the day with a preschooler in Sligo.
Are there parent and toddler groups in Sligo?
Yes, there are several local parent and toddler groups that meet weekly across the county, along with some weekend groups for parents who work full time.
Is there indoor soft play for preschoolers in Sligo?
Yes, Happy Days, Five Star Fun and Funny Bones all offer soft play with dedicated toddler areas or sessions.
Are there beaches suitable for young children near Sligo?
Yes, Enniscrone and Mullaghmore are both popular family-friendly beaches within easy reach of Sligo town.
Related Articles
- Free Things To Do In Sligo With Kids
- The Best Playgrounds In Ireland Recommended by Parents
- Our Pick of What’s On This Month
- Ideas for Entertaining Preschoolers at Home
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