Pienten Helsinki
What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with children on weekends or during summer holidays? What to do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. In addition to events, summer month tips include suggestions for spending vacation days. The website's target audience is pre-school children and families with children.
Where to go this week -article continues to appear with a slightly modified concept. The article lists the highlights of the week's events and the most interesting activity tips of the week. Also included are highlights from Little Helsinki articles and news. The future of the page is open, but this concept will continue until the end of July.
New on Little Helsinki: Midsummer in Helsinki article lists tips for celebrating city midsummer with children.
New on Little Helsinki: Summer in Helsinki series and its 30 articles about summer activities in Helsinki.
New on Little Helsinki: Summer events for children elsewhere in Finland list has been published!
Sponsor Little Helsinki!
Little Helsinki's most popular, weekly "Where to go this week" article series is looking for sponsors! More information is available via the link.
Family city trails
Little Helsinki will launch a new urban tourism concept in the coming months when hospitality student Heidi Säynätkari creates city trails for families in several neighborhoods of Helsinki as her thesis work. City trails will be published on Helsinki Day, June 12, 2019!
Article cover image: Dinner under Finland's sky takes over North Esplanade again on Helsinki Day, June 12, 2019.
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »|
Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2019
Things happening in libraries
Story time and children's events in Helmet libraries in the capital region for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Things happening in playgrounds
Monday's playground meal is Italian stew (M S K).
Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at noon until the beginning of August. You'll need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a 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
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the more detailed June program on the Traffic City website.
Albert's Living Room is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open on Monday from 9:30-15. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Fallkulla Farm Animal Petting Farm is open daily from 10-15 during summer. Free admission.
Espoo: Soiva Siili Duo on a summer neighborhood park tour in Espoo. On Monday, the tour stops at Suvela neighborhood park at 10. Free admission. More information on the Espoo cultural services website.
Espoo: Summer yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday, June 3-August 1, 2019 in the courtyard of Pikku-Aurora Children's Cultural Center. More information on the Aurora website.
MLL Dad Cafe at Iso-Antis playground in Itäkeskus on Mondays from 10-12. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Summer Parking in Ala-Malmi Park and Malmitalo lobby on Monday from 12-15. Read more on the Malmitalo website.
For babies: Baby Monday at Kunsthalle from 13-15. The event offers an introduction to Susanne Gottberg's exhibition led by art educators Liini Laes and Iisa Juva. All babies under one year of age and their parents are welcome. A separate play session is available for babies. Tickets €12 / €8 / Museum Card. More information on the Kunsthalle website.
Stara's celebration week - peek into Helsinki's work! event week June 10-14, 2019. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Free summer concerts at the Music Center throughout the summer, more information on the Music Center website.
Museums open on Mondays include National Museum (summer season), Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex, Newspaper Museum and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo (summer season).
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2019
Things happening in libraries
Story time and children's events in Helmet libraries in the capital region for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Things happening in playgrounds
Tuesday's playground meal is good mood vegetable soup (L G K).
Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at noon until the beginning of August. You'll need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a 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
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the more detailed June program on the Traffic City website.
Thumbelina's adventures with wild geese - puppet theater performance in the courtyard of Helsinki's Winter Garden (indoors in case of rain). The first performance of the summer is on Tuesday at 9:30 and 10:30, free admission. The performance is recommended for ages 2-9 and lasts about 20 minutes. More information on the Winter Garden website.
Fallkulla Farm Animal Petting Farm is open daily from 10-15 during summer. Free admission.
Espoo: Soiva Siili Duo on a summer neighborhood park tour in Espoo. On Tuesday, the tour stops at Soukka neighborhood park at 10. Free admission. More information on the Espoo cultural services website.
A.lava summer music class on Tuesday at 10:30. The music class is free to attend. A.lava is located behind Annantalo and songs are sung outdoors under a canopy, so dress according to the weather. More information on the Annantalo website.
Herttakings circus performance at Herttoniemi playground on Tuesday at 10:30. Free admission. More information on the Stoa website.
Mustasaari Activity Center summer season has begun!
Summer Parking in Ala-Malmi Park and Malmitalo lobby on Tuesday from 12-15. Read more on the Malmitalo website.
Free summer concerts at the Music Center throughout the summer, more information on the Music Center website.
Urban orienteering at Senate Square on Tuesday from 16:30-20. The event has programs for children as well. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Urban dances at A.lava at Annantalo on Tuesday at 17:30. Read more on the Annantalo website.
Stara's celebration week - peek into Helsinki's work! event week June 10-14, 2019. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Kumpula Botanical Garden 10 years June 11-16, 2019. More details on the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Summer yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday, June 3-August 1, 2019 in the courtyard of Pikku-Aurora Children's Cultural Center. More information on the Aurora website.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019
Helsinki Day
The complete Helsinki Day program can be found here.
Things happening in libraries
Story time and children's events in Helmet libraries in the capital region for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Tip for babies and parents: BabyKino at Kallio Library. You can take a baby to movies on Wednesdays at 12 and 14:30. BabyKino's own Facebook group can be found here, where, for example, the week's film is posted and voting takes place for future programs. More information can also be found on BabyKino's Facebook page.
Things happening in playgrounds
Wednesday's playground meal is salmon soup in clear broth (M, G, N, S, K) and rhubarb pie (M). Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at noon until the beginning of August. You'll need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a 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
Herttoniemi Manor's Helsinki Day on Wednesday from 9-14. Country in the city - farm animals, garden workshop, potato harvest and nature walks. More information on the event's Facebook page. Helsinki Day program.
Albert's Living Room is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open on Wednesday from 9:30-15. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Helsinki Mission Summer Courtyard on Wednesday from 10-13.
Helsinki Day at Stoa Square on Wednesday from 9:30-18:30. Juggling, circus activities in workshops, hats and much more! More details on the Stoa website. Helsinki Day program.
Espoo: Soiva Siili Duo on a summer neighborhood park tour in Espoo. On Wednesday, the tour stops at Olari neighborhood park at 10. Free admission. More information on the Espoo cultural services website.
Helsinki Day at Annantalo Community Garden on Wednesday from 11-21. More information on the Annantalo website. Helsinki Day program.
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the more detailed June program on the Traffic City website.
Fallkulla Farm Animal Petting Farm is open daily from 10-15 during summer. Free admission.
Helsinki Day at the fire department on Wednesday from 10-18. More detailed program information on the Helsinki Day website.
Also remember the Fire Department's Helsinki Day stuffed animal campaign, read more on the fire department's Facebook page.
Secret Garden's Lilac Festival at Annala Manor on Wednesday starting at 11. Read more on the event's Facebook page. Helsinki Day program.
Helsinki Day at the Museum of Technology on Wednesday from 12-17. More information on the event's Facebook page. Helsinki Day program.
Blooming Garden event at Vallila Allotment Garden on Wednesday from 12-18. Read more on the Helsinki Day website. Helsinki Day program.
Helsinki Day at Espa Stage from 13-19. More details on the Espa Stage website. Helsinki Day program.
River Day at Vanhankaupunginkosk on Wednesday from 14-18. Read more on the event's Facebook page. Helsinki Day program.
Courtyard dances, plays and rings! event at Caisa Cultural Center on Helsinki Day from 14-18. More information on the Caisa website. Helsinki Day program.
Picnic at Kumpula School Garden on Wednesday from 14-20. More details on the Helsinki Day website. Helsinki Day program.
Helsinki Day is celebrated at Malmitalo on Wednesday from 15-18. The evening culminates with the Ammuu orchestra at 17. Read more on the Malmitalo website. Helsinki Day program.
Final weeks before summer break: Helsinki Fire Department's Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Wednesdays from 12-16. Admission 2 €, children under 15 free. Read more on the City of Helsinki website.
Kindergarten Museum has activities on Wednesdays from 12-18. Museum admission 4 €, children under 16 free, Museum Card also accepted.
MLL After Work Club father activity evening coffee at Iso-Antis playground on Wednesday at 17. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Stara's celebration week - peek into Helsinki's work! event week June 10-14, 2019. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Kumpula Botanical Garden 10 years June 11-16, 2019. More details on the event's Facebook page. Free admission on Helsinki Day, June 12, 2019.
Espoo: Summer yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday, June 3-August 1, 2019 in the courtyard of Pikku-Aurora Children's Cultural Center. More information on the Aurora website.
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019
Things happening in libraries
Story time and children's events in Helmet libraries in the capital region for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Things happening in playgrounds
Thursday's playground meal is chicken and root vegetable stew (M, G, N, S, K). Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at noon until the beginning of August. You'll need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a 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 a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open on Thursday from 9:30-15. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the more detailed June program on the Traffic City website.
Fallkulla Farm Animal Petting Farm is open daily from 10-15 during summer. Free admission.
Herttakings circus performance at Rütshöllar playground on Thursday at 10:30. Free admission. More information on the Stoa website.
A.lava's Taskari on Thursday at 10:45. Taskari is a dance version of the music class and admission is free. A.lava is located behind Annantalo and Taskari dances are held outdoors under a canopy, so dress according to the weather. More information on the Annantalo website.
TUL 100: Whole family sports event at Pornaistenniemi (Vanhankaupunginkoski) on Thursday from 18-20. Read more on the event's Facebook page or on the event organizer's website.
Free summer concerts at the Music Center throughout the summer, more information on the Music Center website.
Stara's celebration week - peek into Helsinki's work! event week June 10-14, 2019. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Kumpula Botanical Garden 10 years June 11-16, 2019. More details on the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Summer yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday, June 3-August 1, 2019 in the courtyard of Pikku-Aurora Children's Cultural Center. More information on the Aurora website.
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019
Things happening in libraries
Story time and children's events in Helmet libraries in the capital region for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Things happening in playgrounds
Friday's playground meal is pea soup (M, G, N, K). Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at noon until the beginning of August. You'll need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a 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
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the more detailed June program on the Traffic City website.
Fallkulla Farm Animal Petting Farm is open daily from 10-15 during summer. Free admission.
Albert's Living Room is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Now also open on Fridays from 9:30-15. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Fascinated by insects event at the Natural History Museum on Friday from 10-17. Museum admission applies, children under 7 free. More details on the museum website.
Herttakings circus performance at Kiikus playground on Friday at 10:30. Free admission. More information on the Stoa website.
Guard parade departs at 12:30 from Senate Square, marching through the Market Square to the main guard, then back along the Esplanade to Barracks Square. After the guard parade, an entertaining MIL-Espa concert is held at Espa Stage at 14. This week, the stage will feature the Guard's Military Band and the Navy's Military Band. More information on the Finnish Defense Forces website.
Japan's Cherry Blossom Queen's Cherry Tree Planting at Roihuvuori Cherry Park on Friday at about 14. Japan's Cherry Blossom Queen Risako Takenaka is visiting Finland, along with Finland's Cherry Blossom Queen Venla Ailasmäki and Cherry Blossom Princess Ella Saarenko. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Free summer concerts at the Music Center throughout the summer, more information on the Music Center website.
Stara's celebration week - peek into Helsinki's work! event week June 10-14, 2019. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Kumpula Botanical Garden 10 years June 11-16, 2019. More details on the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Summer yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday, June 3-August 1, 2019 in the courtyard of Pikku-Aurora Children's Cultural Center. More information on the Aurora website.
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019
Things happening in libraries
Helmet libraries summer hours.
Story time and children's events in Helmet libraries in the capital region for Saturday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events and activity tips
Fallkulla Farm Animal Petting Farm is open daily from 10-15 during summer. Free admission.
Fascinated by insects event at the Natural History Museum on Saturday from 10-17. Museum admission applies, children under 7 free. More details on the museum website.
Ride the museum tram from the corner of Market Square, near the Havis Amanda statue from 10-17. Tickets €6, children under 2 travel free in lap seats. Read more on the museum tram website.
Peace walk at Töölölahti on Saturday from 11-13. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Guard Band 200 Festival at Suomenlinna on Saturday starting at 11. Music-focused programming for the whole family. Free admission (excluding ferry fee). More information on the event's website.
At Suomenlinna's parade field, you'll also see the Midnight Hawks aerobatic team's demonstration flight on Saturday at 17:45. The show will also be visible from places like Kruunuvuorenranta and the corners of Kaivopuisto.
Children's Vacation Day at Teurastamo on Saturday from 11-17. Including Pikku Pappu Orchestra, petting farm, giant sandbox, flea markets, "Children's restaurant day" and much more. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Kumpula Botanical Garden 10 years June 11-16, 2019. More details on the event's Facebook page.
Exhibition:Take a look at the Newspaper Museum's Pekka Töpöhäntä new exhibition! Museum open on Saturdays from 11-17. Free admission.
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019
Events and activity tips
Fallkulla Farm Animal Petting Farm is open daily from 10-15 during summer. Free admission.
Children's Traffic City Summer. Traffic City is open on summer Sundays from 10-16. See the more detailed program on the Traffic City website. Free admission.
Espoo: Natural wildflowers day family hike in the Villa Elfvik landscape on Sunday from 10:30-12:30. The hike moves at children's pace. Bring snacks and dress according to the weather. More information on the Villa Elfvik website.
Flea market! Aleksis Kivi Street Sunday flea market starting at 11!
Children's island adventure on Hara Island near Market Square on Sunday from 12-14. The island adventure is aimed at 4-10 year-olds. A shuttle boat to Hara Island departs from Kaivopuisto's Ullanlinnan dock (Ehrenströmintie 3) and a round-trip ticket costs €5 for adults, €2 for children and seniors (card payment only). Admission to Hara Island and the island adventure is free. More information about the island adventure can be found on the event's Facebook page.
Final weeks before summer break: Helsinki Fire Department's Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Sundays from 12-16. Admission 2 €, children under 15 free. Read more on the City of Helsinki website.
Free summer concerts at the Music Center throughout the summer, more information on the Music Center website.
Kumpula Botanical Garden 10 years June 11-16, 2019. More details on the event's Facebook page.
Also remember
Summer sheep in Helsinki's islands: Sheep have arrived at Vartiosaari and Mustasaari (sheep on Naarisaari at Hevossaari, which has a bridge connection) for summer. Kuusiluoto's sheep arrive around midsummer.
Animals in the city article compiles the best tips for the best places in Helsinki and the surrounding area to see farm animals.
For babies in Espoo: Baby nature bath will be held in Espoo at Villa Elfvik on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 10. Registration closes on June 16, 2019. More information on the Villa Elfvik website.
Haaga Alpine Rose Park is now at its most beautiful with evergreen alpine roses and azaleas in colorful blooms. This is definitely worth a visit! More information on the Green Roots website.
Hidden ship mystery - adventure tour at Suomenlinna from June 11 to August 3, 2019 and on August 10 and 17, 2019. Paid event.
Summer theater with children? Little Helsinki's tips for the theater summer can be found here.
Espa Stage's complete summer program can be found on the stage's own website.
Linnanmäki has opened its gates again for the 2019 season. The amusement park area is free to enter and there are free amusement rides for little daredevils.
In Espoo: Toy Museum Horseshoe new Board Game Fun special exhibition. Museum admission applies.
Exhibition:Take a look at the Newspaper Museum's Pekka Töpöhäntä new exhibition!
Helsinki places article is a lifesaver for boring days with children!
Little Helsinki as an app on your phone!
Little Helsinki is now also available as a PWA app. You can install Little Helsinki on your Android or iPhone simply by opening the website in a Chrome or Safari browser and selecting the share button to add to home screen ("add to home screen"). A PWA app differs from a traditional app in that you don't need to install it separately from the App Store or similar. In practice, the content is exactly the same as in the browser, but the page loads faster.
Little Helsinki does not require registration to work now, and never will.
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