Pienten Helsinki
Where to go this week?
What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? And 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 targets pre-school children and families with small children.Where to go this week? Children’s Week celebrates the very first Children’s Music Day with concerts, opening celebrations, playtime at Ebeneser House, fireworks, a day at the fire station, adventure on a twilight hike, and access to the elf trail at Christmas Street’s opening and Christmas markets. Pienten Helsinki’s Where to go this week article tips you on everything happening in the city for families with pre-school children.
CHALLENGE: Hey there, where are you? Pienten Helsinki challenges everyone who wonders about empty playgrounds, misses friends, and craves more lively playground life to post pictures with the hashtag #heytherewhereareyu. The campaign aims to spark discussion about why playgrounds are losing friends, explore solutions, and draw attention to loneliness among parents of small children. Pictures, discussions, concrete actions, opinions - everything moves things forward using the #heytherewhereareyu hashtag. If you want to take concrete action, get in touch! For example, Helsinki could organize larger playdate meetups on weekends; space is already available. The campaign is hoped to spread throughout Finland, not just Helsinki, and you’re welcome to share the challenge!
Pienten Helsinki NOW: Christmas is coming again, so tips for Christmas events and markets have been published! Pienten Helsinki’s Christmas in Helsinki articles.
Article cover image At the Hotel and Restaurant Museum at Kaapelitehdas, an interactive Dough Magic exhibition is on display, suitable for small museum visitors too. An article about the museum coming soon!
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »| Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY 19.11.2018
Library activities:
Story time at Puistola Library at 10 a.m.Playgrounds:
Playgrounds, please send special event days directly to Pienten Helsinki!Family cafés:
MLL Family café at Itäkatu family center on the first floor, Mondays 9.30-11.30.Tip for Espoo: Family café at Tapiola Library Mondays 2-4 p.m.
The MLL family café list maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for updates.
Other events:
Puppet theater music class at Sampo's aula gallery, Monday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Paid (€8/session or €80/entire season). Read more at Puppet Theater Sampo's website.Art clinic for 3-6 year-olds at Malmitalo Monday at 10 a.m. This time the art clinic features a paper mosaic activity. You can participate weekly or occasionally, but please arrive on time. No pre-registration needed. Read more about Art Clinic activities at Malmitalo’s website.
Braku Sparkles evening at Braha playground Monday 5-7 p.m. Read more at Kallio Sparkles cultural week website.
November museum tip: Museums open on Mondays include Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City, Newspaper Museum, and Amos Rex.
Tip for Vantaa: Kukkuu Art Festival for babies and toddlers 10.-20.11.2018.
TUESDAY 20.11.2018
Children's Rights DayLibrary activities:
Story time with Jussi Ollila at Itäkeskus Library 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 Herttoniemi Library at 9.45 a.m. Story time at North Haaga Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Kannelmäki Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Töölö Library at 10.15 a.m. Story time with Jussi Ollila at Vuosaari Library at 10.30 a.m.Tip for Vantaa: Children’s book heroes on the concert stage at Tikkurila Library at 6.30 p.m.
Playgrounds:
Playgrounds, please send special event days directly to Pienten Helsinki!Family cafés:
Tip for Espoo: International family café at Sello Library Tuesdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.The MLL family café list maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for updates.
Other events:
First Children's Music Day events are being held throughout Finland. Check out the events at Children's Music Day's own website.Stars Twinkle for Maisa - Maisa Krokfors Turns 80. An event for children’s music and in honor of Maisa, anywhere you like! Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Family ball games at the Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move about on soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running or practicing walking. Family ball games Tuesdays 9.30-11.30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Free entry for all in the morning, evening games cost adults Pallomylly’s entry fee (€3.50). Read more in Pienten Helsinki’s Helsinki moves tips.
Tip for Vantaa: Satu Sopanen and Tutti Orchestra at Cultural center Martinuksessa Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Tickets €7/€9. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Vantaa: Kukkuu Art Festival for babies and toddlers 10.-20.11.2018.
WEDNESDAY 21.11.2018
Library activities:
Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9.30 a.m. Story time at Tapanila Library at 9.30 a.m. Dancing story time at Kontula Library at 9.30 a.m. Story time at Rikhardinkatu Library at 9.30 a.m. Story time at Roihuvuori Library at 9.45 a.m. Story time at Lauttasaari Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Oulunkylä Library at 10 a.m.Tip for babies and parents in Espoo: BabyKino at Ison Omenan Library at 10.30 a.m. Read more about BabyKino at the library’s website.
Tip for babies and parents: BabyKino at Kallio Library. You can go to movies with your baby on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. BabyKino’s own group can be found on Facebook here, where for example the week’s movie is announced and you can vote on upcoming programs.
Playgrounds:
Playgrounds, please send special event days directly to Pienten Helsinki!Family cafés:
The MLL family café list maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for updates...Other events:
Kindergarten Museum is exceptionally closed on Thursday due to an event.THURSDAY 22.11.2018
Library activities:
Dancing story time at Kontula Library at 9.30 a.m. Story time at Pasila Library at 9.30 a.m. Story time at Tapiola city Library at 9.30 a.m. Story time at Jakomäki Library at 10 a.m. Laajasalo Library & Youth Environmental Space opening celebration at Saari shopping center at 10 a.m.-8 p.m. More detailed program at the library's website. Sauna Elf's Gift puppet theater performance at Puistola Library at 6 p.m. Most Beautiful Christmas Carols at Pitäjänmäki Library at 6 p.m.Playgrounds:
Playgrounds, please send special event days directly to Pienten Helsinki!Family cafés:
MLL family café in Kruununhaka at Krunan mesta (Meritullinkatu 6) Thursdays 9.30-11.30 a.m. MLL family café at Kurkimäki housing block (Musikanttien door) Thursdays 9.30-11.30 a.m. Almost every week the family group has an open-to-all Hupsansaa association music play session at 10 a.m. MLL family café in Töölö at Ruusulassa (Ruusulankatu 10, side building) Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tip for Espoo: MLL Leppävaara family café at Sello Library's Children's Land Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.The MLL family café list maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for updates…
Other events:
Family ball games at the Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move about on soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running or practicing walking. Family ball games Thursdays 4-5 p.m. Evening games cost adults Pallomylly's entry fee (€3.50). Read more in Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki moves tips.Playing house - Ebeneser 110 years Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at Ebeneser House on Helsinkinkatu. Music, music classes, concerts, play and much more for little ones! Read the full program and register. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Laajasalo’s new shopping center Saari opens with lots of programs for little ones too. The day culminates in fireworks at 6 p.m. Read more at the shopping center’s website.
Fathers and children sports group at Puotila elementary school gymnasium Thursday 6-7 p.m. The event is organized by MLL Uusimaa. Free entry. Read more at MLL Uusimaa region’s website.
FRIDAY 23.11.2018
Take Your Child to Work Day 23.11.2018Library activities:
Toddler session at South Haaga Library at 10 a.m.Tip for Vantaa: Singing together with children at Tikkurila Library at 10 a.m.
Playgrounds:
Playgrounds, please send special event days directly to Pienten Helsinki!Family cafés:
MLL family café at Itäkatu family center Fridays 9.30-11.30 a.m.The MLL family café list maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for updates…
Other events:
Kallio Sparkles cultural week 16.-25.11.2018.Colorful Everyday workshop at Stoa Friday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The workshop is open to all. Read more at Stoa’s website.
Naperokino at Annantalo Fridays at 10 a.m. Age recommendation: 0–3 years with an adult, older children also welcome. Free entry to the movies. This week’s home activities. More information at Annantalo’s website.
SATURDAY 24.11.2018
Library activities:Story time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11 a.m.
Tip for Espoo: Reading Buddies – fathers and children’s multilingual reading park at Sello Library 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Other events:
Christmas market season begins, check out today's markets at Pienten Helsinki's list.Ice skating! Oulunkylä and Brahenkenttä ice rinks are open for practice pirouettes again. Hours and more information at Helsinki moves website. Small entry fee.
Christmas opening events in several shopping centers: for example at Kamppi shopping center, Kaari, Tapiola center and Sello in Espoo…
Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City reach their millionth visitor during Saturday and the first thousand visitors will be offered cake and coffee. Free entry, as always! More information at the museum’s website.
Day at the Fire Station theme day is celebrated Saturday at volunteer fire departments throughout Finland. All day’s events can be found at the theme day’s own website.
Sports Fun at Maunula continues Saturday mornings 9-10.30 a.m. at Maunula sports hall. Entry fee for adults €3.50, children under 9 have fun for free. You can arrive according to your own schedule. Read more in Pienten Helsinki’s Helsinki moves article.
Children’s week activity workshop at Vapaakaupunki spaces in Redi shopping center Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Ateneum Christmas / Christmas at the Ateneum / Ateneums jul event at Ateneum Art Museum Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The event is partially paid. Read more at the museum’s website.
Dream Gingerbread House workshops at Hotel and Restaurant Museum Saturday 12-3 p.m. The museum is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and has free entry to exhibitions on workshop day. Read more at Hotel and Restaurant Museum’s website.
[caption id=“attachment_5963” align=“aligncenter” width=“823”]
In addition to the gingerbread workshop, the Hotel and Restaurant Museum features an interactive Dough Magic exhibition.[/caption]
Flea market! Kodin Kestot association’s children’s goods flea market at Malmitalo Saturday 12-4 p.m. More information at Malmitalo’s website.
Yummy, Vykkä and Bear Murhinen children’s musical at Kanneltalo Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets €6. Read more and book tickets at Kanneltalo’s website. (other performances that day sold out)
DanceAbility dance class at Annantalo 2-3 p.m. The class is suitable for all 3-12 year-olds with their own adult, regardless of ability. Read more about DanceAbility classes at Annantalo’s website. Free entry.
Sutarila elf trail at Linnunrata playground Saturday 3-6 p.m. Christmas programs for families, children served Christmas rice pudding (bring your own plate, spoon and mug!). Read more at Linnunrata’s Facebook page.
Kallio Sparkles cultural week 16.-25.11.2018.
Tip for Espoo: Pikku-Aurora Saturday workshop takes a trip back to the 80s and reminisces about treasures of times Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.! Read more at Aurora’s website.
Tip for Espoo: WeeGee Xmas Design Market and free entry to all WeeGee museums plus lots more programs Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Read more at WeeGee’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Fröbel Blocks concert at Leppävaara sports hall Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets starting at €14. Tickets and more information at the band’s own website.
Tip for Espoo: Laughing Poopy – Let’s Dance to the Disco album release concert at Espoo cultural center Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets starting at €12. More information at Espoo culture’s website.
Christmas tip for Porvoo: Porvoo Christmas opening event Saturday. Read more at Porvoo tourism website.
Tip for Tuusula: Children’s Saturday at Lotta Museum in Tuusula Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Puppet theater, crafts and activities in the exhibition. Read more at Lotta Museum’s website. Free entry.
SUNDAY 25.11.2018
Other events:
Christmas market season begins, check out today's markets at Pienten Helsinki's list.Sports Fun continues at Liikuntamylly in Myllypuro Sunday mornings 9-10.45 a.m. Entry fee for adults €3.50, children under 9 have fun for free. You can arrive according to your own schedule, strollers can be found space from the hall and you should pack your own lock for the locker room. Read more in Pienten Helsinki’s Helsinki moves article.
Ateneum Christmas / Christmas at the Ateneum / Ateneums jul event at Ateneum Art Museum Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The event is partially paid. Read more at the museum’s website.
Mutaveijarit children’s music concert at Musical Theater Kapsäkki Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets €10/€15. Tickets and more information at Kapsäkki’s website.
In Swedish: Children’s Sundays at Kino Engel at 1 p.m. Children’s film screenings at Kino Engel in Swedish. Tickets €10.50. Read more and see program at Kino Engel’s website.
Pakila Gymnasts’ sports Family Day at Metsola elementary school gymnasium Sunday 2-4 p.m. Free entry. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Traditional Alexander Street Christmas opening at Senate Square and Alexander Street Sunday. Opening ceremonies begin at Senate Square at 3 p.m. and the Christmas parade sets off around 4 p.m. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Christmas trail at Rusthollar playground Sunday 4-5.30 p.m. The event is partially paid and is organized by Vartiokylä daycare’s parent association. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Kallio Sparkles cultural week 16.-25.11.2018.
Sports tip for Espoo: Sunday’s mailless public skating sessions at Metro Arena Sunday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Read more at Espoo city’s website. Free entry.
Tip for Espoo: WeeGee Xmas Design Market and free entry to all WeeGee museums plus lots more programs Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Read more at WeeGee’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Experiential twilight hike in Villa Elfvik’s surroundings in Espoo Sunday 11 a.m.-12.30 p.m. On a family activity-based nature hike, you travel at the children’s pace. Bring small snacks and dress for the weather. The hike departs from the nature center yard (Elfvikintie 4). The hike offers a cup of hot drink - bring your own mug. Read more at Elfvik’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Mimmies Winter children’s concert at Espoo cultural center Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets starting at €10/€12. More information at Espoo culture’s website.
Also remember these:
Submitting proposals for a better Helsinki at the OmaStadi service 15.11-9.12.2018. Dream, hope and brainstorm for a better Helsinki and submit your ideas!Kallio Sparkles cultural week 16.-25.11.2018.
Kukkuu Art Festival for babies and toddlers in Vantaa 10.-20.11.2018.
To the exhibition! Rosamaría Bolomn Joy is a child’s right. Rights for all! paper sculpture exhibition is on display at Annantalo art gallery 4.11.2018-16.12.2018. Read more at Annantalo’s website.
CHALLENGE: Hey there, where are you? Pienten Helsinki challenges everyone who wonders about empty playgrounds, misses friends, and craves more lively playground life to post pictures with the hashtag #heytherewhereareyu. The campaign aims to spark discussion about why playgrounds are losing friends, explore solutions, and draw attention to loneliness among parents of small children. Pictures, discussions, concrete actions, opinions - everything moves things forward using the #heytherewhereareyu hashtag. If you want to take concrete action, get in touch! For example, Helsinki could organize larger playdate meetups on weekends; space is already available. The campaign is hoped to spread throughout Finland, not just Helsinki, and you’re welcome to share the challenge!
Helsinki places article is a lifesaver for boring days!Kalasatama Vapaakaupunki at Redi shopping center invites you to hang out, play, eat your own packed lunch or just relax. Vapaakaupunki is located on the 2nd floor of the shopping center. Read more at Vapaakaupunki’s Facebook page.
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