Adam & Friends leading manufacturer and designer of sensory rooms in their Rathfarnham store you can pop into one of the one hour sensory and soft play sessions with an extensive range learning and development toys to therapy equipment for children with special needs.

Prebooking is essential.

The first of it's kind in Roscommon, Sensory Me is a therapeutic multi-sensory environment for children of all abilities. Located in Ballypheasan it is a parent-led service and opens seven days a week. Sensory Me has a colour changing wall, a climbing wall, an interactive floor zone, soft play area, and a large ball pool area just to name a few.

Aquariums can be both soothing and educational for children in general but they can also be very therapeutic for children on the autism spectrum.  Sea Life Bray is a small aquarium with Irelands largest selection of starfish, daily talks and interactive feeding times. Sea Life opens daily from 10 am and tickets are always cheaper if booked in advance online.

Dreamland
At Dreamland they believe every child has a right to play. It's an all-inclusive play centre for children under the age of 9 and they advertise themselves as a dream come true for disabled children all over Ireland because they can play alongside their siblings and friends. Here kids can climb the magical Tree of Life, shop in the mini market, operate on teddies in the toy hospital, meet Captain Jack Sparrow or kick back in their beautiful sensory room. And if that isn't enough all funds raised from Dreamland go directly towards making dreams a reality for ill children and it allows disabled children to visit the fun centre free of charge.

Best of Matz offer a therapeutic area of relaxation and stimulation for children with a sensory playroom based on the four principles of smell, sound, sight and touch. The room is complete with specialised sensory activity equipment, sensory lighting and they even have an exotic fish tank on display.

Hidden on the outskirts of Carlow the Delta Sensory Gardens is a little gem of a place and makes a great day out for the whole family. TripAdvisor often describes it as ‘an oasis of peace and tranquillity’. With numerous themed fully accessible gardens, water features and a charming coffee shop it's sure to keep everyone smiling.

And, of course, if you are on a budget grab the buckets and spades and head to your nearest beach, let them dig to their heart's content or let them splash around and if that's not an option your local park early morning and late evening is always a winner.