You may not be aware of it, but interactive charitable children's museum Imaginosity ranks as more popular than either Newgrange or the National Museum of Ireland in the visitor stakes, according to Fáilte Ireland. But it shouldn't come as any great surprise, because Imaginosity is the ultimate hang-out for the under-10s, a world filled with merriment and creativity.

The philosophy here is 'hands-on, minds-on' and the possibilities for fun are endless, so much so that grown-ups too will wish they could go back a few decades. There's a theatre space, for example, where kids get to put on make-up, play with props and create their own stories around themes like 'Enchanted Woodland' and 'Outer Space'. If they're X Factor hopefuls, they'll love the music corner where they can grab a guitar and watch themselves on screen. Budding journalists can become part of the Imaginosity news team and report on the latest news and weather onscreen while the Climber – which provides myriad crawling and exploring opportunities – spans two floors and includes a sailing ship, castle turret and mysterious underwater world. The Construction Club – where kids don yellow hard hats and tool belts, get to operate a crane, lay magnetic wallpaper and learn about solar energy – is especially cool. That's not to mention the many workshops and classes that happen every day and are free, with admission.

Parents who are looking for a fun expedition this holiday season should take note of the fact that Imaginosity is open throughout the Christmas period (except 25 and 26 December and 1 January) and over the next few days there will be pantomime workshops, storytelling sessions, Christmas-card-making workshops and the brilliantly entitled 'Messy Painting'. From 27 December workshops will be held on how to make your own dinosaur from a toilet roll and something called 'Everyone is a Star', where children learn how to put on a performance with others.

Parents might also like to take note of the keen price – €8.50 for children and adults, €6.50 for toddlers, and €2 for those over six months (under six months free) for a two-hour visit. Cheap as chips – in fact, cheaper than chips and much more of a treat than a trip to a burger joint.

imaginosity

The Plaza, Beacon South Quarter

Sandyford, Dublin 18

Tel: 01 217 6130

www.imaginosity.ie