Pienten Helsinki
Where to go with children in Helsinki? What child-friendly activities are available in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly Where to go this week series finds tips and recommends family-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
Cover image: Aleksanterinkatu's Christmas lights will be switched on on Saturday.
Current events
- Children's Rights Week is celebrated 18.-24.11.2024.
Children's Rights Week is an active themed week aimed at promoting awareness of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly among children and young people. - Adventures to Uunisaari, located off Kaivopuisto, is accessible again via a bridge!
- Tapiola ice skating garden has opened the skating season!
- Going ice skating at an ice hall? Open public sessions are held at several ice halls.
- Museum tips for children from Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found via this link.
- Also, the renovated playgrounds Filpus on Malmis and Ruoholahti have been opened! - Pienten Suomi - over 800 reasons to explore Finland with children!
- MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more from the family house pages!
- MLL's family café schedule can be found on MLL Uusimaa's pages.
- You can also borrow a museum pass to the Natural History Museum or admission 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 18.11.2024
Children's Rights Week
Events and
activity tips
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
- Albertin lounge is open on Monday 9:30–14 (International Monday).
- Cancelled! Family library mornings on Puistokatu on Monday 10-12:30. A lovely meeting place for children and parents in Kaivopuisto inviting you to enjoy and play.
Pienten Helsinki recommends! - At the Play area Loru on Monday:
10:30–11:15 Loru's games for over 1-year-olds, Oodi 3rd floor event room
13-13:30 Kukkuluuruu baby session, Oodi 3rd floor event room
15-15:30 Kukkuluuruu baby session, Oodi 3rd floor event room - Adventures to Uunisaari, located off Kaivopuisto, is accessible again via a bridge!
- Family fun times offer young children and their parents a space to move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Family fun times on Mondays:
- Tapiola Elementary School (Veljestenpiha 2) Mondays 17-18:30 from 4.11.-9.12.2024. - Sipoo: Lux Lilla Villan light garden in Nikkilä at Lilla Villan grounds is open 16.-24.11.2024 daily 18-21. Free admission.
TUESDAY 19.11.2024
Children's Rights Week
Events and
activity tips
- Metropolia's HyMy Village Family Club Metku at Myllypuro Metropolia UAS (next to the metro station) on Tuesdays 9-11. Each session also features varying programs for families led by students from early childhood education, social services, health, and culture fields. Free admission.
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
- At the Play area Loru on Tuesday:
10-10:30 Loru moves - gentle movement with baby, Oodi 3rd floor - Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays 12-19. In the spirit of the Kallio Sparks festival, the Kindergarten Museum offers free admission on Tuesday and Wednesday of the festival week.
- For babies and parents! Baby café on Tuesdays at the following locations (Note! New times!)
- Vantaa: Robert's Coffee Jumbo 13
- Espoo: Robert's Coffee Sello 13
- Helsinki: Robert's Coffee Kamppi 13
Espoo: VocalEspoo: Mini opera - Cinderella performance at Lippulaiva Library 13:00. Free admission. - Art for toddlers workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays 13:30-15:30. Workshops are suitable for children aged 1.5–3 years with their own adult. No pre-registration required, free admission. You can participate for the entire duration or just drop by.
- Family fun times offer young children and their parents a space to move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Family fun times on Tuesdays:
- Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9) Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 and 16-18 from 3.9.–12.12.2024.
- Sakarinmäki Primary School (Knutersintie 924) Tuesdays 17-18:30 from 3.9.-3.12.2024.
- Kannelmäki Primary School (Kuninkaantammenkierto 22) Tuesdays 17-18:30 from 3.9.–10.12.2024.
- Malminkartano Elementary School (Puustellintie 6) Tuesdays 17–18:30 from 3.9.–14.12.2024. - Sipoo: Lux Lilla Villan light garden in Nikkilä at Lilla Villan grounds is open 16.-24.11.2024 daily 18-21. Free admission.
WEDNESDAY 20.11.2024
Children's Rights Day
Events and
activity tips
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
- At the Play area Loru on Wednesday:
- 10:30–11:30 Loru enchanted - varying theme, Oodi 3rd floor event room
- 13-13:30 Loru's songs for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor event room - Albertin lounge is open on Wednesdays 9:30–15.
- Baby cinema at Annantalo on Wednesday 10. Free admission.
- Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Wednesdays 12-16. Small admission fee.
- Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday 12-19. On Children's Rights Day on Wednesday, Ebeneser House doors open more widely and there is other programming in the Kindergarten Museum's surroundings. In the spirit of the Kallio Sparks festival, the Kindergarten Museum offers free admission on Tuesday and Wednesday of the festival week.
- For babies and parents! Baby Cinema at Kalasatama Library on Wednesday 13. Free admission.
- Espoo: Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' Model Railway Exhibition at Espoo Niittykummu, Niitty shopping mall, is open on Wednesdays and Fridays 15-18 and Saturdays 12-18. The venue is a small shop space between K-Supermarket and Alko on the ground floor of the shopping mall. Free admission.
- Children's Rights Day: We are many different kinds event at Helsinki City Museum on Wednesday 16-19. Free admission.
- Family fun times offer young children and their parents a space to move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Family fun times on Wednesdays:
- Kurkimäki courtyard building (Karpalokuja 7) Wednesdays 9:30-11 from 4.9. –27.11.2024.
- Merilahti Primary School at Meri-Rastila (Jaluspolku 3) Wednesdays 17-19 from 4.9.–11.12. - Sipoo: Lux Lilla Villan light garden in Nikkilä at Lilla Villan grounds is open 16.-24.11.2024 daily 18-21. Free admission.
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THURSDAY 21.11.2024
Children's Rights Week
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Events and
activity tips
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
- Adventures to Uunisaari, located off Kaivopuisto, is accessible again via a bridge!
- At the Play area Loru on Thursday:
- 10–10:30 Loru moves – stroller gymnastics // Oodi outdoor area
- 13–13:30 In Loru's warmth – songs, rhymes and rhythm for babies (bilingual session Finnish–Swedish) // Oodi 3rd floor event room - Albertin lounge is open on Thursday 9:30–15.
- Art for toddlers workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays 10-12. Workshops are suitable for children aged 1.5–3 years with their own adult. No pre-registration required, free admission. You can participate for the entire duration or just drop by.
- University of Helsinki Observatory at Star Tower Hill is open on Thursday 12–20. Museum admission fee.
- Family fun times offer young children and their parents a space to move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Family fun times on Thursdays:
- Tali sports park soccer hall (Purotie 8) Thursdays 9:30-11 from 5.9.–12.12.2024.
- Kampi Sports Center (Malminkatu 3) Thursdays 17-18:30 from 5.9.–12.12.2024.
- Malminkartano Elementary School (Puustellintie 6) Thursdays 16:30–18 and 18–19 (school-age children) from 5.9.–14.12.2024.
- Pukinmäenkaaari Primary School (Kenttäkuja 12) Thursdays 17-18:30 from
5.9.-12.12.2024. - Sipoo: Lux Lilla Villan light garden in Nikkilä at Lilla Villan grounds is open 16.-24.11.2024 daily 18-21. Free admission.
FRIDAY 22.11.2024
Children's Rights Week
Events and
activity tips
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
- At the Play area Loru on Friday:
- 10–11 Loru discovers – search session for over 2-year-olds // Oodi 3rd floor children's area
- 10–11 Småtting on bibban (Swedish) // Event room, 3rd floor
- 13–13:30 Loru's songs for all ages // Oodi 3rd floor story carpet
- 14:30–15 Loru's songs for all ages // Oodi 3rd floor story carpet - Albertin lounge is open on Friday 9:30–15.
- Espoo: Children's weekend is celebrated in Espoo from Friday to Sunday. LOTS of programs and activities for little ones. Some programs are paid.
- University of Helsinki Observatory at Star Tower Hill is open on Friday 12–16. Museum admission fee.
- Kanneltalo art club for children on Fridays 13-15. Free admission.
- Espoo: Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' Model Railway Exhibition at Espoo Niittykummu, Niitty shopping mall, is open on Wednesdays and Fridays 15-18 and Saturdays 12-18. The venue is a small shop space between K-Supermarket and Alko on the ground floor of the shopping mall. Free admission.
- Sipoo: Lux Lilla Villan light garden in Nikkilä at Lilla Villan grounds is open 16.-24.11.2024 daily 18-21. Free admission.
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found via this link.
SATURDAY 23.11.2024
Children's Rights Week
Events and
activity tips
Christmas openings are held on Saturday at many shopping centers.
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
- Sports fun times at Maunula sports hall (Maunulanmäki 3) on Saturday 9-10:30. Sports fun times offer children under 9 and their families the opportunity to move in diverse ways and have fun. You can arrive at your own pace. There is space for strollers in the lobby and you should bring your own lock for the locker room. To celebrate Children's Rights Week Maunula Sports Fun Times will feature Maltti and Valtti on Saturday. Free admission to celebrate Children's Rights Week.
- Espoo: Children's weekend is celebrated in Espoo from Friday to Sunday. LOTS of programs and activities for little ones. Some programs are paid.
- Kannelmäki Gymnasts' Play and movement on Saturday – Christmas Joy Obstacle Course at Kannelmäki Primary School's Kanneltie branch (Kanneltie 1) on Saturday 10-12. Tickets €5/child or max €10/family.
- Day at the Fire Station event is held on Saturday 10-14. Featured are volunteer fire brigades from around Finland! From Helsinki, participants include Laajasalo VPK, Tammisalo VPK, Marjaniemi VPK, Vuosaari VPK, Tapiola VPK, Puistola VPK, Malmi VPK, Pakinkylä VPK, West Helsinki VPK, Pitäjänmäki VPK, and Helsinki VPK (Jätkäsaari). Free admission.
- Aunt Tiiti celebrations at Vuosaari Library and Vuotalo on Saturday 10-16. Mostly free admission.
- Children's Saturday: Kirsi Kunnas 100 years event at Kanneltalo on Saturday 10:30-15. Mostly free admission.
- Kallio Sparks: Veikko Wants Out musical theatre performance at Kallio Library on Saturday 11. Free admission.
- Kallio Sparks: Fair Play Day at Kalasatama Free City Lounge (Kauppakeskus REDI 2nd floor) on Saturday 11-14. Free admission.
- Flea market! Children's flea market event at Pasila Library on Saturday 11-14.
- Children's Day at Annantalo on Saturday 12-15. To celebrate Children's Rights Week, Annantalo organizes its fourth Children's Day built on children's wishes. All programs at the event are based on wishes heard at last year's Children's Day. Free admission.
- Children's Day at cultural center Stoa on Saturday 12-15. Mostly free admission.
- Christmas Sounds at Ateneum on Saturday 12-15. Choir performances have free admission, exhibitions require museum admission.
- Gingerbread decoration workshop at Hotel and Restaurant Museum on Saturday 12-15. Museum admission fee for those over 18.
- Oodi Book Festival at Oodi Central Library on Saturday from 12 onwards. Free admission.
- Kallio Sparks: Children's Dance Saturday at Helsinki Dance Academy spaces at Leipätehdas (Sörnäinen) on Saturday 12:30-17. Free admission.
- Espoo: Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' Model Railway Exhibition at Espoo Niittykummu, Niitty shopping mall, is open on Wednesdays and Fridays 15-18 and Saturdays 12-18. The venue is a small shop space between K-Supermarket and Alko on the ground floor of the shopping mall. Free admission.
- Narinkkatori Christmas Carousel open on Saturday 12-19 and Sunday 12-18. Rides are free.
- In Swedish: FlipFlop children's concert at Luckan spaces on Saturday 13.
- Villimarjat choir's Christmas Concert at Winter Garden on Saturday 14. Free admission, program €10.
- Aleksi's Christmas Street opening. Christmas parade departs on Saturday at 16 from Senate Square and travels along Aleksanterinkatu to Mannerheimintie, ending at Narinkkatori. During the parade, the Aleksanterinkatu Christmas lights will also be switched on.
- Sipoo: Lux Lilla Villan light garden in Nikkilä at Lilla Villan grounds is open 16.-24.11.2024 daily 18-21. Free admission.
SUNDAY 24.11.2024
Children's Rights Week
Events and
activity tips
- Sports fun times at Liikuntamylly (Jauhokuja 3) at Myllypuro on Sunday 9-10:45.
Sports fun times offer children under 9 and their families the opportunity to move in diverse ways and have fun. You can arrive at your own pace, space is available for strollers in the lobby, and you should bring your own lock for the locker room. To celebrate Children's Rights Week Myllypuro Liikuntamylly Sports Fun Times will feature Kangaroo Antics on Sunday. Free admission to celebrate Children's Rights Week. - Espoo: Children's weekend is celebrated in Espoo from Friday to Sunday. LOTS of programs and activities for little ones. Some programs are paid.
- Espoo: Träskändan Christmas event at the beautiful Träskändan manor grounds on Sunday 10-16. Free admission.
- For anime and Japan fans: Shumicon Shop sales event at Suvilahti on Sunday 11-18. Free admission.
- Little ones' Christmas at Helsinki City Museum on Sunday 12-15. Free admission.
- Christmas Sounds at Ateneum on Sunday 12-15. Choir performances have free admission, exhibitions require museum admission.
- Adventures to Uunisaari, located off Kaivopuisto, is accessible again via a bridge!
- Tapiola ice skating garden has opened the skating season!
- Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Sundays 12-16. Small admission fee.
- Narinkkatori Christmas Carousel open on Saturday 12-19 and Sunday 12-18. Rides are free.
- Kallio Sparks: Kallio Music School sparks and sounds at Kallio Library on Sunday 13. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Forest of Elves adventure at Arboretum-ystävyydenpuisti (Friendship Park) at Tikkurila Koivuhaa (at the corner of Meiramitie and Läntinen Valkoisenlähteentie, across from Viherpaja) on Sunday 14-16. Free admission, some programs paid.
- Sipoo: Lux Lilla Villan light garden in Nikkilä at Lilla Villan grounds is open 16.-24.11.2024 daily 18-21. Free admission.
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