SEN Friendly Activities for Families in Dublin

Celebrating neurodiversity and supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) means embracing the wonderful ways every child experiences the world. While busy environments can sometimes feel overwhelming, inclusive and sensory friendly activities create welcoming spaces where kids can play, learn, and grow at their own pace. These activities boost confidence, spark creativity, and encourage social connections, and make family outings more fun and relaxed for everyone. This guide shines a light on some of the fantastic sensory friendly options across Dublin, designed to support children and families in enjoying memorable, joyful experiences together.

Open Spectrum

Location: South Dublin
Ages: Children, teens, and young adults (up to 30 years)

What to Expect:
Open Spectrum is a fantastic community initiative offering inclusive, autism-friendly activities that cater to children and young adults with additional needs. Each session is designed to be structured yet flexible, with trained facilitators creating a calm, understanding, and supportive environment for all participants.

The programme features a blend of physical, creative, and social activities to suit various interests and sensory needs, including:

• Wall climbing for building confidence and motor skills.
• Athletics and movement-based games to encourage fitness and teamwork.
• Yoga for relaxation, breathing, and body awareness.
• Arts & crafts to spark creativity in a low-pressure, expressive setting.

Social interaction is gently encouraged, never forced—ensuring every participant can engage in a way that’s comfortable for them. Open Spectrum also welcomes sibling participation in many sessions, helping to make it a true family-inclusive space.

For the latest timetable and booking details, visit their Facebook page or contact their South Dublin locations directly.

Dublin City Libraries: Sensory Services

Locations: Various branches across Dublin (including Ballyfermot, Cabra, Walkinstown, and Coolock)
Ages: All ages – especially inclusive for children with sensory sensitivities, ASD, and additional needs
What to Expect:

Dublin City Libraries are leading the way in inclusive, sensory-friendly programming for families. Designed with neurodiverse children in mind, their Sensory Services offer calm, welcoming environments where all children can thrive:

• Sensory Story Sessions: Interactive storytelling with tactile books, props, and visual aids that engage sight, sound, and touch. Great for children who benefit from multi-sensory learning.
• Tactile Reading Corners: Cosy spaces within the library stocked with sensory-friendly books, soft lighting, bean bags, and fidget-friendly furniture—ideal for relaxed solo reading or shared quiet time.
• Quiet Hours: Many libraries offer scheduled quiet times with reduced lighting and noise. Perfect for children who find busy environments overwhelming.
• Sensory Kits & Fidget Toys: Available on request, these kits include items like weighted cushions, tactile toys, and chewable jewellery to support self-regulation and focus.
• Tover Tafel (Magic Table): An interactive light projection game table that encourages movement, play, and engagement through beautiful, calming visuals—particularly popular with autistic children and those with learning disabilities.
• Staff Trained in Autism Awareness: Many branches have staff trained to support neurodiverse children, making it genuinely inclusive space for learning and play.

How to Access:
Services are free with a library card. Booking may be required for certain storytime sessions or Tover Tafel play. Check your local library branch for upcoming sensory events and accessibility info.

Tip: Look out for sensory-specific family mornings during school holidays.

Sensory Hour at Cabra Library, Every Thursday at 5.00- 6.00pm
A wonderful Sensory Hour specifically for children aged 4 and up, along with their parents or carers. Their sensory pod is a cozy, enclosed spot where children can relax and feel safe if things get a bit overwhelming. There are also lots of sensory toys and gadgets to explore, plus the Tovertafel, which is a super fun interactive light game that kids absolutely love.

Remember Us (Balbriggan)

Location: Unit 5, Balbriggan Retail Park, Co. Dublin
Ages: From 4 years to adulthood
SEN Focus: Autism, intellectual disabilities, and developmental needs

What to Expect:

Remember Us is a vibrant, inclusive community that supports children, teens, and adults with special needs and their families. Based in North County Dublin, the centre offers a welcoming environment where kids can be themselves, make friends, and enjoy tailored activities in a safe and supported setting.

Weekly Social Groups
Programs are split by age and developmental stage, including:

• Cool Kids (Ages 4–10) – crafts, games, sensory play, and story time.
• Cool Gang (Teens) – movie nights, sports, cooking, and peer support.
• Young Adults & Adults – life skills, outings, and confidence-building workshops

Seasonal Camps & Family Respite
Respite camps are run during school holidays, offering full or half-day sessions filled with creative and relaxing activities. Siblings and parents are welcome too—making it a true family support network.

Sensory Garden & Outdoor Area
The centre boasts a beautifully designed sensory garden with:

• An accessible swing and sandpit
• Aromatic planting, wind chimes, and soft seating
• Quiet zones for children who need calm and regulation
• Family Support & Community
  Parents can access advice, mental health support, coffee mornings, and family days out, all helping to build a community of understanding and encouragement.

 

Neurodiversity Ireland Sensory Centre

Location: Dublin
Ages: Children & Teens
Best For: Sensory needs, social support, neurodiverse families

Neurodiversity Ireland’s Sensory Centre is a safe, inclusive, and neuro-affirmative space designed specifically for children and young people with additional needs. Rooted in a child-led, strengths-based approach, the centre welcomes families navigating autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other neurodivergent experiences.

What You’ll Find:

• Multi-sensory playrooms designed to soothe and stimulate in equal measure.
• Calming zones for decompression and quiet time.
• Interactive activities that encourage self-expression, confidence, and co-regulation.
• Peer social groups guided by trained facilitators who specialise in neuro-affirmative support.
• Parent support through drop-in chats, workshops, and resources.

Whether your child prefers solo sensory play, enjoys small group interaction, or needs time to self-regulate, the Sensory Centre meets them where they are—with no pressure to perform or conform.

Good to know: Sessions are usually small and bookable in advance to ensure a calm and predictable environment. Some events are free or donation-based, depending on the programme.

Spectrum Fitness Play Classes

Location: Swords, North Dublin
Ages: 2–5 years

Looking for a movement-based activity that supports your child’s development in a safe, sensory-aware environment? Spectrum Kids Fitness in Swords offers play-based fitness classes specially designed for young children on the autism spectrum. These small-group sessions focus on building confidence, coordination, and strength—through fun, child-led movement games and exercises.

The sessions are structured to promote social interaction while respecting each child’s sensory needs. Instructors are experienced in working with neurodiverse children and create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that many parents say is a highlight of their child’s week.

Dublin City Mum’s Top Tip: Classes are kept small to allow for individual attention, so early booking is recommended. Many families have found it a great way to gently introduce routine, socialisation, and fitness in a stress-free setting.

Sensory Gym – Dublin City

Location: Knock Riada, Chapelizod, Dublin 20

Ages: Children and teens (typically from toddler to early teens)

What to Expect:
Sensory Gym is a purpose-built facility designed for children with sensory processing difficulties, motor coordination challenges, or neuro-motor developmental needs. Run by a team of experienced occupational therapists, the space is safe, welcoming, and entirely child-centred.

Children can engage in sensory motor therapy sessions using a wide variety of specialised equipment—such as swings, crash mats, climbing walls, tunnels, and balance tools—to support body awareness, coordination, and regulation.

Sessions are typically one-to-one and tailored to the child’s individual needs, with a strong focus on making therapy fun, playful, and empowering. Whether your child is autistic, has ADHD, dyspraxia, or other developmental differences, Sensory Gym offers a supportive space to build skills and confidence through movement.

Dublin City Mum’s Top Tip: They run assessments and parent support consultations—ideal if you’re looking for guidance on how to support your child at home or school.

Messy Adventures

Locations: Clontarf, Malahide, Portmarnock, Ongar (Dublin 15)
Ages: Babies & toddlers (up to 5 years)

What to Expect:
Messy Adventures is all about hands-on, sensory-rich fun designed to stimulate little imaginations and encourage exploration. Each session offers a variety of themed messy play stations—think foam mountains to squish, colourful rice to scoop, water tables to splash in, and washable paints for finger-painting masterpieces.

These sessions are perfect for children with sensory needs as there’s no pressure to follow instructions—kids are free to move between activities at their own pace, building confidence and motor skills along the way. All materials are taste-safe and non-toxic, and aprons are provided (though you may still want to bring a spare change of clothes!).

SEN Tip: Smaller group sizes and a relaxed, non-structured environment make these sessions a great choice for children who need a gentler, flexible play setting. Parents can join in or simply sit back and watch their child explore.

Sibshop Ireland

Location: Various venues across Dublin
Ages: 8–12 years

What to Expect:
Sibshop Ireland creates a safe, fun, and supportive space for children who have a siblings with intellectual disabilities, medical needs, or additional support requirements. Through a combination of play-based activities, group discussions, and creative projects, Sibshops help children share their experiences, build resilience, and make friends who truly “get” what life is like for them.

Workshops are run both in-person at various Dublin locations and online, making them accessible to families across the city. Each session is led by trained facilitators and includes icebreakers, team games, art, and guided conversations that give siblings the chance to talk openly in a judgement-free environment.

Sibshop Ireland also supports the wider family network by offering Information Seminars for parents, carers, and teachers—covering topics like sibling wellbeing, family dynamics, and practical strategies for support at home and school.

These workshops recognise the unique role siblings play in the lives of children with additional needs, giving them a voice, validation, and a community of peers.

Sensory Fun With Friends

Location: Various venues across Dublin
Ages: 3–21 years

What to Expect:
Sensory Fun With Friends is a non-profit, voluntary, parent-led group that creates safe, welcoming spaces for children and young people with complex additional needs—and their siblings—to enjoy activities together.

Events are designed around fun, inclusion, and sensory engagement, offering a variety of experiences such as:

• Seasonal camps during school breaks.
• Themed sensory play sessions (soft play, water play, music, and movement).
• Outings to accessible attractions across Dublin.
• Low-stimulus events for children who benefit from quieter settings.

Parents and carers are actively involved, fostering a strong sense of community and peer support. Activities are structured to be flexible and adaptable so that every child, regardless of their abilities, can participate comfortably and meaningfully.

Dublin City Mum’s Top Tip: Follow their Facebook group or mailing list to get updates on upcoming sessions, as spots can fill up quickly.

Ship Shape Kids Play – Autism Hours

Location: Castleknock
Ages: 1–11 years

What to Expect:
Ship Shape Kids Play runs monthly autism-friendly soft-play sessions designed to make playtime accessible and enjoyable for all children. During these dedicated hours, lighting is dimmed, background noise is kept to a minimum, and capacity is limited to avoid overwhelming crowds. The large indoor play frame offers slides, tunnels, and climbing structures, while the toddler area provides safe, age-appropriate fun for younger visitors. Staff are trained to be mindful of sensory needs, creating a calm and supportive environment where children can explore at their own pace.

Dublin City Mum’s Top Tip: Booking in advance is recommended, as these sessions are popular and numbers are capped. Parents can relax with a coffee in the café while still keeping an eye on the play areas.

Dream Point Experience – Dublin Docklands

Location: Dublin Docklands
Ages: All ages

What to Expect:
Dream Point Experience is a purpose-designed sensory wonderland perfect for children (and adults) with additional needs. This immersive venue is divided into themed sensory zones that encourage relaxation, exploration, and playful interaction. Highlights include:

• The Bubble Room – Soft lighting, bubble tubes, and gentle music create a calming environment ideal for unwinding and regulating sensory input.
• Glow Corridor – A magical walkway filled with glowing shapes, colour-changing lights, and tactile surfaces to stimulate curiosity in a gentle way.
• Inflatable Forest – A fun, soft-play area where children can safely explore large inflatable shapes, balance beams, and tunnels.

Sessions are timed and pre-booked, ensuring small group sizes and a calm, supportive atmosphere. Staff are experienced in working with children with sensory processing differences, and the layout is wheelchair- and buggy-accessible.

Dublin City Mum’s Top Tip: Arrive a few minutes early to allow your child time to adjust to the space before your session begins. Noise-reducing headphones are available on request.

Booking: Online pre-booking is essential due to limited group sizes. Visit their official website for schedules and special SEN-friendly events.

Dublin Zoo

Location: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
Ages: All ages

Why it’s SEN-friendly:
Dublin Zoo offers thoughtful access to ensure a calm, inclusive experience for families with children who have additional needs or sensory sensitivities.

What to Expect:

• Full access to all animal habitats, playgrounds, and exhibits with no restrictions for families with additional needs.
• Priority entrance at the main gate allows SEN visitors to skip queues—ideal for children who may struggle with waiting in crowds or busy environments.
• Sensory-friendly resources, including quiet zones, calm spaces, and detailed maps that help you plan a visit around peak times or potential sensory triggers.
• One free carer ticket is available per visitor with additional needs. You can show an autism ID card, Access Card, or a short medical note, and no pre-booking is required.
• Visitors are welcome to bring noise-cancelling headphones, weighted lap pads, or other supports to help manage sensory input during their visit.

Dublin City Mum’s Top Tip:
Visit midweek or early in the morning for a quieter experience. Don’t miss the Family Farm or the Sea Lion Splash area—both are popular and accessible but can get busy during weekends.

MoLI – Shut Your Eyes and See

Location: Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), St Stephen’s Green, Dublin
Ages: All ages (The Shut Your Eyes and See programme is for Primary and Secondary Schools)
What to Expect:

MoLI’s Shut Your Eyes and See is an award-winning, sensory-friendly experience inspired by the creativity of James Joyce and developed in consultation with neurodiverse children and their families. This immersive exhibit is designed especially for children who benefit from gentle, low-stimulation environments.

This thoughtful experience celebrates sensory learning and opens up new ways for children to connect with stories, words, and creativity. Children are invited to explore literature through all five senses, with features including:

• A calming, darkened space with interactive light projections, soft visuals, and low ambient sounds.
• Tactile, touchable elements and creative visual storytelling that sparks imagination without overwhelming the senses.
• A quiet, self-led experience with no pressure to complete tasks, simply explore at your own pace.
• The programme is free of charge for families and schools, with advance booking available for group visits.

More from MoLI:

• Learning at MoLI – Discover inclusive programming, school visits, and outreach.
• Learning Resources – Download story-based sensory activities and creative guides for home or classroom use.

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The Ark – Children’s Cultural Centre

Location: Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Ages: 2–12 years

What to Expect:
The Ark is a standout destination for families looking for creative, inclusive programming in the heart of Dublin. As Ireland’s first cultural centre dedicated exclusively to children, The Ark offers a variety of SEN-friendly events throughout the year, including:

• Sensory-friendly performances with reduced audience sizes, softer lighting, and adjusted sound levels.
• Relaxed visual art workshops tailored to different ability levels, often led by trained facilitators who are sensitive to children’s sensory needs.
• Inclusive storytelling sessions and music experiences in small, supportive groups.
• Quiet spaces and pre-visit social stories to help children prepare for their visit.

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The team at The Ark works closely with families and disability advocates to ensure programming is accessible and welcoming to all children. Their events calendar clearly labels SEN-friendly and relaxed performances, making it easier to plan ahead.

Bricks 4 Kidz – Special Needs Camps

Location: Multiple venues across Dublin
Ages: 5–12 (with custom sessions available on request)
SEN-Friendly Focus: Autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, sensory processing differences, and physical disabilities

What Makes It Special:

Bricks 4 Kidz offers inclusive, LEGO®-based STEM camps thoughtfully adapted for children with additional needs. These camps provide a structured yet flexible environment where kids can explore engineering and creativity through hands-on play using LEGO® bricks, gears, and motorised models.

Why families love it:

• Small group sizes ensure every child receives attention and support.
• Sessions are led by trained staff familiar with a range of physical, sensory, and learning differences.
• The focus is on individual pacing, social inclusion, and sensory-friendly design, with quiet zones and visual schedules available when needed.
• Parents can request tailored support or one-to-one options depending on the child’s needs.

Tip from a parent:
“The calm, creative atmosphere and supportive team made it the first camp our son actually looked forward to. Highly recommend for any child who loves building and needs a little extra support.”

Emerald Park

Location: Ashbourne, Co. Meath
Ages: All ages

Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) is Ireland’s largest theme park and zoo, offering over 45 rides, attractions, and animal encounters. Families can enjoy everything from gentle train rides and playgrounds to rollercoasters and water rides—plus the park’s zoo, home to tigers, meerkats, monkeys, and birds of prey.

Why it’s SEN-friendly:

• Accessibility Guide: The park provides a detailed accessibility guide covering quiet access routes, sensory-friendly zones, and adapted facilities.
• Supportive Staff & Facilities: There are calm spaces for visitors who need a sensory break, accessible toilets, and full assistance/service dog access.
• SEN Tickets: €25 per guest with one free carer ticket included.
• Queue Assist Pass: Available to eligible guests with additional needs. This pass covers the guest, one named carer/companion, and up to 2 extra guests, allowing reduced wait times on up to 8 attractions per visit (note: it does not guarantee immediate or unlimited access).
• Inclusive Atmosphere: Staff are trained to assist with boarding rides, offering extra time and space for families who need it.

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Dublin City Mum’s Top Tip: Arrive early to plan your route using the park’s accessibility map, and consider visiting on a weekday or outside peak school holiday times for a calmer experience.