Pienten Helsinki
What to do or where to go with children? What kid-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to Go This Week" series searches for activity tips and suggests family-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
The cover image is from Vanhankaupunginkoski, where a statue created by Hannu Konttinen stands in memory of Katariina Saxelström, gazing toward the spring rapids of the rapids. The statue can be found next to Matinkaari pedestrian bridge, on the Arabia-side shore.
Commercial Cooperation
This week's "Where to Go" article is brought to you by Movies / SF Studios!
The Mighty Princess Pikkiriikki takes over the cinemas!
When Princess Pikkiriikki learns that her little brother, who lives in her mother's furniture, is about to move into Pikkiriikki's room, she's had enough. She gets an idea from Mrs. Jensen, her aunt, and uses her magic dog Makkar to banish the bossy adults to Himskatt.
Princess Pöjöläinen, who just moved next door, knows where the dream princess castle is located, and when the parents aren't around to stop them, they set off on an adventure together. However, the journey takes some unexpected turns when the princesses end up at a market where they enjoy a bouncy castle, search for a lost Makkar, and participate in a betting competition. The head princess also causes some headaches, and Pikkiriikki eventually has to look at things from a different perspective.
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Princess Pikkiriikki is suitable for all ages.
Currently Happening
- MLL Tapaninkylä Geocaches can be explored independently in the Tapaninkylä area during April. A map for the caches can be found here.
- Skidimarket has opened again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall!
- Happiness is Being is an exhibition and play space for children ages 2–8 at Malmitalo March 28 – April 14, 2024. Open during Malmitalo's regular hours. Free admission.
- Play in Disguise Spring Exhibition at Malmitalo March 18 – April 7, 2024. Free admission.
- Did you know that the Children's Traffic Town outside of operating hours (weekdays 8am–4pm) allows you to ride around freely, even on your own scooter? The area gates are open and traffic lights are operational during the day. And it's free! :)
- Want to go ice skating? You can find Helsinki and the greater metro area's public skating times in Pienten Helsinki's themed article.
- Museum tips for visiting with children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
- Did you know you can borrow museum tickets from the library?
From Viikin Library you can borrow tickets to the Natural History Museum: a family ticket (2 adults, 4 children) or a single ticket. The loan period is 7 days. Museum tickets cannot be reserved in advance.
TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2024
International Children's Book Day
Events and Activity Tips
- Skidimarket has opened again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall!
- Metropolia's HyMy Village Family Cafe at Metropolia's Myllypuro facilities (next to the metro station) on Tuesdays 9–11am. Each session also includes varying programs for families. Free admission.
- Neuvola Park on Tuesdays 9:30am–1pm in the lower hall of Kamppi Family Center. Free admission.
- Kindergarten Museum is open Tuesdays 12pm–7pm. Small admission fee.
- Art for Toddlers Workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays 1:30–3:30pm. Workshops are suitable for children ages 1.5–3 years with their own adult. No advance registration required, free admission. You can attend for the full time or just drop in for a bit.
- Albertin Living Room evening hangout on Tuesdays 4:30–6:30pm.
- For adults: Children's Book Day for Adults at Helsinki's Nordic Cultural Center (Kaisaniemenkatu 9) on Tuesday, April 2, 5–7pm. Free admission.
- MLL Myllypuro Dads' Meet-up at Myllynsiivi playground on Tuesdays 6–7:30pm. Free admission, no advance registration required.
- Family Hulinat offer young children and their parents a space to move together independently and free of charge. Tuesdays Family Hulinat are held at:
- Pallomylly Indoor Hall at Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9) on Tuesdays 9:30–11:30am and 4–6pm from January 9 – April 23, 2024.- Käpylä Primary School (Mäkelänkatu 89) on Tuesdays 5–6:30pm from January 9 – April 23, 2024
(NOT on weeks 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14).
- Sakarinmäki Primary School (Knutersintie 924) on Tuesdays 5–6:30pm from January 9 – April 23, 2024.
- Vuosaari at Merilahti Primary School (Jaluspolku 3) on Tuesdays 5–6:30pm from January 9 – April 23, 2024.
Playgrounds Events on Tuesday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mainly 9am–12pm, afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. More information on each playground's own website. Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- At Playground Loru on Tuesday:
11–11:30am Stroller Gymnastics, Oodi Courtyard
3–3:30pm Loru's Warmth - baby session for children under 1 year old - MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0–12. Learn more on the family house's website!
- Find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips here.
Library Events on Tuesday
- Helmet Library children's events for Tuesday can be found on the Helmet events page.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024
Events and Activity Tips
- Skidimarket has opened again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall!
- MLL Laajasalo Family Cafe at Cafe Hieka on Wednesdays 9–10:30am.
- MLL Lauttasaari Family Cafe at youth center Apaja 9:30–11:30am.
- Albertin Living Room is open Wednesdays 9:30am–3pm.
- Naperokino at Annatalo on Wednesday 10am–12pm.
- Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open Wednesdays 12–4pm. Small admission fee.
- Kindergarten Museum is open Wednesday 12pm–7pm. Small admission fee.
- Helsinki Police Band's Teddy Bear Band performs at Oodi floor 3 on Wednesday 3pm. Free admission.
- Creative Moment - Open Art Workshop: Paper Mosaic from Small Pieces at Vuotalo on Wednesday 4–6pm. Free admission.
- Family Hulinat offer young children and their parents a space to move together independently and free of charge. Wednesdays Family Hulinat are held at:
- Kurkimäki Townhouse (Karpalokuja 7) on Wednesdays 9:30–11am from January 10 – April 24, 2024.
- Kannelmäki Primary School (Runonlaulajantie 40) on Wednesdays 5–6pm from January 10 – April 24, 2024.
Playground Events on Wednesday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mainly 9am–12pm, afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. More information on each playground's own website. Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- At Playground Loru on Wednesday:
11am–11:45am Baby Massage for those who registered in advance. Group is full. Oodi floor 3 event room
3–3:30pm Helsinki Police Band's Teddy Bear Band performs, Oodi floor 3 Story Mat - MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0–12. Learn more on the family house's website!
- Find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips here.
Library Events on Wednesday
- Helmet Library children's events for Wednesday can be found on the Helmet events page.
Pienten Suomi - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024
Events and Activity Tips
- Skidimarket has opened again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall!
- Albertin Living Room is open Thursdays 9:30am–3pm.
- Art for Toddlers Workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays 10am–12pm. Workshops are suitable for children ages 1.5–3 years with their own adult. No advance registration required, free admission. You can attend for the full time or just drop in for a bit.
- Helsinki University Observatory at Tähtitorninmäki is open Thursday 12pm–8pm. Museum admission fee applies.
- Espoo: For babies! Babies' Art Play at Espoo Museum of Modern Art Emma in the WeeGee House on Thursday 1–3pm. Museum admission fee applies.
- Family Hulinat offer young children and their parents a space to move together independently and free of charge. Thursdays Family Hulinat are held at:
- Tali Sports Park Soccer Hall (Purotie 8) on Thursdays 9:30–11am from January 11 – April 25, 2024.
- Kamppi Sports Center (Malminkatu 3) on Thursdays 5–6:30pm from January 11 – April 25, 2024.
- Malminkartano Primary School (Puustellintie 6) on Thursdays 5–6:30pm from January 11 – April 25, 2024.
- Porolahti Primary School (Roihuvuorentie 2) on Thursdays 5:30–6:30pm from January 11 – April 25, 2024.
- Pukinmäenkaar Primary School Mirror Hall (Kenttäkuja 12) on Thursdays 5–6:30pm from January 11 – April 25, 2024.
Playground Events on Thursday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mainly 9am–12pm, afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. More information on each playground's own website. Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- At Playground Loru on Thursday:
11am–11:30am Loru's Warmth - baby session for children under 1 year old
2:30–3:15pm Loru's Plays - activity session for children over 1 year old - At Family Houses there are events
- Family House Naapuri (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the house's Facebook page.
- Family House Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the house's Facebook page. - MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0–12. Learn more on the family house's website!
- Find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips here.
Library Events on Thursday
- Helmet Library children's events for Thursday can be found on the Helmet events page.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024
Events and Activity Tips
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
- Skidimarket has opened again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall!
- Albertin Living Room is open Fridays 9:30am–3pm.
- MLL Pasila Family Cafe at Tripla shopping center Focus space on Fridays 10am–12pm.
- Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Experience Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Culture Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5–June 30, 2024. Open Wed–Fri 10am–4pm and during Pessi evening and weekend events. Free admission.
- Helsinki University Observatory at Tähtitorninmäki is open Friday 12pm–4pm. Museum admission fee applies.
- Vantaa: South Vantaa Figure Skaters' Spring Show at Myymäki Ice Hall Friday 6pm. Tickets from €10.
Playground Events on Friday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mainly 9am–12pm, afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. More information on each playground's own website. Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- At Playground Loru on Friday:
10:30–11am Loru's Songs - song session for all ages
1–1:30pm Loru's Songs - song session for all ages
3–3:30pm Loru's Magic - activity session with varying themes including play, movement, and stories for children over 2 years old - At Family Houses there are events
- Family House Naapuri (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the house's Facebook page.
- Family House Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the house's Facebook page. - MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0–12. Learn more on the family house's website!
- Find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips here.
Library Events on Friday
- Helmet Library children's events for Friday can be found on the Helmet events page.
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024
Events and Activity Tips
- Skidimarket has opened again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall!
- Last week! Sports Hulinat at Maunula Sports Hall on Saturday 9–10:30am. Sports Hulinat offers children under 9 and their families the opportunity to move in many different ways and have fun. You can arrive on your own schedule. Admission fee for adults €3.50, others €2, children under 9 free.
- Flea market! MLL Oulunkylä Children's Clothing Flea Market at Oulunkylä Primary School on Saturday 10am–12pm.
- Instrument Carnival at Lauttasaari Music Institute on Saturday 10am–12pm. Free admission.
- Family Art Carnival at Kalliola Settlement House on Sturenkatu on Saturday 10am–1:30pm. Free admission. LOTS of fun programs for the whole family and all ages.
- Espoo: Theatre Mukama: Under the Story Umbrella: Little Hedgehog Performance at Children's Culture Center Aurora at 11am. Tickets €10.
- Flea market! Children's Flea Market at Pasila Library on Saturday 11am–3pm. Along with flea market shopping, there's a wide selection of borrowable books featuring popular TV characters like Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, and Tatu and Patu.
- Vantaa: South Vantaa Figure Skaters' Spring Show at Myymäki Ice Hall on Saturday 11am and 3pm. Tickets from €10.
- Spring Migratory Birds at Viikin - Excursion on Saturday 12–2pm. Departure from in front of Pornaistenniemi dog car park. Free admission.
- Circus Hulinat at Circus Magenta's facilities in Itäkeskus shopping center on Saturday 2pm (schoolchildren) and 3:30pm (whole family circus hulinat). Tickets: children under 7 €10/person (adult included in price), schoolchildren €12/person.
SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2024
Events and Activity Tips
- Espoo: Badger's Forest Story Time at Villa Elfvik's nature house on Sunday 11am. Free admission.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open Sundays 12–4pm. Small admission fee.- Senses Open - Event for families on the autism spectrum at Annatalo on Sunday 1–4pm. Free admission, advance registration required.
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
- Secrets of Helsinki article reveals big and small secrets about Helsinki!
Also remember:
Pienten Suomi - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
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