Imaginosity — Attraction in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

My daughter attended the birthday party of a friend from creche here, and we both had a great time. There is a LOT of variety across the levels, really something for everyone. I found the educational aspect a little less present than I would have expected, given the descriptions - but that does not detract at all from the fun and overall experience.

Kids of any age would really enjoy this - but I think 4+ is the best age. There's a little communication and trust needed if you plan to sit with a coffee while they run riot, as you tend not to be able to see very far (naturally, there are so many activities and structures around). I think a 4 year old would handle this well enough, smaller kids might need a little hovering.

There's plenty there for smaller ones to do, and some specific areas for 2 year old and younger kids, so if you have an older one who can tear about while you sit with the smalley, that would work well.

In terms of the party aspect, it was well run by the crew in Imaginosity. As the upper levels cleared out from the previous play session, the party kids were ushered upwards in stages (no rush, really), until reaching a workshop room with organised activity, and then the party room itself, where they had food and drinks. The food on offer was sandwiches and popcorn (some folks did not appreciate the popcorn from the choke risk perspective, but most of the kids were 3-4, not really a problem). Each child also got a box with a kinder egg, animal bar, yoghurt tube, jelly sweets, and a token piece of fruit. A lot of sugar for 3-4 year olds, but...it's a special occasion. The parents of the kids whose party it was brought their own cake, so not sure about what sort of cakes the venue provides, if any.

So, why drop the one star? Simply because finding the place, and parking, were not easy tasks. Note that you can park in the Dunnes Stores underground car park for 2 hours for free; and 2 euro per hour thereafter. Where I initially pulled up - which was where Google Maps led me to - it was 1 hour max, and some cars were already clamped. There's also a total lack of signage around the site, which is probably not the fault of Imaginosity. Once you know where Imaginosity is, it's pretty hard to miss it - but on a first visit you can...

Today with this unstable weather I decided to take my daughter Alice to Imaginosity. When we got there the woman at the cashier said it was €16.00 for two of us. I asked if kids with special needs pay the same price and she said I had to show a card or something as proof(Alice was beside me and she has Down Syndrome). In 6 years it was my first time facing a situation like that anyway rules are rules. I got my FT card and showed it to her and she said that this is just a public service card. I explained for what I use it and she was for over a minute checking the card, reading the back of the card trying to figure out if she could accept it or not or maybe trying to make sure that I wasn't lying(my daughter was standing right beside me). I was already disappointed so I said do you know what I will pay for 2. She was still checking the card and finally said I saw here free travel card will be €8.00. I paid for it but I couldn't believe what just happened. I couldn't leave the place without saying anything. On my way out I expressed my disappointed to have to prove that my daughter has special needs. She apologised and said these are the rules. I understood the situation but I think it was very rude of her to check my card to make sure I wasn't lying. I told her that in 6 years this was my first time facing a situation like that and that I have been with Alice in a numerous places and no one ever asked me to prove that I'm the carer of my daughter because she has...

Good, but could easily be better. Firstly the negative... On arrival, we adults and children shuffled and squeezed our way into a packed foyer to find a staff member already giving a health and safety and rules speech. We missed the start and couldn't hear it anyway with all the noise and just one tiny voice. The mum next to me commented that a megaphone was needed (though really that would be frightening). If adults carrying small babies are really expected to be taking their shoes on and off in between the various play areas, they need to be prewarned to wear slip ons. I had laced up boots and a just turned one year old in a baby carrier plus a three year old. There is no way those shoes were coming off, so no baby play area for us. There is too much for a two hour slot. Make sure you are all well fed before hand because you don't want to waste precious time in the cafe. Really for the price you should get more than two hours.

On to the positive... My kids had a ball! There's so much to do, so much variety, so much fun. Unlike other fairly recent reviews, we didn't see anything broken and the rooftop garden was open, so they must have fixed everything. The staff were so kind and friendly and helpful. Worth another visit in a quiet day I think, with...