Midsummer with Children in Helsinki 2017

Where to go for Midsummer with children?

Updated 22.6.2017.

Midsummer in the archipelago.

The midsummer celebration in Helsinki offers surprisingly much programming, but unfortunately the schedule is challenging for little celebrants at many events. At Seurasaari's midsummer celebrations little ones are considered and children have their own bonfire earlier (entrance fee), Mustasaari is open and offers activities for little ones (ferry fee) and at the beach in Kaivopuisto there is a traditional bonfire at 21:30. Also Stansviken manor park bonfire in Kruunuvuori is lit at 21:30. At Lapinlahden fountain, a relaxed midsummer event is organized for the whole family, with its own program for children too. More information about the fountain's midsummer. At the Allas Midsummer Event you can swim and sauna for free at Market Square, plus Allas dancing and outdoor disco. At least the advertisement promises the event suits the whole family. The bonfire is lit on Allas beach at 19:00.

Many allotment gardens organize open midsummer celebrations. For example at Marjaniemi, Talin, Pakilan and Kumpalan allotment gardens. At Kivinokka a traditional midsummer celebration is held in the vicinity of an extremely child-friendly beach. On the west side of Lauttasaari at HKL’s summer cottage traditional midsummer celebrations and summer dances are held. The summer café Puhvetti is also open. At the southern tip of Lauttasaari at Särkiniemi cottage dwellers the bonfire on the beach rocks lights up at 20:00. Nearby, a new café is open on Midsummer too and a nice playground for children can be found near the café and beach.

Helsinki’s islands are open and excellent day-trip destinations, even if you don’t have the energy to wait until evening for the bonfire. Pihlajasaari and Isosaari at least advertise their midsummer. You can take a day trip to Kaunissaari in Espoo, owned by the City of Helsinki, or stay longer, although there is no specific midsummer program.

Many people travel elsewhere for midsummer celebrations on Midsummer’s Day, which brings its own charm to city midsummer in Helsinki. Midsummer’s Eve morning can be started at Hakaniemi market hall and square with midsummer market atmosphere (I recommend!). The quiet city center is an experience in itself, you can explore Suomenlinna peacefully, Linnanmäki is open and there is space on the beaches if the sun is shining. Korkeasaari and Falkulla farm animal cottage are open on both Midsummer’s Eve and Midsummer’s Day. You can also visit the renovated Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden on the Midsummer holidays.

On the Vantaa side, for example Heureka Science Center and Flamingo Spa are open on Midsummer too.

Visit Helsinki has compiled comprehensive Midsummer opening hours in one file.