Pienten Helsinki
Winter Holiday Week - Where to Go?
What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on the weekend? What to do on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki's weekly series searches for fun tips and suggests child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The target audience consists of preschool-age children and families with children.Pienten Helsinki’s Where to Go This Week articles also appear in 2018 by Monday at the latest, suggesting what’s happening in the capital region for families with children. The eighth Where to Go This Week article for 2018 lists activities during the winter holiday week in the capital region as usual. A sunny, frosty week invites outdoor activities, but there’s plenty more to do.
Pienten Helsinki's Winter Holiday in Helsinki article lists not only events during the winter holiday week but also, for example, excursion tips to the surrounding area and much more.
The article's cover image is from Myllypuro's Alakivenpark. Next to the park is also an ice skating rink and a warm changing room, as well as a short walk to the metro station.Winter Holiday Week Events in Museums
Ateneums has treasures from the Ankalli Gallery to marvel at and the chance to drive Donald Duck's car (exhibition's last week) as well as to admire works by the von Wright brothers. Museum entrance fee, under 18s free, museum card venue. During winter holiday week, there's special programming for children to celebrate the final week of exhibitions.The Design Museum’s California exhibition is advertised as a great museum destination for children. Design workshops during winter holiday week for all ages. Museum entrance fee, under 18s free, museum card venue.
Helsinki City Museum and its Children’s City is always a safe choice for a small museum visit. You can play with history here too! Always free admission. During winter holiday week, there are Snow Inside winter holiday workshops Monday to Friday 12-15.
National Museum lets you marvel at Finnish history and play in the museum’s Vinti. During the winter holiday, the program includes Oh Our Land! film design 17.-25.2.2018, with great prizes and fun activities for all ages. Museum entrance fee 12 €/9 €, under 18s free, museum card venue.
Natural History Museum is a must-visit museum destination with children. During winter holiday week, the museum features animal lottery games Monday to Saturday (19.2.-24.2.) 10.30-15.30. The museum is also exceptionally open on Monday 19.2.2018 during the winter holiday week. Museum entrance fee, under 7s free, museum card venue.
Theatre Museum at Kaapelitehtaat has plenty to do and experience for children. During winter holiday week 20.-23.2.2018, 12-16, Theatre Cat’s Holiday Adventures lets you solve mysteries with Secret Detective Agency Cat&Cat. Museum entrance fee 10 €/5 €, under 3s free, museum card venue.
Also remember: Toy Museum Horseshoe and House Museum Glims **in Espoo!
Monday » | Tuesday » | Wednesday » | Thursday » | Friday » | Saturday » | Sunday »
MONDAY 19.2.2018
Events:Story Time at Puistola Library at 10.
Toddler Time at Maunula Library at 9.30. Story Yoga at Paloheinen Library at 10.15.
FOR BABIES: Baby Rhyme Time at Maunula Library at 10.30.
Winter Holiday Week Program at Kontu Library: Art Workshop Monday 13-15. Winter Holiday Crafts at Herttoniemi, Laajasalo and Roihuvuori Libraries Monday 14-16.
TIP: MLL’s Family Café meets Mondays at the Itä Street Family Center 9-12. The family café is open to all families with small children, where you can come at your own pace to play, spend time, and meet other families in the same life situation. Read more on the family center’s Facebook page.
Children’s Traffic City is open to families 19.-23.2.2018 daily 9-15. At Traffic City you can drive pedal cars under adult supervision, eat packed lunches indoors, and enjoy a small play area. Free admission.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter holiday week Monday to Sunday 10-15.
Winter Holiday Week at Korkeasaari 19.-23.2.2018, 10-16, with play area leaders. Read more about the week’s program on the zoo’s website. Admission fee.
Winter Holiday at Sampo Puppet Theatre: Musical Orienteering Monday 10-16. Discover different instruments, music, and try playing or discover what instruments you can make yourself. Free admission, Storybook Café also serves food.
TIP for Vantaa: Toddler Disco at Vernissa Hall in Tikkurila, Vantaa, Monday 10.30-11.30. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP for Espoo: LEGO® Festival at Iso Omena shopping center 6.2.-25.2.2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and see details and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there easily by metro from Helsinki ;).
TUESDAY 20.2.2018
Events:Story Time at Kallio Library at 9.30. Story Time at Malmi Library at 9.30. Story Time at Kannelmäki Library at 9.30. Story Time at Herttoniemi Library at 9.45. Story Time at Töölö Library’s club room at 10.15.
Dancing Story Time at Kallio Library at 9.30.
Reading Dog at Töölö Library at 18.
Children’s Traffic City is open to families 19.-23.2.2018 daily 9-15. At Traffic City you can drive pedal cars under adult supervision, eat packed lunches indoors, and enjoy a small play area. Free admission.
Family Ball Play continues at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball play, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with an adult. Free play, tricks, running, or practicing walking. Family Ball Play Tuesdays 9.30-11.30 and 16-18. Morning ball play is free for everyone, evening play costs adults Pallomylly’s drop-in fee (3.50 €).
Winter Fun at Tapuli Play Park Tuesday 20.2.2018, 10-12. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Ice Fishing at Puotila during winter holiday 20.-23.2.2018, 10-14. Includes instruction, loaner equipment, and a bonfire with roasted sausages. Read detailed information about this great winter holiday event on Helsinki Moves’ Facebook page.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter holiday week Monday to Sunday 10-15.
Winter Holiday Week at Korkeasaari 19.-23.2.2018, 10-16, with play area leaders. Read more about the week’s program on the zoo’s website. Admission fee.
Winter Holiday at Sampo Puppet Theatre: Theatre Orienteering Tuesday 10-16, and make your own table theatre puppets and short performances and learn about puppet theatre making. Free admission, Storybook Café also serves food.
Winter Holiday Movies at Malmitalo: Tuesday Onneli and Anneli and the Strange Stranger (S) at 11 and Bully Code 3 (K7) at 13. Free admission, limited seating.
Also in Swedish: Winter Holiday Movies at Vuotalo: Tuesday Milo, Guardian of the Moon (K7) at 13 and Bigfoot Junior (spoken in Swedish, subtitled in Finnish) at 15. Free admission, limited seating.
TIP for Espoo: Winter Holiday Movies for Children at Sellosaali: Tuesday at 9.30 Risto Rapper and the Nightjar (S) and Milo - Guardian of the Moon (K-7) at 11.30. Free admission, no registration or seat reservations. Read more on Sellosaali’s website.
TIP for Espoo: LEGO® Festival at Iso Omena shopping center 6.2.-25.2.2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and see details and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there easily by metro from Helsinki ;).
TIP: Go to the Movies! Supermarsu, Heinähattu, Vilttitossu and the Rubens Brothers as well as Moomins’ Magic Winter are currently showing in cinemas and are perfect for young children’s first cinema experience.
WEDNESDAY 21.2.2018
Events:Story Time at Arabianranta Library at 9.30. Story Time at Jätkäsaari Library at 9.30. Story Time at Lauttasaari Library at 10. Story Time at Pukinmäki Library at 10.15.
Singing Session Led by Terttu Paija at Tapiola City Library at 10.
Babies and Toddlers Rhyme Time at Tapanila Library at 10. X FOR BABIES: Baby Rhyme Time at Kannelmäki Library at 13.30. X
Winter Holiday Week Program at Kontu Library: Mask Workshop Wednesday 13-15.
Children’s Traffic City is open to families 19.-23.2.2018 daily 9-15. At Traffic City you can drive pedal cars under adult supervision, eat packed lunches indoors, and enjoy a small play area. Free admission.
Ice Fishing at Puotila during winter holiday 20.-23.2.2018, 10-14. Includes instruction, loaner equipment, and a bonfire with roasted sausages. Read detailed information about this great winter holiday event on Helsinki Moves’ Facebook page.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter holiday week Monday to Sunday 10-15.
Winter Holiday Week at Korkeasaari 19.-23.2.2018, 10-16, with play area leaders. Read more about the week’s program on the zoo’s website. Admission fee.
Winter Holiday at Sampo Puppet Theatre: Pop-up bookstore and guided workshops 10-16, workshop schedule can be found on Sampo’s website. Free admission, Storybook Café also serves food.
Winter Holiday Movies at Malmitalo: Wednesday Lego Ninjago Movie (K7) at 11 and Cars 3 (S) at 13. Free admission, limited seating.
Also in Swedish: Winter Holiday Movies at Vuotalo: Tuesday The Hiders (S) at 13 and Tsatsiki, Farsan and the Olive War (spoken in Swedish, subtitled in Finnish) at 15. Free admission, limited seating.
Kindergarten Museum has play every Wednesday 12-18. Wednesdays the museum admission is 4 €, under 16s free.
Stadin Winter Fun at Paloheinä outdoor area **Wednesday 15.30-18.30. The free sports event has lots of activities for the whole family. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s Ice Skating School at Jääpuisto Wednesday 17-18. The skating school is free and is aimed at 4–10 year olds. More information on Jääpuisto’s website.
TIP for Espoo: LEGO® Festival at Iso Omena shopping center 6.2.-25.2.2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and see details and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there easily by metro from Helsinki ;).
THURSDAY 22.2.2018
Events:Story Time at Tapiola City Library at 9.30. Story Time at Laajasalo Library at 9.45.
FOR BABIES: Baby Rhyme Time at Puistola Library at 10.
Muksukino films take over Myllypuro Media Library and Myllä residential hall Thursday at 10. This week’s film is Moomins’ World. Read more about Muksukino on the library’s website.
Winter Holiday Week Program at Kontu Library: Craft Workshop Thursday 13-15.
Children’s Traffic City is open to families 19.-23.2.2018 daily 9-15. At Traffic City you can drive pedal cars under adult supervision, eat packed lunches indoors, and enjoy a small play area. Free admission.
Ice Fishing at Puotila during winter holiday 20.-23.2.2018, 10-14. Includes instruction, loaner equipment, and a bonfire with roasted sausages. Read detailed information about this great winter holiday event on Helsinki Moves’ Facebook page.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter holiday week Monday to Sunday 10-15.
Winter Event at Maunula Play Park Thursday 22.2.2018, 10-15. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Winter Holiday Week at Korkeasaari 19.-23.2.2018, 10-16, with play area leaders. Read more about the week’s program on the zoo’s website. Admission fee.
Winter Holiday Movies at Malmitalo: Thursday Bully Code 3 (K7) at 11 and Cars 3 (S) at 13. Free admission, limited seating.
Family Ball Play at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball play, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with an adult. Free play, tricks, running, or practicing walking. Family Ball Play Thursdays 16-17, costs adults Pallomylly’s drop-in fee (3.50 €), free for children.
TIP for Espoo: LEGO® Festival at Iso Omena shopping center 6.2.-25.2.2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and see details and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there easily by metro from Helsinki ;).
TIP: In Pienten Helsinki’s Let’s Spot! article winter spotting tips for Helsinki have been updated.
FRIDAY 23.2.2018
Story Time at Roihuvuori Library at 9.45.Toddler Time at Malmi Library at 10.
FOR BABIES: Babies’ Rhyme Time at South Haaga Library at 10. FOR BABIES: Babies’ Rhyme Time at Malmi Library at 11. Art Club at Oulunkylä Church Library 14-16.
Stuffed Toys’ Pajama Party at Vuosaari Library. You can bring your own stuffed animals to the library on Friday and pick them up Saturday to take home and tell about their nighttime adventure. Read more on the library’s website.
Children’s Traffic City is open to families 19.-23.2.2018 daily 9-15. At Traffic City you can drive pedal cars under adult supervision, eat packed lunches indoors, and enjoy a small play area. Free admission.
Naperokino at Annantalo Friday 10-12. This week’s theme is adventure, trips, and travel. Read more about Naperokino on Annantalo’s website.
Ice Fishing at Puotila during winter holiday 20.-23.2.2018, 10-14. Includes instruction, loaner equipment, and a bonfire with roasted sausages. Read detailed information about this great winter holiday event on Helsinki Moves’ Facebook page.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter holiday week Monday to Sunday 10-15.
Winter Holiday Week at Korkeasaari 19.-23.2.2018, 10-16, with play area leaders. Read more about the week’s program on the zoo’s website. Admission fee.
Stadin Gardener’s Winter Fun at Herttoniemi Manor area Friday 11-14. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP for Vantaa: At Tikkurila Library in Vantaa Singing Together with Children event Friday at 10. You can also bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Read more about this fun sing-along time on the library’s website.
TIP for Espoo: LEGO® Festival at Iso Omena shopping center 6.2.-25.2.2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and see details and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there easily by metro from Helsinki ;).
SATURDAY 24.2.2018
Events:Story Time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11.
Secret Postcard Workshop for children at Rikhard Street Library Saturday 10-13.
Kindergarten Museum’s Theme Saturday returns to grandparents’ time 10-13. Free admission to themed Saturdays.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter holiday week Monday to Sunday 10-15.
Ski Trail Café on sea ice at Laajasalo Beach during winter holiday week daily 10-18. Salty and sweet treats, sledge rides, and more activities. The path leads there from Laajasalo Beach. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Kids’ Saturday at Itikka Stocka 11-19. Read more on the event’s Facebook page. Kids’ Saturday at Downtown Stocka 11-19. Read more on the event’s Facebook page. Kids’ Saturday at Tapiola Stocka 11-19. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Superheroes at Comic Center’s Kids’ Saturday on Porthania Street 12-16. More detailed information about the event on Comic Center’s website.
Also in Swedish: Northern Library’s Story Saturday features freezing tales. Story begins at 13. Read more on the Northern Library’s website.
Hevisaurus and Jurassic Saturday at Aleksanteri Theater Saturday at 14 and 17. Tickets 22 €. More information on Aleksanteri Theater’s website.
TIP for Sipoo: Whole Family Winter Fun at Söderkulla Manor in Sipoo Saturday 11-15. Sledding hill, pony riding, dog sledding, and much more. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP for Espoo: Winter Fun around Luukki Manor Saturday 11-17. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP for Espoo: LEGO® Festival at Iso Omena shopping center 6.2.-25.2.2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and see details and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there easily by metro from Helsinki ;).
TIP for Espoo: Finland’s Largest Miniature Railway at Tapiola Hekintor’s department store basement in Espoo January-April. Exact opening hours on the Alpine Railway Enthusiasts’ website.
TIP: Sunny winter days invite outdoor activities. Pienten Helsinki recommends a packed-lunch excursion to Uutela and the area’s new lodge, where lodge guardians are usually on duty Saturdays and Sundays 12-16. During winter holiday week (week 8) lodge guardians are also present Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday and Sunday 12-16. In the lodge you can warm up and cook, for example, sausages. The lodge is located next to Skatan Farm, about a kilometer from Kampela Café. A plowed path leads there, so the excursion is possible even with a stroller. On Uutela Lodge’s Facebook page you can find current opening hours.
SUNDAY 25.2.2018
Events:Sports Shenanigans at Myllypuro Sports Mill Sunday 9-10.45. Shared sports activity for the whole family, with activities even for the very smallest. Sports Shenanigans continues in Myllypuro Sundays until 25.3.2018 (not 18.2.2018). Free for children, adults 3.50 €. More information on Helsinki Moves’ website.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter holiday week Monday to Sunday 10-15.
Ski Trail Café on sea ice at Laajasalo Beach during winter holiday week daily 10-18. Salty and sweet treats, sledge rides, and more activities. The path leads there from Laajasalo Beach. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
At National Museum’s Vinti you can meet every other Sunday 12-15 the museum’s volunteer grandma or granddad who has time to chat with children, help and advise with crafts, draw, and sometimes read stories. Check out Pienten Helsinki’s article about the National Museum and read more about Vinti’s Sundays on the National Museum’s website.
In Swedish: Kids’ Sundays at Kino Engel. Children’s film screenings at Kino Engel in Swedish. Read more on the event’s Facebook page. (paid)
TIP for Espoo: Winter Games for the Whole Family at Villa Elfvik Sunday 11-13.
TIP for Espoo: Winter Fun around Luukki Manor Sunday 11-17. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP for Espoo: LEGO® Festival at Iso Omena shopping center 6.2.-25.2.2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and see details and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there easily by metro from Helsinki ;).
Also remember these:
Ski Trail Café on sea ice at Laajasalo Beach during winter holiday week daily 10-18. Salty and sweet treats, sledge rides, and more activities. The path leads there from Laajasalo Beach. Read more on the event's Facebook page.KERAVA: Kerava City’s Kimppa! Children’s Cultural Weeks again 14.2.-25.2.2018. Workshops, concerts, films, and themed days for young and older children. Read more about the excellent week’s offerings on Kerava City’s website.
ESPOO: LEGO® Festival at Iso Omena shopping center 6.2.-25.2.2018. The exhibition also has a play area. Read more about the festival and see details and opening hours on the shopping center’s website. P.S. You can get there easily by metro from Helsinki ;).
ESPOO: Finland’s Largest Miniature Railway at Tapiola Hekintor’s department store basement in Espoo January-April. Exact opening hours on the Alpine Railway Enthusiasts’ website.
Library 10 opens children’s own art exhibition 12.2.2018, when artist group Taivaanranta Painters takes over the children’s department exhibition space. The exhibition is created from the works of three Helsinki family daycare groups. The colorful exhibition can be admired during library hours until 4.3.2018. Children’s own art exhibition activity is in a class of its own as a concept in Finland and any child can put on an exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities.
Imagination Friends Exhibition. Johanna Witick’s exhibition of all kinds of imagination friends at Herttoniemi Library 1.2.-28.2.2018 during library hours. Read more on Herttoniemi Library’s website.
Tuula Pere Children’s Book Illustration Exhibition at Malmitalo 15.1.-28.2.2018. The exhibition includes story hours and other programs for children. Read more about the exhibition on Malmitalo’s website.
Previously Unseen Animals Exhibition starting 11.1.2018 at the Nordic Library on Kaisaniemi Street. The exhibition is based on the picture book of the same name by Ulf Stark and Linda Bondestam, which was awarded the Nordic Council Children’s and Young People’s Literature Prize in 2017. The exhibition is on display until 28.3.2018 during the Nordic Library’s hours. Read more on the library’s website.
