Pienten Helsinki
Events for little ones and families in April
Updated April 19, 2018What child-friendly activities can be found 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 target audience of the website is preschool-aged children and families with small children.
Small Helsinki’s “Where to go this week” articles are published by Mondays at the latest and suggest all kinds of events for families with children in the city. The sixteenth “Where to go this week” article for 2018 takes you to at least the Diaper People carnivals, Child Fairs, and performances at the Ruutia! dance festival.
Would you like to collaborate (commercially) with Small Helsinki or do you have a project or job where I could be helpful? I welcome all ideas warmly. Feel free to get in touch (mari@pientenhelsinki.fi) and let’s talk more about new opportunities! Read more about it here.
New at Small Helsinki: Small Helsinki now also in English! We believe everyone should benefit from the excellent services and events for children in Helsinki, be they tourists, expats or locals. That’s why we have been working hard trying to bring at least some of the content over to English. To view the site in English, simply click the UK flag in the menu. We will be bringing more content over to the English site as soon as possible, starting with the “evergreen” subjects.
COMING SOON! Small Finland takes you on a journey around Finland and recommends great places to visit with little ones. Stay tuned!
Article cover image: Can you guess where the photo is from?
Tuesday » | Wednesday » | Thursday » | Friday » | Saturday » | Sunday »
MONDAY APRIL 16, 2018
Library events:
Toddler time at Maunula Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Puistola Library at 10 a.m. Story yoga at Paloheinen Library at 10:15 a.m. FOR BABIES: Baby nursery rhyme time at Maunula Library at 10:30 a.m. Malmi Mondays – crafts with children and families from 5–7 p.m. at Malmi Library.Other events:
MLL family café on Mondays in the lobby of Itäkatu family center, first floor, 9:30–11:30 a.m. The family café is open to all families with small children and you can come at your own pace to play, spend time, and meet other families in a similar life situation. Read more on Itäkatu family café's Facebook page. Tip! You can also request a program or performance for the family café. Suitable for baby families as well. TIP: In cooperation between Small Helsinki and Uusimaa MLL, an updated list of MLL family cafés operating in Helsinki can now be found on Small Helsinki's website. There are family cafés almost every day of the week around Helsinki!Puppet theater music school at Sampo’s lobby gallery every Monday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Paid event (8€ per session or 70€ for the whole spring). Read more on Puppet Theater Sampo’s website.
Art Clinic for ages 3–6 at Malmitalo on Monday at 10 a.m. This week’s theme: Do You Remember? Memory Game Cards. The Art Clinic meets at Malmitalo four times and you can participate weekly or just occasionally, but you should arrive on time. Read more about this wonderful Art Clinic program on Malmitalo’s website.
Skidikino for ages 3+ at Vuotalo on Monday at 10 a.m. More information and registration on Vuotalo’s website.
Gardening work days invite you to garden at Kanneltalo on Mondays from 5–7:30 p.m. and later in May at Antinniity community garden. This weekly open event lets you practice gardening with your child under adult supervision. Read more on Kanneltalo’s website.
TIP: Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City are also open on Mondays from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
TIP: Helsinki places are child-friendly gems of Helsinki, with lots of insider knowledge and the beginning of a directory of Helsinki places.
TUESDAY APRIL 17, 2018
Library events:
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. In Swedish: Story hour at Månsäs Library at 10 a.m. Story time in the activity room of Töölö Library at 10:15 a.m. Reading dog at Töölö Library at 6 p.m.Other events:
Ruutia! International Dance Festival for children and youth April 17–21, 2018 at Cable Factory. See the festival program and ticket information on Hurjaruuthi Dance Theater's website.Family ball play continues at Pallomill’s indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball play, all children under 9 move on a soft artificial turf with their adult. Free play, stunts, running, or practicing walking. Family ball play on Tuesdays from 9:30–11:30 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. Morning ball play has free admission for everyone, evening ball play costs adults the Pallomill single entry fee (3.50 €).
Three Little Pigs puppet theater performance at Puppet Theater Sampo on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Tickets 12 €. More information and ticket reservations on Sampo’s website.
TIP: Kaari shopping center hosts Tuesday Tingling weekly, with music classes for babies and toddlers and story times for all little ones. Read more on Kaari’s website; pre-registration required for music classes.
TIP for Espoo: MLL International Family Café in Sello Library’s Children’s World on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Read more on the library’s website. Suitable for baby families as well.
TIP: Feedback, compliments, comments, and wishes: tell us what you think of Small Helsinki!
WEDNESDAY APRIL 18, 2018
Library events:
Story time at Jätkäsaari Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Kontula Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Lauttasaari Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Oulunkylä Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Pukinmäki Library at 10:15 a.m.Song circle led by Terttu Paija at Tapulikaupunki Library at 10 a.m. Russian-language children’s club at Malmi Library Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Dance Orchestra Romanticon concert at Jätkäsaari Library at 12:30 p.m. You can dance! Read more on the library’s website.
Also for babies: Babies and toddlers rhyme circle at Tapanila Library at 10 a.m. FOR BABIES and parents: BabyKino at Kallio Library. You can come to films with your baby on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. BabyKino’s own Facebook group can be found here, where, for example, the week’s film is published and voting happens for upcoming programs. FOR BABIES: Babies’ nursery rhyme time at Kannelmäki Library at 1:30 p.m.
Library tip for Espoo: Niina Bell’s children’s concert at Nöykkiö Library at 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Read more on the library’s website.
Other events:
Ruutia! International Dance Festival for children and youth April 17–21, 2018 at Cable Factory. See the festival program and ticket information on Hurjaruuthi Dance Theater's website.Musical play by the Närpiäinen family, known from Pikkukakkos, at Music Theater Kapsäkki on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Tickets 13.50 €/22.50 €. More information on Kapsäkki’s website.
Three Little Pigs puppet theater performance at Puppet Theater Sampo on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Tickets 12 €. More information and ticket reservations on Sampo’s website.
Tivoli Seiterä in Lauttasaari on Pajalahti park field April 18–22, 2018. Read more on Seiterä’s website.
TIP: Kindergarten Museum is open every Wednesday from 12–6 p.m.
TIP: Going on a trip on a sunny day with children? Read Small Helsinki’s trip tips here.
THURSDAY APRIL 19, 2018
Library events:
Story time at Tapulikaupunki Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Laajasalo Library at 9:45 a.m. Evening story time at Vallila Library at 6 p.m.Kakarakino at Kallio Library’s Story Corner at 10 a.m. Suitable for ages 1.5–3. Read more on the library’s website. Muksukino’s films take over Myllypuro media library and residence hall Mylli’s hall on Thursdays at 10 a.m. This week’s film is Moomin’s World. Read more about Muksukino on the library’s website.
Library tip for Espoo FOR BABIES and parents: BabyKino at Entresse Library at 10:30 a.m.
Other events:
Ruutia! International Dance Festival for children and youth April 17–21, 2018 at Cable Factory. See the festival program and ticket information on Hurjaruuthi Dance Theater's website.Kultukutri and Three Bears puppet theater performance at Puppet Theater Sampo on Thursday at 10 a.m. Tickets 12 €. More information and ticket reservations on Sampo’s website.
Family ball play at Pallomill’s indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball play, all children under 9 move on a soft artificial turf with their adult. Free play, stunts, running, or practicing walking. Family ball play on Thursdays from 4–5 p.m., free admission for children, adults pay Pallomill’s single entry fee (3.50 €).
Tivoli Seiterä in Lauttasaari on Pajalahti park field April 18–22, 2018. Read more on Seiterä’s website.
ALSO READ: Helmet library’s wonderful article At the library with little ones encourages you to visit the library with babies and small children! Or are you looking for tips on what to read with children? Helmet libraries also have a Reading Coach Junior program that provides tips and help with reading with children. Read more on the library’s website.
FRIDAY APRIL 20, 2018
Library events:
Story time at Roihuvuori Library at 9:45 a.m. Toddler time at Malmi Library at 10 a.m. Story yoga at Arabianranta Library at 10 a.m. Story massage at Iso-Antti playground on Friday at 10 a.m. in cooperation with Vuosaari Library.FOR BABIES: Babies’ nursery rhyme time at South Haaga Library at 10 a.m. FOR BABIES: Babies’ nursery rhyme time at Malmi Library at 11 a.m.
Library tip for Vantaa: At Tikkurila Library in Vantaa Singing 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 time on the library’s website.
Other events:
Ruutia! International Dance Festival for children and youth April 17–21, 2018 at Cable Factory. See the festival program and ticket information on Hurjaruuthi Dance Theater's website.Child Fair at Messukeskus convention center Friday through Sunday. Lots to do, experience, and wonder at. Read more about the fair’s program on Messukeskus’s website. Tickets 16 €, 10 €, and 5 €. More information about the Child Fair. At the same time at Messukeskus there’s also Hupicon, My Pet Friend (Saturday and Sunday), and Outlet Expo.
MLL family café on Friday in the lobby of Itäkatu family center, first floor, 9:30–11:30 a.m. The family café is open to all families with small children and you can come at your own pace to play, spend time, and meet other families in a similar life situation. Read more on Itäkatu family café’s Facebook page. Suitable for baby families as well. Find all of Helsinki’s MLL family cafés around the city here.
Musical play by the Närpiäinen family, known from Pikkukakkos, at Music Theater Kapsäkki on Friday at 9:30 a.m. Tickets 13.50 €/22.50 €. More information on Kapsäkki’s website.
Naperokino at Annantalo on Fridays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. This week’s theme is care and courage. Read more about Naperokino on Annantalo’s website.
Kultukutri and Three Bears puppet theater performance at Puppet Theater Sampo on Friday at 10 a.m. Tickets 12 €. More information and ticket reservations on Sampo’s website.
Theater Rollo’s Read, Sing, Write! children’s theater performance about letters and words at Stoa on Friday at 10 a.m. Tickets 7 € / 10 €. Tickets and more information on Stoa’s website.
Colorful Everyday workshop is Stoa’s new, open-to-all morning workshop where this week you’ll make a unique chalkboard. Workshop at Stoa’s Terrarium (2nd floor, elevator in lobby) on Friday from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. More information on Stoa’s website.
Tivoli Seiterä in Lauttasaari on Pajalahti park field April 18–22, 2018. Read more on Seiterä’s website.
TIP for Espoo: Toy Museum Horseshoe invites you to play in Tapiola at the WeeGee exhibition center!
SATURDAY APRIL 21, 2018
Library events:
Story yoga at Kannelmäki Library at 10:30 a.m. Story time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11 a.m.Other events:
Ruutia! International Dance Festival for children and youth April 17–21, 2018 at Cable Factory. See the festival program and ticket information on Hurjaruuthi Dance Theater's website.Child Fair at Messukeskus convention center Friday through Sunday. Lots to do, experience, and wonder at. Read more about the fair’s program on Messukeskus’s website. Tickets 16 €, 10 €, and 5 €. More information about the Child Fair. At the same time at Messukeskus there’s also Hupicon, My Pet Friend (Saturday and Sunday), and Outlet Expo.
For parents: Diaper People carnival evening for parents at Malmitalo on Saturday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Interesting expert presentations and content for baby and toddler families. Childcare is available during the event. Read more and see the day’s program on Malmitalo’s website.
Tivoli Seiterä in Lauttasaari on Pajalahti park field April 18–22, 2018. Read more on Seiterä’s website. At the same time there’s also Lauttasaari spring market in Pajalahti park on Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Peiponpesä Daycare's spring fun in Tuomarinkylä on Saturday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. More information on the event's Facebook page.
On the Run – theater comedy for children at Music Theater Kapsäkki on Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets 12.50 €/22.50 €. Read more and book tickets on Kapsäkki's website.Theater Rollo’s Read, Sing, Write! children’s theater performance about letters and words at Stoa on Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets 7 € / 10 €. Tickets and more information on Stoa’s website.
Saturday workshops at Kiasma from March–April on Saturdays from 1–4 p.m. Workshops suitable for ages 3+ to adults run on a first-come, first-served basis and the workshop theme changes weekly. Kiasma admission fee. Read more on Kiasma’s website.
Kultukutri and Three Bears puppet theater performance at Puppet Theater Sampo on Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets 12 €. More information and ticket reservations on Sampo’s website.
TIP for Vantaa: Art carnivals at cultural center Vernissa in Tikkurila on Saturday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Lots of programs for all ages. Read more about the day’s events in the carnival program (pdf) or on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP for Espoo: Jazz for Kids in Espoo cultural center’s grand piano hall on Saturday at 11 a.m. Jazz for Kids is a series of high-quality jazz concerts where everyone from babies to grandparents are welcome. Admission is free. Read more here.
TIP: Uutelan Kota is open on Saturday from 12–6 p.m. The kota’s opening hours can be found on its Facebook page.
SUNDAY APRIL 22, 2018
Other events:
Child Fair at Messukeskus convention center Friday through Sunday. Lots to do, experience, and wonder at. Read more about the fair's program on Messukeskus's website. Tickets 16 €, 10 €, and 5 €. More information about the Child Fair. At the same time at Messukeskus there's also Hupicon, My Pet Friend (Saturday and Sunday), and Outlet Expo.FOR BABIES and others small: Diaper People carnivals take over Malmitalo and invite little and big ones to enjoy children’s culture on Sunday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The program includes, for example, workshops and performances: a concert by Satu Sopanen and Tuttiorkesteri, Loiske Ensemble’s BabySauna, theater performances for little ones, and various workshops. See the full day’s program on Malmitalo’s website. Free admission.
Tivoli Seiterä in Lauttasaari on Pajalahti park field April 18–22, 2018. Read more on Seiterä’s website. At the same time there’s also Lauttasaari spring market in Pajalahti park on Sunday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
MLL Lauttasaari children’s equipment second-hand market at Myllykallio elementary school on Sunday from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s equipment second-hand market at Sepa playground in Punavuori on Sunday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Spring family event at Viik Church on Sunday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The program includes, among other things, obstacle course, face painting, spring carnival mask crafts, rhythm instrument workshop, archery, lottery, and coloring station. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
April Jippo – April Fun at Botby School (Puotila-Vartiokylä) on Sunday from 12–3 p.m. Lots to do for the whole family. Read more about the event here.
Children’s Sunday at Finnkino movie theaters. Six new episodes of Ryhmä Hau are showing. Read more on Finnkino’s website.
In Swedish: Children’s Sundays at Kino Engel. Children’s film screenings in Swedish at Kino Engel. Tickets 10.50 €. Read more and see the program on Kino Engel’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Family KaraDisco at Karatalo on Sunday from 2–4 p.m. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP: Haltiala farm animals is open year-round and, for example, cows go out even in cold months. It’s worth visiting Haltiala to see the cows, play in the excellent playground, and walk in beautiful scenery. The restaurant Wanha Pehtoori, which operates in connection with the farm, also serves year-round. The lamb farm opens around Easter, when you can admire newly born lambs up close.
TIP: Uutelan Kota is open on Sunday from 12–6 p.m. The kota’s opening hours can be found on its Facebook page.
