Helsinki is an extremely child- and family-friendly city. For example, accessibility is well-considered in Helsinki compared to many other European cities. Free playgrounds with activities, widely available and high-quality baby changing facilities in almost every shopping center, make getting around Helsinki with children easy. Here are five tips for families in Helsinki; for tourists, locals, or really for everyone!

This article is also available in English by clicking the flag in the top right corner.

Tip #1

An adult traveling with a small child (0-6 years old) can travel for free on HSL public transport if accompanied by a small child in a stroller or buggy. In practice, this means you can travel for free throughout the entire HSL area with your child. However, note that the rule only applies to one adult. For example, if two adults travel with one child sitting in a stroller, the other adult must buy a ticket. Read more about traveling in Helsinki with children on public transport here.

[caption id=“attachment_2180” align=“aligncenter” width=“1022”] You can travel on Helsinki’s metro with a child in a stroller for free.[/caption]

Tip #2

Almost every shopping center and public space has functioning baby changing rooms or facilities for changing diapers. Sometimes it feels like shopping centers compete with each other for the best baby changing room title ;). Little Helsinki's thanks go to at least Helsinki City Museum, Ateneum, Forum, Stockmann (Downtown), ITIS, Kaari.

Tip #3

Go to a museum! One of Little Helsinki's warmest recommendations is to get a Museum Card (little ones get into almost all Helsinki museums for free)! Helsinki has several museums with excellent exhibitions and activities for children. A nap time visit to Ateneum with your little one? Or play in the Children's City at the National Museum? Museum Card as a baby shower gift and off to the museum with your baby? Little Helsinki's pages have several museum-related articles, for example Helsinki City Museum and its Children's City is one of the best museums for children in the whole city and entry is always free!

[caption id=“attachment_440” align=“aligncenter” width=“1000”] Running through the hallways at Kiasma[/caption]

Tip #4

Explore outside the city center! Really! Downtown is nice, but Helsinki's gems can also be found beyond the center. Want to go swimming? Take the metro to Kalasatama, walk across the new Grandfather's Bridge to Mustikkamai and its beautiful beaches. Or go climbing at Korkea or say hello to the monkeys at Korkeasaari Zoo! If Mustikkamai is already familiar, take the metro to Kulosari and visit Kivinokka beach, which offers a stunning view of Helsinki. Or want an adventure? A day trip to Lammassaari via new and wide wooden boardwalks is a wonderful way to escape the city noise. Lammassaari is also an accessible nature area that can be reached by wheelchair and stroller. The Helsinki region has hundreds of public parks, outdoor areas and other places, and most of them are easily accessible by public transport. Also read Little Helsinki's One Hundred and One Places in Helsinki article, which has tips for good and child-friendly places in Helsinki.

[caption id=“attachment_1600” align=“aligncenter” width=“1024”] Wooden boardwalks to Lammassaari[/caption]

Tip #5

Visit the library! I dare say that almost every library in Helsinki has a children's section and besides children's books, often also toys, games, computers and many events aimed at children. Have you already tried story yoga? Read how Helmet libraries guide visitors with small children, this article will make you smile! Libraries are ♥

[caption id=“attachment_1879” align=“alignnone” width=“1334”] Richardinkatu Library[/caption]

Here are just a few quick reasons to come to Helsinki with children. On Little Helsinki’s pages you’ll find a comprehensive selection of current and permanent tips on what to do with children in Helsinki. Feel free to contact us if you know of a place that Little Helsinki should explore or want to tell us something!