What to do during autumn break October 16-22, 2023 in Helsinki and the capital region?

What to do or where to go during the autumn break week 2023 in Helsinki with children? Helsinki schools have their autumn break in week 42. During the autumn break week many parent groups and activities are on vacation, but other autumn break activities and programs are organized for children and young people. 

Tips for little ones in Helsinki for the autumn break have been compiled with small children and their families as well as elementary school-aged children in mind.

The cover image of the article is from the boardwalk leading from Lammassaari to Kuusiluoto. Note! The boardwalks to Kuusiluoto are underwater due to rising sea levels and it may not be possible to reach the island on dry feet at the moment.

THINGS TO DO

  • Autumn break family days at Children's Traffic City on Sunday October 15 and Monday to Friday as well as on Sunday from 10am-4pm. Family days are open without age restrictions where children get to pedal cars under an adult's supervision! Pedal cars and safety instructions are available. Free admission.
  • EasySport week at Töölö sports hall Monday to Wednesday October 16-18, 2023 from 11am-2pm. The event is aimed at elementary school children. Admission 2€ / 3.50€.
  • Fairy tale day event in the children's section of Oodi central library on Wednesday October 18, 2023 from 12pm-3pm. Free admission.
  • Helmet libraries offer autumn break activities for children: storytelling hours, workshops and themed days in addition to independent library visits.
  • Nordic Library on Kaisaniemenkatu is open during autumn break week Tuesday to Friday.

Daily activity tips can be found in the Where to go this week article!

  • Some of Helsinki's city playgrounds are open during the autumn break week Monday to Friday offering activities and programs for families with children and school-aged children. Playgrounds announce their autumn break programs in the city's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.

    Playgrounds open during autumn break 2023:
    - Orava playground
    - Kiiltotähti playground
    - Trumpetti playground
    - Vähätupa playground
    - Laurinniitty playground
    - Munkki playground
    - Intia playground
    - Linja playground
    - Sanna playground
    - Taivallahti playground
    - Loru playground
    - Kotinummi playground
    - Viikkari playground
    - Traktori playground
    - Mäkitorppa playground
    - Lohikäärmepuisto playground
    - Kipinäpuisto playground
    - Iso-Antti playground
    - Myllynsiipi playground
    - Kesanto playground
    - Tapuli playground
    - Kankarepuisto playground
  • Light Carnivals at Linnanmäki October 12-22, 2023. Admission 20€ / person, advance reservation required.
  • Circus Finlandia in Kaisaniemi park until October 22, 2023. Paid admission.
  • To Vartiosaari you can go on an excursion during the autumn break week when the electric ferry returns to service during the vacation week. The ferry takes visitors to Vartiosaari on Wednesday October 18 and Sunday October 22 from 10am-5pm. Ferry ride is paid.
  • Go on an autumn foliage excursion! Helsinki's parks and forests are now glowing in beautiful autumn colors! Little Helsinki recommends a trip to at least Tullisaari and Stansvik manor park in Laajasalo, Herttoniemi manor park and Sibelius Park in Töölö. Espoo's Träskanda manor park is also a wonderful place!
  • Lammassaari and Kuusiluoto, Talosaari, Seurasaari, Suomenlinna, Kruunuvuori... There are numerous places suitable for excursions. You can create your own theme for the trip or follow a planned route. For example, Suomenlinna can be explored in many different ways.
    Note! The boardwalks leading to Kuusiluoto are underwater due to rising sea levels and it is currently not possible to reach the island on dry feet.

ANIMALS IN THE CITY

  • At the Winter Garden you can admire carp swimming in the greenhouse pool. The Winter Garden is also an excellent place for a picnic excursion.
    Winter Garden opening hours:
    - Monday to Thursday from 10am-4pm
    - Friday closed
    - Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm
  • Note the change! Fallkulla farm indoor facilities are open to visitors during autumn break week only on Sunday October 15 and Sunday October 22, 2023 from 10am-2pm. Monday to Saturday, weather permitting, most animals are visible outside on the pastures from 10am-2pm. No café service during autumn break week. Free admission.
  • At Haltiala farm courtyard you can visit at your own pace, play in the outdoor play area and grill your own food at the farm grill. The farm's animals roam outside even in October if the weather permits.
  • Korkeasaari Zoo is open throughout the autumn break week. The island also has several grill areas and nice playgrounds. Paid admission.

TO THE MUSEUM

  • Note! Many museums are closed on Mondays, but at least the Tram Museum, City Museum and Amos Rex are open on Mondays as well (Amos Rex is closed on Tuesdays!).
  • At the Helsinki City Museum autumn leaves will be crafted Monday to Friday October 16-20 from 12pm-3pm. The workshop is free and open to all. Also, the Children's City is open all week and admission is always free.⁣⁣
  • Kindergarten Museum in Sörnäinen is open Tuesday and Wednesday of the autumn break week from 12pm-7pm. Small admission fee.
  • Magical family day at Cable Museums on Wednesday from 12pm-4pm. Museum admission, under 18s free.
  • Fire Museum is open during autumn break week on Wednesday and Sunday from 12pm-4pm. The museum at the Erottaja fire station has a small admission fee for over 15-year-olds.
  • Eerie plants guided tour at Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden Thursday to Sunday October 19-22, 2023 at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Tickets: 5€ / 5-12 year old (+ admission fee). An adult can participate as a companion in the adventure with the greenhouse admission fee. Reservations available in advance.

Travel destinations for autumn break around Finland

  • Little Finland has over 700 reasons to travel around Finland with children!
  • Also remember nearby cities and towns: Sipoo, Porvoo and Loviisa to the east, Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Inkoo to the west (Moomin playground in town center!). In addition to the beautiful setting, Fiskars has an excellent playground. There are two national parks near Helsinki: Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi are excellent family excursion destinations.
  • Excursion tip to Klaukkala: Ali-Olli's Alpaca Farm in Klaukkala is open during autumn break week Wednesday to Sunday October 18-22, 2023 from 10am-4pm. Paid admission.
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