Laois For Toddlers
Trips with a toddler can be a bit daunting to organise. The questions of ‘will there be anything that will amuse them?’ or ‘will there be anything they can break?’ or ‘will I end up walking around with a bored child in my arms, resulting in a tennis elbow flair up?’ come to mind. So we at Laois tourism are here to take away the worry and offer some wonderful suggestions as to where to visit in Laois with a toddler, that will not only make their day but give you precious family memories for years to come.
For the animal mad toddler look no further than Castleview Open Farm near Cullohill. This a working farm with cows, sheep, llamas, rabbits and guinea pigs to name but a few. Jack and his family have thought of everything from the indoor activity area with bowling, a race car track, air hockey and many more activities and the animal feeding times to keep little minds and bodies amused. There is a small café with delicious home backed goods available also. Christmas time at the farm sees a magical Santa experience that will fill them with wonder and excitement.
If the farm visit made them hungry Bowes in Durrow has the perfect lunch menu for little ones. Fill up and off you go to further adventures.
Many of our heritage sites are perfect for smallies. Emo Court and Gardens has a gentle walk down to a lake filled with ducks and swans just waiting to be fed. There are big green spaces to run around in and some wonderful trees and wooded areas, perfect for young minds to explore.
Laois has many award winning playgrounds. The village of Timahoe has a fabulous one right beside the Roundtower where you can enchant your children with stories of Vikings and invasions. Stradbally playground is for your train crazy little ones, watch them wile away hours playing at being the train driver. Adults can also exercise in this park or simply watch the world go by.
And if you have a train enthusiast who talks of nothing else but Thomas the Tank Engine, well Stradbally Woodlands Express is the place for them. This is a steam train that runs on a one kilometre trackway through woodland in the Stradbally Estate. It operates every bank holiday and on selected dates around Easter and Halloween. If you plan your trip right, this is one activity not to be missed.
Our woods are enchanting offering every toddler a chance to tire themselves out, Togher woods has really gentle walks on the outskirts of Portlaoise.
If the weather is truly horrible the bright and colourful Clown Around in Portarlington is a wonderful indoor play centre for kids of all ages. Adults can sit and watch from the café which serves high quality teas and coffee.
Our beautiful county of Laois has something for everyone, including your toddler. There are animals, woodland walks, heritage sites, playgrounds and your little train mad one can ‘choo-choo-choo’ to their hearts delight. So come and discover Laois and make memories that will last a life time.
Download and print our Laois Passport, perfect fun for all the family