What to do or where to go with children? What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly Where to Go series searches for activity tips and suggests family-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

Commercial partnership

This week's Where to Go article is brought to you by Movies / SF Studios!

The World's Most Awesome Princess Petite takes over the cinemas!

When Princess Petite hears that her little brother living in mom's furniture is about to move into Petite's room, she's had enough. She gets an idea from Aunt Mrs. Jensen and casts bossy adults into Himmelskatt with the help of her magic dog Sausage.

Princess Pöjöläinen, who just moved next door, knows where the dream princess castle is located, and when parents aren't around to stop them, they set off on an adventure together. However, the journey has its twists and turns when the princesses end up at a market where they enjoy a bouncy castle, search for a lost Sausage, and participate in a betting competition. Even the head princess causes headaches, and Petite must eventually look at things from a different perspective.

Go on an unforgettable adventure and book your tickets to the movies through this link!
Princess Petite is suitable for all ages.

What's happening right now

  • Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi market hall!
  • Did you know that Children's Traffic Town outside of opening hours (weekdays 8am-4pm) allows you to cruise around on your own, even with your own scooter? The area gates are open and traffic lights are working during the day. And it's free! :)

MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024

Events and
activity tips

  • Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi market hall and is looking for staff!
  • Dance and Play workshops for toddlers and their parents at Cultural Center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) in the Maissi room on Mondays at 9:15 am and 10:15 am.
    Dance and Play workshops inspire and guide Helsinki families and children to make and experience dance art together. You can participate in workshop lessons whenever it suits you, at all sessions or just some. Choose a time that works for you and arrive on time. No pre-registration required; spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Up to 12 people can join. Free admission.
  • Family Playtime offers a space for children under school age and their parents to move together freely and for free. On Mondays, Family Playtime is held:

    - Family Playtime at Tapanil Primary School (Veljestenpiha 2) on Mondays from 5-6:30 pm, January 8 – April 22, 2024.

Happenings at playgrounds Monday

  • Fire truck visits playground Linja on Monday from 9:30-11 am.
  • Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open for families on weekdays mainly from 9 am-12 pm; afternoons are reserved for school children. For more details, check individual playground websites. Playgrounds announce their programs on the Helsinki city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • At playground Loru on Monday:
    10:30-11:00 Loru's Games - activity session for ages 1+
    1:00-1:30 pm Peekaboo - baby session for under 1 year
    3:00-3:30 pm Peekaboo - baby session for under 1 year
  • Happenings at family centers:
    - Family Center Neighbor (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page.
    - Family Center Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page.

    - MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0-12. Read more on the center's website!

Library happenings Monday

TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024

Mikael Agricola Day

Events and
activity tips

  • Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi market hall and is looking for staff!
  • Metropolia's HyMy Village family café at Metropolia's Myllypuro facilities (next to the metro station) on Tuesdays from 9-11 am. Each session also features changing programs for families. Free admission.
  • Haltiala farm's lamb pen can be visited to admire sheep and lambs on Tuesdays from 10 am-2 pm until mid-May. Haltiala farm is open daily from 7 am-10 pm. Cows in pasture, sausage grilling opportunity (bring your own sticks), nice playground, and farm café-restaurant. Near Haltiala you'll also find Niskala arboretum, where spring is gently awakening. Free admission to Haltiala farm.
  • Health Center Park on Tuesdays from 9:30 am–1 pm at Kamppi Family Center's lower lobby. Free admission.
  • Art for Toddlers workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Cultural Center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 pm. Workshops are suitable for children ages 1.5-3 with their own adult. No pre-registration required; free admission. You can come for the whole session or just part of it.
  • MLL Myllypuro Dads' Meetup at playground Myllynsiivessa on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 pm. Free admission, no pre-registration required.
  • Family Playtime offers a space for children under school age and their parents to move together freely and for free. On Tuesdays, Family Playtime is held:

    - Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9) on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 am and 4-6 pm, January 9 – April 23, 2024.

    - Käpylä Primary School (Mäkelänkatu 89) on Tuesdays from 5-6:30 pm, January 9 – April 23, 2024
    (NOT on weeks 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14).

    - Sakarinmäki Primary School (Knutersintie 924) on Tuesdays from 5-6:30 pm, January 9 – April 23, 2024.

    - Merilahti Primary School in Vuosaari (Jaluspolku 3) on Tuesdays from 5-6:30 pm, January 9 – April 23, 2024.

Happenings at playgrounds Tuesday

  • Fire truck visits playground Mäkitorppa on Tuesday from 9:30-11 am.
  • Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open for families on weekdays mainly from 9 am-12 pm; afternoons are reserved for school children. For more details, check individual playground websites. Playgrounds announce their programs on the Helsinki city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • At playground Loru on Tuesday:
    11 am-11:30 am Stroller exercises at Oodi courtyard
    3-3:30 pm Loru's Warmth - baby session for under 1 year
    • MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0-12. Read more on the center's website!

    Library happenings Tuesday

    • Helmet libraries are celebrating April 8-14 Magic Week.

    WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2024

    Events and
    activity tips

    • Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi market hall and is looking for staff!
    • For babies and parents: Baby Cinema at Kalasatama Library on Wednesday at 12 pm and 2:30 pm.
    • Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Wednesdays from 12-4 pm. Small admission fee.
    • Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday from 12-7 pm. Small admission fee.
    • Family Playtime offers a space for children under school age and their parents to move together freely and for free. On Wednesdays, Family Playtime is held:

      - Kurkimäki courtyard house (Karpalokuja 7) on Wednesdays from 9:30-11 am, January 10 – April 24, 2024.

      - Kannelmäki Primary School (Runonlaulajantie 40) on Wednesdays from 5-6 pm, January 10 – April 24, 2024.

    Happenings at playgrounds Wednesday

    • Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open for families on weekdays mainly from 9 am-12 pm; afternoons are reserved for school children. For more details, check individual playground websites. Playgrounds announce their programs on the Helsinki city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
    • At playground Loru on Wednesday:
      10:30 am–12 pm Loru Creates – crafting for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor event space
      1:30–3 pm Loru Creates – crafting for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor event space
    • MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0-12. Read more on the center's website!

    Library happenings Wednesday

    • Helmet libraries are celebrating April 8-14 Magic Week.

    Pienten Suomi - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!

    THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

    Events and
    activity tips

    • Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi market hall and is looking for staff!
    • Haltiala farm's lamb pen can be visited to admire sheep and lambs on Thursdays from 10 am-2 pm until mid-May. Haltiala farm is open daily from 7 am-10 pm. Cows in pasture, sausage grilling opportunity (bring your own sticks), nice playground, and farm café-restaurant. Near Haltiala you'll also find Niskala arboretum, where spring is gently awakening. Free admission to Haltiala farm.
    • Albert's Living Room is open on Thursdays from 9:30 am–3 pm.
    • Art for Toddlers workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Cultural Center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays from 10 am-12 pm. Workshops are suitable for children ages 1.5-3 with their own adult. No pre-registration required; free admission. You can come for the whole session or just part of it.
    • Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Experience space for babies and toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Pesis (Tikkurila) April 5 - June 30, 2024. Open Wed-Fri from 10 am–4 pm and at Pesis' evening and weekend events. Free admission.
    • University of Helsinki Observatory on Tähtitorninmäki is open on Thursday from 12 pm–8 pm. Museum admission fee.
    • Family Playtime offers a space for children under school age and their parents to move together freely and for free. On Thursdays, Family Playtime is held:

      - Tali Sports Park soccer hall (Purotie 8) on Thursdays from 9:30-11 am, January 11 – April 25, 2024.

      - Kamppi Sports Center (Malminkatu 3) on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm, January 11 – April 25, 2024.

      - Malminkartano Primary School (Puustellintie 6) on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm, January 11 – April 25, 2024.

      - Porolahti Primary School (Roihuvuorentie 2) on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 pm, January 11 – April 25, 2024.

      - Pukinmäenkaareva Primary School mirror hall (Kenttäkuja 12) on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm, January 11 – April 25, 2024.

    Happenings at playgrounds Thursday

    • Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open for families on weekdays mainly from 9 am-12 pm; afternoons are reserved for school children. For more details, check individual playground websites. Playgrounds announce their programs on the Helsinki city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
    • At playground Loru on Thursday:
      11 am–11:30 am Loru's Warmth – baby session for under 1 year
      2:30–3:15 pm Loru's Games – activity session for ages 1+
    • Happenings at family centers
      - Family Center Neighbor (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page.
      - Family Center Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page.
    • MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0-12. Read more on the center's website!

    Library happenings Thursday

    • Helmet libraries are celebrating April 8-14 Magic Week.

    FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024

    Events and
    activity tips

    Happenings at playgrounds Friday

    • Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open for families on weekdays mainly from 9 am-12 pm; afternoons are reserved for school children. For more details, check individual playground websites. Playgrounds announce their programs on the Helsinki city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
    • At playground Loru on Friday:
      10:30-11:30 am Loru Discovers – search activity for ages 2+, Oodi 3rd floor
      1 pm-1:30 pm Loru's Songs – singing session for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor
      3-3:30 pm Loru Enchanted – session with changing theme including play, movement, or stories for ages 2+, Oodi 3rd floor
    • Happenings at family centers
      - Family Center Neighbor (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page.
      - Family Center Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page.
    • MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0-12. Read more on the center's website!

    Library happenings Friday

    • Helmet libraries are celebrating April 8-14 Magic Week.

    SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024

    Events and
    activity tips

    • Helmet library children's events for Saturday can be found on Helmet's event page.
    • Ski Game at Itäkeskus Library April 13-28, 2024. Free admission.
      The game can be played:
      Monday-Thursday from 2 pm-8 pm
      Friday from 2-6 pm
      Saturday from 10 am-4 pm
      Sunday from 12-6 pm
      On weekdays from 9 am-2 pm the game is used by school classes.
    • Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi market hall and is looking for staff!
    • - Flea market! MLL Munkkiniemi children's clothing and supplies flea market at Munkkivuori youth center (Raumantie 5) on Saturday from 10 am-12 pm.
    • Visseli instrument presentation day at Helsinki Conservatory in Ruoholahti from 10 am-1 pm. Free admission.
    • Haltiala farm's lamb pen can be visited to admire sheep and lambs on Saturday from 10 am-2 pm until mid-May. Haltiala farm is open daily from 7 am-10 pm. Cows in pasture, sausage grilling opportunity (bring your own sticks), nice playground, and farm café-restaurant. Near Haltiala you'll also find Niskala arboretum, where spring is gently awakening. Free admission to Haltiala farm.
    • Espoo: Bug Workshop at Children's Cultural Center Aurora on Saturday from 10 am-2 pm. Free admission.
    • Vantaa: Magician Toomas Pitkänen at Children's Cultural Center Pyykkituva on Saturday at 10:30 am. Tickets 6 €. Nearby you'll find lovely Håkansbölen manor park and facilities like Ponihaa stables.
    • Children's Science Festival at Matinkylä High School on Saturday from 11 am-2 pm. Free admission, but pre-registration required.
    • Children's book adventure at Hanasaari on Saturday from 10 am-3 pm! Free admission.
    • In Swedish! Children's Party at Annantalo on Saturday from 11 am-3 pm. Advance tickets available until April 12, 2024 at Lilla Luckan and at the door on event day. The program is mainly in Swedish, but the event is open to everyone.
    • Cable Museums' Family Day: Spring is Here! on Saturday from 12-4 pm. Museum admission fee.
    • MLL Puotila-Vartiokyly Napero Disco at Vartiokyly workers' house on Saturday from 1-4 pm. Tickets 5 € / family.
    • Circus Playtime at Circus Magenta spaces at Itäkeskus shopping center on Saturday at 2 pm (school-age children) and 3:30 pm (whole family circus playtime). Tickets: Children under 7, 10 € / person (guardian included in price), school children 12 € / person.
    • Commercial partnership:
      Glims & Gloms: Antti Puuhaara Tale Adventure at Hurjaruuth stage at Kaapelitehdas on Saturday at 3 pm. Tickets 16 €. Performance is suitable for ages 4+.
    Antti Puuhaara Tale Adventure at Hurjaruuth stage at Kaapelitehdas this week and next.

    SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024

    Events and
    activity tips

    • Last day! The bridge to Uunisaari will be in place for this spring on Sunday!
    • Family Fun at Tapuli Sports Center gymnasium on Sundays from 9-11 am. Tickets 5€/family (payment by cash, card, or MobilePay at the venue).
    • Haltiala farm's lamb pen can be visited to admire sheep and lambs on Sunday from 10 am-2 pm until mid-May. Haltiala farm is open daily from 7 am-10 pm. Cows in pasture, sausage grilling opportunity (bring your own sticks), nice playground, and farm café-restaurant. Near Haltiala you'll also find Niskala arboretum, where spring is gently awakening. Free admission to Haltiala farm.
    • Diaper Crowd Carnivals at Malmitalo on Sunday from 10 am-2 pm. Partially ticketed / tickets must be booked in advance, but also free activities available.
    • Espoo: Welcome Back - Whole Family Bird Walk at Laajalahdensalo at Villa Elfvik Nature House on Sunday from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Free admission.

    • Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Sundays from 12-4 pm. Small admission fee.
    • Ski Game at Itäkeskus Library April 13-28, 2024. Free admission.
      The game can be played:
      Monday-Thursday from 2 pm-8 pm
      Friday from 2-6 pm
      Saturday from 10 am-4 pm
      Sunday from 12-6 pm
      On weekdays from 9 am-2 pm the game is used by school classes.
    • Roma Celebrations at Helsinki City Museum on Sunday at 2 pm. Free admission.
    • What to do today? Check out tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
    • Secret Helsinki article reveals small and big secrets about Helsinki!

    Remember also:

    Pi