Pienten Helsinki
What kid-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with children on weekends or summer holidays? What to do on a rainy day? Small Helsinki's weekly series looks for activity tips and highlights child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. In addition to events, summer month tips include ideas for spending vacation days. The target audience on the website is families with preschool-aged children.
Where to go this week article continues to appear with a slightly changed concept. The article lists the highlights of the week's events and the week's most interesting activity tips. Also includes highlights from Small Helsinki articles and news. The future of the page is open, but we will continue with this concept until the end of July.
New in Small Helsinki: Home by evening – on a day trip with children: Espoo. The article takes you at least to the shade of tall trees, on nature adventures, to sandy beaches and playgrounds.
#smallhelsinki
Did you have an adventure in an interesting place? It would be great if you'd use the hashtag #smallhelsinki when sharing your photos, so that your pictures would be a joy and inspiration to other adventurers. As a thank you, I promise to treat you to hot juice in one of Helsinki's classic events celebrated in our neighborhood this coming fall 😉
Cooperation with Small Helsinki? Read more about the site background and possibilities to collaborate with Small Helsinki!
Family city paths
Small Helsinki will publish a new type of urban tourism concept in the coming months when restaurant management student Heidi Säynätkari creates city paths for families in some of Helsinki's neighborhoods as her final project. The publication of family city paths was postponed due to server issues and the paths will be published as soon as possible!
The article's cover image is from Kruunuvuorenlahti. I can't easily think of another place where you can at the same time gaze at the capital's cathedral towers, pick blueberries and admire blooming water lilies. Helsinki has such a secret wonder.
MONDAY, JULY 15, 2019
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the greater Helsinki area for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground activities
Monday's playground meal is chicken risotto (M, G, N, S, K). Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until the beginning of August. You need to bring your own plate, utensils and a drink.
Playground activities can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Monday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City summer. See the summer program in more detail on the Traffic City's website.
Fallkullan farm animals is open during the summer season daily 10 am-3 pm. Free admission.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpi on Monday at 11 am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and showtimes can be found on Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information on Musiikkitalo's website.
Tuomo Rannankari from Pikku Kakkos and Hiekkakakkuorkesteri perform on Linturi's stage on Monday at 3 pm and 5 pm. Admission to the concert and amusement park area is free. More information on Linnanmäki's website.
Espoo: Aurora summer yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday June 3 – August 1, 2019 at the Children's Cultural Center Aurora's yard. More information on Aurora's website.
Summer theater with children? Small Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.
Tip for Porvoo (for adults): Tove Jansson's summer home Klovharun open visiting week is July 13-19, 2019 in Porvoo in the Pellinge archipelago. More information on the local history association's website.
Museums open on Mondays include the National Museum (summer season), the City Museum of Helsinki and Children's City, Amos Rex, the Newspaper Museum and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo (summer season).
TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2019
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the greater Helsinki area for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground activities
Tuesday's playground meal is cheesy fish soup (L, G, N, S, K).
Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until the beginning of August. You need to bring your own plate, utensils and a drink.
Playground activities can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Tuesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City summer. See the summer program in more detail on the Traffic City's website.
Fallkullan farm animals is open during the summer season daily 10 am-3 pm. Free admission.
Trip tip: A summer day at Mustasaari!
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpi on Tuesday at 11 am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and showtimes can be found on Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information on Musiikkitalo's website.
Summer theater with children? Small Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.
Vantaa: Free pasture visits at Katrinebergin Manor's farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays 5-6 pm. More information on the City of Vantaa's website.
Espoo: Aurora Summer Yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday June 3 – August 1, 2019 at the Children's Cultural Center Aurora's yard. More information on Aurora's website.
City dances at Annantalo's A.lava on Tuesday at 5:30 pm. Read more on Annantalo's website.
Tip for Porvoo (for adults): Tove Jansson's summer home Klovharun open visiting week is July 13-19, 2019 in Porvoo in the Pellinge archipelago. More information on the local history association's website.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2019
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the greater Helsinki area for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground activities
Wednesday's playground meal is barley porridge (L, K) and berry juice stew (M, G, K, VEG). Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until the beginning of August. You need to bring your own plate, utensils and a drink.
Playground activities can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Wednesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Helsinki's funniest community garden is being established in Annantalo's yard in 2019 and on Wednesday mornings the program includes gardening work parties open to everyone from 10 am-2 pm.
Children's Traffic City summer. See the summer program in more detail on the Traffic City's website.
Fallkullan farm animals is open during the summer season daily 10 am-3 pm. Free admission.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpi on Wednesday at 11 am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and showtimes can be found on Musiikkitalon website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information on Musiikkitalo's website.
Espoo: Pikku-Aurora Summer Yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday June 3 – August 1, 2019 at the Children's Cultural Center Pikku-Aurora's yard. More information on Aurora's website.
Summer theater with children? Small Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.
Espoo: Talomuseo Glims 4H farm pasture visits on Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the museum's website. Admission to Glims is free during the pasture visits.
You can climb the National Museum's tower on summer Wednesdays 4-6 pm. Tower tour tickets cost 5 € and can be purchased at the ticket office on Wednesdays (no advance purchase). More information on the museum's website.
Tip for Porvoo (for adults): Tove Jansson's summer home Klovharun open visiting week is July 13-19, 2019 in Porvoo in the Pellinge archipelago. More information on the local history association's website.
New in Small Helsinki: Home by evening – on a day trip with children: Espoo. The article takes you at least to the shade of tall trees, on nature adventures, to sandy beaches and playgrounds.
THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the greater Helsinki area for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground activities
Thursday's playground meal is vegetable cream soup (L, G, K) Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until the beginning of August. You need to bring your own plate, utensils and a drink.
Playground activities can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Thursday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City summer. See the summer program in more detail on the Traffic City's website.
Summer theater with children? Small Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.
Fallkullan farm animals is open during the summer season daily 10 am-3 pm. Free admission.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpi on Thursday at 11 am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and showtimes can be found on Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information on Musiikkitalo's website.
Espoo: Talomuseo Glims 4H farm pasture visits continue on Thursdays 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the museum's website. Admission to Glims is free during the pasture visits.
Espoo: Pikku-Aurora Summer Yard self-service craft workshop weekdays June 3 – August 1, 2019 at the Children's Cultural Center Pikku-Aurora's yard. More information on Aurora's website.
Tip for Porvoo (for adults): Tove Jansson's summer home Klovharun open visiting week is July 13-19, 2019 in Porvoo in the Pellinge archipelago. More information on the local history association's website.
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the greater Helsinki area for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground activities
Friday's playground meal is meat stew (M, G, S, K). Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until the beginning of August. You need to bring your own plate, utensils and a drink.
Playground activities can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Friday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City summer. See the summer program in more detail on the Traffic City's website.
Fallkullan farm animals is open during the summer season daily 10 am-3 pm. Free admission.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpi on Friday at 11 am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and showtimes can be found on Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information on Musiikkitalo's website.
Guard Parade leaves at 12:30 pm from Senate Square, marching through Market Square to the main garrison, and then back along Esplanade to Kasarmitori. After the Guard Parade, an entertaining MIL-Espa concert will be held on Espa's stage at 2 pm. This week you'll hear the Finnish Defense Forces' conscript band. More information on the Finnish Defense Forces' website.
Summer theater with children? Small Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.
Vantaa: Free pasture visits at Katrinebergin Manor's farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays 5-6 pm. More information on the City of Vantaa's website.
Espoo: Summer yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday June 3 – August 1, 2019 at the Children's Cultural Center Pikku-Aurora's yard. More information on Aurora's website.
Tip for Porvoo (for adults): Tove Jansson's summer home Klovharun open visiting week is July 13-19, 2019 in Porvoo in the Pellinge archipelago. More information on the local history association's website.
SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2019
Library events
Helmet libraries have summer opening hours.
Story times and children's events are on break on summer Saturdays.
Events and activity tips
Fallkullan farm animals is open during the summer season daily 10 am-3 pm. Free admission.
Hop aboard the museum tram from the corner of Market Square, near the Havis Amanda statue between 10 am-5 pm. Tickets are 6 €, children under 2 travel free on laps. Read more on the museum tram's website.
Porvoo: Pii Poo LEGO event at Porvoo Art Factory on Saturday 11 am-4 pm. Admission to the event is free. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Exhibition: Peek at what it looks like in the Newspaper Museum's new Pekka Töpöhäntä exhibition! The museum is open on Saturdays 11 am-5 pm. Free admission.
Seurasaari handicraft market on Saturday 11 am-5 pm. Free admission to the Antti square market, museum building activities included in Seurasaari Museum admission. More information on the museum's website.
Flea market! Tehtaanpuisto summer flea market on Saturday 11 am-5 pm. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Summer theater with children? Small Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.
Haltialan farm animals is practically always open and the animals spend the summer on outdoor pastures. Stop by to say hello to vacationing police horses, play at Haltialan playground or enjoy juice at Old Manor.
SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2019
Events and activity tips
Fallkullan farm animals is open during the summer season daily 10 am-3 pm. Free admission.
Haltialan farm animals is practically always open and the animals spend the summer on outdoor pastures. Stop by to say hello to vacationing police horses, play at Haltialan playground or enjoy juice at Old Manor.
Children's Traffic City summer. Traffic City is open on summer Sundays 10 am-4 pm. See the program in more detail on the Traffic City's website. Free admission.
Espoo: Bug or not? – insect hike in the Villaelvikin landscape on Sunday 10:30 am-12:30 pm. The hike follows children's pace. Bring small snacks and dress for the weather. Keijukoulu – hikes are also suitable for those with baby strollers. More information on Elfvikin's website
Porvoo: Pii Poo LEGO event at Porvoo Art Factory on Sunday 11 am-3 pm. Admission to the event is free. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Seurasaari handicraft market on Sunday 11 am-5 pm. Free admission to the Antti square market, museum building activities included in Seurasaari Museum admission. More information on the museum's website.
Summer theater with children? Small Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.
Children's island adventure at Hara island in front of Kaivopuisto on Sunday 12-2 pm. Island adventure is aimed at 4-10 year olds. A connecting ferry goes to Hara island from Kaivopuisto's Ullanlinnan pier (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.
Park cabarets '19 at Alppi Park on Sunday starting at 1 pm. Experience folk music for all ages, dancing and workshops. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information on Musiikkitalo's website.
Flea market! Aleksis Kivi Street Sunday flea market starting at 11 am!
Flea market! Evening flea market pop-up-Cleaning Day Goes Hesperian Esplanade on Sunday 5-8 pm. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Also remember
All of Helsinki's summer tips and day trip ideas can be found in one place.
Summer sheep in Helsinki's islands: Vartiosaari, Kuusiluoto and Mustasaari (sheep on neighboring Hevossaari island, which has a bridge connection) have arrived for the summer.
Animals in the city article compiles the best tips for the best places in Helsinki and the surrounding area to see farm animals.
The Mystery of the Hidden Ship – adventure tour in Suomenlinna June 11 – August 3, 2019 and August 10 and 17, 2019. Paid event.
Children's sea adventure - Tykkisluuppi Diana family sailing June 26 – August 31, 2019. More information on the event's website. Paid event.
Summer theater with children? Small Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.
Espa stage's complete summer program can be found on the stage's own website.
Linnanmäki is open daily during the summer season. Admission to the amusement park area is free and there are free amusement park rides for little daredevils.
In Espoo: Toy Museum Hevosenkengässä is embarking on the Board Game Play special exhibition. Museum admission is required.
Exhibition: Peek at what it looks like in the Newspaper Museum's new Pekka Töpöhäntä exhibition!
Helsinki spots article is the rescue for boring days with children!
Small Helsinki as an app on your phone!
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Small Helsinki does not require registration to work now, and never will.
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