What to do or where to go with children in summer Helsinki? What kid-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 child-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
The article cover image: Helsinki's 474th birthday is celebrated on Wednesday and there are events throughout the city!
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Current Highlights
- The Pienten Helsinki Summer in Helsinki series contains dozens of tips for a summer in Helsinki!
It's meant to be Helsinki's summer ABC—what you can do with children in Helsinki during the summer—a series that currently contains 52 articles. The series is supplemented by themed articles still in progress, plus of course the weekly "Where to Go This Summer Week" posts. Don't forget Pienten Suomi, which is undergoing an amazing update!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- The alpine rhododendrons are currently blooming in Haaga's Alpine Rhododendron Park.
- Mustasaari is open again for summer visitors! Free admission to the island, ferry ride is paid.
- Museum tips for children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
- Art in the middle of the city! Kim Simonsson's Peat Giants can be found at Lasipalatsi Square and Bio Rex's terrace until October. Impressive, thought-provoking, and delightful for children too.
- Skidimarket is open on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall for now!
- You can also borrow museum passes or tickets to Korkeasaari from the library!
From Viiki Library, you can borrow admission tickets to the Natural History Museum. From Kalasatama Library, you can borrow admission tickets to Korkeasaari Zoo.
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- The Pienten Helsinki Summer in Helsinki series has many, many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. The summer tips are also suitable for visitors coming to the city as tourists.
- Skidimarket is open on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall for now!
- Children's Traffic City is open Mondays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with go-kart driving in the area. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start at the top of each hour with the last lesson starting at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
- Albert's Living Room is open Mondays 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. (International Monday).
- Art Activities at Annantalo every weekday 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Art activities take place in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and for older children also without an adult. You can drop by Art Activities at any time or stay longer. - Exciting Journey Board Game Workshop at Helsinki City Museum weekdays June 3-16, 2024, 12-3 p.m. Free admission.
Playground Activities on Monday
- Playground Lunch menu on Monday: Italian stew (M S K)
Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils, and beverages!
- The playground season starts 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, Dragon Park, Mustakivi, and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- At Playground Loru on Monday:
10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Loru's 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 0-12 years old. Read more on the family house's website!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Library Activities on Monday
- Helmet library children's events can be found on Helmet's events page.
(Due to the Helmet website update, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- The Pienten Helsinki Summer in Helsinki series has many, many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. The summer tips are also suitable for visitors coming to the city as tourists.
- Skidimarket is open on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall for now!
- Children's Traffic City is open Tuesdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with go-kart driving in the area. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start at the top of each hour with the last lesson starting at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
- Summer Music School at Annantalo's back courtyard on stage A on Tuesday 9:30 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. Free admission.
- Espoo: Jukranpujut Summer Movies at Children's Culture Center Aurora on Tuesday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission.
- Art Activities at Annantalo every weekday 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Art activities take place in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and for older children also without an adult. You can drop by Art Activities at any time or stay longer.
Commercial cooperation - Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secret of Wolf Island on Tuesday 12 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
The Secret of Wolf Island is a history-based adventure tour designed for children (6–13 years) that also suits adults well. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange coincidences from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and the 1700s in a fun and experiential way. - Exciting Journey Board Game Workshop at Helsinki City Museum weekdays June 3-16, 2024, 12-3 p.m. Free admission.
- Children's Daycare Museum is open Tuesdays 12 p.m.–7 p.m. Small admission fee.
Playground Activities on Tuesday
- Playground Lunch menu on Tuesday: Barley porridge (L K) and fruit juice (M G K Veg).
Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils, and beverages!
- The playground season starts 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, Dragon Park, Mustakivi, and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- At Playground Loru on Tuesday:
10 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Loru's Stroller Gymnastics, Oodi courtyard
1 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Loru's Fun baby session – 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 0-12 years old. Read more on the family house's website!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Library Activities on Tuesday
- Helmet library children's events can be found on Helmet's events page.
(Due to the Helmet website update, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024
Helsinki Day – Helsinki's birthday. Happy 474th birthday, Helsinki!
Events and
Activity Tips
- The Pienten Helsinki Summer in Helsinki series has many, many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. The summer tips are also suitable for visitors coming to the city as tourists.
- There are LOTS of programs scheduled for Helsinki Day throughout the city! Free admission.
Highlights of Helsinki Day's program from a children's perspective:
- Mayor's Morning Coffee in City Hall lobby 8:30–10:30 a.m.
- Helsinki Day at Annantalo 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Teddy Bear Hospital at City Theatre 9:30–11 a.m.
- Babies Painting at Lahnalahti Playground (Lauttasaari) 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Bike Fest at Children's Traffic City 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Farm Life Memories – Farm Animal Visit at Laajasalo Service Facility 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Helsinki Day Courtyard Party at Tapanila Sports Center 1 p.m. onwards
- Aunt Hattara and Töötti at Töölö Library summer patio 2 p.m.
- Family Nature and Art Event on Heron Island 2–6 p.m.
- Mimmit at Malmitalo courtyard 4–5 p.m.
- Kids Disco at Tehtaanpuisto courtyard 5–6 p.m.
- Seurasaari Folk 6–7:30 p.m.

- Children's Traffic City is open Wednesdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with scooter riding in the area. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start at the top of each hour with the last lesson starting at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
- Albert's Living Room is open Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Espoo: Jukranpujut Summer Movies at Children's Culture Center Aurora on Wednesday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission.
- Art Activities at Annantalo every weekday 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Art activities take place in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and for older children also without an adult. You can drop by Art Activities at any time or stay longer.
- Ateneum Free Day on Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Exciting Journey Board Game Workshop at Helsinki City Museum weekdays June 3-16, 2024, 12-3 p.m. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Tuntupolku – Experience Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Culture Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5–June 30, 2024. Open Wed–Fri 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and at Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
Commercial cooperation - Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secret of Wolf Island on Wednesday 12 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
The Secret of Wolf Island is a history-based adventure tour designed for children (6–13 years) that also suits adults well. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange coincidences from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and the 1700s in a fun and experiential way.
- Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open Wednesdays 12–4 p.m. Small admission fee.
- Children's Daycare Museum is open Wednesday 12–7 p.m. Helsinki Day celebration at the Children's Daycare Museum, so admission is free in honor of the day.
Playground Activities on Wednesday
- Playground Lunch menu on Wednesday: Clear broth Arctic char soup (M G N S K) and Helsinki Day rhubarb pie (M).
Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils, and beverages! - The playground season starts 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, Dragon Park, Mustakivi, and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- At Playground Loru on Wednesday:
Helsinki Day celebration for all ages
10–11:30 a.m. Games and Art – Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor.
1–2:30 p.m. Games and Art – Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor. - MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children 0-12 years old. Read more on the family house's website!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Library Activities on Wednesday
- Helmet library children's events can be found on Helmet's events page.
(Due to the Helmet website update, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
Pienten Suomi - Over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- The Pienten Helsinki Summer in Helsinki series has many, many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. The summer tips are also suitable for visitors coming to the city as tourists.
- Children's Traffic City is open Thursdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with scooter riding in the area. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start at the top of each hour with the last lesson starting at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
- Albert's Living Room is open Thursdays 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Espoo: Jukranpujut Summer Movies at Children's Culture Center Aurora on Thursday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission.
- Art Activities at Annantalo every weekday 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Art activities take place in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and for older children also without an adult. You can drop by Art Activities at any time or stay longer. - Vantaa: Tuntupolku – Experience Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Culture Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5–June 30, 2024. Open Wed–Fri 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and at Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
Commercial cooperation - Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secret of Wolf Island on Thursday 12 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
The Secret of Wolf Island is a history-based adventure tour designed for children (6–13 years) that also suits adults well. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange coincidences from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and the 1700s in a fun and experiential way. - Exciting Journey Board Game Workshop at Helsinki City Museum weekdays June 3-16, 2024, 12-3 p.m. Free admission.
- University of Helsinki Observatory on Tähtitorninmäki is open Thursdays 12–8 p.m. Museum admission fee.
Playground Activities on Thursday
- Playground Lunch menu on Thursday: Vegetable-cheese-chicken soup (L G N S K)
Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils, and beverages! - The playground season starts 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, Dragon Park, Mustakivi, and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- At Playground Loru on Thursday:
10–11 a.m. Loru Finds – movement-based search session for children over 2 years old, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor
1–1:30 p.m. Loru's Fun baby session with changing themes, Oodi 3rd floor.
2:30–3 p.m. Loru Reads – interactive story time for children over 1 year old, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor. - MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children 0-12 years old. Read more on the family house's website!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Library Activities on Thursday
- Helmet library children's events can be found on Helmet's events page.
(Due to the Helmet website update, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- The Pienten Helsinki Summer in Helsinki series has many, many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. The summer tips are also suitable for visitors coming to the city as tourists.
- Skidimarket is open on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall for now!
- Albert's Living Room is open Fridays 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Art Activities at Annantalo every weekday 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Art activities take place in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and for older children also without an adult. You can drop by Art Activities at any time or stay longer. - Children's Traffic City is open Fridays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. On family days, no instruction is provided but children move around the traffic city with their own adult. Riding time 30 minutes. Free admission to Traffic City.
- Vantaa: Tuntupolku – Experience Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Culture Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5–June 30, 2024. Open Wed–Fri 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and at Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
- Puistopartio Concert at Mäkitorppa Playground on Friday 10:30 a.m. Free admission.
Commercial cooperation - Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secret of Wolf Island (in Swedish) on Friday 12 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
The Secret of Wolf Island is a history-based adventure tour designed for children (6–13 years) that also suits adults well. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange coincidences from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and the 1700s in a fun and experiential way. - Exciting Journey Board Game Workshop at Helsinki City Museum weekdays June 3-16, 2024, 12-3 p.m. Free admission.
- Armed Forces Conscript Band Guard Parade Procession at Senate Square 12:30 p.m.
The Guard Parade Procession leaves Helsinki's Senate Square, marching through Market Square to the main guard, then along North Esplanade back to Senate Square. - https://konserttikalenteri.puolustusvoimat.fi/vartioparaatit/vartioparaati-puolustusvoimien-varusmiessoittokunta-3/MIL-Espa: Armed Forces Conscript Band Concert Band at Espa Stage on Friday 2 p.m. Free admission.
- University of Helsinki Observatory on Tähtitorninmäki is open Fridays 12–4 p.m. Museum admission fee.
Playground Activities on Friday
- Playground Lunch menu on Friday: Vegetable spaghetti dish (M K Veg)
Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils, and beverages! - The playground season starts 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, Dragon Park, Mustakivi, and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- At Playground Loru on Friday:
10–10:30 a.m. Loru Sings – singing session for all ages, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor.
2–2:45 p.m. Loru's Games – session for children over 1 year old, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor. - MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children 0-12 years old. Read more on the family house's website!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Library Activities on Friday
- Helmet library children's events can be found on Helmet's events page.
(Due to the Helmet website update, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- The Pienten Helsinki Summer in Helsinki series has many, many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. The summer tips are also suitable for visitors coming to the city as tourists.
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- Helmet library children's events can be found on Helmet's events page.
(Due to the Helmet website update, daily event linking is no longer possible.) - Strange Game at Media Museum and Archives Merkkii May 8–October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- Kids Saturday at Hietaniemi Market Hall 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Håkansbölen Summer Exhibitions are open at Håkansbölen Manor on Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission.
Commercial cooperation: - Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: The Secret of Wolf Island on Saturday 12 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
The Secret of Wolf Island is a history-based adventure tour designed for children (6–13 years) that also suits adults well. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange coincidences from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and the 1700s in a fun and experiential way.
- Vantaa: Henna and Superheroes at Silk Factory City Dances on Saturday 4 p.m. Free admission.
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- The Pienten Helsinki Summer in Helsinki series has many, many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. The summer tips are also suitable for visitors coming to the city as tourists.
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- Open Gardens Day.
- Flea market! Kalasatamanpuisto Summer Flea Market on Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Children's Traffic City is open Sundays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. On family days, no instruction is provided but children move around the traffic city with their own adult. Riding time 30 minutes. Free admission to Traffic City.
- Espoo: Wild Flowers Day Family Hike at Villa Elfvik Landscapes on Sunday 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free admission.
- Aarne Alligator & Jungle Drum at Espa Stage on Sunday 11 a.m. (in Swedish) and 1 p.m. (in Finnish). Free admission.
- Balalaukku Music and Clown Performance at Espa Stage on Sunday 12 p.m. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Håkansbölen Summer Exhibitions are open at Håkansbölen Manor on Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission.
- Children's Island Adventure on Heron Island on Sunday 12–2 p.m. Free admission to the adventure, small ferry fee for the island.
- Children's Traffic City Summer Opening on Sunday 12–3 p.m. The program includes, among other things, Nallekopla's concert, Taikuripelle PeeKoo's performance, excavator familiarization, and of course go-kart riding. Free admission to Traffic City.
- Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open Sundays 12–4 p.m. Small admission fee.
- Launch Event: Children's Activity Book Hair Day at Helsinki City Museum on Sunday 2:30–4:30 p.m. Free admission.
- Strange Game at Media Museum and Archives Merkkii May 8–October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- What should we do today? Check out the tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
- The article "Secret Helsinki" reveals small and big secrets about Helsinki!
Also remember:
Pienten Suomi - Over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
