Pienten Helsinki
Where to go with children in summery Helsinki? What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
The cover image of this article is from the Tall Ships Races event, when the large sailing ships visited Helsinki last in summer 2013. Tall Ships Races is coming to Helsinki again this week!
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Current highlights
- Find dozens of tips for summer in Helsinki from Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series! It's intended to be Helsinki's summer ABC – everything you can do with children in Helsinki during summer – a series that currently contains over 50 articles! Don't forget Pienten Suomi, whose new map service has now been launched!
- Find all Pienten Helsinki's playground tips behind this link.
- Want to swim?
- Pienten Helsinki's Swimming guide recommends child-friendly beaches in Helsinki.
- The Swimming spots for hot days guide collects tips for outdoor pools and other swimming spots free from blue-green algae.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially open during summer 2024 in open playgrounds. - Museum tips for visiting with children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
- Remarkable Skidipeli at Merkkiin Media Museum and Archive from May 8 to October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- Helsinki City Museum's new Mestat and huudit – See Helsinki differently exhibition offers activities and experiences for children too!
- Art in the middle of the city! Kim Simonsson's Earthwork Giants can be found at Lasipalatsi Square and the Bio Rex terrace through October. Impressive, thought-provoking, and delightful for children too.
- Skidimarket Deli – freshly baked play cottage can be found at Hietalahti Market Hall! Open during hall's opening hours, free admission.
- Museum passes or Korkeasaari tickets can also be borrowed from the library!
Viiki Library offers a pass to the Natural History Museum. Kalasatama Library offers a pass to Korkeasaari Zoo.
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series offers many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
- Children's Traffic City is open on Mondays from 9–16 and you can drive pedal cars in the area. The activity is aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start on the hour and the last lesson starts at 3 PM. Admission to Traffic City is free.
- Espoo: Little Garden Kindergarten at Children's Cultural Center Aurora Monday to Friday, July 1-12, 2024, 9 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
- Art Fun at Annantalo every weekday from 10–12 and 1–3 PM.
Art activities happen in summer 2024 at Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with their own adult, and older children can also participate without an adult. You can drop by anytime or stay longer.
- Sounding Forest: Sibelius for Children at Espa Stage on Monday at 4 PM. Free admission.
Playground activities on Monday
- Playground summer meals menu on Monday: Italian Stew (M S K)
Bring your own cooking pot, utensils, and drink!
- Playground summer season continues and the playgrounds open this week are:
Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Dragon Playground, Mustakivi, and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki City's event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially open during summer 2024 in open playgrounds.
- Loru Playground is closed in July!
- MLL's Family House Unikko is closed and will reopen on August 5, 2024.
- Find all Pienten Helsinki's playground tips behind this link.
Library activities on Monday
- Helmet libraries' children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series offers many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
- Children's Traffic City is open on Tuesdays from 9–16 and you can drive pedal cars in the area. The activity is aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start on the hour and the last lesson starts at 3 PM. Admission to Traffic City is free.
- Espoo: Little Garden Kindergarten at Children's Cultural Center Aurora Monday to Friday, July 1-12, 2024, 9 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
- Art Fun at Annantalo every weekday from 10–12 and 1–3 PM.
Art activities happen in summer 2024 at Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with their own adult, and older children can also participate without an adult. You can drop by anytime or stay longer.
Commercial cooperation - Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secret of Wolf Island on Tuesday at 12 PM and 3 PM. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
Wolf Island Secret is a historically-based adventure tour for children (ages 6–13) that's also great for adults. Following clues and solving riddles, adventurers encounter exciting situations and curious events from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and 18th century history in an exciting and experiential way.
Playground activities on Tuesday
- Playground summer meals menu on Tuesday: Lentil Vegetable Soup (M G K Veg).
Bring your own cooking pot, utensils, and drink!
- Playground summer season continues and the playgrounds open this week are:
Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Dragon Playground, Mustakivi, and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki City's event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially open during summer 2024 in open playgrounds.
- Loru Playground is closed in July!
- MLL's Family House Unikko is closed and will reopen on August 5, 2024.
- Find all Pienten Helsinki's playground tips behind this link.
Library activities on Tuesday
- Helmet libraries' children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series offers many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
- Järvenpää: Kakarablues on the Blues Stage in Järvenpää city center Wednesday to Friday. Free admission.
- Children's Traffic City is open on Wednesdays from 9–16 and you can ride scooters in the area. The activity is aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start on the hour and the last lesson starts at 3 PM. Admission to Traffic City is free.
- Espoo: Little Garden Kindergarten at Children's Cultural Center Aurora Monday to Friday, July 1-12, 2024, 9 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
- Art Fun at Annantalo every weekday from 10–12 and 1–3 PM.
Art activities happen in summer 2024 at Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with their own adult, and older children can also participate without an adult. You can drop by anytime or stay longer. - Summer Crafts at Oodi on the 3rd floor on Wednesday at 2 PM. Free admission.
Commercial cooperation - Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secret of Wolf Island on Wednesday at 12 PM and 3 PM. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
Wolf Island Secret is a historically-based adventure tour for children (ages 6–13) that's also great for adults. Following clues and solving riddles, adventurers encounter exciting situations and curious events from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and 18th century history in an exciting and experiential way. - Fire Museum is closed in July!
Playground activities on Wednesday
- Playground summer meals menu on Wednesday: Fish Soup (L G N S K).
Bring your own cooking pot, utensils, and drink! - Playground summer season continues and the playgrounds open this week are:
Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Dragon Playground, Mustakivi, and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki City's event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially open during summer 2024 in open playgrounds.
- Loru Playground is closed in July!
- MLL's Family House Unikko is closed and will reopen on August 5, 2024.
- Find all Pienten Helsinki's playground tips behind this link.
Library activities on Wednesday
- Helmet libraries' children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
Pienten Suomi has been updated!
Pienten Suomi - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series offers many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
- Järvenpää: Kakarablues on the Blues Stage in Järvenpää city center Wednesday to Friday. Free admission.
- Tall Ships Races Helsinki Thursday to Sunday around Market Square. The event area includes South Harbor, Market Square, Katajanoka, Canal Bank, and North Shore. The event area is open Thursday to Saturday 11 AM-10 PM (Children's News Park 11 AM-6 PM) and Sunday 11 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
- Children's Traffic City is open on Thursdays from 9–16 and you can ride scooters in the area. The activity is aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start on the hour and the last lesson starts at 3 PM. Admission to Traffic City is free.
- Espoo: Little Garden Kindergarten at Children's Cultural Center Aurora Monday to Friday, July 1-12, 2024, 9 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
- Art Fun at Annantalo every weekday from 10–12 and 1–3 PM.
Art activities happen in summer 2024 at Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with their own adult, and older children can also participate without an adult. You can drop by anytime or stay longer.
Commercial cooperation - Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secret of Wolf Island on Thursday at 12 PM and 3 PM. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
Wolf Island Secret is a historically-based adventure tour for children (ages 6–13) that's also great for adults. Following clues and solving riddles, adventurers encounter exciting situations and curious events from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and 18th century history in an exciting and experiential way. - University of Helsinki Observatory on Observatory Hill is open Thursday from 12–8 PM. Museum admission fee applies.
- SEA LIFE's turtles take walks weather permitting near the SeaLife main entrance every Thursday from June 27 to July 25, 2–3:30 PM. You can admire the turtles for free (SeaLife admission fee applies).
- Espoo: Tapiola Garden Workshops in Tapion Park Thursday 3–5 PM. A design workshop suitable for the whole family. Free admission.
- Espoo: Aurora Summer Stage: Höpinätötterö concert at Children's Cultural Center Aurora Thursday at 6 PM. Free admission.
Playground activities on Thursday
- Playground summer meals menu on Thursday: Vegetable Cream Soup (L G K)
Bring your own cooking pot, utensils, and drink! - Playground summer season continues and the playgrounds open this week are:
Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Dragon Playground, Mustakivi, and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki City's event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially open during summer 2024 in open playgrounds.
- Loru Playground is closed in July!
- MLL's Family House Unikko is closed and will reopen on August 5, 2024.
- Find all Pienten Helsinki's playground tips behind this link.
Library activities on Thursday
- Helmet libraries' children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series offers many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
- Tall Ships Races Helsinki Thursday to Sunday around Market Square. The event area includes South Harbor, Market Square, Katajanoka, Canal Bank, and North Shore. The event area is open Thursday to Saturday 11 AM-10 PM (Children's News Park 11 AM-6 PM) and Sunday 11 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
Children's News Park program on Friday. Children's News Park is located in Katajanoka at the intersection of Harbor Street and Canal Street, next to the Uspenski Cathedral. - Espoo: Little Garden Kindergarten at Children's Cultural Center Aurora Monday to Friday, July 1-12, 2024, 9 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
- Järvenpää: Kakarablues on the Blues Stage in Järvenpää city center Wednesday to Friday. Free admission.
- Art Fun at Annantalo every weekday from 10–12 and 1–3 PM.
Art activities happen in summer 2024 at Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with their own adult, and older children can also participate without an adult. You can drop by anytime or stay longer. - Children's Traffic City is open on Fridays from 10 AM-4 PM. On family days, no instruction is provided and children move through traffic city under their own adult's guidance. Driving time 30 minutes. Admission to Traffic City is free.
Commercial cooperation - Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secret of Wolf Island (in Swedish) Friday at 12 PM. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
Wolf Island Secret is a historically-based adventure tour for children (ages 6–13) that's also great for adults. Following clues and solving riddles, adventurers encounter exciting situations and curious events from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and 18th century history in an exciting and experiential way. - MIL-Espa: Finnish Defense Forces Conscript Band Showband at Espa Stage Friday at 2 PM. Free admission.
- University of Helsinki Observatory on Observatory Hill is open Friday from 12–4 PM. Museum admission fee applies.
Playground activities on Friday
- Playground summer meals menu on Friday: Vegetable-Cheese-Chicken Soup (L G N S K)
Bring your own cooking pot, utensils, and drink! - Playground summer season continues and the playgrounds open this week are:
Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Dragon Playground, Mustakivi, and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki City's event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially open during summer 2024 in open playgrounds.
- Loru Playground is closed in July!
- MLL's Family House Unikko is closed and will reopen on August 5, 2024.
- Find all Pienten Helsinki's playground tips behind this link.
Library activities on Friday
- Helmet libraries' children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2024
Eino Leino Day
Events and
activity tips
- Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series offers many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
- Find all Pienten Helsinki's playground tips behind this link.
- Tall Ships Races Helsinki Thursday to Sunday around Market Square. The event area includes South Harbor, Market Square, Katajanoka, Canal Bank, and North Shore. The event area is open Thursday to Saturday 11 AM-10 PM (Children's News Park 11 AM-6 PM) and Sunday 11 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
Children's News Park program on Saturday. Children's News Park is located in Katajanoka at the intersection of Harbor Street and Canal Street, next to the Uspenski Cathedral.
- Helmet libraries' children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
Commercial cooperation: - Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena July 6 – August 11, 2024.
The exhibition opening on Saturday, July 6, 2024 will also feature Hevisaurus! 🦕
The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer comes to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers the needs of small children with activities and experiences for all ages.
Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (ages 2–16), seniors, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years 0 € (no separate ticket needed).
Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R-train. - Espoo: Badger's Forest Story Time at Villa Elfvik Saturday at 11 AM. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Håkansbölen Summer Exhibitions are open at Håkansbölen Manor area Saturday and Sunday 11 AM–4 PM. Free admission.
- Horse Rides and Pony Riding at Seurasaari Saturday 11 AM-5 PM. Fee applies.
Commercial cooperation: - Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secret of Wolf Island Saturday at 12 PM and 3 PM. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
Wolf Island Secret is a historically-based adventure tour for children (ages 6–13) that's also great for adults. Following clues and solving riddles, adventurers encounter exciting situations and curious events from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and 18th century history in an exciting and experiential way. - Remarkable Skidipeli at Merkkiin Media Museum and Archive from May 8 to October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- Itis Block Party children's program at Tallinna Square Saturday:
- 2–2:30 PM Mimi & Kuku Show
- 2:30–3 PM Mimi & Kuku Meet & Greet
- 3–3:30 PM Sirkus Magenta
- 4–4:45 PM Aarne Alligaattori Show
- 4:50–5:15 PM Aarne Alligaattori Meet & Greet
Free admission.
SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series offers many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
Commercial cooperation: - Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena July 6 – August 11, 2024.
The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer comes to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers the needs of small children with activities and experiences for all ages.
Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (ages 2–16), seniors, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years 0 € (no separate ticket needed).
Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R-train. - Tall Ships Races Helsinki Thursday to Sunday around Market Square. The event area includes South Harbor, Market Square, Katajanoka, Canal Bank, and North Shore. The event area is open Thursday to Saturday 11 AM-10 PM (Children's News Park 11 AM-6 PM) and Sunday 11 AM-4 PM. Free admission.
Children's News Park program on Sunday. Children's News Park is located in Katajanoka at the intersection of Harbor Street and Canal Street, next to the Uspenski Cathedral. - Tall Ships Races: Parade of Sails starting at 12 PM. The best viewing spots are along the harbors and the shores of Katajanoka, Suomenlinna, Vallisaari, and Kruunuvuorenranta.
- Find all Pienten Helsinki's playground tips behind this link.
- Children's Traffic City is open on Sundays from 10 AM-4 PM. On family days, no instruction is provided and children move through traffic city under their own adult's guidance. Driving time 30 minutes. Admission to Traffic City is free.
- Espoo: Adventure Forest in Villa Elfvik surroundings Sunday 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Håkansbölen Summer Exhibitions are open at Håkansbölen Manor area Saturday and Sunday 11 AM–4 PM. Free admission.
- Remarkable Skidipeli at Merkkiin Media Museum and Archive from May 8 to October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- What should we do today? Check the tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
- Secrets of Helsinki guide reveals small and big secrets about Helsinki!
Also remember:
Pienten Suomi - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
