Pienten Helsinki
What to do with children?
Updated February 4, 2018What family-friendly activities are available in Helsinki? Where to take small children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Small Helsinki’s weekly series searches for activity tips and suggests child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The target audience of the website is pre-school age children and families with children.
Small Helsinki’s “Where to go this week” articles also appear in 2018 by Mondays at the latest and suggest what’s happening in the city for families with children.
The fifth “Where to go” article of 2018 takes you, for example, to winter celebrations around the capital region, to the movies with small children, and to flamenco dancing. Other tips for the week include the “Get to know the tunnels” exhibition at Espoo’s cultural center and the opening of Kallio Library. Small Helsinki also recommends a visit to the new temporary premises of Hakaniemi Hall, where moving around is excellent even with children and strollers.
The Oodi central library being built in central Helsinki will also have wonderful spaces for little library lovers. Do you have a wish or idea about what the library could offer for small children’s enjoyment? Now is the right time to share it with the library’s background group! You can also comment below this article or email mari@pientenhelsinki.fi, and I’ll gladly pass your messages to the creators of Oodi.
Weekly programs at playgrounds and family centers have started, and parks offer activities for babies, toddlers, and others in home care accompanied by their adult during mornings. Playground indoor spaces are available to families even when there are no official organized activities. Follow playgrounds’ Facebook pages, come in confidently, and ask staff for more information!
Also check Small Helsinki’s new list of upcoming events, which is updated with upcoming spring 2018 events.
The article’s cover image is from the Ice Park at Helsinki’s Railway Square.
Monday » | Tuesday » | Wednesday » | Thursday » | Friday » | Saturday » | Sunday »
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2018
Events:Story time at Puistola Library at 10:00.
Story yoga at Paloheinen Library at 10:15. Bird watching at Arabianranta Library through February. Read more on the library’s website.
Library tip: Concert by Laajasalo Institute soloists at Laajasalo Library at 14:00.
Library 10’s children’s own art exhibition. Works from ten-year-old Inka’s Universe exhibition can be admired during library hours until February 11, 2018. Children’s own art exhibition activities are reportedly a unique concept in Finland, and any child can hold their own exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities.
Art Clinic for 3-6-year-olds at Annantalo on Monday at 10:00 and 12:30. This week the clinic is visited by chimpanzee Anssi and ventriloquist Sari Aalto. You’ll also make your own puppet. You can participate in the Art Clinic weekly or occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. Read more about this wonderful Art Clinic activity on Annantalo’s website.
Puppet theater music class at Sampo’s aula gallery every Monday at 10:00 and 11:00. Paid (€8/session or €70/entire spring). Read more on Puppet Theater Sampo’s website.
Sibafest 2018 at the Music Hall January 26 – February 3, 2018. Check the festival program on the event’s own website. Also includes lots of free pop-up programming!
Enchanting Magic Forest on Korjaamo’s courtyard until February 4, 2018. Free admission. Read more on Korjaamo’s website.
Movies: Supermouse, Hayseed and Ragbag, and the Moomin Winter Wonderland are currently showing in movie theaters and are suitable for small children’s first movie experience.
TIP: MLL’s family café meets on Mondays at Itäkatu Family Center from 9:00 to 12:00. The family café, open to all families with small children, is a place to play, spend time, and get to know other families in the same life situation. Read more on the family center’s Facebook page.
TIP TO ESPOO: Get to know the tunnels is a photo exhibition about the West Metro construction stages. Perfect for small explorers interested in machines, tractors, and other technical gadgets. The exhibition is on display January 23 – February 4, 2018 in Espoo’s cultural center’s exhibition space during the building’s opening hours. Espoo’s Cultural Center is located in Tapiola right next to the metro station. Read more about the exhibition on Espoo’s cultural website.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2018
Events:Story time at Itäkeskus Library led by Jussi Ollila 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 in the club room at 10:15. Story time at Vuotalo Library’s lobby led by Jussi Ollila at 10:30.
Story yoga at Paloheinen Library at 17:00.
Sibafest 2018 at the Music Hall January 26 – February 3, 2018. Check the festival program on the event’s own website. Also includes lots of free pop-up programming!
Family ball games spring season continues at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move on synthetic turf with their adult. Free play, stunts, running, or learning to walk. Family ball games on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 and 16:00-18:00. Morning ball games are free for everyone, evening games cost adults Pallomylly’s single admission (€3.50).
Mini opera Cinderella at the Opera House’s mezzanine lounge at 14:30 (a few tickets remaining). Tickets €10. Read more on the Opera’s website.
Enchanting Magic Forest on Korjaamo’s courtyard until February 4, 2018. Free admission. Read more on Korjaamo’s website.
TIP: You should familiarize yourself with Annantalo’s spring 2018 program now, as many events and performances require advance reservations! Check out the spring program on Annantalo’s website.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018
Events:Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30. Story time at Maunula Library at 10:00. Story time at Oulunkylä Library at 17:00.
FOR BABIES and parents: BabyKino at Töölö Library at 12:00 and 14:30. Read more about BabyKino at Töölö Library on evacuation on the library’s website. BabyKino’s own Facebook group can be found here, where, for example, the week’s film is published and people vote on the upcoming program. CANCELLED
FOR BABIES: Baby lore time at Kannelmäki Library at 13:30.
Sibafest 2018 at the Music Hall January 26 – February 3, 2018. Check the festival program on the event’s own website. Also includes lots of free pop-up programming!
Enchanting Magic Forest on Korjaamo’s courtyard until February 4, 2018. Free admission. Read more on Korjaamo’s website.
TIP: Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesdays from 12:00-18:00. Children and play are the focus here. Admission €4/€2/free.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018
Events:Story time at Pasila Library at 9:30. Story time at Suutarila Library at 9:30. Story time at Tapulinkaupunki Library at 9:30. Story time at Laajasalo Library at 9:45.
Muksukino films take over Myllypuro media library and Myllär community hall on Thursdays at 10:00. This week’s film is Moomins’ world: The King’s Ruby. Read more about Muksukino on the library’s website.
Harry Potter Book Night at the following libraries on Thursday with lots of programming for Potter fans: At Käpylä Library from 13:00-20:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Kannelmäki Library from 14:00-17:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Lauttasaari Library from 14:00-17:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Pukinmäki Library from 14:00-17:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Pohjois-Haaga Library from 14:00-18:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Etelä-Haaga Library from 14:00-19:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Suomenlinna Library from 15:00-18:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Töölö Library from 15:00-19:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Itäkeskus Library from 15:00-19:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Roihuvuori Library from 15:00-19:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Kontula Library from 15:00-19:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Vallila Library from 16:00-19:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Oulunkylä Library from 16:00-19:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Jakomäki Library from 16:00-19:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Maunula House from 16:00-20:00. Read more on the library’s website. At Vuosaari Library from 17:30-19:30. Read more on the library’s website. At Malmi Library from 17:30-19:30. Read more on the library’s website. At Puistola Library from 17:30-19:30. Read more on the library’s website.
Kallio Library opening celebration Thursday from 12:00-15:00. The renovated library has a particularly wonderful children’s section and a new Onni boy’s house, with official opening ceremonies at 13:00. Read more on Kallio Library’s website.
Imagination Lovers exhibition. Johanna Witick’s exhibition of imagination lovers from around the world at Herttoniemi Library February 1-28, 2018 during library hours. Read more on Herttoniemi Library’s website.
Cultikutri and Three Bears puppet theater performance at Sampo Thursday at 10:00. Tickets €12, children under 1 free. Read more on Puppet Theater Sampo’s website.
Toddler pop-in workshops at Contemporary Art Museum Kiasma starting and continuing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00-13:00 until February 10, 2018. The pop-in workshop is designed for 1-4-year-olds and their accompanying adults. You can participate in the workshops with the museum’s admission fee and can drop in according to your own schedule. Read more on Kiasma’s website.
Family ball games spring season continues at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move on synthetic turf with their adult. Free play, stunts, running, or learning to walk. Family ball games on Thursdays from 16:00-17:00, €3.50 for adults, free for children.
Sibafest 2018 at the Music Hall January 26 – February 3, 2018. Check the festival program on the event’s own website. Also includes lots of free pop-up programming!
Enchanting Magic Forest on Korjaamo’s courtyard until February 4, 2018. Free admission. Read more on Korjaamo’s website.
FOR BABIES and parents in Espoo: Stroller meetings at KAMU at 12:00. Read more about this wonderful shared museum visit for babies and parents here. Free admission.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Story time at Roihuvuori Library at 9:45.Sibafest 2018 at the Music Hall January 26 – February 3, 2018. Check the festival program on the event’s own website. Also includes lots of free pop-up programming!
Naperokino at Annantalo Fridays from 10:00-12:00. This week’s theme is city and society. Read more about Naperokino on Annantalo’s website.
Cultikutri and Three Bears puppet theater performance at Sampo Friday at 10:00. Tickets €12, children under 1 free. Read more on Puppet Theater Sampo’s website.
Toddler pop-in workshops at Contemporary Art Museum Kiasma continuing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00-13:00 until February 10, 2018. The pop-in workshop is designed for 1-4-year-olds and their accompanying adults. You can participate in the workshops with the museum’s admission fee and can drop in according to your own schedule. Read more on Kiasma’s website.
Enchanting Magic Forest on Korjaamo’s courtyard until February 4, 2018. Free admission. Read more on Korjaamo’s website.
TIP: Fallkulla farm is open to the public also in winter: Wednesday to Friday from 10:00-18:00 and Sundays from 10:00-15:00. Free admission. Read more on the City of Helsinki Youth Services website.
TIP to Vantaa: In Tikkurila Library in Vantaa, there is a “Let’s sing together with children” event Friday at 10:00. You can also bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Read more about this fun group singing time on the library’s website.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2018
Events:Story time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11:00.
Toddler pop-in workshops at Contemporary Art Museum Kiasma continuing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00-13:00 until February 10, 2018. The pop-in workshop is designed for 1-4-year-olds and their accompanying adults. You can participate in the workshops with the museum’s admission fee and can drop in according to your own schedule. Read more on Kiasma’s website.
Natural History Museum event day where animal tracks and droppings, feathers, and plumage are studied Saturday from 10:30-15:30. The workshop is included in the admission fee and you can visit the workshop on your own schedule. More information on the Natural History Museum’s website. Museum admission for ages 7+, Museum Card is valid.
AEIOU theater children’s performance Kehoko at Malmitalo at 13:00 and 15:00. A multisensory work of art about body functions suitable for toddlers through school-age children. Tickets €6. Read more on Malmitalo’s website.
DanceAbility dance class at Annantalo at 14:00. Suitable for all 3-12-year-olds with their adult, regardless of disability. Read more about DanceAbility classes on Annantalo’s website. Free admission.
Malmitalo’s Kino Helios shows the new film Supermouse Saturday at 14:00. The film is suitable for all ages. Tickets €6. Read more on Malmitalo’s website.
Närpiäiset music play premiere at Music Theater Kapsäkki Saturday at 14:00. Tickets €13.50/€22.50. More information on Kapsäkki’s website.
Sibafest 2018 at the Music Hall January 26 – February 3, 2018. Check the festival program on the event’s own website. Also includes lots of free pop-up programming!
Enchanting Magic Forest on Korjaamo’s courtyard until February 4, 2018. Saturday, January 27, 2018 also includes participatory performance and face painting. Free admission. Read more on Korjaamo’s website.
TIP TO ESPOO: Winter Nature Day at Finland’s Nature Center Haltia in Nuuksio Saturday from 10:00-15:00. Lots of wonderful programming for the whole family. More information on the event’s Facebook page and on the Nature Center’s own website. X
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018
Events:Sports fun at Myllypuro Sports Mill Sunday from 9:00-10:45. Joint physical activity for the whole family, with activities for even the smallest. Sports fun continues at Myllypuro on Sundays until March 25, 2018 (not February 18, 2018). Free for children, €3.50 for adults. More information on the Helsinki on the Move website.
Winter celebration organized by the parent organization of Kindergarten Arabia at the playground in Arabia Sunday from 10:00-13:00. Read more about the day’s program on the event’s Facebook page.
Moomin Boy’s winter celebration at Maunula Manor Sunday from 10:00-14:00. An outdoor event with programming for the whole family. Read more about the event on Helsinki ski trail’s website.
At Cinema Vuotalo you can watch the new film Supermouse starting at 11:00. Tickets €9. Read more on Vuotalo’s website.
Pakila Primary School’s traditional flea market and other programming at Pakila Primary School from 11:00-14:00. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
At Annantalo’s Sunday meetings, the whole family can enjoy Shadow party - shadow theater workshop at 13:00. Read more about the workshop and register on Annantalo’s website.
Family Day ¡Alegría! is children’s and youth’s VIII Flamenco Biennial at Malmitalo Sunday from 13:00-15:00. Flamenco-filled programming for the whole family. Free admission. Read more on Malmitalo’s website. Also at Malmitalo, the ¡Alegría! performance at 15:00. Performance tickets €5/€10. Read more on Malmitalo’s website.
Sampo’s Sunday! JOKER POKER BOX! 40th Anniversary Tour at Puppet Theater Sampo Sunday at 15:00. Tickets €12. Read more on Sampo’s website.
In Swedish: Children’s Sundays at Kino Engel. Children’s film screenings at Kino Engel in Swedish. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.Paid.
Enchanting Magic Forest on Korjaamo’s courtyard until February 4, 2018. Free admission. Read more on Korjaamo’s website.
TIP to Vantaa: Orffit’s “Hey-hey February” concert for the whole family at Vernissa Hall at 11:00. Tickets €5/€7. Read more on Vernissa’s website.
TIP to Vantaa: Whole family winter MegaMayhem 2018 event from 9:30-14:00 at Korso in Lumo Center and its courtyard. Programming includes, among other things, ski races, WimmaRally, Princess Dreams, obstacle course, fire engine… Read more on Lions Club Korso’s website.
TIP to Espoo: Badger’s Forest story hour at Villa Elfvik Sunday at 11:00. More information on Villa Elfvik’s website.
Also remember these:
Sibafest 2018 at the Music Hall January 26 – February 3, 2018. Check the festival program on the event's own website. Also includes lots of free pop-up programming!Moomin Boy and the Wizard’s Hat ballet at the Opera House January 23 – February 2, 2018. Tickets €29-€48. Read more on the National Ballet’s website.
Tip: Hakaniemi market hall opens in new temporary premises at Hakaniemi Square Monday, January 22, 2018 at 8:00. An excellent place to visit with children to marvel at the bustle and atmosphere of the hall.
Go ice skating at Helsinki’s numerous ice skating rinks! Read more about rink locations, admission fees, and opening hours on the City of Helsinki’s website. The Ice Park at Railway Square is also open daily. Current information about ice rink conditions can be found at www.ulkoliikunta.fi.
Toddler pop-in workshops at Contemporary Art Museum Kiasma continuing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00-13:00 until February 10, 2018. Workshops are designed for 1-4-year-olds and their accompanying adults. You can participate in the workshops with the museum’s admission fee and can drop in according to your own schedule. Read more on Kiasma’s website.
Imagination Lovers exhibition. Johanna Witick’s exhibition of imagination lovers from around the world at Herttoniemi Library February 1-28, 2018 during library hours. Read more on Herttoniemi Library’s website.
Library 10 opens its fourth children’s own art exhibition on January 22, 2018. The opening of ten-year-old Inka’s Universe exhibition is celebrated on January 22, 2018 starting at 4:30 p.m. in the children’s section exhibition space. Inka’s art can be admired during library hours until February 11, 2018. Children’s own art exhibition activities are reportedly a unique concept in Finland and any child can hold their own exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities.
Library 10 features the Wolf from Children’s Perspective exhibition, which compiles the results of the Nature League’s nationwide wolf drawing competition. The competition awards and exhibition opening are celebrated on January 24, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Wolf artworks made in various techniques can be viewed at Library 10 during library hours until February 3, 2018. More information about the exhibition on the library’s website.
Tuula Pere’s children’s book illustration exhibition at Malmitalo January 15 – February 28, 2018. The exhibition includes story times and other programming for children. Read more about the exhibition on Malmitalo’s website.
Unseen animals before exhibition starting January 11, 2018 at the Nordic Library on Kaisaniemenkatu. The exhibition is based on Ulf Stark’s and Linda Bondestam’s book of the same name, which won the Nordic Council Children’s and Youth Literature Prize in 2017. The exhibition is on display until March 28, 2018 during the Nordic Library’s opening hours. Read more on the library’s website.
Espoo: Get to know the tunnels is a photo exhibition about the West Metro construction stages. Perfect for small explorers interested in machines, tractors, and other technical gadgets. The exhibition is on display January 23 – February 4, 2018 in Espoo’s cultural center’s exhibition space during the building’s opening hours. Espoo’s Cultural Center is located in Tapiola right next to the metro station.
Espoo: Finland’s largest model railroad at Sello shopping center December-January. Check exact opening hours on the Alpine Railroad Enthusiasts’ website.
