Back to routine - activity ideas for the first week of August in Helsinki

What kid-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with small children during a city vacation or weekend? And what to do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

Updated August 3, 2017

Early August and the school children’s final holiday week brings vacationers to the city and Helsinki gradually awakens in terms of events and activities. The range of children’s events increases week by week in August, and especially the upcoming weekends will be busy with events. Plenty of self-directed activities can be found in Helsinki; how does a fishing trip to Mustikkamaа sound?

This week’s activity list includes, in addition to Helsinki events, a few cultural events in Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Kerava. The children’s art festival Hippalot held in Hämeenlinna also makes it onto Little Helsinki’s list as a major cultural event for children. Also remember this week’s tips include a look at summer theater performances for children.

An updated list of upcoming events for August-September can be found here.

Playpark Summer

The final week of playpark meals and summer activities starts in the playparks. Still, some City of Helsinki playparks and all family centers are on vacation, but many have already returned to regular operations. Open parks can be found throughout the city and on warm days most parks have a swimming pool or other water play opportunities. It's worth checking the opening hours of your local playpark from the playpark activities pages. Free park meals for under 16-year-olds continue for this week and the final week's menu can be found here.

[caption id=“attachment_417” align=“aligncenter” width=“1206”] Playpark Linja swimming pool.[/caption]

During the first week of August, the playparks offer as usual a diverse range of organized programs and the atmosphere of the final week of summer activities. Fall program planning is also underway, so feel free to tell the playpark instructors your ideas!

Among the weekly programs in the playparks, it’s worth mentioning the end-of-summer celebrations held in many parks. For example, at Taivallahden playpark, the closing celebration is held in Jamkids music class style on Friday starting at 10:30 am. At Playpark Rudolf, the Nallekopla orchestra plays for the season’s finale, also on Friday at 10:30 am. Closing week programs are also in many other parks; these details will be clarified early in the week. At Tuorinniemi playpark in Herttoniemenranta, a Pop-up week is celebrated throughout the week (sounds interesting!). Taidekaverit visit playpark Kannelmäki from Tuesday to Thursday. On Tuesday at playpark Myllynsiivessa in Myllypuro and on Thursday at Linnunrata playpark in Suutarila, there’s the final summer flea market. Playpark Linja receives a library bus on Friday at 10 am.

It’s worth actively following the playparks’ Facebook and website pages, as there’s plenty of guided activities open to all.

[caption id=“attachment_600” align=“aligncenter” width=“4032”] An passionate photography project to showcase all of Helsinki’s playparks and play areas has begun. Photo from Kalasatama play area.[/caption]

Little Helsinki's passionate challenge to showcase all Helsinki playparks and play areas with photos and words has begun, and the first introductions of play areas and playparks can be found here.

 

Things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area

Events in August

On Tuesday August 1st, the Little Kakkonen celebration exhibition opens and is on display throughout August at Annantalo. More information about the 40-year celebration can be found here. Free admission.

[caption id=“attachment_640” align=“aligncenter” width=“1240”] Invitation to Little Kakkonen celebration exhibition at Annantalo.[/caption]

 

Mini-Finland adventure at Seurasaari continues until August 13th and is open daily from 11 am-5 pm. The adventure takes you on a research expedition to miniature Finland. In Seurasaari’s buildings you’ll find fun tasks, such as playing the kantele and carding wool, and completing tasks earns stamps on maps. The event is suitable for the whole family. You can also explore summery Seurasaari on your own. More information about the event can be found here. Admission with a museum ticket; children under 7 are free with an adult.

Delicacies of Finland takes over Railway Square from Thursday to Saturday August 3-5. There’s something to taste for all ages. More information about the event here.

From Thursday to Sunday August 3-6, the Children’s Art Festival Hippalot is held in Hämeenlinna at the Textile Factory. There’s entertainment and activities for every taste and adults will also enjoy it here. Some of the program is paid. More information about Hippalot and detailed program information.

Weekly event highlights

Jazz-Espa’s second week brings music to Espa’s stage from Monday to Saturday July 31-August 5, 2017. More information about Jazz-Espa’s program can be found here.

Tuesday August 1st head to Annantalo and its backyard A.lava stage, as the opening celebration of Little Kakkonen’s celebration exhibition takes place at 1 pm and 2 pm. Featured performers are Little Kakkonen characters Nalle, Siina, and Susanna. At the same time, you can be among the first to visit Little Kakkonen’s 40-year celebration exhibition found inside Annantalo. The exhibition is on display throughout August and admission is free. More information about the exhibition can be found here.

[caption id=“attachment_582” align=“aligncenter” width=“1267”] Annantalo’s A.lava stage is found in the backyard.[/caption]

On Tuesday August 1st, the last Puppet Theater Sytkyt summer fairy tale Finland 100 - through a child’s eyes at the Winter Garden at 11 am and 1 pm. Admission to the performance and winter garden is free. Bring your own blanket or mat! More information about Puppet Theater Sytkyt.

On the Espoo side at Suvela residents’ park, Espoo’s cultural circuit for children continues when the Käpylehmät orchestra takes the stage with lyrics written by Kaarina Helakisa on Tuesday August 1st at 10:30 am. More information about the event can be found here.

Street basketball takes over Helmi Center in Malmi on Wednesday August 2nd from 11 am-3 pm. This time basketball is played indoors. According to event information, the event is suitable for the whole family and younger children will have their own basketball-themed program. The street basketball event is organized by the Finnish Basketball Association and admission is free. More information about the events can be found here.

On Wednesday August 2nd, Espoo’s cultural circuit for children continues at Kivenlahti residents’ park with Käpylehmät at 10:30 am. More information about the event can be found here.

On Thursday August 3rd, street basketball events continue at Meilahti sports park from 5 pm-10 pm. Programs for children of all ages. More information from the Finnish Basketball Association’s website.

At Kerava’s Aurinkomäki, cheerful children’s music will be heard when the Putkimiehet orchestra takes the stage on Thursday August 3rd at 5 pm. More information about the event here. Free admission.

On summer Fridays, a guard parade is seen in downtown Helsinki at 12:30 pm and the MIL-Espa concert on Espa’s stage at 2 pm. The guard parade departs from Senate Square marching through Market Square to the main guard and then along Esplanade to Barracks Square. A sight and event worth seeing and laughing at. This Friday August 4th, Espa’s stage will feature the Finnish Defence Forces conscript band at 2 pm. More information about the guard parade and MIL-Espa can be found here.

Summer kitten’s music class sings for the last time this summer on Friday August 4th at Mustasaari’s activity center on Seurasaari island. The island has child-friendly activities, a beach, summer lambs, and a nice café-restaurant. Free admission, but separate ferry fee (cash payment). More information about Mustasaari here.

Saturday August 5th is celebrated as Joyful Charity Day at Linnanmäki amusement park from 11 am-4 pm. The stage will feature Mimmit, magician Keke Pulliainen, and Pikkuli. In addition, there’s at least treasure hunting, magic sand, face painting, and other programs for the whole family. Admission to the amusement park is free. More information about the event here.

[caption id=“attachment_790” align=“aligncenter” width=“960”] Linnanmäki amusement park.[/caption]

On Saturday August 5th from 12 pm-5 pm Oulunkylä allotment garden is taken over by animals and children: pony rides (€2), rabbits and other animals, and children’s programs. A park picnic concert starts at 3 pm. Food, garden delicacies, and handicrafts are sold, and there’s also a flea market in the area at the same time. More information about Animals in the garden and the park picnic event here.

On Saturday August 5th, Kallio Block Party 2017 takes over Kallio at Sturenkatu and the Children’s Kallio Block Party program at Lenininpuisto sand field next to Linnanmäki from 2 pm-5 pm. Programs for young and old. More information about the children’s program can be found here.

Jazz-Espa brings music to Espa’s stage also for children’s taste when Gommi & Pommi take the stage on Saturday August 5th starting at 3 pm. More information about Jazz-Espa’s program can be found here.

On Saturday August 5th, you can play street basketball downtown at Citizens’ Square from 5 pm-10 pm. More information from the Finnish Basketball Association’s website.

On Saturday August 5th, on the Espoo side, the Badger Forest fairy tale moment is held at Villa Elfvik at 11 am. More information about the fairy tale moment can be found here.

Kirkkonummi: Children’s Hvitträsk, a guided tour and workshop for children introduces young visitors to Hvitträsk through children’s eyes on Saturday at 2 pm. More information about the event can be found here. Paid event.

Sunday August 6th from 10 am-4 pm Children’s Festival 2017 is held in the Töölönlahti area. Entertainment and activities for the whole family. Free admission. More information about the event and the day’s schedule.

[caption id=“attachment_789” align=“aligncenter” width=“800”] Children’s Festival has programs for the whole family. Photo: Children’s Festival.[/caption]

 

Cool Helsinki pool parties take over Allas Sea Pool’s sand beach and lawn area on Sunday August 6th starting at 2 pm. The event open to all offers programs for the whole family. Free swimming wristbands are also distributed every hour. More information about the event can be found here.

On Sunday August 6th, a complete children’s island adventure is held on Hara island off Kaivopuisto from 1 pm-3 pm. The island adventure is aimed at 4-10-year-olds. There is a connecting ferry to Hara island from Kaivopuisto’s Ullanlinnan pier (Ehrenströmintie 3). A round-trip ticket for the ferry costs €5 for adults, €2 for children and seniors. Hara island and trips are free. More information about the Hara island trip can be found here.

Lukki or Lude? - insect expedition in Espoo at Villa Elfvik takes you on a research journey into the world of insects on Sunday August 6th from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Bring your own snacks and weather-appropriate clothing. The trip is aimed at the whole family and we move at the children’s pace, so even the smallest can participate. More information about the trip can be found here.

Also remember this: Summer Theater Extra

 

On Tuesday August 1st, 2017 at 6 pm, Rajasusi Collective’s Mr. Wolf’s Magical Machine theater performance is seen at Lapinlahti spring. Tickets are €7 for children, €10 for adults. More information about Rajasusi Collective can be found here.

Sea Adventure musical play at Mustasaari activity center on Seurasaari island has its premiere on Wednesday August 2, 2017 at 3 pm. Other performance times are August 3rd at 11:30 am, August 5th at 11:30 am and 3 pm, and August 6th at 11:30 am. Performance length about 30 minutes and age recommendation 3-6 years. Free admission to the performance, Mustasaari ferry fee (cash). More information about Mustasaari activity center here.

Underwater is a wordless puppet theater performance seen at Tuike Hall in Tapanila (Viertolantie 2). The performance is suitable for ages 3+ and lasts about 40 minutes without an intermission. The final summer performances are August 11th at 6 pm, August 12th at 3 pm, and August 13th at 3 pm. Tickets €12/€10. Buy tickets for the performance here.

Mr. Hakkarainen’s Great Sports Performance is seen at Puotila Summer Theater in Puotila Manor Park. The performance is suitable for ages 3+. Performance length about 45 minutes. Tickets €12. More information about Puotila Summer Theater here.

Risto Räppääja and the wild machine play runs at Taivallahti Summer Theater in Töölö throughout August. Tickets €15. More information about Taivallahti Summer Theater here.

Hop-skip-jump and the screaming little brother is seen at Tervasaari Summer Theater in Kruununhaka. The performance is suitable for everyone from babies to seniors, but the target audience is 2-10-year-olds. Tickets €14 (also family tickets available). More information about Tervasaari Summer Theater here. The performance is produced by HIT Mini.

Sinking Nalle and Brave Reeta is the summer show at Tikkurila Summer Theater in Vantaa. The age recommendation is 4+ years and the performance length including intermission is about two hours. Tickets in advance €16, at the door €18, also family tickets available. More information about Tikkurila Summer Theater here.

Hayhat, Quilt-sock, and Rubensson brothers have adventures at Taaborinvuori Summer Theater in Nurmijärvi. Tickets €25/adults and €15/children. The final summer performance on August 3rd, 2017. More information about Taaborinvuori Summer Theater here.

A whole family Kalevala performance is presented at Kerava Manor Summer Theater. Tickets €15/adults and €10/children. The final performance is on August 6th, 2017. More information about the whole family Kalevala performance here.

Have you already read the Let's Spot! tips from Little Helsinki's pages? And have you visited the Tip Bank?

Missing an event from the list? Suggest it to others in the comments or by email to mari@pientenhelsinki.fi.