Ruoholahti Playground

What is Helsinki's best playground? Where can you find a playground suitable for older children? Or a play area near the city center? Helsinki has over 200 playgrounds and more than 60 play parks. But do you know where to find one of Helsinki's newest playgrounds? And where are Helsinki's themed playgrounds?

Helsinki's first themed playground opened in Ruoholahti in autumn 2024. The old playground courtyard was renovated while respecting its original design, and the Ruoholahti playground is now the world's first computer-themed playground. The theme and its design were created by author Linda Liukas together with landscape architecture firm Näkymä Oy.

The impressive climbing tower at Ruoholahti playground invites
older children to play.

The most striking feature of the Ruoholahti playground is a tall climbing structure and slide manufactured by Danish company Monstrum. Most of the other equipment in the playground was also made by Monstrum and specifically designed for this park. The tall slide tower is visible from far away and attracts children to play - nothing like it has been seen in Helsinki before! However, a small word of caution before anyone promises an exciting playground adventure to smaller children or those who avoid heights: the large climbing structure and slide tower is really tall and challenging! To reach the tube slide, you have to climb quite a distance straight up using ropes, so this is worth noting when promoting the playground adventure especially to younger children. There is no other large slide in this park, only a very small one for the smallest children.

*Inside the playground tower at Ruoholahti. Reaching the tall tower requires good climbing skills.*

*The height of the climbing tower is surprising.*

Otherwise, Ruoholahti's computer-themed playground has fun elements and colors. You can dive into a screen, make sandcastles in a game controller, and jump on a giant keyboard. Throughout the park there are signs with QR codes for phones that provide additional information and activities.

*Ruoholahti Playground is a fun and colorful whole.*

*In the playground you can dive into a computer screen to play!*

*In addition to play equipment, Ruoholahti playground offers*
*additional information and activities behind QR codes.*

*The game controller-shaped sandbox is unique in the world.*

*Ruoholahti playground also features a giant computer keyboard.*

The park's master plan is very much like the old playground, and the reason for this can be found on an information sign: the park area, representing 1990s design ideals, has been designated as a valued historical environment. The play area for the smallest children is at the edge of the park and doesn't differ from traditional playgrounds.

The playground has things for younger children too,
like these fun spring riders.

Overall, it's a nice addition to the area's park network and has a unique, distinctive character. It's definitely worth stopping by when visiting Helsinki! There could have been more interactive features, but the playground has been left with space for creativity and imagination as well as extensive planted areas. Ruoholahti playground is fenced, which is a good feature since the Ruoholahti Canal runs next to it.

Near the playground there are several shops and restaurants as well as other smaller playgrounds and good picnic spots. Just around the corner of the playground heading towards Jätkäsaari, you can also see the headquarters of game company Supercell, where you can see characters from their games in the surrounding area.