The Imaginarium

Feb 19
2 min read

Updated: Jul 22

At a Glance

📍 Newry

💷 Affordable admission

🅿️ Nearby town centre parking

🚻 Toilets & baby changing available

♿️ Fully wheelchair accessible with dedicated sensory spaces and quiet sessions available

☕️ On-site café

🧒 Best for ages 0–10 years (with activities for older children too)

🗺️ 10 Upper Edward Street, Newry, BT35 6AX

What You'll Find

If your little ones love using their imagination, then The Imaginarium is one of those hidden gems that's completely different from your typical soft play.

Created by Sticky Fingers Arts, this magical creative play centre encourages children to explore, imagine, build, create and tell stories through interactive play rather than flashing lights and arcade games.

Inside you'll discover Storyland, an imaginative play world packed with themed play spaces, sensory experiences and hands-on activities designed to spark creativity. From storytelling corners and role play to interactive installations, every visit encourages children to lead their own adventures.

The centre is constantly evolving too, with creative workshops, LEGO clubs, comic clubs, drama sessions, craft activities, baby discos and seasonal events happening throughout the year, meaning no two visits are ever quite the same.

One thing we really love is how inclusive the whole space is. The Imaginarium has been designed so children of all abilities can play together, with sensory features, quiet sessions and additional support available when needed.

For the Grown Ups

While the little adventurers disappear into a world of imagination, parents can relax in the on-site café with a coffee and a treat.

The atmosphere is calm, welcoming and community-focused, making it just as enjoyable for adults as it is for children. Whether you're meeting friends or simply looking for somewhere different to spend a rainy day, it's a lovely place to slow down and enjoy quality family time.

Why We Loved It

✅Something completely different from traditional soft play

✅Encourages creativity, imagination and storytelling

✅Fantastic sensory-friendly and fully accessible environment

✅Great mix of free play and creative activities

✅Friendly, welcoming staff

✅Brilliant for children of all abilities

✅Perfect rainy day activity in Newry

Wee Adventurers Top Tips

⭐ Allow around 2–3 hours to explore everything at your child's pace.

⭐ Check their social media before visiting as there's often an extra workshop or seasonal activity taking place.

⭐ If you have a child who enjoys quieter environments, ask about their quieter sessions.

⭐ Older siblings will enjoy the creative workshops while younger children can lose themselves in Storyland.

⭐ It's a great stop if you're exploring Newry or travelling through County Down.

Overall Verdict

The Imaginarium is one of those places that proves play doesn't always need giant slides or climbing frames to be exciting.

It's imaginative, creative and inclusive, giving children the freedom to explore, invent and create their own adventures. We loved how every area encouraged curiosity, and it's clear that every detail has been designed with children at the heart of it.