Pienten Helsinki
Published 27.9.2021, updated 16.10.2021
What to do during autumn break in Helsinki with children?
Helsinki schools observe autumn break during week 42. The number of autumn break days varies: Finnish-language municipal schools typically have a break for the entire week, while Swedish-language schools have only a few days off. During autumn break week, many family centers and activities are closed, but many organizations also arrange special autumn break activities and programs for children and young people.
Pieni Helsinki's autumn break activity tips are compiled with young children and their families and schoolchildren under 10 years old in mind.
Cover image: At Katajanokka you can see four large icebreakers: Kontio, Urho, Sisu and Voima. You can also leave fan mail for the icebreakers in mailboxes found near the dock area.
NOTE! Always verify the latest information and possible changes from the organizer's websites.
Daily activity tips for autumn break week from Pieni Helsinki's Where This Week article!
Animals in the city
Fallkullan farm outdoor areas have previously been open to families during autumn break week. Animals are usually outdoors around 10 am-2:30 pm, weather permitting.
At Haltiala farm yard you can visit on your own schedule, play at the outdoor playground and grill food independently. The farm animals are still outdoors in October when weather permits.
Korkeasaari Zoo is open throughout autumn break week 16-24.10.2021 daily 10am-6pm.
At the Winter Garden you can admire carp swimming in the garden's fountains and marvel at cacti and the garden's autumn atmosphere. The Winter Garden is also an excellent spot for a packed lunch outing.
More tips from Pieni Helsinki's Animals in the City article.
Visit the library
City libraries throughout Helsinki offer autumn break activities for children: story times, workshops and themed days.
Nordic Library on Kaisaniemenkatu is also open during autumn break week.
Playgrounds and play areas
Helsinki's playgrounds during autumn break week offer activities for schoolchildren and younger kids. Open early childhood care activities resume normal operations on 18.10.2021, so playgrounds' indoor facilities may also be open. Check the playgrounds' own websites for more information.
Helsinki has hundreds of play areas that are always open. All play areas can be found using the map service here.
Tips for the best play areas and introduction to Helsinki's newest play areas can be found on Pieni Helsinki.
Children's culture
City of Helsinki cultural centers
At Annantalo autumn break week includes orienteering for families, Moomin word art workshops and Story Day celebrations.
Exhibition! Hello, Can the Forest Hear? Interactive electronic art by Kati Hyyppä and Handicraft School Robotti on display at Annantalo's 2nd floor glass end 10.9.2021-11.12.2021. Exhibition recommended for school-age children and older.
Autumn break movies at Malmitalo and Vuotalo during autumn break week. Free admission.
Espoo: Children's Cultural Center Aurora's autumn break Story Path workshops Tuesday to Thursday 10am-2pm. Free admission.
More autumn break activities in Espoo can be found on the city of Espoo's website.
Other activities
Daily activity tips for autumn break week from Pieni Helsinki's Where This Week article!
Story Day is celebrated on 18.10.2021 and various organizations arrange themed events.
Children's Traffic City is open to families during autumn break week Monday to Friday 9am-3pm. At Traffic City you can learn traffic rules with an adult and drive a pedal car in the traffic park.
Linnanmäki Light Carnival 14.10.–24.10.2021. Admission fee for children over 3 years old.
Circus Finlandia at Kaisaniemi Park 1.-31.10.2021. Admission fee.
Visit a museum
Natural History Museum, Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden, Amos Rex, HAM Helsinki, Newspaper Museum, City Museum, Theater Museum, National Museum, Fire Museum, Tram Museum, Museum of Technology... There are many options for museum visits with children. Pieni Helsinki's My Museum Buddy and I series takes you on museum adventures with children. Note that many museums are closed on Mondays, but you can visit the Newspaper Museum, City Museum and Amos Rex on Mondays (Amos Rex is closed on Tuesdays!).
Museums during autumn break week 2021
Newspaper Museum is showing the last week of a children's exhibition Celebrating Reading! Donald Duck Magazine in Finland 70 years. Free admission.
Autumn break program at the National Museum 19.-24.10.2021. Admission fee, free for under 18s.
Natural History Museum is open as usual. Museum admission fee.
Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden is open as usual. Free admission to outdoor garden, admission fee for greenhouses.
Kindergarten Museum in Sörnäinen is open during autumn break week on Tuesday and Wednesday 12pm-7pm. Small admission fee.
Fire Museum is open during autumn break week Wednesday and Sunday 12pm-4pm. The museum at Erottaja Fire Station has a small admission fee.
Hotel and Restaurant Museum at Cable Factory opens after renovation on 8.10.2021. Museum admission fee.
Tram Museum in Töölö is open daily 11am-5pm. Free admission.
Helsinki City Museum's autumn break workshop creates 1960s-inspired images on paper Monday to Sunday 12pm-3pm. The workshop accommodates 15 people at a time. Always free admission. The museum's Children's City is also open as usual.
Museum of Technology and Horseshoe Toy Museum are closed for renovations.
Get active
Metropolitan area swimming pools are open as usual during autumn break week. Admission fee.
At Itäkeskus swimming pool, the Wibit Aquatrack water sports course for swimmers Saturday 16.10. through Tuesday 19.10.2021. The course is included in the pool's admission fee.
Autumn break orienteering around Malmitalo and Ala-Malmi Park during autumn break week Monday to Sunday independently. Monday 18.10.2021 11am-1pm guided obstacle course and orienteering instruction.
Autumn break orienteering around Vuotalo during autumn break week Monday to Sunday independently. Tuesday 19.10.2021 11:30am-1:30pm guided obstacle course and orienteering instruction.
Helsinki Gets Active website has a collection of autumn break week activities for schoolchildren and some younger children.
Kontula Skate Park and skate and scooter hall at shopping center Redi are also open during autumn break. Free admission.
Free public skating times schedule can be found on Helsinki Gets Active website. Public skating times at Espoo ice rinks can be found on the city of Espoo's website. Information awaiting confirmation regarding restriction changes!
Kivikon ski hall season begins 11.10.2021. Admission fee.
Day trips in Helsinki
Go on an autumn colors excursion! Helsinki's parks and forests are now glowing in beautiful autumn colors! Pieni Helsinki recommends trips to at least Tullisaari and Stansviken manor park in Laajasalo, Herttoniemi manor park and Sibelius Park in Töölö. Espoo's Träskanda manor park is also wonderful!
Sheep Island and Spruce Island, Talo Island, Seurasaari, Suomenlinna, Kruunuvuori... There are numerous places suitable for outings. You can create your own theme for the trip or follow a planned route. For example, you can get to know Suomenlinna in many different ways.
Vartio Island is accessible during autumn break week on Sunday 17.10.2021 10am-5pm, Tuesday 19.10.2021 10am-5pm and Sunday 24.10.2021 10am-5pm. The short ferry ride is paid. More information on the ferry operator's website.
All of Pieni Helsinki's day trip tips can be found here.
The surrounding area has two national parks: Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi are excellent family destinations.
For example, at Sipoonkorpi the easily accessible Storträsk trail, passable with strollers, leads to the lake shore and a campfire site. The Byabäcken nature trail is also manageable with children, and the middle section of the route has several campfire sites.
Most Uusimaa recreation areas have grilling facilities in beautiful scenery.
Also remember nearby towns and municipalities: Sipoo, Porvoo and Loviisa to the east, Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Inkoo to the west. Fiskars offers a beautiful setting and an excellent play area.
Daily activity tips for autumn break week from Pieni Helsinki's Where This Week article!
Pieni Finland
Pieni Finland is Pieni Helsinki's little sister, offering activity and experience tips all over Finland. Also includes many tips for the nearby area and day trips, plus a large list of the best play areas all over Finland!
