Where to go with children in summer Helsinki? What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to Go This Week" series searches for activity tips and recommends family-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

The cover image of this article is from Helsinki City Museum's "Mestat ja huudit – See Helsinki Differently" exhibition.

Current Highlights

MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2024

Events and Activity Tips

  • Skidimarket Deli – a brand new play cottage is located in Hietalahden Market Hall! Open during market hall hours; free admission.
  • Children's Traffic City is open Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and children ride scooters in the area. The activity is aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start on every hour with the last lesson starting at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
  • Art Activities at Annantalo weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Art activities happen in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and older children can also participate without an adult. You can drop in anytime or stay longer.
  • Helsinki City Folk at Espan Stage on Monday at 6 p.m. The capital region's folk dancers and musicians in colorful traditional costumes bring their Midsummer greetings to Espan Stage. 

Monday Playground Activities

  • Playground lunch menu on Monday: Chicken soup (M G N S K)
    Bring your own container, utensils, and drinks!
  • The playground summer season continues and the playgrounds open this week are:
    Trumpetti, Nuoli, Ida, Torpparinmäki, Kotinummi, Kankarepuisto, Kiikku, Iso-Antti, Hilleri, Arabia, Brahe, Loru, Ulvila, Maunula, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi, and Etupelto.
  • Playgrounds announce their programs on Helsinki's city event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • At Loru Playground on Monday:
    10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Loru's Play Games – session for children over 1 year old, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor.
    2:30 p.m.–3 p.m. Loru's Fun - baby session with changing themes, Oodi 3rd floor.
  • MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0-12. Read more on the family house's website!

Library Events on Monday

  • Helmet Library Events for Children can be found on Helmet's event page.
    (Due to Helmet website updates, linking to specific daily events is no longer possible.)

TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024

Events and Activity Tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series with many tips for spending summer in Helsinki can be found on Pienten Helsinki. The summer tips are also suitable for visitors coming to the city as tourists.
  • Children's Traffic City is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and children ride scooters in the area. The activity is aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start on every hour with the last lesson starting at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
  • Summer Music School on Annantalo's back courtyard A-stage on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. Free admission.
  • Welcome to the Sun! Concerts for Children at Ala-Malmi Park on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Free admission.
  • Baby Café on Tuesday at the following locations:
    – Vantaa: Robert's Coffee Jumbo at 10 a.m.
    – Espoo: Robert's Coffee Sello at 10 a.m.
    – Helsinki: Robert's Coffee Jugend at 10 a.m.
    – Helsinki: Robert's Coffee Kamppi at 1 p.m.
  • Espoo: Jukranpujut Summer Movies at Children's Cultural Center Aurora on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission.
  • Art Activities at Annantalo weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Art activities happen in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and older children can also participate without an adult. You can drop in anytime or stay longer.

    Commercial collaboration
  • Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secrets of Wolf Island on Tuesday at 12 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    The Secrets of Wolf Island is a historically-based adventure tour designed for children (ages 6–13) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange occurrences from times past. The tour explores Suomenlinna and the 18th century in a fun and immersive way.
  • Last week before the summer break! Kindergarten Museum is open Tuesdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Small admission fee.
  • Fox Käreitär's Magic Path at Seurasaari on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. Departure from Seurasaari at Karunan Church entrance. No advance registration required for tours. Free admission.
  • Last week before the summer break! Albertin Living Room evening hangout on Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Midsummer Jump Rope Meetup at Lastenlehto Park (Kamppi) on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free admission.
    Everyone is welcome to the meetup regardless of age or jump rope experience. Jump Rope Association Helsinki's athletes and trainers are there to help if needed. The event has various types and lengths of jump ropes available to borrow, so all you need is weather-appropriate outdoor sports gear.

Tuesday Playground Activities

  • Playground lunch menu on Tuesday: Lentil Vegetable Soup (M G K Veg).
    Bring your own container, utensils, and drinks!
  • The playground summer season continues and the playgrounds open this week are:
    Trumpetti, Nuoli, Ida, Torpparinmäki, Kotinummi, Kankarepuisto, Kiikku, Iso-Antti, Hilleri, Arabia, Brahe, Loru, Ulvila, Maunula, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi, and Etupelto.
  • Playgrounds announce their programs on Helsinki's city event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • At Loru Playground on Tuesday:
    10 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Loru's Stroller Fitness, Oodi courtyard
    1 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Loru's Fun - baby session with music and rhythm, Oodi 3rd floor.
    2:30 p.m.–3 p.m. Loru Sings – singing session for all ages, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor.
  • MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0-12. Read more on the family house's website!

Library Events on Tuesday

  • Helmet Library Events for Children can be found on Helmet's event page.
    (Due to Helmet website updates, linking to specific daily events is no longer possible.)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2024

Events and Activity Tips

  • Children's Traffic City is open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and children ride scooters in the area. The activity is aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start on every hour with the last lesson starting at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
  • Last week before the summer break! Albertin Living Room is open Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Espoo: Jukranpujut Summer Movies at Children's Cultural Center Aurora on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission.
  • Art Activities at Annantalo weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Art activities happen in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and older children can also participate without an adult. You can drop in anytime or stay longer.
  • Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Sensory Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5–June 30, 2024. Open Wed.–Fri. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.

    Commercial collaboration
  • Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secrets of Wolf Island on Wednesday at 12 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    The Secrets of Wolf Island is a historically-based adventure tour designed for children (ages 6–13) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange occurrences from times past. The tour explores Suomenlinna and the 18th century in a fun and immersive way.
  • Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Small admission fee.
  • Midsummer Wreath Volunteer Work at Seurasaari at Antti's Square on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    The work involves gathering materials for midsummer wreaths and decorating wreaths. The work is light and doesn't require craft skills. You can participate both days or just one, for the entire time or part of the time! Seurasaari Foundation provides coffee and refreshments for participants. Due to refreshments, advance registration is required with the wreath master: iiris.maki@seurasaarisaatio.fi
  • Last week before the summer break! Kindergarten Museum is open Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Small admission fee.
  • Fox Käreitär's Magic Path at Seurasaari on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. Departure from Seurasaari at Karunan Church entrance. No advance registration required for tours. Free admission.

Wednesday Playground Activities

  • Playground lunch menu on Wednesday: Ground Meat Risotto (M G S K).
    Bring your own container, utensils, and drinks!
  • The playground summer season continues and the playgrounds open this week are:
    Trumpetti, Nuoli, Ida, Torpparinmäki, Kotinummi, Kankarepuisto, Kiikku, Iso-Antti, Hilleri, Arabia, Brahe, Loru, Ulvila, Maunula, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi, and Etupelto.
  • Playgrounds announce their programs on Helsinki's city event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • At Loru Playground on Wednesday:
    10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Loru Creates - crafts for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor event space
    1 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Babies' Sensory World Pop-Up, Oodi 3rd floor event space  
  • MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0-12. Read more on the family house's website!

Library Events on Wednesday

  • Helmet Library Events for Children can be found on Helmet's event page.
    (Due to Helmet website updates, linking to specific daily events is no longer possible.)

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THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

Events and Activity Tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series with many tips for spending summer in Helsinki can be found on Pienten Helsinki. The summer tips are also suitable for visitors coming to the city as tourists.
  • Children's Traffic City is open Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family days don't have instruction; instead, children move around Traffic City with their own adult guidance. Driving time is 30 minutes. Free admission to Traffic City.
  • Last week before the summer break! Albertin Living Room is open Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Espoo: Jukranpujut Summer Movies at Children's Cultural Center Aurora on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission.
  • Art Activities at Annantalo weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Art activities happen in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and older children can also participate without an adult. You can drop in anytime or stay longer.
  • Helsinki University Observatory on Star Tower Hill is open Thursday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Museum admission fee.
  • Midsummer Wreath Volunteer Work at Seurasaari at Antti's Square on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    The work involves gathering materials for midsummer wreaths and decorating wreaths. The work is light and doesn't require craft skills. You can participate both days or just one, for the entire time or part of the time! Seurasaari Foundation provides coffee and refreshments for participants. Due to refreshments, advance registration is required with the wreath master: iiris.maki@seurasaarisaatio.fi

Thursday Playground Activities

  • Playground lunch menu on Thursday: Old-Fashioned Fish Soup (M G N S K)
    Bring your own container, utensils, and drinks!
  • The playground summer season continues and the playgrounds open this week are:
    Trumpetti, Nuoli, Ida, Torpparinmäki, Kotinummi, Kankarepuisto, Kiikku, Iso-Antti, Hilleri, Arabia, Brahe, Loru, Ulvila, Maunula, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi, and Etupelto.
  • Playgrounds announce their programs on Helsinki's city event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • At Loru Playground on Thursday:
    10 a.m.–11 a.m. Midsummer Celebration Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor.
  • MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0-12. Read more on the family house's website!

Library Events on Thursday

  • Helmet Library Events for Children can be found on Helmet's event page.
    (Due to Helmet website updates, linking to specific daily events is no longer possible.)
  • Many libraries close early on Thursday. Check your library's opening hours on Helmet.fi under Libraries.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2024

Midsummer Eve

Events and Activity Tips

Friday Playground Activities

  • There is no activity or lunch service at playgrounds on Midsummer Eve, but you can still play freely in the play areas!

Library Events on Friday

SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2024

Midsummer Day

Events and Activity Tips

  • At Seurasaari you can see the midsummer wreath and enjoy free access to the rest of the island on Midsummer Day June 22, 2024. Only museum buildings have admission fees for adults; children visit Seurasaari Outdoor Museum for free this summer. Children's guided tour on Midsummer Day at 12 p.m. (free for children, admission to the museum for accompanying adults).

SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2024

Events and Activity Tips

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