Pienten Helsinki
What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with kids on weekends or during summer vacation? What to do on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki's weekly series looks for activity tips and recommends family-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. In addition to events, the summer months feature tips for spending vacation days. The target audience of the website is families with preschool-aged children.
Where to go this week -article continues to be published with a slightly modified concept. The article lists the highlights of the week's events and the most interesting activity tips for the week. It also includes highlights from Pienten Helsinki articles and news. The future of the page is open, but we'll continue with this concept until the end of July.
#pientenhelsinki
Have you explored an interesting place? It would be wonderful if, when sharing images, you could use the hashtag #pientenhelsinki, so the images could bring joy and inspiration to other adventurers. As a thank you, I promise to offer hot juice with you when autumn comes in a Helsinki classic event celebrated in our neighborhood 😉
New at Pienten Helsinki: Summer in Helsinki series and its 30 articles for summer activities in Helsinki.
Collaboration with Pienten Helsinki? Read more about the website's background and opportunities to collaborate with Pienten Helsinki!
Helsinki places article has been updated and the list now includes 120 destinations to rescue or inspire you during boring days or urban adventures!
Urban paths for families
In the coming months, Pienten Helsinki will publish a new type of urban tourism concept when restaurant management student Heidi Säynätkari creates urban paths for families in several Helsinki neighborhoods as her final project. The publication of family urban paths has been delayed due to server issues and the paths will be published as soon as possible!
Pienten Helsinki page will be moved to another web hosting provider in the coming days, so this will cause downtime in the service. We hope the move will help resolve the recurring issues.
Article cover image: From Tamminiemi, Uncle Urho and Auntie Sylvi's yard.
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »|
Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY 1.7.2019
Things happening at libraries
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Things happening at playgrounds
Monday's playground meal is Italian stew (M, S, K).
Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until early August. Bring your own plate, utensils and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki event calendar. You can browse Monday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room is on vacation in July.
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the detailed summer program at the traffic city website.
Espoo: VilinäWeek 1.-5.7.2019 at 10–12 in Ison Omenakaupunki's chapel facilities. The program is organized by Hupsansaa ry. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Central Library Oodi's new courtyard and Finland's largest climbing frame are now open!
Fallkulla farm petting zoo is open during summer daily from 10-15. Free admission.
Espoo: Aurora Summer Court DIY workshop Monday to Friday 3.6.-1.8.2019 at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Aurora's yard. More information available at Aurora's website.
Pop-up Heureka Science Show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpi on Monday at 11, 12, 15 and 16. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Meilahti arboretum's rose splendor is at its best right now!
Museums open on Mondays include National Museum (summer season), Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex, Daily Newspaper Museum and Haltia Nature Centre in Espoo (summer season).
Summer pick: Going swimming? Find Pienten Helsinki's tips for good swimming spots here.
TUESDAY 2.7.2019
Things happening at libraries
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Things happening at playgrounds
Tuesday's playground meal is chicken soup (M, G, N, S, K).
Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until early August. Bring your own plate, utensils and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki event calendar. You can browse Tuesday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Espoo: VilinäWeek 1.-5.7.2019 at 10–12 in Ison Omenakaupunki's chapel facilities. The program is organized by Hupsansaa ry. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the detailed summer program at the traffic city website.
Fallkulla farm petting zoo is open during summer daily from 10-15. Free admission.
Pop-up Heureka Science Show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpi on Tuesday at 11, 12, 15 and 16. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Nord Stream Race sailing competition's Helsinki stage venue is at Löyly restaurant in Hernesaari and the family event invites visitors to learn about sailing and enjoy ice cream at Löyly on Tuesday 12-15. More information available at the sailing competition website.
Excursion tip: A summer day in Mustasaari!
Meilahti arboretum's rose splendor is at its best right now!
Vantaa: Free pasture visits at Katrinebergi Manor Farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 17–18. More information available on Vantaa city website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
City Dances at Annantalo's A.lava on Tuesday at 17.30. Read more at Annantalo's website.
For babies in Espoo: Evening Color Bath for the smallest children in Lastenkulttuurikeskus Aurora's garden on Tuesday at 18. The color bath costs 8 €. More information at Aurora's website.
Espoo: Aurora Summer Court DIY workshop Monday to Friday 3.6.-1.8.2019 at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Aurora's yard. More information available at Aurora's website.
Summer pick: Summer theater with kids? Find Pienten Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
WEDNESDAY 3.7.2019
Things happening at libraries
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Things happening at playgrounds
Wednesday's playground meal is sweet potato and potato cream soup
(L, G, K). Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until early August. Bring your own plate, utensils and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki event calendar. You can browse Wednesday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room is on vacation in July.
Aerobatic Championships SM at Malmi airfield 3.7. – 7.7. 2019. Flights mainly Wednesday to Friday daily from 9-14 and 18-20. Admission to watch the competition is free. The best place to watch the acrobatics in the air is at Malmi airfield near the parking lot next to Hangaari, from the Round terrace or from the restaurant window. The exact schedule and flight order can be found on the event website.
Espoo: VilinäWeek 1.-5.7.2019 at 10–12 in Ison Omenakaupunki's chapel facilities. The program is organized by Hupsansaa ry. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
A community garden is being established at Annantalo yard in 2019, Helsinki's most fun community garden and on Wednesdays the program includes open cultivation work meetings from 10-14.
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the detailed summer program at the traffic city website.
Central Library Oodi's new courtyard and Finland's largest climbing frame are now open!
Fallkulla farm petting zoo is open during summer daily from 10-15. Free admission.
Pop-up Heureka Science Show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpi on Wednesday at 11, 12, 15 and 16. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Espoo: Library Bike pop-up event for families in Villa Elfvik's scenery on Wednesday 11-16. In addition to the event, it's worth exploring the nature around Elfvik, trying to catch a glimpse of the goats doing maintenance work in Laajasahti and visiting the Nature House. More information at Villa Elfvik's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Meilahti arboretum's rose splendor is at its best right now!
Kindergarten Museum is on vacation in July.
Tip for Espoo: Glimsi Estate Museum's 4H farm pasture visits continue on Wednesdays at 15.30-16.30. Read more at the museum's website. Admission to Glimsi is free during pasture visits.
You can climb the National Museum tower on summer Wednesdays from 16-18. The tower tour ticket costs 5 € and can be purchased at the ticket office on Wednesdays (no advance sales). More information at the museum's website.
Espoo: Pikku-Aurora Summer Court DIY workshop Monday to Friday 3.6.-1.8.2019 at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Pikku-Aurora's yard. More information available at Aurora's website.
Summer pick: Wonderful and open summer courts can be found throughout the city!
THURSDAY 4.7.2019
Things happening at libraries
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Things happening at playgrounds
Thursday's playground meal is archipelago fish soup (M, G, N, S, K) Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until early August. Bring your own plate, utensils and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki event calendar. You can browse Thursday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room is on vacation in July.
Aerobatic Championships SM at Malmi airfield 3.7. – 7.7. 2019. Flights mainly Wednesday to Friday daily from 9-14 and 18-20. Admission to watch the competition is free. The best place to watch the acrobatics in the air is at Malmi airfield near the parking lot next to Hangaari, from the Round terrace or from the restaurant window. The exact schedule and flight order can be found on the event website.
Espoo: VilinäWeek 1.-5.7.2019 at 10–12 in Ison Omenakaupunki's chapel facilities. The program is organized by Hupsansaa ry. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the detailed summer program at the traffic city website.
Fallkulla farm petting zoo is open during summer daily from 10-15. Free admission.
Pop-up Heureka Science Show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpi on Thursday at 11, 12, 15 and 16. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Meilahti arboretum's rose splendor is at its best right now!
Tip for Espoo: Glimsi Estate Museum's 4H farm pasture visits continue on Thursdays at 15.30-16.30. Read more at the museum's website. Admission to Glimsi is free during pasture visits.
Espoo: Pikku-Aurora Summer Court DIY workshop on weekdays 3.6.-1.8.2019 at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Pikku-Aurora's yard. More information available at Aurora's website.
Summer pick: You can look at Helsinki with fresh eyes by spotting all kinds of different vehicles in the city!
FRIDAY 5.7.2019
Things happening at libraries
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Things happening at playgrounds
Friday's playground meal is sister sausage soup (M, G, K). Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until early August. Bring your own plate, utensils and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki event calendar. You can browse Friday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Aerobatic Championships SM at Malmi airfield 3.7. – 7.7. 2019. Flights mainly Wednesday to Friday daily from 9-14 and 18-20. Admission to watch the competition is free. The best place to watch the acrobatics in the air is at Malmi airfield near the parking lot next to Hangaari, from the Round terrace or from the restaurant window. The exact schedule and flight order can be found on the event website.
Espoo: VilinäWeek 1.-5.7.2019 at 10–12 in Ison Omenakaupunki's chapel facilities. The program is organized by Hupsansaa ry. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the detailed summer program at the traffic city website.
Central Library Oodi's new courtyard and Finland's largest climbing frame are now open!
Albert's Living Room is on vacation in July.
Fallkulla farm petting zoo is open during summer daily from 10-15. Free admission.
Pop-up Heureka Science Show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpi on Friday at 11, 12, 15 and 16. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Meilahti arboretum's rose splendor is at its best right now!
Guard parade procession departs at 12.30 from Senate Square marching through Market Square to the main guard, and from there back via Esplanade to Barracks Square. After the guard parade, an entertaining MIL-Espa concert is held at the Esplanade stage at 14. This week the Navy Band will be heard on stage. More information at the Armed Forces website.
Vantaa: Free pasture visits at Katrinebergi Manor Farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 17–18. More information available on Vantaa city website.
Espoo: Summer Court DIY workshop Monday to Friday 3.6.-1.8.2019 at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Pikku-Aurora's yard. More information available at Aurora's website.
Summer pick: Have you ever been to Salasaari?
That and many other great tips can be found within a metro ride west from Lauttasaari!
SATURDAY 6.7.2019
Eino Leino Day, the day of poetry and summer
Things happening at libraries
Helmet libraries have summer opening hours.
Story hours and children's events are on break on summer Saturdays.
Events and activity tips
Fallkulla farm petting zoo is open during summer daily from 10-15. Free admission.
Kirkkonummi: Farm Shop Summer Days in Kirkkonummi's Eestinkylä on Saturday 10-16. Activities for all ages. Read more on the Farm Shop's Facebook page. Tip: Rehndalin farm petting zoo is just over a kilometer away from the Farm Shop.
Hop on the museum tram from the corner of Market Square, near the Havis Amanda statue, from 10-17. Tickets are 6 €, children under 2 travel free on laps. Read more at the museum tram website.
Espoo: The Bear's Forest story time at Nature House Villa Elfvik on Saturday at 11. More information at Elfvik's website.
Loviisa: Summer in Loviisa is celebrated with a super weekend of summer events. See the full program for the weekend at Visit Loviisa's website.
Loviisa also celebrates rose weddings on Saturday, open to everyone.
Meilahti arboretum's rose splendor is at its best right now!
Exhibition: Peek into the Daily Newspaper Museum's Pekka Töpöhäntä new exhibition! The museum is open on Saturdays 11-17. Free admission.
Children's opera about the kind Ferdinand the Bull at the Helsinki City Museum on Saturday at 12. Admission is free. Read more at the museum's website. The performance is part of the Helsinki Chamber Music Festival program.
Espoo: Poetry and Summer Day picnic at Glimsi Estate Museum 12-15. Museum admission fee applies. More information at the museum's website.
Haltiala Farm Petting Zoo is practically always open and the animals spend summer on outdoor pastures. Stop by to greet the vacationing police horses, play at Haltiala playground or have a drink at Wanha Pehtoor.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Kivinokka Summer Carnivals at Kivinokka beach area on Saturday 15-20. More information at the event's Facebook page.
Summer pick: Helsinki's green oasis is found right behind the Railway Station corner. Peek at what it's like at the Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden!
SUNDAY 7.7.2019
Events and activity tips
Open Gardens event is celebrated in Helsinki and throughout Finland on Sunday 7.7.2019.
Meilahti arboretum's rose splendor is at its best right now!
Fallkulla farm petting zoo is open during summer daily from 10-15. Free admission.
Haltiala Farm Petting Zoo is practically always open and the animals spend summer on outdoor pastures. Stop by to greet the vacationing police horses, play at Haltiala playground or have a drink at Wanha Pehtoor.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Children's Traffic City Summer. Traffic City is open on summer Sundays from 10-16. See the detailed program at the traffic city website. Free admission.
Espoo: Fairy School in Villa Elfvik's scenery on Sunday 10.30-12.30. The hike goes at the children's pace. Bring small snacks and dress according to the weather. The Fairy School hike also works for those with strollers. More information at Elfvik's website
Flea market! Aleksis Kivi Street Sunday flea market starting at 11!
Children's island adventure on Haraka island near Kaivopuisto on Sunday 12-14. The island adventure is aimed at 4-10 year olds. The connector ferry to Haraka island leaves from Kaivopuisto's Ullanlinnan dock (Ehrenströmintie 3) and a round-trip ferry ticket costs 5 € for adults, 2 € for children and pensioners (card payment only). Admission to Haraka island and the island adventure is free. More information about the island adventure can be found on the event's Facebook page.
Sunday Café and Summer Flea Market at Herttoniemi allotment garden on Sunday 12-15. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Kirkkonummi: Farm Shop Summer Days in Kirkkonummi's Eestinkylä on Sunday 12-20. Activities for all ages. Read more on the Farm Shop's Facebook page. Tip: Rehndalin farm petting zoo is just over a kilometer away from the Farm Shop.
Loviisa: Summer in Loviisa is celebrated with a super weekend of summer events. See the full program for the weekend at Visit Loviisa's website.
Summer pick: A Sunday at Tamminiemi? Pienten Helsinki's summer excursion tip takes you to visit Uncle Urho and Auntie Sylvi's home.
Also remember
Summer sheep in Helsinki's islands: Vartiosaari and Mustasaari (sheep at the neighboring island Hevossaari, which has a bridge connection) have arrived for their summer stay. Kuusiluoto's sheep arrive for summer work around Midsummer.
Animals in the city article collects the best tips for seeing farm animals at the best places in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
The Hidden Ship's Mystery adventure tour in Suomenlinna 11.6.-3.8.2019 and 10.8.2019 and 17.8.2019. Paid admission.
Children's sea adventure - Cannon Sloop Diana family sailing 26.6.-31.8.2019. More information available at the event's website. Paid admission.
Summer theater with kids? Find Pienten Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
Esplanade Stage's full summer program can be found on the stage's own website.
Linnanmäki amusement park has opened its gates again for the 2019 season. The amusement park has free admission and there are free amusement rides for little daredevils.
In Espoo: Toy Museum Hevosenkengät new Board Games exhibition. Museum admission fee applies.
Exhibition: Peek into the Daily Newspaper Museum's Pekka Töpöhäntä new exhibition! The Daily Newspaper Museum is closed over the Midsummer weekend.
Helsinki places article is a rescue for boring days with kids!
Pienten Helsinki as an app on your phone!
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Pienten Helsinki does not require registration to work now, nor will it ever.
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