Pienten Helsinki
July in Helsinki
Updated 7.7.2018What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What can you do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki’s weekly series looks for activity tips and recommends family-friendly places in Helsinki and surrounding areas. The target audience is preschool-age children and families with young children.
July has arrived in Helsinki and the city offers activities and events for all tastes, and of course Little Helsinki’s 27th Where to go this week article for 2018. The Where to go this week article appears weekly, no later than Mondays, and suggests what’s happening in the city for families with preschool-age children. The first July article takes you to at least Alppipuisto’s summer and the park’s concert super-weekend, the UpDown Circus Festival, and to Kirkkonummi for Farm Stand’s Summer Days. Children’s summer theater season continues busily and there’s also a summer theater ticket raffle coming ;).
New in Little Helsinki: Home by evening series suggests great places for day trips with children. In the series’ latest installment, adventures await in hot Mustasaari on Lake Seurasaarenlahti. In the first two parts, adventures took place in Lahti and Eastern Uusimaa. From the Animals in the city article you can find out where to see, for example, mules, carp, mini pigs, reindeer, or tame squirrels. For rainy day tips, short articles about easy museum destinations with children.
Park hideouts are now 25 around the city, and park hideouts can also be found at Korkeasaari, the Design Museum, and the Architecture Museum summer terrace! The hideouts are waiting to be found, so let’s go ;)
[caption id=“attachment_4789” align=“aligncenter” width=“2000”]
The Park hideouts’ appearance is created by Helsinki-based visual designer Lotta Maija Paananen. www.lottamaija.com[/caption]
This week Little Helsinki’s background team is planning to:
- Travel around Finland
- Find more park hideouts (current status 6/25)
- Discover something new in Helsinki
- Wade and swim in the beach water
- Eat packed lunches on a forest hike
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »| Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY 2.7.2018
At the libraries:
Libraries are open during the summer months, even if there's no official programs. Read for example what the library offers for young children and book tips for summer activities with children.At the playgrounds:
Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at noon throughout the summer. You'll need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a drink. Monday's playground lunch is Italian stew. See the full summer menu and allergy information via this link.Helsinki’s playground summer hours can be found here.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg runs dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds in June-August. In the workshops, participants discover the world of dance through imagination and music. There are two workshops: Dancing Magic Box (TT) for ages 0-6 and their families, and Dance Adventure Treasure Hunt (TA) for school-age children. On Monday you can dance at Herttoniemi playground at 10 am (TT) and 1 pm (TA).
Traditional games on summer tour at playgrounds: Monday at Arabia playground 11 am-1 pm.
Other events:
Helsinki City Museum and Children's City open for the summer season starting 4.6.2018, opening at 9 am. A great playground for early risers! Read more on the museum's website. Children's City also features illustrator Jenni Isotoff's narrative art exhibition from 29.5–31.8. Dream Mäykkynen & Helsinki. In Children's City, there's small independent paper crafts for families every day during the summer. From June 1st, we make paper fox chains and other decorations featuring Helsinki animals. For more information, visit the city museum's website. The museum is also open on Mondays and always has free admission.Other museums open on Mondays are Päivälehti Museum and during the summer season also National Museum.
Tip: More rainy day fun can be found in Little Helsinki’s article.
Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Monday at 3 pm. Tickets 14 €, under 2 years free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s own website.
Hay work party at Tuomarinkylä Manor on Thursday 5.7.2018 starting at 10 am. Registration for the hay work party closes 3.7.2018 at 4 pm. More information about the hay work party on the City of Helsinki’s website.
TIP: Summer activities in Helsinki? Itis shopping center on Tallinnanaukio has opened a new event space and play area for the whole family. For more information, visit Itis’s website. More tips can be found in Little Helsinki’s Summer Fun article.
[caption id=“attachment_5039” align=“aligncenter” width=“720”]
Itis shopping center, Tallinnanaukio now has a play area.[/caption]
TUESDAY 3.7.2018
At the libraries:
Libraries are open during the summer months, even if there's no official programs. Read for example what the library offers for young children and book tips for summer activities with children.At the playgrounds:
Helsinki's playground summer hours can be found here.Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at noon throughout the summer. You’ll need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a drink. Tuesday’s playground lunch is turkey and root vegetable stew. See the full summer menu and allergy information via this link. Summer programs are free to attend and only a few require advance registration.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg runs dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds in June-August. In the workshops, participants discover the world of dance through imagination and music. There are two workshops: Dancing Magic Box (TT) for ages 0-6 and their families, and Dance Adventure Treasure Hunt (TA) for school-age children. On Tuesday you can dance at Tapuli playground at 10 am (TT) and 10:30 am (TA).
Traditional games on summer tour at playgrounds: Tuesday at Traktor playground 11 am-1 pm.
Other events:
Taskari, a dance version of music classes at Annantalo A•lava on Tuesday at 10:30 am. Taskari is aimed at children ages 0-5 and their guardians. Free admission, no advance registration. More information on Annantalo's website.UpDown Circus Festival at Suvilahdessa in the Voimala building (B door) at Circus Helsinki facilities 3.-8.7.2018. The program includes many performances suitable for children. Tickets to performances 6-28 €, festival pass for children 20 €, adults 40 €. The festival also features short performances and open stunt track evenings with free admission. More detailed information on the festival’s website.
Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Tuesday at 3 pm. Tickets 14 €, under 2 years free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s own website.
Hay work party at Tuomarinkylä Manor on Thursday 5.7.2018 starting at 10 am. Registration for the hay work party closes 3.7.2018 at 4 pm. More information about the hay work party on the City of Helsinki’s website.
TIP: Summer activities in Helsinki? The Old Market Hall’s aromas and atmosphere make it a wonderful excursion destination even with children. A trip to the Market Hall and the Market Square to watch the shipping traffic and Havs Amanda is summer fun at its finest! Tip: The City Hall lobby has a spacious childcare area. More tips can be found in Little Helsinki’s Summer Fun article.
WEDNESDAY 4.7.2018
At the libraries:
Libraries are open during the summer months, even if there's no official programs. Read for example what the library offers for young children and book tips for summer activities with children.At the playgrounds:
Helsinki's playground summer hours can be found here.Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at noon throughout the summer. You’ll need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a drink. Wednesday’s playground lunch is sweet potato and pumpkin soup stew. See the full summer menu and allergy information via this link.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg runs dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds in June-August. In the workshops, participants discover the world of dance through imagination and music. There are two workshops: Dancing Magic Box (TT) for ages 0-6 and their families, and Dance Adventure Treasure Hunt (TA) for school-age children. On Wednesday you can dance at Kurranummi playground at 10 am (TT) and 11 am (TT).
Traditional games on summer tour at playgrounds: Wednesday at Mellunmäki playground 11 am-1 pm.
Other events:
UpDown Circus Festival at Suvilahdessa in the Voimala building (B door) at Circus Helsinki facilities 3.-8.7.2018. The program includes many performances suitable for children. Tickets to performances 6-28 €, festival pass for children 20 €, adults 40 €. The festival also features short performances and open stunt track evenings with free admission. More detailed information on the festival's website. UpDown Circus Festival's open stunt track on Wednesday 6-7 pm. Free admission.Children’s sea adventure –family sailing 27.6.-4.8.2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:30 pm. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event’s Facebook page.
USA’s Independence Day 4th of July culture picnic on Wednesday 4-8 pm on Finlandia Hall’s outdoor area by Töölönlahti. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
A•lava open stage on Wednesdays 5-7 pm. The event is open to the public and performers. Anyone can go on stage to perform or watch others. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Summer theater: Taivallahti Summer Theater’s stage presents Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Wednesday at 6 pm. Tickets 16 €. Read more: on Taivallahti Summer Theater’s website.
Don’t forget: Park hideout adventure continues around the city and 25 hideouts are waiting to be found!
Tip to Espoo: Manor Museum Glimsin 4H farm animal pasture visits continue on Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the manor museum’s website. Free admission.
TIP: Summer activities in Helsinki? Search for Helsinki’s fountains! Helsinki bubbles with dozens of fountains during the summer months. At least Little Helsinki’s team loves Havis Amanda and other water elements near Espa Park, and we suggest that a fountain tour around the city is a wonderful way to spend a summer day with children in Helsinki. HAM Helsinki’s sculptures database can be found with, for example, “fountain” as a search word with many great finds, and browsing sculptures reveals even more. #spotfountain. More tips can be found in Little Helsinki’s Summer Fun article.
THURSDAY 5.7.2018
At the libraries:
Libraries are open during the summer months, even if there's no official programs. Read for example what the library offers for young children and book tips for summer activities with children.At the playgrounds:
Helsinki's playground summer hours can be found here.Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at noon throughout the summer. You’ll need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a drink. Thursday’s playground lunch is Archipelago stew with char. See the full summer menu and allergy information via this link.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg runs dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds in June-August. In the workshops, participants discover the world of dance through imagination and music. There are two workshops: Dancing Magic Box (TT) for ages 0-6 and their families, and Dance Adventure Treasure Hunt (TA) for school-age children. On Thursday we dance at Kannelmäki playground at 10:30 am (TT) and 11 am (TA).
Traditional games on summer tour at playgrounds: Thursday at Haruspuisto playground 11 am-1 pm.
Other events:
Hay work party at Tuomarinkylä Manor on Thursday 5.7.2018 starting at 10 am. Registration for the hay work party closes 3.7.2018 at 4 pm. More information about the hay work party on the City of Helsinki's website.UpDown Circus Festival at Suvilahdessa in the Voimala building (B door) at Circus Helsinki facilities 3.-8.7.2018. The program includes many performances suitable for children. Tickets to performances 6-28 €, festival pass for children 20 €, adults 40 €. The festival also features short performances and open stunt track evenings with free admission. More detailed information on the festival’s website. UpDown Circus Festival’s open stunt track on Thursday 5-6 pm. Free admission.
Children’s sea adventure –family sailing 27.6.-4.8.2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:30 pm. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Movie night at Annantalo A•lava on Thursday at 5 pm. The film shown is My Neighbor Totoro (suitable for ages 3+). No ticket reservations, free admission to movies. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Tip to Espoo: Manor Museum Glimsin 4H farm animal pasture visits continue on Thursdays 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the manor museum’s website. Free admission.
TIP: Summer activities in Helsinki? Torikortteleiden central square! Torikortteleiden central square is located in the City Hall courtyard (Sofiankatu 1-3/Katariinankatu 2). The sheltered courtyard has a sandbox and sand toys, a hammock, benches, flower plantings, and a nice atmosphere. You can enjoy packed lunches, play, take a break, and just be sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. The area around the courtyard has several restaurants and, for example, the City Hall restaurant’s terrace, where you can enjoy lunch while children play or take naps. You might even find one of the park hideouts in the central square… More tips can be found in Little Helsinki’s Summer Fun article.
[caption id=“attachment_60” align=“aligncenter” width=“828”]
Torikortteleiden central square.[/caption]
FRIDAY 6.7.2018
At the libraries:
Little Helsinki's library tip to Espoo: Take the metro to Iso Omena's library in Matinkylä! The metro takes you directly from Helsinki to Iso Omena's large library and great children's section, which also has space for play. Two elevators up from the metro station and you're right at the library!Libraries are open during the summer months, even if there’s no official programs. Read for example what the library offers for young children and book tips for summer activities with children.
At the playgrounds:
Helsinki's playground summer hours can be found here.Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at noon throughout the summer. You’ll need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a drink. Friday’s playground lunch is sister sausage stew. See the full summer menu and allergy information via this link.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg runs dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds in June-August. In the workshops, participants discover the world of dance through imagination and music. There are two workshops: Dancing Magic Box (TT) for ages 0-6 and their families, and Dance Adventure Treasure Hunt (TA) for school-age children. On Friday the little ones with their families can dance at Nuoli playground at 10 am (TT) and 11 am (TT), school-age children at 1:30 pm (TA).
Other events:
UpDown Circus Festival at Suvilahdessa in the Voimala building (B door) at Circus Helsinki facilities 3.-8.7.2018. The program includes many performances suitable for children. Tickets to performances 6-28 €, festival pass for children 20 €, adults 40 €. The festival also features short performances and open stunt track evenings with free admission. More detailed information on the festival's website. UpDown Circus Festival's open stunt track on Friday 5-6 pm. Free admission.Children's Traffic City has an open family day during summer on Fridays and Sundays 10 am-4 pm, when people of all ages practice at the traffic city under the guidance of their own adult. On other weekdays there's guided traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on Children's Traffic City's website. Free admission.
Guard Parade tradition continues on Fridays. The Guard Parade procession departs at 12:30 pm from Helsinki Senate Square, marching through Market Square to the main guard, and from there back along Esplanade to Barracks Square. After the Guard Parade, an entertaining MIL-Espa concert at 2 pm is held on Espa stage. On Friday 6.7.2018 the Guard Parade music is performed by the Finnish Defence Force Conscript Orchestra. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Cool Jazz Club at Alppipuisto on Friday 3-10 pm. The stage features, among others, Mumi Jazz, Lenni-Kalle Taipale, and other Finnish jazz masters. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Tip to Kirkkonummi: Farm Stand's Summer Days has great programs for the whole family on Friday 2-8 pm. More information on the event's Facebook page.
TIP: Summer activities in Helsinki? Music Hall summer concerts! Free summer concerts with various music styles at the Music Hall almost daily during the summer. Information about summer concerts can be found on the Music Hall's website. Access to the great concert hall is also sometimes available for free during the summer. More tips can be found in Little Helsinki's Summer Fun article.
SATURDAY 7.7.2018
Other events:
UpDown Circus Festival at Suvilahdessa in the Voimala building (B door) at Circus Helsinki facilities 3.-8.7.2018. The program includes many performances suitable for children. Tickets to performances 6-28 €, festival pass for children 20 €, adults 40 €. The festival also features short performances and open stunt track evenings with free admission. More detailed information on the festival's website. UpDown Circus Festival's open stunt track on Saturday 5-6 pm. Free admission.Uutela Cottage is open on Saturday 12-6 pm. More information on Uutela Cottage’s Facebook page.
Children’s sea adventure –family sailing 27.6.-4.8.2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:30 pm. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Elephantasy - Funky Family Picnic brings Saturday 2-10 pm to Alppipuisto rhythmic sounds, joy of music, good food from around the world, and lots of programs for children too. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Tip to Kirkkonummi: Farm Stand's Summer Days has great programs for the whole family on Saturday 10 am-4 pm. More information on the event's Facebook page.Tip to Espoo: Badger’s Forest Story Time at Villa Elfvik nature center on Saturday at 11 am. Read more on Elfvik’s website.
TIP: Summer activities in Helsinki? Go swimming! Little Helsinki’s tips for child-friendly beaches can be found here. More tips can be found in Little Helsinki’s Summer Fun article.
Tip to Loviisa: Roses and Gardens event in Loviisa 7.-8.7.2018. Open rose wedding at Loviisa Church on Saturday at 5 pm. Read more from Visit Loviisa’s website. On Saturday in Loviisa, a Mill Picnic is held at Strömfors Mill 10 am-6 pm, featuring, among other things, old American cars and activities.
Don’t forget: Park hideout adventure continues around the city and 25 hideouts are waiting to be found!
SUNDAY 8.7.2018
Other events:
Children's Traffic City has an open family day during summer on Fridays and Sundays 10 am-4 pm, when people of all ages practice at the traffic city under the guidance of their own adult. On other weekdays there's guided traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on Children's Traffic City's website. Free admission.Uutela Cottage is open on Sunday 12-6 pm. More information on Uutela Cottage’s Facebook page.
Resonaari Fest brings Sunday 1-9 pm to Alppipuisto a summer festival party and good-feeling music. Resonaari Fest’s program gets everyone from babies to grandparents dancing, and workshops offer activities for children too. More information on Helsinki Mission’s website.
Summer theater: Taivallahti Summer Theater’s stage presents Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets 16 €. Read more: on Taivallahti Summer Theater’s website.
Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Sunday at 3 pm and 5 pm. Tickets 14 €, under 2 years free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s own website.
UpDown Circus Festival at Suvilahdessa in the Voimala building (B door) at Circus Helsinki facilities 3.-8.7.2018. The program includes many performances suitable for children. Tickets to performances 6-28 €, festival pass for children 20 €, adults 40 €. The festival also features short performances and open stunt track evenings with free admission. More detailed information on the festival’s website. UpDown Circus Festival’s open stunt track on Sunday 6-7 pm. Free admission.
More summer activities: Home by evening series suggests great places for day trips with children. In the series’ latest installment, adventures await in hot Mustasaari on Lake Seurasaarenlahti. In the first two parts, adventures took place in Lahti and Eastern Uusimaa. From the Animals in the city article you can find out where to see, for example, mules, carp, mini pigs, reindeer, or tame squirrels.
Tip to Espoo: Villa Elfvik Fairy School is a whole family participatory nature hike where you travel at the children’s pace. Bring small packed lunches and dress for the weather. Hike through Elfvik’s landscapes on Sunday 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Free admission, no advance registration. More information on Villa Elfvik’s website.
Tip to Kirkkonummi: Farm Stand’s Summer Days has great programs for the whole family on Sunday 12-6 pm. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Tip to Loviisa: The King Arrives in Loviisa is a fun whole family event. More information on the event’s Facebook page.Also Roses and Gardens event in Loviisa 7.-8.7.2018. Read more from Visit Loviisa’s website.
TIP: Summer activities in Helsinki? Spot Helsinki’s sculptures! Go on a sculpture hike in Helsinki and search for, for example, animal-themed sculptures in the city. Helsinki’s sculptures include at least a moose, many bear statues, eagles, dogs, fish, wolverines, pheasants, deer, and horses. Little Helsinki challenges you to see the city with fresh eyes and #spotsculpture! Spotting sculptures can be a nice art experience for the whole family. A list of sculptures found throughout the city with images can be found on HAM Helsinki’s website. More tips can be found in Little Helsinki’s Summer Fun article.
Remember also these:
Snadi Lonna on Tuesday. Over 5-year-olds' own two-hour adventure on Lonna Island offers weekly changing themes. Read more about this interesting adventure on the event's Facebook page and ask if there's still room.A new family event space has been opened at Itis shopping center, Tallinnanaukio. For more information, visit shopping center Itis’s website and Itis’s Facebook page.
Regular ferry service to Mustasaari summer island began 5.6.2018 and the island can be visited from Taivallahti beach through August. Read more about Mustasaari here. Mustasaari is open on Midsummer’s Eve, closed 23.-24.6.2018.
Children’s Traffic City has an open family day during summer on Fridays and Sundays 10 am-4 pm, when people of all ages practice at the traffic city under the guidance of their own adult. On other weekdays there’s guided traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on Children’s Traffic City’s website. Free admission. Children’s Traffic City is closed during Midsummer weekend!
Espa stage features almost daily summer concerts and performances. Read more and see the summer concert program on Helsinki’s Department of Culture website.
Fallkulla farm animal farm is open throughout the summer daily 26.5.-26.8. 10 am-3 pm. Read more on the farm’s website. Also Linnunrata Playground in Helsinki, Manor Museum Glimsin in Espoo, and Katrinebergen Manor in Vantaa have farm animals visiting for the summer!
Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City open for the summer season starting 4.6.2018, opening at 9 am. A great playground for early risers! Read more on the museum’s website. Children’s City also features illustrator Jenni Isotoff’s narrative art exhibition from 29.5–31.8. Dream Mäykkynen & Helsinki. In Children’s City, there’s small independent paper crafts for families every day during the summer. From June 1st, we make paper fox chains and other decorations featuring Helsinki animals. For more information, visit the city museum’s website.
Linnanmäki amusement park is open daily and Lintsi stage features programs almost daily. Check detailed summer hours on the amusement park’s website.
Current museum tips in Little Helsinki’s Museum News article.
Don’t forget: Park hideout adventure continues around the city and 25 hideouts are waiting to be found!
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