Where to go this week? June 26 - July 2, 2017

Summer activity tips for the last week of June in Helsinki with children.

Summer Helsinki offers diverse programming this week as well. In addition to organized events, there are also selections from a more relaxed summer program in Helsinki with the little ones in mind.

Updated July 1, 2017

At the Daily Paper Museum's Five Wonderful Treasures exhibition.

During the last week of June, some of Helsinki's playgrounds are already on summer break, but there are open playgrounds throughout the city. It's a good idea to check the opening hours of your local playground from the playground program website. Park dining also continues through August and this week's menu can be found here. The coming week brings varied programming to the playgrounds. For example, Seppa Playground is having a baking week, on Tuesday the library bus visits Rudolf Playground, on Wednesday the Martti car and traditional games take over Rusthollari Playground, on Thursday Lahnalahti Playground has a color play session for babies (pre-registration required), and on Friday Lehdokki Playground features an active "nimble toes" session. It's worth following the playgrounds' Facebook and website pages actively, as there is lots of guided activities open to everyone. On Tuesday June 27, Puppet Theater Sytkyt's summer tale at Winter Garden at 11 and 1 p.m. Admission to the performance and Winter Garden is free. The Winter Garden is not accessible with strollers, so a baby carrier is a good alternative for the smallest visitors. More information at Puppet Theater Sytkyt.

Torikorttelit summer courtyard.

For a Wednesday outing, consider Torikorttelit's summer courtyard, where in addition to free time and swinging in hammocks, you can play sandbox games right in the city center. You can also eat your own packed lunch or take naps in the stroller away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A pleasant respite and a great destination for urban adventures! The summer courtyard is located in the city hall courtyard, with entrances from Sofiankaari or Katariinankatu Street. The City Hall lobby's Virka Gallery features an interesting Sandbox Exhibition, which is also suitable for small children. The city hall lobby also has an excellent baby changing room.

On Wednesday, Meilahti Rose Garden celebrates its 10th anniversary starting at 5 p.m. According to program information, Princess Rose will also be present, along with various activities and, of course, the splendor of roses. The event is suitable for all ages and Meilahti Arboretum is a wonderful location. Perhaps the rose garden’s birthday celebration would be a good place to air out princess fantasies? 😉 More information about the event can be found here. Free admission.

On Friday June 30, Summer Cat’s music lesson at Mustasaari Activity Center at 11:30 a.m. Mustasaari is an island of the Helsinki Church Association located in Seurasaari Bay, which requires a short ferry ride from Taivallahti Beach. Access to the island is free, but the ferry ride is paid. The island has a beautiful beach for swimming, domestic animals, and plenty of activities for small children. A good and easy day trip destination. More information about Mustasaari. The Children’s Traffic City celebrates family days every Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when you can ride around the traffic city under the guidance of an adult and learn about traffic rules and go-karts. Free admission. On Saturday July 1 starting at 2 p.m., Alppipuisto will host the whole family-oriented Elephantasy - Funky Family Picnic, which promises music, circus, workshops, and programs for children. More information and the event program can be found here. Free admission. Canada Day celebration takes place at Hernesaari Beach on Saturday July 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program includes music, Canada’s mounted police, a charity drive, and other family-friendly activities. The event is part of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Free admission. More information about the event here. From Saturday to Monday at the Music Hall you can see and experience Chinese acrobatics with tastings of Acrobatics Magic performances in the foyer. Show times and more detailed information about the event can be found here. Free admission.

On Sunday July 2, the Horticultural Association’s Annala Garden (Hämeentie 154) celebrates Open Gardens Day as a family day. There will be programs for families and Annala’s pony stable ponies with their handlers. More information about the event can be found here. Open Gardens Day is celebrated throughout Finland on Sunday. In Helsinki, for example, at Herttoniemi Manor, City Gardener invites visitors. More information about open gardens here.

Remember these as well

Annantalo's summer courtyard is available to all city residents. Annantalo's child-friendly café operates during the summer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and when the building is open, restrooms and baby changing facilities are available.

Daily Paper Museum's Five Wonderful Treasures exhibition.

This week's museum tip: Daily Paper Museum's wonderful visual Five Wonderful Treasures exhibition, where you dive into adventure in the pictures of textbooks. It's suitable for small and older children because of its execution and is an experience for adults as well. Strollers fit in the museum, but not in the Five Wonderful Treasures exhibition. The museum has excellent baby changing facilities. Free admission.

Want to swim? On a sunny day, you can head to Pirkkola Plot to swim. The Plot is located near Pirkkola Swimming Hall and sports fields. Free admission.

Wooden walkways leading to Lammasaari

For a nature outing, Lammasaari is a good choice, where you can get there via new, wider wooden walkways even with a stroller. Moving around Lammasaari with a stroller can be challenging, but walking the route to, for example, the bird tower is only 300 meters after the wooden walkways end. From the bird tower you can spot birds as well as cows and sheep. A fun destination for all ages.

For dance lovers: Kikattava Kakkiainen and Mc City Kani are this week’s performers at Linnanmäki amusement park. No admission fee.

For adventure? You can join Suomenlinna’s children’s adventure tour throughout the summer holidays. The interactive presentation is suitable for children over five years old and is paid. Tours are organized in Finnish and Swedish. More information about interesting Suomenlinna and the adventure tour here.