The ImagiNation is Sligo’s pretend play experience for toddlers, preschoolers and young children, located inside Lyons Department Store in the heart of Sligo town.
Designed to encourage screen-free, child-led play, it features a variety of realistic role play stations where children can explore, create and learn through imagination.
Families visit during bookable play sessions, with parents and guardians remaining throughout. The ImagiNation provides a welcoming, inclusive environment where children can build confidence, communication skills and creativity through play while enjoying quality time together.
What you will experience
During each play session, children are free to explore a child-sized world of imaginative play in a calm and screen free setting. They can shop in the supermarket, serve customers in the café, care for animals in the animal hospital, perform in the theatre, style hair in the salon, investigate at the Garda station and build at the construction site, to name a few.
With no set route or activities to follow, children can play at their own pace, follow their interests and create their own adventures. Every visit is different, encouraging creativity, confidence, communication, problem-solving and social interaction through play.
More information
- Indoor pretend play experience
- Located inside Lyons Department Store, Sligo
- Suitable for toddlers, preschoolers and young children
- Parent or guardian supervision required
- Timed play sessions
- Screen-free, child-led play
- Multiple themed role play stations
- Advance booking recommended
- Birthday parties available
- Preschool, school and group visits available
- Gift vouchers available
- Open year-round
Accessibility Information
- Lift access available
- Venue accessible by lift within Lyons Department Store
- Sensory communication board available
- Buggy parking available
- Baby changing facilities available within Lyons Department Store
- Breastfeeding friendly
- Lyons Café located nearby within the store
- Parent-supported play environment
- Inclusive and welcoming atmosphere
- Families with additional needs are welcome to contact before visiting
More info…
- Admission fees: Paid Admission
- Open: Check website for current schedule / session times here
- Suitable for younger children: Yes
- Indoor facilities: Yes
- Gift shop: Small items available on site
- Dining/refreshments: Available on site in Lyons cafe
- Guide dogs: Permitted.
- Toilets: On-site.
- Groups: Groups are welcome with prior booking.
- Accessibility: Lift available suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
- Parking: Car parking available throughout Sligo town
About Sligo
Sligo town is the hub of the county and you will experience everything great in life while visiting – great food and drink, the very best festivals and live music and a cultural rhythm that is totally unique. It’s name in Irish is Sligeach which means ‘Shelly Place’, giving a great indication to our coastal and food heritage.
You will stroll along the banks of the beautiful Garavogue River and enjoy the natural beauty of Doorly Park and Lough Gill. The towering Benbulben Mountain is always in your frame and historic Knocknarea mountain with Queen Maeve’s burial cairn on the summit regularly pops in to view.
You will meet the friendliest people in the world and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. You can easily get around Sligo town and the nearby coastal seaside villages of Strandhill and Rosses Point by public transport too;
Location
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