Pienten Helsinki
Design Fills the City
What kid-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Small Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website targets preschool-aged children and families with young children.This week Helsinki is filled with events from Helsinki Design Week, and the event also pays attention to children. The event program is available all week at the City Hall lobby and the Helsinki City Museum. Design from a child’s perspective can also be seen at the Habitare trade fair and other HDW side events. The week is busy with other events too: interesting exhibitions, art clinics, family ball games, numerous performances, workshops, board games, carnival, BabySauna performances, clowns… and many other events and diverse culture for the little ones. Small Helsinki’s “Where to Go This Week” article tips you off about everything happening in the city for families with preschool-aged children.
New on Small Helsinki: Taking Children to the Theater article has been updated for autumn performances. Children’s Amos Rex article takes you on an adventure to the exciting new museum at Lasilatsi, and the latest part of the Helsinki Islands series explores Lammassaari and Kuusiluoto islands.
Updates on the website: Small Helsinki and site advertising. We are looking for ways to finance the website maintenance costs and are testing topic-appropriate advertising on the site for the first time. If advertising space interests you, feel free to get in touch and I’ll tell you more (mari (a) pientenhelsinki.fi).
REQUEST: Feedback, compliments, comments and wishes: tell us what you think of Small Helsinki! Or feel free to get in touch: share your wishes, opinions, tips or even propose collaboration! mari (a) pientenhelsinki.fi Article cover photo from the City Hall lobby, which displays works by students from the Children’s and Youth Architecture School Ark during Helsinki Design Week.
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »| Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY 10.9.2018
Activities in libraries:
Story time at Puistola Library at 10.Activities in playgrounds:
Father-child group at Linja playground (Kallio) on Monday 5-7 pm.All playgrounds and family centers have returned to weekday schedules and extended opening hours for playgrounds. Now is the perfect time to share your wishes and ideas for playground programs - tell the playground staff or send an email!
Family cafés:
MLL family café at Itäkatu family center Mondays 9:30-11:30.The MLL family cafés list maintained by Small Helsinki is currently being updated and we welcome all information!
Other events:
Helsinki City Museum Children's Design Week daily events can be found here.Puppet theater music class at Sampo hall gallery on Monday at 10 and 11. Fee: €8/session or €80/whole autumn. Read more at Puppet Theater Sampo’s website.
Art clinic for ages 3-6 at Annantalo on Monday at 10 and 12:30. In the first art clinic of the fall, children create a flying kite. You can participate in the art clinic weekly or occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No advance registration. Read more about the art clinic program at Annantalo’s website.
Mushroom exhibition in the botanical greenhouses at Kaisaniemi on Monday 11-5 pm. Free admission to the event and greenhouses during the mushroom exhibition. More information at Luomus website.
Cinderella Mini Opera in the Opera House balcony hall on Monday at 2 and 3 pm. Tickets €10. Read more at the Opera’s website.
Children’s Olympics at Lauttasaari sports field (Pyrkkä) on Monday starting at 5:30 pm. The event is organized by Lauttasaari Pyrintö. More information at Pyrinnön Facebook page.
Other museums open on Mondays include the Newspaper Museum, Amos Rex, and until the end of September also Haltia Nature Center in Espoo.
Also check out: HDW: Children’s Design Week program in full.
TUESDAY 11.9.2018
Activities in libraries:
In Swedish: Story hour at Månsas Library at 9:15 and 10. Registration via email to lauri.seutu@hel.fi. Story time at Kallio Library at 9:30. Story time at Malmi Library at 9:30. Story time at Herttoniemi Library at 9:45. Story time at Kannelmäki Library at 10. Story time at Töölö Library at 10:15.Activities in playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to weekday schedules and extended opening hours for playgrounds. Now is the perfect time to share your wishes and ideas for playground programs - tell the playground staff or send an email!Family cafés:
Tip for Espoo: International family café at Sello Library Tuesdays 10-12.The MLL family cafés list maintained by Small Helsinki is currently being updated and we welcome all information!
Other events:
Helsinki City Museum Children's Design Week daily events can be found here.Family ball games at the Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with an adult. Free play, tricks, running or practice walking. Family ball games Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 and 4-6 pm. Morning ball games are free for everyone, evening ball games cost adults Pallomylly’s fee (€3.50). Read more in Small Helsinki’s Helsinki on the Move tips.
Cinderella Mini Opera in the Opera House balcony hall on Monday at 2 and 3 pm. Tickets €10. Read more at the Opera’s website.
Also check out: HDW: Children’s Design Week program in full.
WEDNESDAY 12.9.2018
Activities in libraries:
Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30. Story time at Tapanila Library at 9:30. Story time at Roihuvuori Library at 9:45. Story time at Lauttasaari Library at 10. Story time at Oulunkylä Library at 10.Activities in playgrounds:
Teddy Olympics at Maunula playground at 10.All playgrounds and family centers have returned to weekday schedules and extended opening hours for playgrounds. Now is the perfect time to share your wishes and ideas for playground programs - tell the playground staff or send an email!
Family cafés:
The MLL family cafés list maintained by Small Helsinki is currently being updated and we welcome all information!Other events:
Helsinki City Museum Children's Design Week daily events can be found here.FOR BABIES: BabySauna performance for the smallest culture enthusiasts and their families at Caisa cultural center Wednesday at 10 and 12. Information and seat reservations at Caisa’s website. Free admission.
Kindergarten Museum is open Wednesday 12-6 pm.
Wednesday relaxed gallery workshop making dream catchers at Vuotalo gallery at 4 pm. Read more about the workshop suitable for all ages at Vuotalo’s website.
At Malmitalo’s Heliox Cinema Fluffy and Buddy movie (PG) Wednesday at 6 pm. Tickets €6. More information at Malmitalo’s website.
Habitare Fair & Habi Kids at Messukeskus Wednesday through Sunday. Read more at Habitare’s own website. There is an admission fee for the fair.
Exhibition! Piipa Toivonen’s Jungle-jungle playful exhibition at Stoa gallery 12.9.-6.10.2018. Free admission to the exhibition and open to visitors during Stoa’s opening hours. Exact opening hours at stoa.fi. Read more at Stoa’s website. Also check out: HDW: Children’s Design Week program in full.
THURSDAY 13.9.2018
Activities in libraries:
Story time at Pasila Library at 9:30. Story time at Tapiola City Library at 9:30. Toddler rhyme circle at Oulunkylä Library at 10. FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme circle at Oulunkylä Library at 11.Activities in playgrounds:
Farm animals from Rehdal farm visiting Viiri playground (Pikku Huopalahti) Thursday 1-4 pm. Read more at Viiri's Facebook page.All playgrounds and family centers have returned to weekday schedules and extended opening hours for playgrounds. Now is the perfect time to share your wishes and ideas for playground programs - tell the playground staff or send an email!
Family cafés:
MLL family café in Kruunuhaka at Kruuna meeting place (Meritullinkatu 6) Thursdays 9:30-11:30. MLL family café in Töölö at Ruusunpuisto (Ruusulankatu 10, side building) Thursdays 10-12. Tip for Espoo: MLL Leppävaara family café at Sello Library Children's Department Thursdays 10-12.The MLL family cafés list maintained by Small Helsinki is currently being updated and we welcome all information!
Other events:
Helsinki City Museum Children's Design Week daily events can be found here.Art clinic for ages 3-6 at Kanneltalo Thursday at 10. This week’s art clinic theme is Festive Lanterns Shining! You can participate in the art clinic weekly or occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No advance registration. Read more about the art clinic program at Kanneltalo’s website.
Family ball games at the Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with an adult. Free play, tricks, running or practice walking. Family ball games Thursdays 4-5 pm. Evening ball games cost adults Pallomylly’s fee (€3.50). Read more in Small Helsinki’s Helsinki on the Move tips.
Habitare Fair & Habi Kids at Messukeskus Wednesday through Sunday. Read more at Habitare’s own website. There is an admission fee for the fair.
Exhibition! Piipa Toivonen’s Jungle-jungle playful exhibition at Stoa gallery 12.9.-6.10.2018. Free admission to the exhibition and open to visitors during Stoa’s opening hours. Exact opening hours at stoa.fi. Read more at Stoa’s website.
Also check out: HDW: Children’s Design Week program in full.
FRIDAY 14.9.2018
Activities in libraries:
Toddler time at South Haaga Library at 10.Tip for Vantaa: Singing together with children at Tikkurila Library at 10.
Activities in playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to weekday schedules and extended opening hours for playgrounds. Now is the perfect time to share your wishes and ideas for playground programs - tell the playground staff or send an email!Family cafés:
MLL family café at Itäkatu family center Fridays 9:30-11:30.The MLL family cafés list maintained by Small Helsinki is currently being updated and we welcome all information!
Other events:
Helsinki City Museum Children's Design Week daily events can be found here.Habitare Fair & Habi Kids at Messukeskus Wednesday through Sunday. Read more at Habitare’s own website. There is an admission fee for the fair.
Board game event at Kaapelitehdas Friday through Sunday. The event is suitable for all ages and you can visit the game library and play at your own pace. The organizer especially recommends Sundays for families with children and young players. Read more at the event’s own website and the event’s Facebook page. Free admission.
Baby Cinema at Annantalo Fridays at 10. Age recommendation: 0–3 years with an adult, older children also welcome. Movies are free to attend. This week’s theme is city and society. More information at Annantalo’s website.
Cats’ Night at Korkeasaari Friday 4-12 pm. See Korkeasaari and cat animals in the September twilight. More information, ticket prices and detailed program at Korkeasaari’s website.
Traditional atmospheric moonlight swim at Uimastadium Friday starting at 5 pm. Admission fee. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
They Build Great Castles is a dance piece performed by children. Performance at Kanneltalo in the Youth Center dance hall Friday at 6 pm. Seat reservations and more information at Kanneltalo’s website. Free admission to the performance.
Exhibition! Piipa Toivonen’s Jungle-jungle playful exhibition at Stoa gallery 12.9.-6.10.2018. Free admission to the exhibition and open to visitors during Stoa’s opening hours. Exact opening hours at stoa.fi. Read more at Stoa’s website.
Also check out: HDW: Children’s Design Week program in full.
SATURDAY 15.9.2018
Activities in libraries:In Swedish: Rimjam - Rush, run, sprint at Busholmen Library at 10. Spoken word time at Malmi Library at 11. Story time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11. Library 10’s last Children’s Saturday Saturday 12-3 pm. Read more at Library 10’s website. Magician Hiroshi at Kontula Library Saturday at 2 pm.
Tip for Vantaa: Children’s Saturday film at Tikkurila Library at 10.
Other events:
Helsinki City Museum Children's Design Week daily events can be found here.Taito Sports Center’s Play Days Saturdays and Sundays for preschoolers: 1-3 year-olds at 10-11 and 3-6 year-olds at 11-12. Tickets €10/child. More information at Taito Sports Center’s website.
Habitare Fair & Habi Kids at Messukeskus Wednesday through Sunday. Read more at Habitare’s own website. There is an admission fee for the fair.
Board game event at Kaapelitehdas Friday through Sunday. The event is suitable for all ages and you can visit the game library and play at your own pace. The organizer especially recommends Sundays for families with children and young players. Read more at the event’s own website and the event’s Facebook page. Free admission.
Super popular MLL Herttoniemi children’s equipment flea market at Herttoniemi Church Saturday 10-1 pm. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Family Day at Vartiokylä Church Saturday 10-1 pm. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Baby carrier flea market at Arabia playground Saturday 10-2 pm. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
HDW: Children’s Saturday: Kanneltalo Design Day is full of design! In the whole family’s art workshops and performances, you step into the shoes of a designer, experimenter and inventor Saturday 10-2 pm. Read more at Kanneltalo’s website.
HDW Children’s Design Weekend at Suvilahti’s Kattilahall Saturday and Sunday 10-4 pm. Lots to do for all ages. Note that Kattilahall is not accessible with strollers, but there is a stroller parking area outside (monitored at least in previous years). Free admission to the event. See the event’s full program on HDW’s website.
[caption id=“attachment_1385” align=“aligncenter” width=“819”]
HDW Children’s Design Weekend at Suvilahti a few years ago.[/caption]
Fly Ladybug Fly - puppet theater performance at Puppet Theater Sampo Saturday at 12. The performance is suitable for many ages and also very good as a first theater experience for the family’s youngest. Tickets €12. Read more at Sampo’s website.
Sariola Carnival at Vuosaari ice rink sand field Saturday 12-9 pm. The evening culminates in fireworks celebrating the carnival’s 130th birthday. Read more at the event’s Facebook page. Partially paid, but also lots of free programs.
Puppet Theater PikkuKulkuri Piki-Superhero puppet theater performance at Annantalo Saturday at 1 pm. Tickets €10. Read more about the performance and ticket reservation information at Annantalo’s website.
DanceAbility dance class at Annantalo 2-3 pm. The class is suitable for all 3-12 year-olds with an adult, regardless of disability. Read more about DanceAbility classes at Annantalo’s website. Free admission.
Doctor Zeiffal, Doctor Zeigal and the Hippopotamus That Was Never Caught - Comedy at Music Theater Kapsäkki Saturday at 1 pm (premiere). The performance is recommended for children over 4. Tickets €14.50/€22.50. More information at Kapsäkki’s website.
At Malmitalo’s Heliox Cinema Fluffy and Buddy movie (PG) Saturday at 2 pm. Tickets €6. More information at Malmitalo’s website.
Glims & Gloms: JAM - Mr. Hill’s Confusion - clown performance at Malmitalo Saturday at 3 pm. Tickets €6. The performance is recommended for children over 5. More information at Malmitalo’s website. They Build Great Castles is a dance piece performed by children. Performance at Kanneltalo in the Youth Center dance hall Saturday at 4 pm. Seat reservations and more information at Kanneltalo’s website. Free admission to the performance.
Exhibition! Piipa Toivonen’s Jungle-jungle playful exhibition at Stoa gallery 12.9.-6.10.2018. Free admission to the exhibition and open to visitors during Stoa’s opening hours. Exact opening hours at stoa.fi. Read more at Stoa’s website.
Also check out: HDW: Children’s Design Week program in full.
Tip for Espoo: Saturday WORKSHOP and design workshop in HDW spirit at Children’s Cultural Center Pikku-Aurora Saturday 10-2 pm. Read more at Pikku-Aurora’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Design + WeeGee event at WeeGee museum center in Tapiola Saturday 11-5 pm. Programs and workshops with museum ticket (free for under 18). Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Satu Sopanen & Tutti Orchestra at Sello Hall Saturday at 1 pm. Tickets starting from €12. Information and ticket reservations at Sello Hall’s website.
SUNDAY 16.9.2018
Other events:
Helsinki City Museum Children's Design Week daily events can be found here.Taito Sports Center’s Play Days Saturdays and Sundays for preschoolers: 1-3 year-olds at 10-11 and 3-6 year-olds at 11-12. Tickets €10/child. More information at Taito Sports Center’s website.
Habitare Fair & Habi Kids at Messukeskus Wednesday through Sunday. Read more at Habitare’s own website. There is an admission fee for the fair.
Board game event at Kaapelitehdas Friday through Sunday. The event is suitable for all ages and you can visit the game library and play at your own pace. The organizer especially recommends Sundays for families with children and young players. Read more at the event’s own website and the event’s Facebook page. Free admission.
Whole Family Paloheina Sounds! event at Paloheina elementary school 10-1:30 pm. Detailed program and more information at the event’s Facebook page.
HDW Children’s Design Weekend at Suvilahti’s Kattilahall Saturday and Sunday 10-4 pm. Lots to do for all ages. Note that Kattilahall is not accessible with strollers, but there is a stroller parking area outside (monitored at least in previous years). Free admission to the event. See the event’s full program on HDW’s website.
Steiner Daycare Pellava Fall Festival in Käpylä Sunday 11-3 pm. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
HDW: Stones Are Interesting - Spoken Word Workshop at Annantalo Sunday 1-3 pm. More information at Annantalo’s website.
In Swedish: Children’s Sundays at Kino Engel at 1 pm. Children’s film screenings at Kino Engel in Swedish. Tickets €10.50. Read more and see the program at Kino Engel’s website.
Doctor Zeiffal, Doctor Zeigal and the Hippopotamus That Was Never Caught - Comedy at Music Theater Kapsäkki Sunday at 1 pm. The performance is recommended for children over 4. Tickets €14.50/€22.50. More information at Kapsäkki’s website.
Exhibition! Piipa Toivonen’s Jungle-jungle playful exhibition at Stoa gallery 12.9.-6.10.2018. Free admission to the exhibition and open to visitors during Stoa’s opening hours. Exact opening hours at stoa.fi. Read more at Stoa’s website.
Also check out: HDW: Children’s Design Week program in full.
Tip for Tuusula: Pumpkin Carnival at Koiramäki Log Stable Thursday through Sunday 10-6 pm. Fun activities for the little ones in beautiful autumn surroundings. More information at the log stable’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Villa Adventures’ Forest is a whole family action-packed nature hike where you move at children’s pace. Bring small snacks for the hike and dress according to the weather. Hike in Elfvik’s scenery Sunday 10:30-12:30. Free admission, no advance registration required. More information at Villa Elfvik’s website.
Remember also these:
The Newspaper Museum's Pelle Peloton exhibition's final days are approaching! Check here to see what the exhibition offers. Free admission.Exhibition! Piipa Toivonen’s Jungle-jungle playful exhibition at Stoa gallery 12.9.-6.10.2018. Free admission to the exhibition and open to visitors during Stoa’s opening hours. Exact opening hours at stoa.fi. Read more at Stoa’s website.
Exhibition! Photo of Nature 2017 exhibition at Malmitalo 28.8.-22.9.2018.
Stones Are Interesting - Chill-out space invites Annantalo visitors to spend time freely on the 2nd floor glass-end room. In the Anna-Kaisa Koski exhibition you can read books, lounge on pillows or examine the stones in the space and their friends. What is nature and what just looks like it? Read more at Annantalo’s website.
iik!week at Linnanmäki 5.-16.9.2018. See detailed schedules and the event program at the amusement park’s website.
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