Pienten Helsinki
August's first super week of events
What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website's target audience is preschool-aged children and families with young children.August’s first super week of events sets the stage for what’s coming and offers plenty of great activities in Helsinki: Traffic City’s birthday celebration, Helsinki Festival Week opening, Skidit Festival, Kaivari concert, and Roihuvuori village festival with the Children’s Valley event. These are just examples of the week’s super diverse event offerings! This week also marks the beginning of registration for many activities and cultural events: for example, Worker’s Institute courses have staggered registration starting Monday, National Opera baby Art Sessions registration opens Tuesday, and Helsinki city children’s sports courses start Thursday. Pienten Helsinki’s Where to Go This Week article is published weekly, no later than Mondays, and suggests all the activities happening in the city for families with preschool-aged children.
New at Pienten Helsinki: The first upcoming autumn events have been listed under one link. If your event is missing from the list or you want to tip others about an autumn highlight, all suggestions are welcome. The list will be updated throughout the autumn! The latest story from the Museum Buddy and I series takes you to the National Museum’s Barbie exhibition and Park Hide’s extended period brings some of the hides to search for in the August cityscape.
WISH: Roses, criticism, comments and wishes: tell us what you think about Pienten Helsinki! Or feel free to contact us: share your wishes, opinions, tips or suggest collaboration! mari (a) pientenhelsinki.fi
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MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2018
At the libraries:
Story time at Puistola library at 10 a.m.Family music workshop for all ages at Tapanila library from 5-7 p.m.
At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular hours and extended opening times for playgrounds. Now is a great time to suggest ideas for programming at playgrounds - tell the playground instructors your wishes or send an email!Other events:
MLL's family café fall season begins at Itäkatu family center Monday from 9:30-11:30 a.m.FOR BABIES and parents: Finnkino Baby Cinema screenings continue Monday with the film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Screenings at Finnkino theaters, see more details here.
Ethno-Espa on Espa stage August 6-15, 2018. A new folk music event bringing a diverse lineup of performers to the Espa stage. More information about Ethno-Espa’s program on the event’s website.
Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City open starting at 9 a.m. during summer. A great play space for early risers! Read more at the museum’s website. The Children’s City also features illustrator Jenni Isotoff’s narrative art exhibition Dreaming Mäykkynen & Helsinki from May 29–August 31.
Other museums open on Mondays include Päivälehti Museum as well as during summer also National Museum and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo.
Tapanila Sports Center open house features sports trials and programming for children from 4-8 p.m. Free admission. Read more at the sports center’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Arts activities in Espoo throughout the week on textile art that you can add your handprints to. More detailed schedule and locations on the event’s Facebook page.
Also remember: Registration for Helsinki Worker’s Institute courses begins with staggered enrollment on Monday!
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018
At the libraries:
Library tip for Espoo: International family café continues at Sello library Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular hours and extended opening times for playgrounds. Now is a great time to suggest ideas for programming at playgrounds - tell the playground instructors your wishes or send an email!Other events:
Ethno-Espa on Espa stage August 6-15, 2018. A new folk music event bringing a diverse lineup of performers to the Espa stage. More information about Ethno-Espa's program on the event's website.Annantalo summer music activities invite you to sing, play, move and recite together with music instructor Tuuli Paasola on the Annantalo A•stage Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The music class is aimed at children 0–7 years old and their guardians, but suits everyone from babies to grandparents. Free admission, no advance registration needed. More information at Annantalo’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Arts activities in Espoo throughout the week on textile art that you can add your handprints to. More detailed schedule and locations on the event’s Facebook page.
!!! Also remember: Registration for the National Opera and Ballet’s BABY Art Sessions begins Tuesday at 9 a.m.!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018
At the libraries:
Story session at Tapanila library at 9:30 a.m.Töölö library and city guide summer tour, come meet city guide Silja Lindblad and Töölö library staff on a library bike tour Wednesday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the following locations (indoors at Töölö library if rainy):
- 10-11 a.m. Kirjailijanpuisto, Tavaststjernankatu 1
- 12-1 p.m. Corner of Sibelius Park near Rajasaarenti and the playground
- 2-3 p.m. Park area on Hesperian Esplanade, along Mechelininkatu, near Taivallahti school
At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular hours and extended opening times for playgrounds. Now is a great time to suggest ideas for programming at playgrounds - tell the playground instructors your wishes or send an email!Other events:
Ethno-Espa on Espa stage August 6-15, 2018. A new folk music event bringing a diverse lineup of performers to the Espa stage. More information about Ethno-Espa's program on the event's website.Children’s Traffic City turns 60! The birthday celebration takes place at Children’s Traffic City Wednesday from 4-7:30 p.m. Program features music from Maltti and Valtti and Nallekoplan, pedal car rides and light refreshments. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
You can climb the National Museum tower on summer Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. Tower tour tickets cost 5 € and can be purchased at the ticket office on Wednesdays (no advance sales). Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
A•stage open stage Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. The event is open to the public and performers. You can go on stage to perform or watch others perform. More information at Annantalo’s website.
To the summer theater: On the Taivallahti summer theater stage you can see Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tickets 16 €. Read more at: Taivallahti summer theater’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Arts activities in Espoo throughout the week on textile art that you can add your handprints to. More detailed schedule and locations on the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Talo Museum Glims 4H farm pasture visits continue Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Read more at the museum’s website. Free admission.
Also remember: From Pienten Helsinki’s Helsinki places article you’ll surely find ideas for boring days, inspiration for adventures and motivation to explore Helsinki.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018
At the libraries:
Story session at Pasila library at 9:30 a.m.Library tip for Espoo: MLL Leppävaara family café at Sello library Children’s Department Thursdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular hours and extended opening times for playgrounds. Now is a great time to suggest ideas for programming at playgrounds - tell the playground instructors your wishes or send an email!Other events:
MLL's family café fall season begins in Kruunuhaka Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Kruna mesta (Meritullinkatu 6).Choir procession brings a record-breaking 127 choirs to the Cathedral steps Thursday at 7 p.m. This is definitely worth going to if your schedule allows! More information at the event’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Arts activities in Espoo throughout the week on textile art that you can add your handprints to. More detailed schedule and locations on the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Talo Museum Glims 4H farm pasture visits continue Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Read more at the museum’s website. Free admission.
Also remember: Registration for Helsinki city children’s sports courses begins Thursday!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018
At the libraries:
Toddler session at South Haaga library at 10 a.m.At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular hours and extended opening times for playgrounds. Now is a great time to suggest ideas for programming at playgrounds - tell the playground instructors your wishes or send an email!Other events:
MLL's family café fall season begins at Itäkatu family center Friday from 9:30-11:30 a.m.Helsinki Festival Week August 17–September 2, 2018. The complete festival week program is available on the event’s website.
Seurasaari Sounds! traditional and contemporary folk music event on Seurasaari Friday through Sunday. Museum building concerts have an admission fee, otherwise free entry. More details on the event’s Facebook page.
Roihuvuori Village Festival 2018 Friday and Saturday throughout Roihuvuori. LOTS of programming for all ages. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s Valley event at Tuhkimo Park in Roihuvuori Friday from 4-7 p.m. The event is part of the Roihuvuori village festival and is organized by volunteers. Read more about the program at the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Arts activities in Espoo throughout the week on textile art that you can add your handprints to. More detailed schedule and locations on the event’s Facebook page.
Also remember: Movies with kids! Puluboy and Pony's Movie premiered Friday! Other all-ages movies currently in theaters include Maija Bee and the Honey Games and Supermarsu.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018
Other events:
Restaurant DaySeurasaari Sounds! traditional and contemporary folk music event on Seurasaari Friday through Sunday. Museum building concerts have an admission fee, otherwise free entry. More details on the event’s Facebook page.
Taitoliikuntakeskus Peuh Days Saturdays and Sundays for preschool-aged children: 1-3 year-olds 10-11 a.m. and 3-6 year-olds 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Tickets 10 €/child. More information at Taito Sports Center’s website.
Roihuvuori Village Festival 2018 Friday and Saturday throughout Roihuvuori. LOTS of programming for all ages. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Helsinki Festival Week: Skidit Festival in the Kallio Bakery courtyard Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids’ own festival with programming for every taste. Tickets 13.50 €, under 1-year-olds free. Read more about the day’s program at the festival’s own website.
Old Vuosaari Celebration at Ilveskorven Park Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
To summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari summer theater Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets 14 €, under 2-year-olds free, family ticket packages also available. Read more about the performance at the theater’s own website.
Additional performances! To summer theater: Viiru the cat and old man Pesonen take over the theater stage at Puotila Manor’s courtyard when Viiru Moves play is performed at Puotila Summer Theater Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 12 €. Read more at Puotila summer theater’s website.
DNA Kids Saturday on Espa stage from 12-3 p.m. Giggling Kakkainen will be seen on stage starting at 1 p.m. Free admission, more details at Espa stage event information.
Dream Café, Clowns Without Borders event for the whole family at Malmitalo and its surroundings Saturday from 12-4 p.m. Read more at Malmitalo’s website.
Caisa Cultural Center opening Saturday from 12-5 p.m. at the new address Kaikukatu 4 in the heart of Kallio. Fun programming and workshops for all ages. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s sea adventure – family sailing Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Japanese Navy visits Helsinki August 17-20, 2018. The visiting training squadron includes training ships JS Kashima and JS Makinami arriving at Katajanokka harbor Friday, August 17. As part of the naval visit, the Japanese Navy holds a public concert and martial arts demonstration at Esplanade Park Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 6-7:15 p.m. More information at Navy Facebook page.
Helsinki Festival Week August 17–September 2, 2018. The complete festival week program is available on the event’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Kite show and additional programming at Oittaa outdoor recreation area’s grass field Saturday from 1-4 p.m. The event is part of the Espoo-Shanghai 20 Years as Sister Cities package. Free admission. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Kerava: Garlic Festival 2018 at Kerava square Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Great programming for kids too. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2018
Other events:
Restaurant DaySeurasaari Sounds! traditional and contemporary folk music event on Seurasaari Friday through Sunday. Museum building concerts have an admission fee, otherwise free entry. More details on the event’s Facebook page.
Daycare Herttoniemi Café at Herttoniemi playground Sunday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Café treats plus lots to do for kids, indoor spaces available if it rains. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Taitoliikuntakeskus Peuh Days Saturdays and Sundays for preschool-aged children: 1-3 year-olds 10-11 a.m. and 3-6 year-olds 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Tickets 10 €/child. More information at Taito Sports Center’s website.
Vartiosaari Day Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Go on an adventure at beautiful Vartiosaari, more details at Vartiosaari’s own website.
Harvest Market at Herttoniemi allotment garden’s Riihikentä Sunday from 12-3 p.m. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
To summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari summer theater Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 14 €, under 2-year-olds free, family ticket packages also available. Read more about the performance at the theater’s own website.
Before the Kaivari concert: Tour de Villa - on Emma Salokosk’s veranda at Huviteltassa at Tokoinranta at 12:30 p.m. (gates open at 12). A free concert singing the best summer and cycling songs. Free admission. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Helsinki Festival Week: Kaivari Concert at Kaivopuisto Sunday starting at 2 p.m. Helsinki’s 50-year-old festival week and the 40-year-old Living Music Association Elmu celebrate their milestone anniversaries by filling Kaivopuisto with live music after a long break and summer picnic atmosphere. Programming and entertainment for kids too. Read more at the festival week website. Free admission.
Helsinki Festival Week: Children’s Movies at Orion Sunday at 2 p.m. Real classics on the big screen. Tickets 6.50 €, under 12s 3 €. More information at the festival week website.
Helsinki Festival Week August 17–September 2, 2018. The complete festival week program is available on the event’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Villa Elfvik Fairy School is a whole family interactive nature walk where you travel at the children’s pace. Bring small snacks and dress according to the weather. Walk through Elfvik’s landscapes Sunday from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free admission, no advance registration needed. More information at Villa Elfvik’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Pony racing and fun day for the whole family at Vermo racetrack Sunday from 12-2:30 p.m. More information at the event organizer’s website. Free admission.
Tip for Vantaa: Vantaa Artists Association whole family Art Workshop at Art Building Gjutars. Workshop fee 5 €/family. More information at the Artists Association website.
Tip for Tuusula: Stick Carnival 2018 in Tuusula at Hyrylä pool’s grass field Sunday from 1-4 p.m. You can register to compete on site or just come watch the event. Free admission. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Also remember these:
Helsinki Festival Week August 17–September 2, 2018. The complete festival week program is available on the event's website.
Loota is also an experiential family comic exhibition at Annantalo art gallery. The exhibition features numerous comic pages from the Kiste series in both Finnish and German. The book’s world continues in the space as three-dimensional and playable. You can explore the exhibition during Annantalo’s opening hours August 4–September 2, 2018. The event is organized by the Comic Center and is part of the 2018 Helsinki Comic Festival program. Free workshops open to all connected to the exhibition are held August 6 from 12-4 p.m. and August 23 from 4-7 p.m. More information at Annantalo’s website.
At Espa stage you can see different concerts and performances almost daily during the summer. Read more and check the summer concert program at Helsinki’s culture administration website.
Fallkulla farm is open all summer daily from May 26–August 26 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Read more at the farm’s website. Also Linnunrata Playground in Helsinki, Talo Museum Glims in Espoo and Katrinebergs Manor in Vantaa have farm animals as summer guests!
Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City open starting at 9 a.m. during summer from June 4, 2018. A great play space for early risers! Read more at the museum’s website. The Children’s City also features illustrator Jenni Isotoff’s narrative art exhibition Dreaming Mäykkynen & Helsinki from May 29–August 31. At the Children’s City there is also, as usual during summer, small independent paper crafts daily for families. In June, starting June 1, paper chains with Helsinki animals and other decorations are made. More information at the city museum’s website.
Linnanmäki amusement park is open daily through August and the Lintsit stage features programming almost daily. Check the June detailed opening hours at the amusement park’s website.
Current museum tips from Pienten Helsinki’s museum news article.
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