Pienten Helsinki
Where to go with children during week seven
Updated February 17, 2018What kid-friendly activities are available in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki’s weekly series searches for activity tips and suggests child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The target audience of the website is pre-school children and families with small children.
Little Helsinki’s “Where to go this week” articles also appear in 2018 no later than Mondays and suggest everything happening in the city for families with children. In week seven of 2018, at least Chinese New Year is celebrated, art activities take place at Art Clinics in Annantalo and at Viikkari playground, children get sprayed with candy while marveling at student floats, and old-fashioned dances are admired at the Ice Hall. Many playgrounds also organize Shrove Tuesday and Valentine’s Day events for families; event information can be found on the playgrounds’ Facebook pages or by asking at your local playground.
The capital region celebrates winter break during week eight. Find Little Helsinki’s tips for the winter break week for little vacationers here.
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Art Clinics are also available at playgrounds.[/caption]
The new Oodi central library being built in downtown Helsinki will also have wonderful spaces for young library lovers. Do you have an idea or wish for what the library could have for little ones to enjoy? Now is the right time to tell the library’s development group! You can also comment below this article or send an email to mari@pientenhelsinki.fi, and I’ll happily pass the messages on to Oodi’s creators.
The article’s cover image is from the Chinese New Year celebrations on Keskuskatu from 2017.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018
Events:Story time at Puistola Library at 10 a.m.
Story yoga at Paloheinen Library at 10:15 a.m.
Malmi Mondays – craft activity for children and families at 5-7 p.m. at Malmi Library.
Library 10 opens five children’s own art exhibition on February 12, 2018, when the artist group Taivaaranran Painters takes over the children’s department exhibition space. The exhibition features works from three Helsinki family daycare groups. The colorful exhibition can be viewed during the library’s opening hours until March 4, 2018. Children’s own exhibition activities are reportedly a unique concept in Finland, and any child can curate the exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities. The opening of the Taivaaranran Painters exhibition is held on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 4:30 p.m.
TIP: MLL’s family café meets on Mondays at the Itäkatu Family Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The family café, open to all families with small children, is a place to come on your own schedule to play, spend time, and meet other families in similar life situations. Read more on the family center’s Facebook page.
Art Clinic for 3-6-year-olds in Annantalo on Monday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This week at the clinic, children craft glowing dinosaurs. You can participate in the Art Clinic weekly or just occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. Read more about the wonderful Art Clinic activities on Annantalo’s website.
Puppet Theater Music Class at Sampo’s Aulakalleria every Monday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Paid (€8/session or €70 for the whole spring). Read more on Puppet Theater Sampo’s website.
TIP: Helsinki City Museum’s excellent Children’s City is an unusual museum: it’s also open on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Always free admission!
TIP To Espoo: LEGO®-festival at Iso Omena shopping center February 6-25, 2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and check detailed information and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there by metro from Helsinki just fine ;).
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018
Shrove Tuesday
Events:Story time at Itäkeskus Library led by Jussi Olila at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Kallio Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Malmi Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Kannelmäki Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Herttoniemi Library at 9:45 a.m. Story time at Töölö Library’s activity room at 10:15 a.m. Story time at Vuotalo Library’s foyer led by Jussi Olila at 10:30 a.m.
Story yoga at Paloheinen Library at 5 p.m.
Valentine card crafting at Vuosaari Library from 5-7 p.m.
Family volleyball continues at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park. In family volleyball, all children under 9 move on soft artificial grass with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running, or learning to walk. Family volleyball on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Morning volleyball is free for everyone, evening volleyball costs adults a Pallomylly session fee (€3.50).
Puppet Theater Sampo’s Leonardo’s Flying Apes at Sampo on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Tickets €12. Read more on the puppet theater’s own website.
Hearts and pea stew event at Myllynsiipä playground in Myllypuro on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. More information on the playground’s Facebook page.
Winter fun at Ruoholahti playground from 4-6 p.m. More information on the event on the playground’s Facebook page.
Shrove Tuesday fun at Vartiokyläkirk church on Tuesday from 5-6:30 p.m. Bouncy castle, treats, and lots of other fun for families in the spirit of Joint Responsibility. More information on the Helsinki Diocese website.
Shrove Tuesday fun at Rudolf playground in Laajasalo on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. Treats and activities for little ones organized by the parent association. More details on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP To Espoo: LEGO®-festival at Iso Omena shopping center February 6-25, 2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and check detailed information and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there by metro from Helsinki just fine ;).
TIP: Go sledding! In addition to the well-known Kaivopuisto and Paloheinä sledding hills, Helsinki has several unofficial sledding hills: Kelkkapuisto in Kontu, Alakivenpuisto in Myllypuro, Kaisaniemi Park’s hills, the excellent hill next to Herttoniemi playground, and Taivaskallio in Käpylä offer good speeds for sledders. Also read My Helsinki’s article on Helsinki’s best sledding hills.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2018
Valentine's DayEvents:
Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Tapanila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Lauttasaari Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Maunula Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Pukinmäki Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Oulunkylä Library at 5 p.m.
Toddler nursery rhyme circle at Oulunkylä Library at 10 a.m.
FOR BABIES: Baby nursery rhyme time at Pukinmäki Library at 11 a.m. FOR BABIES: Baby nursery rhyme time at Oulunkylä Library at 11 a.m. FOR BABIES: Baby nursery rhyme time at Kannelmäki Library at 1:30 p.m.
FOR BABIES and parents: BabyKino returns to Kallio Library and you can go to movies with your baby again at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. BabyKino’s own group on Facebook can be found here, where for example this week’s film is published and the upcoming program is voted on.
At the Children’s Museum’s Valentine’s Day people play with friends, craft, and time travel among friends, and admission to the museum is free in honor of friendship. The museum is open Wednesday from 12-6 p.m.
Family event in Kallio church park on Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. in the spirit of the Joint Responsibility fundraiser. More information about the program on the event’s Facebook page.
The National Museum offers two for one on Valentine’s Day, so now is finally the time to take a friend family and take the kids to the museum’s Vinti! Children always get free admission.
Ice Park’s Valentine’s Day features ribbon skating, a skating show, and music from 5-8 p.m. Read more on Ice Park’s website.
At Malmitalo’s Kino Helios you can see the children’s new film Supermarsu. The film starts Wednesday at 6 p.m. and tickets cost €6. Read more on Malmitalo’s website.
TIP To Espoo: LEGO®-festival at Iso Omena shopping center February 6-25, 2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and check detailed information and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there by metro from Helsinki just fine ;).
TIP To Kerava: Kerava city’s Kimppa! Children’s Culture Weeks February 14-25, 2018. Workshops, concerts, films, and themed days for little ones and slightly older children. Read more about the excellent week’s offerings on the City of Kerava’s website.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2018
Events:Story time at Pasila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Suutarila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Tapulinkainkunki Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Laajasalo Library at 9:45 a.m. Story time at Jakomäki Library at 10 a.m.
Reading dog at Töölö Library at 5 p.m.
FOR BABIES: Baby nursery rhyme time at Roihuvuo library at 10 a.m.
TIP To Espoo FOR BABIES and parents: BabyKino at Entresse Library in Espoo center at 10:30 a.m. Read more on the library’s website.
Winter children’s concert Julia the Bunny’s Journey to Snow is Metropolia’s music education students’ winter children’s concert for 2-6-year-olds on Thursday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. The concert at Arabiasali is free to attend, but participation requires pre-registration. More information on Metropolia’s website.
Muksukino films take over Myllypuro media library and Mylläri community hall on Thursdays at 10 a.m. This week’s film is Myyrän Parhaati. Read more about Muksukino on the library’s website.
Three Little Pigs at Puppet Theater Sampo on Thursday at 10 a.m. The classic tale has gotten new, surprising twists. Tickets €12. Tickets and more information on the Puppet Theater’s own website.
Student floats take over downtown Helsinki and you can wave to high school graduates in candy rain for example at Kaisaniemi Park around 1-1:45 p.m. The float parade starts from Kaivopuisto beach at 1 p.m. and goes around Eteläranta and Esplanadi Park several times. Read more about penkkarit and see the floats’ exact route on the City of Helsinki’s website.
Family volleyball at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park. In family volleyball, all children under 9 move on soft artificial grass with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running, or learning to walk. Family volleyball on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m., adults pay Pallomylly session fee (€3.50), children free.
Chinese New Year celebration fills Keskuskatu and Ice Park on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. There’s lots to see and do at the celebration of the Year of the Dog, and the event culminates with fireworks over Töölönlahti at 8:20 p.m. Read more about the event and the evening’s schedule on the event’s official website.
TIP To Espoo: LEGO®-festival at Iso Omena shopping center February 6-25, 2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and check detailed information and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there by metro from Helsinki just fine ;).
TIP: Family cafés, baby mornings, and parent groups: all of these are wonderful places to find companionship for both children and parents. For example, playgrounds, organizations like MLL, churches, and community centers organize these throughout Helsinki and all are welcome. So step in boldly!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018
Winter story time at Pasila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Roihuvuori Library at 9:45 a.m.Toddler time at South Haaga Library at 10 a.m. Toddler time at Viiki Library at 10 a.m.
FOR BABIES: Baby nursery rhyme time at Viiki Library at 11 a.m.
Art Clinic at Viikkari playground at 10 a.m. Read more about playgrounds’ Art Clinics on Little Helsinki’s Facebook page. No pre-registration needed.
Old-time dances can be admired at Ice Hall on Friday at 2 p.m. The event is open to everyone and there’s certainly room in the stands. Free admission. More information about Old People’s Day on Helsinki Ice Hall’s website.
Napero Cinema at Annantalo on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This week’s theme is care and love. Read more about Napero Cinema on Annantalo’s website.
TIP To Vantaa: At Tikkurila Library in Vantaa Let’s Sing Together with Children event on Friday at 10 a.m. You can bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Read more about this fun group singing session on the library’s website.
TIP To Espoo: LEGO®-festival at Iso Omena shopping center February 6-25, 2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and check detailed information and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there by metro from Helsinki just fine ;).
TIP: Movies! Supermarsu, Heinähattu, Vilttitossu and Rubensin veljekset, and Moomins’ Magic Winter are currently playing in movie theaters and are perfect for little ones’ first movie experience.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2018
Events:Story time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11 a.m.
Children’s Saturday and Auntie Magic Pen at Tapanila Library on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Teurastamonystävät’s Saturday takes over the Teurastaamo courtyard and indoor spaces from 12-5 p.m. and offers various programs for all ages and also the family’s pets. More details about the day’s events on Teuratsamo’s Facebook page. The event is free.
Three Little Pigs at Puppet Theater Sampo on Saturday at 12 p.m. The classic tale has gotten new, surprising twists. Tickets €12. Tickets and more information on the Puppet Theater’s own website.
Stadin Gardener’s Winter Fun at Herttoniemi Manor area on Saturday from 12-3 p.m. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Design Museum’s Family Day on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Museum entrance fee, under 18s free. More information on the museum’s website.
DanceAbility dance class at Annantalo from 2-3 p.m. The class is suitable for all 3-12-year-olds with their own adult, regardless of disability or ability. Read more about DanceAbility classes on Annantalo’s website. Free admission.
Tip To Espoo: Whole family jazz session Jazz for Kids at Espoo Cultural Center (Tapiola) on Saturday at 11 a.m. Free admission. More information on Espoo’s cultural services website.
Tip To Espoo: Cello Hall’s Children’s Saturday concert features Mr. Heinämäki and Lato Orchestra on Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets €16. More information on Cello Hall’s website.
TIP To Espoo: LEGO®-festival at Iso Omena shopping center February 6-25, 2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and check detailed information and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there by metro from Helsinki just fine ;).
TIP To Espoo: Finland’s largest miniature railway at Espoo Tapiola’s Heikintor shopping mall basement from January to April. Exact opening hours on Alppirautatieharrastajien website.
TIP: Sunny winter days invite outdoor activities, Little Helsinki recommends a picnic to Uutela and the area’s new cabin, where cabin attendants (mostly) are on duty Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 p.m. In the cabin you can warm up and grill for example sausages. The cabin is located next to Skatan tila, about a kilometer from Kampela café. There’s a cleared path to get there, so the trip is possible even with a stroller. Find current opening hours on Uutela Cabin’s Facebook page.
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Uutela’s new cabin is a great hiking destination.[/caption]
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2018
Events:Restaurant Day is celebrated again on February 18, 2018.
Restaurant Day at Töölö Library from 12-6 p.m.
Winter fun at daycare Arabianhelmessä (Koreankatu 2) on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Outdoors Like a Snowman event at Ice Park on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. At Finland’s Ski Association’s 80-year celebration event, there are snowman-themed games and activities. Ice Park skating fee.
Närpiäiset musical play at Music Theater Kapsäkki on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets €13.50/€22.50. More information on Kapsäkki’s website.
Tippukivitapaus – Whole Family Album Release Concert at Savoy Theater on Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets and more information on Savoy Theater’s website.
TIP To Espoo: LEGO®-festival at Iso Omena shopping center February 6-25, 2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and check detailed information and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there by metro from Helsinki just fine ;).
TIP: Fallkullan farm is open to the public also during the winter season: Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The youth-run café Kilikuppila also reopens, but remember to bring cash for café treats. Free admission. Read more on Helsinki’s Youth Services website.
TIP: Little Helsinki’s Let’s Go Spotting! article has been updated with winter spotting tips for Helsinki.
Also remember these:
KERAVA: City of Kerava's Kimppa! Children's Culture Weeks again February 14-25, 2018. Workshops, concerts, films, and themed days for little ones and slightly older children. Read more about the excellent week's offerings on the City of Kerava's website.ESPOO: LEGO®-festival at Iso Omena shopping center February 6-25, 2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and check detailed information and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there by metro from Helsinki just fine ;).
ESPOO: Finland’s largest miniature railway at Espoo Tapiola’s Heikintor shopping mall basement from January to April. Exact opening hours on Alppirautatieharrastajien website.
Library 10 opens five children’s own art exhibition on February 12, 2018, when the artist group Taivaaranran Painters takes over the children’s department exhibition space. The exhibition features works from three Helsinki family daycare groups. The colorful exhibition can be viewed during the library’s opening hours until March 4, 2018. Children’s own exhibition activities are reportedly a unique concept in Finland, and any child can curate the exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities.
Vene18Båt boat fair at Helsinki’s Messukeskus February 9-18, 2018. Paid. Read more on Messukeskus website.
Go skating at Helsinki’s many skating rinks! Read more about the rinks’ locations, admission fees, and opening hours on Helsinki City’s website. Also Ice Park at Rautatientori is open daily. Current information on skating rinks’ conditions can be found on www.ulkoliikunta.fi.
Imaginary Friends exhibition. Johanna Witick’s exhibition of imaginary friends from all over the world at Herttoniemi Library from February 1-28, 2018 during library hours. Read more on Herttoniemi Library’s website.
Tuula Pere’s children’s book illustration exhibition at Malmitalo from January 15 to February 28, 2018. Story hours and other programs for children are organized in connection with the exhibition. Read more about the exhibition on Malmitalo’s website.
Previously Unseen Animals exhibition starting January 11, 2018 at the Nordic Library on Kaisaniemenkatu. The exhibition is based on Ulf Stark and Linda Bondestam’s picture book of the same name, which won the Nordic Council Children’s and Young People’s Literature Prize in 2017. The exhibition will be on display until March 28, 2018 during the Nordic Library’s opening hours. Read more on the library’s website.
