Planning days out for autistic children and teens can be a challenge especially during the busy summer months when crowds, loud noise and unpredictable environments are the norm. At The Lagoon Activity Centre in West Cork, we understand the need for quieter, more structured experiences that allow every child to enjoy the water safely and confidently.
That’s why we’ve created our Autism-Friendly Floating Water Park sessions, specifically designed to provide a calm, inclusive alternative to the standard water park experience.
Why Autism-Friendly Days Out Matter
For many autistic children and young people, a typical day out can be overwhelming. Loud music, crowded spaces, rushed instructions and unpredictable schedules can create stress or sensory overload. What’s often missing is the option to enjoy the same fun activities in a way that feels safe, manageable and enjoyable.
According to the HSE report on Wellbeing of Children and Young People, around 1 in 65 people in Ireland are on the autism spectrum. As awareness grows, so does the demand for inclusive activity options that take different sensory, emotional and communication needs into account. Our autism-friendly sessions aim to do just that.
What Makes Our Autism-Friendly Days Out Different
Unlike standard sessions, our autism-friendly water park experiences are intentionally quieter, calmer and less crowded. We’ve adapted the structure to suit families and individuals who need a more controlled environment. Here’s what sets these sessions apart:
- Reduced numbers per session to avoid noise and crowding
- No background music creating a low-sensory environment
- Time buffers before and after each session to ensure no interaction with standard bookings
- Free entry for accompanying parents or carers
- Trained staff and lifeguards who are briefed to provide clear guidance and a supportive presence
- All equipment is included: wetsuits, lifejackets, and access to changing rooms and showers
Everything is in place to ensure that visitors feel welcomed, supported and able to enjoy their time on the water without pressure or overwhelm.
Autism-Friendly Floating Water Park Experience
Our Floating Water Park spans over 1,000 square metres of inflatable fun, including a trampoline, two slides, a giant hamster wheel, climbing wall and a nine-metre iceberg. All this fun floats safely on the calm waters of the lagoon.
Each session is fully supervised by trained and qualified lifeguards who have received specific training on working with autistic children and provide a slow-paced introduction to the water park before the fun begins. Participants are asked to arrive 30 minutes early to settle in and get ready at their own pace.
The lagoon’s depth ranges from 3 to 16 metres, so a moderate level of swimming ability is required for all visitors, and children under 12 must be accompanied by a participating adult. You can bring your own wetsuit or use one of ours. For safety, socks must be worn on the water park.
These quieter, well-supported sessions are available to book online in advance and are clearly marked as autism friendly.
Other Water-Based Activities for a Calmer Day Out
Although the Floating Water Park is the highlight, families often combine it with other calming or lower-pressure activities available at The Lagoon. These include:
- Pedal boats – perfect for pairs or small groups to explore the water at their own pace
- Kayaking or canoeing – ideal for families or groups looking to explore the water at their own pace
These can be mixed into your visit to create a full day that’s fun, flexible and tailored to your needs.
Booking and What to Expect
You can book your autism-friendly session directly on our website. Just head to our homepage and select the Floating Water Park (Autism Friendly) option on your preferred date.
We recommend bringing swimwear, a towel, and socks, which must be worn while on the inflatable water features. You’re also welcome to bring your own wetsuit if preferred, though we do provide them on site. A light snack and water are useful to have on hand for after your session.
Please aim to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for a calm and relaxed check-in. If you have specific questions or accessibility needs, feel free to reach out to our team. We are always happy to help. You can also check our opening times and contact us here in advance.
Plan a Safe, Supported Summer Adventure
At The Lagoon, we believe every young person deserves the chance to experience outdoor fun, connection and confidence-building activities, regardless of their sensory, social or developmental needs. Our autism-friendly water park sessions are designed with this in mind.
So, whether you’re planning a family day out, a school group visit or just looking for something different this summer, we’d love to welcome you to a space that’s calm, inclusive and full of fun.
👉 Book your autism-friendly session now and enjoy a day that’s truly made for everyone.
