Pienten Helsinki
May Day Week Activities
Updated May 6, 2018What family-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki’s weekly series seeks activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and surrounding areas. The target audience of the website is preschool-aged children and families with small children.
Pienten Helsinki’s “Where to Go This Week” articles are published by Monday at the latest and suggest what’s happening in the city for families with small children. The eighteenth “Where to Go This Week” article for 2018 naturally takes you to May Day festivities, birdwatching excursions, watching cows heading to summer pasture, and nature walks to Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi.
What’s New at Pienten Helsinki: Summer theaters will soon be in season. Check out tips for children’s theater summer from Pienten Helsinki’s article.
Would you like to collaborate with Pienten Helsinki on a (commercial) project or do you have a project or work where I could be helpful? I’m happy to receive all ideas. Feel free to get in touch (mari@pientenhelsinki.fi) and let’s discuss new opportunities! Read more about this here.
COMING SOON! Pienten Suomi takes you on a journey around Finland and suggests great places to visit with small children. Stay tuned!
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Article cover image: Cows from Bosgård farm rush to their summer pasture in May at Bosgård farm in Porvoo.
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »| Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2018
May Day EveAt the Libraries:
Story Hour at Puistola Library at 10 a.m. Toddler Session at Maunula Library at 9:30 a.m.FOR BABIES: Baby Rhyme Time at Maunula Library at 10:30 a.m.
Other Events:
May Day! Where to go and what to do on May Day Eve with your family in Helsinki and surrounding areas? Pienten Helsinki's May Day tips in Finnish and in English will help!MLL’s Family Café on Mondays in the first-floor common areas of Itäkatu Family Center at 9:30-11:30 a.m. The family café is open to all families with small children where you can drop in anytime to play, spend time together, and meet other families in similar life situations. Read more on Itäkatu Family Café’s Facebook page. Tip! You can also suggest programs or performances for the family café. Also suitable for families with babies. TIP: An updated list of MLL’s family cafés operating in Helsinki, created through collaboration between Pienten Helsinki and MLL Uusimaa, is now available on Pienten Helsinki’s pages. Family cafés operate almost every weekday around Helsinki!
Gardening Work Sessions invite you to cultivate at Kanneltalo on Mondays from 5-7:30 p.m. and later in May at Antinniitty community garden. The work sessions are open to everyone, a weekly event where you can practice gardening with a child accompanying an adult. Read more on Kanneltalo’s pages.
May Day Eve Group Singing at Kanneltalo on Monday at 6 p.m. Read more on Kanneltalo’s pages.
TIP: Helsinki Places is a collection of child-friendly gems in Helsinki with lots of insider information and a starting point for finding Helsinki’s locations.
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018
May Day! Happy May Day!At the Libraries:
Libraries are closed on May Day, May 1.Other Events:
May Day! Where to go and what to do on May Day with your family in Helsinki and surrounding areas? Pienten Helsinki's May Day tips in Finnish and in English will help!What if it rains on May Day? Quick tips for May Day in case of rain.
FEEDBACK: Roses, thorns, comments, and wishes: tell us what you think of Pienten Helsinki!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018
At the Libraries:
Story Session at Kontula Library at 9:30 a.m. Story Session at Oulunkylä Library at 10 a.m. Story Session at Arabianranta Library at 9:30 a.m. Story Session at Pukinmäki Library at 10:15 a.m. In Swedish: Evening Story Hour at Berghäll Library at 6 p.m.Ugu Ugu and The Silent City Book story hour and craft session at Jätkäsaari Library at 10 a.m. Song Session Led by Terttu Paija at Tapulinkaupunki Library at 10 a.m. Russian-Language Children’s Club at Malmi Library on Wednesdays at 10-11:30 a.m.
FOR BABIES and parents: BabyKino at Kallio Library. You can bring your baby to movies on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. BabyKino’s own Facebook group can be found here, where the week’s film and voting for upcoming programs are published, for example. FOR BABIES: Baby Rhyme Time at Kannelmäki Library at 1:30 p.m.
TIP for Espoo FOR BABIES and parents: Babykino at Iso Omena Library on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The library’s pages explain what Babykino actually is.
Other Events:
TIP: Kindergarten Museum is open every Wednesday from 12-6 p.m.Wednesday’s Unhurried Gallery Workshop creates three-dimensional cards at an architectural Vuotalo gallery at 4 p.m. Read more about the workshop suitable for all ages at Vuotalo’s pages.
TIP: Did you know that the Museum of Natural History opens in the winter season (also in May) Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m..
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018
At the Libraries:
Story Session at Paloheinä Library at 9:30 a.m. Story Session at Tapulinkaupunki Library at 9:30 a.m. Evening Story Session at Vallila Library at 6 p.m.Toddler Session at Kallio Library’s Satulintu at 10 a.m. Toddler Session at Paloheinä Library at 10:30 a.m.
Other Events:
Wednesday's Unhurried Gallery Workshop makes dreamcatchers at Vuotalo gallery at 4 p.m. Read more about the workshop suitable for all ages at Vuotalo's pages.Children and Family Birdwatching at Kivinokka on Thursday at 5:30-7 p.m. The route is accessible, so you can go birdwatching even with someone in a wheelchair. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
TIP: Päivälehti Museum and Pelle Peloton Exhibition is open daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2018
At the Libraries:
In Swedish: Story Hour at Berghäll Library at 10 a.m. Delightful Story Session led by Liisa Viitanen at Kannelmäki Library at 10 a.m.Toddler Session at Malmi Library at 10 a.m.
FOR BABIES: Baby Rhyme Time at Malmi Library at 11 a.m.
Library Tip for Vantaa: At Tikkurila Library in Vantaa, Singing Together with Children Session on Friday at 10 a.m. You can also bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Read more about this fun group singing moment on the library’s pages.
Library Tip for Espoo: International Star Wars Day is celebrated at Iso Omena and Sello libraries. See more details at Iso Omena’s Star Wars workshop and Sello Library’s big Star Wars evening.
Other Events:
MLL's Family Café on Fridays in the first-floor common areas of Itäkatu Family Center at 9:30-11:30 a.m. The family café is open to all families with small children where you can drop in anytime to play, spend time together, and meet other families in similar life situations. Read more on Itäkatu Family Café's Facebook page. Suitable for families with babies too. You can find all of Helsinki's MLL family cafés around the city here.Napero Cinema at Annantalo on Fridays at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This week’s theme is courage and helping. Read more about Napero Cinema at Annantalo’s pages.
Tip for Espoo: Siina and Magic Radio Song Bus Concert at Espoo’s Karatalo on Friday at 10:15 a.m. Tickets 4 €. More information and registration details on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP: Care Rooms on the Map! Pienten Helsinki’s Baby’s Helsinki series newest article lists child care rooms found to be functional throughout the capital region.
SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018
At the Libraries:
Family Game and Play Day at Kontula Library at 10 a.m.-1 p.m.Detective Adventure at Herttoniemi Library at 10 a.m.
Story Session at Vuosaari Library at 10:30 a.m.
Story Session at Munkkiniemi Library at 11 a.m.
Saturday Crafts at Arabianranta Library at 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Aviation Day at Puistola Library at 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Other Events:
Tower Battle, a fun bird spotting competition, takes place on Saturday from 5-1 p.m. in bird towers around Finland. For example, Korkeasaari Zoo is participating for the first time. Read more on Birdlife Finland's pages.Cow Pasture Release at Viiki Teaching and Research Station. Spring joy is fun to watch as Viiki Teaching Station’s cows rush to their summer pasture around 11:10 a.m. The whole family event on Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. features cows, large machinery, a tractor ride, and play milking cows. Find the exact event location here. Note! Parking is very limited, so please arrive by public transportation or bicycle. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s Festival at Ateneum Art Museum on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Programs for all ages. Museum admission two for one price for the weekend (total 15 €), under 18s always free. Read more about the weekend program on Ateneum’s pages.
Family Cinema at Maunula House’s Metsäpuro Hall on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. The film is Puppies (S). Free admission, snacks sold by MLL Pakila and Oulunkylä Association. Read more about Family Cinema here. At the same time in Maunula House, also a big spring flea market event.
Open Doors to Parliament House at 11:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Read more on Parliament’s pages.
Shadow Theater Workshop at Puppet Theater Sampo on Saturday at 12 p.m. Tickets 15 €. Read more on Sampo’s pages.
Runaway Comedy theater for children at Music Theater Kapsäkki on Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets 12.50 €/22.50 €. Read more and reserve tickets on Kapsäkki’s pages.
Vuosaari Music School’s Näppärit performs at G Livelab’s May children’s concert on Saturday at 1 p.m. The orchestra also invites the audience to participate in the concert, so you can bring your own instrument and join in the fun. Tickets 18 € / 12 €. Read more on G Livelab’s pages.
In Swedish: Saturday Treats - Art, Fun and B.O.B at LillaLuckan at 1 p.m. Read more on these Facebook pages.
Harakka Makes Soup - a puppet show at Puppet Theater Sampo on Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets 12 €. Read more on Sampo’s pages.
Nature Walk Tip: Through Our Forest Whispers - Sipoonkorpi Day at Wolf Border. A local forest event in Sipoonkorpi National Park on Saturday from 2-6 p.m. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Children’s Nature Saturday at Haltia Nature Center in Nuuksio’s wonderful surroundings and at the Nature Center on Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Explore a really extensive program offering on Haltia’s pages. Some programs are fee-based.
Tip for Espoo: Pikku-Aurora Children’s Culture Center’s Saturday programs include Congratulations! Card Workshop using Bubble Paint technique (over 5 years old) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Chinese Kites Workshop from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tip for Espoo: Nöykkiö Day in the library and youth center environment on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Read about the day’s program on the library’s pages.
Tip for Vantaa: M.Y.Fest and Toddler Disco take over Myyrmäki. You can dance and jump in the ball pit on Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Rajatorpantie 8. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP: Linnanmäki amusement park has opened for the 2018 summer season. Check the more detailed opening hours for April-May on the amusement park’s own pages.
FEEDBACK: Roses, thorns, comments, and wishes: tell us what you think of Pienten Helsinki!
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2018
Other Events:
Daycare Mörrintupa's Busy Fun on Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fun activities and treats for the whole family at Mörrintupa daycare's outdoor area. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Energy for the Family Event at Kasinoranta Sea Spa Park in Lauttasaari on Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Physical activities for the whole family. Tickets 10 €/family or 5€/person. The event is organized by Lions Club Lauttasaari. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Art Hall Family Day on Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Museum admission, under 18s always free. Read more on Art Hall's pages.The Närpians Musical at Music Theater Kapsäkki on Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets 13.50 €/22.50 €. More information on Kapsäkki’s pages.
In Swedish: Children’s Sundays at Kino Engel. Children’s film screenings at Kino Engel in Swedish. Tickets 10.50 €. Read more and see the program on Kino Engel’s pages.
Hat Exchange in the Children’s Chamber is a theatrical performance by Näkövämmäisteatterin (Visually Impaired Theater) based on H.C. Andersen’s fairy tales. The performance can be seen at Iris Center’s performance space on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets 12€/ 8 €. Read more on Iris’s pages.
TIP: Haltiala Farm Animals is open year-round and animals like cows also exercise in colder months. You should definitely visit Haltiala to see the cows at least, and after Easter you can admire small lambs in the pasture, play in the excellent playground outdoors, and take walks in beautiful surroundings. Near Haltiala is also Niskala Arboretum. The restaurant Vanha Pehtoori, which operates in connection with the farm, is open year-round.
TIP for Espoo: Mole’s Forest Story Hour at Villa Elfvik on Sunday at 11 a.m. Read more on Villa Elfvik’s pages.
TIP: Uutela Hut is open on Sunday from 12-6 p.m. The hut’s opening hours can be found on its Facebook page.
TIP: Linnanmäki amusement park has opened for the 2018 summer season. Check the more detailed opening hours for April-May on the amusement park’s own pages.
Also Remember These:
Linnanmäki amusement park has opened for the 2018 summer season. Check the more detailed opening hours for April-May on the amusement park's own pages.Library 10 features the eighth children’s own art exhibition, when Daycare Riika’s preschool children’s poems and watercolor paintings of letters take over the exhibition space. The exhibition is titled “It All Starts with the Alphabet” and can be viewed during library hours from April 23-April 6, 2018. The children’s own art exhibition activity is reportedly a unique concept in Finland, and the exhibition can be held by any child. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities.
Barbie - The Icon Exhibition at the National Museum, more information about the exhibition on the National Museum’s pages.
Current Museum Tips can be found in Pienten Helsinki’s Museum News article.
