Pienten Helsinki
Where to go with children in Helsinki? What child-friendly activities are available in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to Go" series finds activity tips and suggests family-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
Cover image: Saint Lucia Day is celebrated on Friday. Photo from a shop window display in Etu-Töölö from a few years ago.
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What's Happening Now
- The Winter Garden is full of Christmas atmosphere again! Note! Closed on Fridays! Free admission.
- Adventure to Uunisaari island, located off Kaivopuisto is now accessible via a bridge!
- Tapiola Ice Garden has opened the skating season!
- You can also skate outdoors in Helsinki now at outdoor ice rinks!
- Want to ice skate at an indoor rink? Public skating sessions are held at several ice halls.
- Museum tips for visiting with children from Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- The renovated playgrounds at Filpus Malmilla and Ruoholahti have also opened! - Small Finland - over 800 reasons to explore Finland with children!
- MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more on the family house website!
- MLL's family café schedules can be found on the MLL Uusimaa website.
- You can also borrow a museum pass to the Natural History Museum or admission tickets to Korkeasaari from the library! From Viik library you can borrow an admission ticket to the Natural History Museum. From Kalasatama library you can borrow an admission ticket to Korkeasaari Zoo.
MONDAY 9.12.2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- St. Thomas' Market at Senate Square 29.11.-22.12.2024. The market also features a carousel! Free admission.
- Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 29.11.2024-30.1.2025. You can get a map for the Lighthouse Keeper's Route from the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre, located in the pale pink Rantakasarmi building near the HSL ferry pier.
- Espoo: Forest Hare and the Problem of Choice - A Christmas Nature Trail at Villa Elfvik can be experienced independently 1.-15.12.2024.
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
- Dance and Play workshop for toddlers (ages 1–3) and their parents at Caisa on Monday at 9.15 am and 10.15 am. Free admission, first 12 get in.
- Alberta's Living Room is open on Monday 9.30 am–2 pm (International Monday).
- Family Library Mornings at Puistokatu on Monday 10 am-12.30 pm. A wonderful meeting place for children and parents in Kaivopuisto invites you to enjoy and play. Pienten Helsinki recommends!
- Leikkipuisto Loru on Monday:
10.30–11.15 am Loru's games for over 1-year-olds, Oodi 3rd floor event space
1–1.30 pm Kukkuluuruu baby time, Oodi 3rd floor event space - Family Frolics provide a space for children under school age and their parents to move together independently and free of charge. On Mondays, Family Frolics are held at:
- Last session of the fall season! Tapanila Primary School (Veljestenpiha 2) on Mondays 5–6.30 pm from 4.11.–9.12.2024.
TUESDAY 10.12.2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- St. Thomas' Market at Senate Square 29.11.-22.12.2024. The market also features a carousel! Free admission.
- Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 29.11.2024-30.1.2025. You can get a map for the Lighthouse Keeper's Route from the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre, located in the pale pink Rantakasarmi building near the HSL ferry pier.
- Espoo: Forest Hare and the Problem of Choice - A Christmas Nature Trail at Villa Elfvik can be experienced independently 1.-15.12.2024.
- Last session of the fall season! Metropolia's HyMy-kylä Family Circle Metku at Metropolia UAS Myllypuro premises (next to the metro station) on Tuesday 9–11 am. Each session also includes varying programs for families led by early childhood education, social services, health, and culture students. Free admission.
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
- Haltiala Farm Animals Barn opens to the public again. The barn is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am–1 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays 10 am–2 pm from 3.12.2024–5.1.2024 (excluding Christmas holidays). Free admission.
- Alberta's Living Room Christmas Party with senior residence Cecilia at the Christmas Country event in Vuosaari on Tuesday 10 am–12 pm. Free admission.
- Leikkipuisto Loru on Tuesday:
10–10.30 am Loru moves - gentle exercise with baby, Oodi 3rd floor children's area loft
1–1.30 pm In Loru's warmth - songs, nursery rhymes and rhythm for babies, Oodi 3rd floor event space, session is bilingual - Finnish/Swedish - Winter Cat's activities for little ones: Winter tree crafts at Museo Merkki on Ludviginkadulla on Tuesday at 10.30 am. Free admission.
- Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays 12–7 pm. Christmas activities with the Museum Friends. Small admission fee.
- Art for Toddlers workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Centre (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays 1.30–3.30 pm. The workshops suit 1.5–3-year-old children with their own adult. No advance registration, free admission. You can participate for the entire duration or just drop by.
- Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' model railway exhibition is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3–6 pm and on Saturdays 10 am–4 pm at Reds shopping centre in Kalasatama. The exhibition space is located on the second floor of Reds, next to Specsavers, opposite Synse.
- Porridge Party at Malmitalo on Tuesday at 4 pm. Free admission.
- Family Frolics provide a space for children under school age and their parents to move together independently and free of charge. On Tuesdays, Family Frolics are held at:
- Last session of the fall season! Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9) on Tuesdays 9.30–11.30 am and 4–6 pm from 3.9.–12.12.2024.
- Last session of the fall season! Kannelmäki Primary School (Kuninkaantammenkierto 22) on Tuesdays 5–6.30 pm from 3.9.–10.12.2024.
- Last session of the fall season! Malminkartano Primary School (Puustellintie 6) on Tuesdays 5–6.30 pm from 3.9.–14.12.2024.
WEDNESDAY 11.12.2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- St. Thomas' Market at Senate Square 29.11.-22.12.2024. The market also features a carousel! Free admission.
- Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 29.11.2024-30.1.2025. You can get a map for the Lighthouse Keeper's Route from the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre, located in the pale pink Rantakasarmi building near the HSL ferry pier.
- Espoo: Forest Hare and the Problem of Choice - A Christmas Nature Trail at Villa Elfvik can be experienced independently 1.-15.12.2024.
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
- Leikkipuisto Loru on Wednesday:
10.30 am–11.30 am Loru's Christmas pop-up event, Oodi 3rd floor children's area
1–2 pm Pop-up event continues, Oodi 3rd floor children's area - Alberta's Living Room is open on Wednesdays 9.30 am–3 pm.
- Naperokino at Annantalo on Wednesday at 10 am. Free admission.
- Winter Cat's activities for little ones: Winter Cats' dancing and singing at Museo Merkki on Ludviginkadulla on Wednesday at 10.30 am. Free admission.
- Fire Museum at Erottaja rescue station is open on Wednesdays 12–4 pm. Small admission fee.
- Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday 12–7 pm. Christmas activities with the Museum Friends. Small admission fee.
- Espoo: Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' model railway exhibition in Espoo Niittykummu at Niitty shopping centre is open on Wednesdays and Fridays 3–6 pm and on Saturdays 12–6 pm. The location is a small shop space between K-Supermarket and Alko on the ground floor of the shopping centre. Free admission.
- Elf Path at Pohjois-Haaga library on Wednesday 3–7 pm.
- Lucia Day Refreshments at Amos Anderson's Home on Wednesday at 4 pm. Free admission.
- Creative moment – open art workshop: Funny mobile at Vuotalo on Wednesday 4–6 pm. Free admission.
- MLL Oulunkylä Christmas event at Mäkitorppa playground on Wednesday 5.30–7 pm. Free admission.
- Family Frolics provide a space for children under school age and their parents to move together independently and free of charge. On Wednesdays, Family Frolics are held at:
- Last session of the fall season! Merilahti Primary School in Meri-Rastila (Jaluspolku 3) on Wednesdays 5–7 pm from 4.9.–11.12.2024.
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THURSDAY 12.12.2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- St. Thomas' Market at Senate Square 29.11.-22.12.2024. The market also features a carousel! Free admission.
- Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 29.11.2024-30.1.2025. You can get a map for the Lighthouse Keeper's Route from the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre, located in the pale pink Rantakasarmi building near the HSL ferry pier.
- Espoo: Forest Hare and the Problem of Choice - A Christmas Nature Trail at Villa Elfvik can be experienced independently 1.-15.12.2024.
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
- Leikkipuisto Loru on Thursday:
10–10.30 am In Loru's warmth - musical session for babies, Oodi 3rd floor children's area
1–2 pm Loru's fun - search activity, Oodi 3rd floor children's area - Haltiala Farm Animals Barn opens to the public again. The barn is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am–1 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays 10 am–2 pm from 3.12.2024–5.1.2024 (excluding Christmas holidays). Free admission.
- Alberta's Living Room is open on Thursday 9.30 am–3 pm.
- Art for Toddlers workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Centre (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays 10 am–12 pm. The workshops suit 1.5–3-year-old children with their own adult. No advance registration, free admission. You can participate for the entire duration or just drop by.
- Winter Cat's activities for little ones: Winter tree crafts at Museo Merkki on Ludviginkadulla on Thursday at 10.30 am. Free admission.
- Helsinki University Observatory at Tähtitorninmäki is open on Thursday 12–8 pm. Museum admission fee applies.
- Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' model railway exhibition is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3–6 pm and on Saturdays 10 am–4 pm at Reds shopping centre in Kalasatama. The exhibition space is located on the second floor of Reds, next to Specsavers, opposite Synse.
- Family Frolics provide a space for children under school age and their parents to move together independently and free of charge. On Thursdays Family Frolics are held at:
- Last session of the fall season! Tali sports park football hall (Purotie 8) on Thursdays 9.30–11 am from 5.9.–12.12.2024.
- Last session of the fall season! Kampi sports centre (Malminkatu 3) on Thursdays 5–6.30 pm from 5.9.–12.12.2024.
- Last session of the fall season! Malminkartano Primary School (Puustellintie 6) on Thursdays 4.30–6 pm and 6–7 pm (school-age children) from 5.9.–14.12.2024.
- Last session of the fall season! Pukinmäenkaar Primary School (Kenttäkuja 12) on Thursdays 5–6.30 pm from 5.9.–12.12.2024.
FRIDAY 13.12.2024
Saint Lucia Day
Events and
Activity Tips
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
- St. Thomas' Market at Senate Square 29.11.-22.12.2024. The market also features a carousel! Free admission.
- Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 29.11.2024-30.1.2025. You can get a map for the Lighthouse Keeper's Route from the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre, located in the pale pink Rantakasarmi building near the HSL ferry pier.
- Espoo: Forest Hare and the Problem of Choice - A Christmas Nature Trail at Villa Elfvik can be experienced independently 1.-15.12.2024.
- Lucia procession at the Nordic Culture Centre with Kruununhaka 2nd grade performers on Friday at 9.30 am. Free admission.
- Leikkipuisto Loru on Friday:
10.30–11 am Loru's songs for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor children's area
1–1.30 pm Loru's songs for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor children's area - Alberta's Living Room is open on Friday 9.30 am–3 pm.
- Helsinki University Observatory at Tähtitorninmäki is open on Friday 12–4 pm. Museum admission fee applies.
- Espoo: Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' model railway exhibition in Espoo Niittykummu at Niitty shopping centre is open on Wednesdays and Fridays 3–6 pm and on Saturdays 12–6 pm. The location is a small shop space between K-Supermarket and Alko on the ground floor of the shopping centre. Free admission.
- AnnanHouse: Dancing elves - whole family disco at Annantalo 4.30–7 pm. Free admission.
- Finland's Lucia Coronation begins at the Cathedral at 5 pm and the public is also welcome to join in the festivities. Please note, however, that there are limited seats in the cathedral and you should arrive in good time. The coronation is also broadcast live on YLE Arena. Lucia descends the Cathedral steps around 6 pm and then the traditional Saint Lucia Day procession leaves Senate Square following the route Hallituskatu-Unioninkatu, Aleksanterinkatu-Mannerheimintie-Pohjois-Esplanadi-Unioninkatu and back to Senate Square. Free admission.
SATURDAY 14.12.2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
- St. Thomas' Market at Senate Square 29.11.-22.12.2024. The market also features a carousel! Free admission.
- Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 29.11.2024-30.1.2025. You can get a map for the Lighthouse Keeper's Route from the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre, located in the pale pink Rantakasarmi building near the HSL ferry pier.
- Espoo: Forest Hare and the Problem of Choice - A Christmas Nature Trail at Villa Elfvik can be experienced independently 1.-15.12.2024.
- Porvoo: Porvoo Christmas Path offers lots of activities for families!
- Haltiala Farm Animals Barn opens to the public again. The barn is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am–1 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays 10 am–2 pm from 3.12.2024–5.1.2024 (excluding Christmas holidays). Free admission.
- Espoo: Christmas Card workshop at Children's Culture Centre Aurora on Saturday 10 am–2 pm. Free admission.
- Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' model railway exhibition is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3–6 pm and on Saturdays 10 am–4 pm at Reds shopping centre in Kalasatama. The exhibition space is located on the second floor of Reds, next to Specsavers, opposite Synse.
- Espoo: Christmas atmosphere at the manor museum Glimsis on Saturday 10 am–4 pm. Museum admission fee, under 18s free.
- Midwinter celebrations at Vuotalo on Saturday 10.30 am–3 pm. Free admission.
- Maunula Hall Christmas Carnival at Maunula Hall on Saturday 10.30 am–3 pm. Free admission.
- Annantalo art Saturday: Pop-up! Pop-up Christmas card workshop at Annantalo on Saturday 11 am–2 pm. Free admission.
- Mesikämmenen market at Karhupuisto park on Saturday 11 am–2 pm.
- Dramatic Christmas atmosphere at Sinebrychoff Art Museum on Saturday 11 am–3 pm. Museum admission fee applies.
- Little ones' Christmas carols led by Siina and Taikaradio orchestra at Temppeliaukio Church on Saturday at 2 pm. Free admission.
- Old-fashioned Christmas ornament workshop at Ruiskumestarin Hall in Kruununhaka on Saturday at 2 pm. Free admission.
- Espoo: Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' model railway exhibition in Espoo Niittykummu at Niitty shopping centre is open on Wednesdays and Fridays 3–6 pm and on Saturdays 12–6 pm. The location is a small shop space between K-Supermarket and Alko on the ground floor of the shopping centre. Free admission.
SUNDAY 15.12.2024
Events and
Activity Tips
- St. Thomas' Market at Senate Square 29.11.-22.12.2024. The market also features a carousel! Free admission.
- Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna 29.11.2024-30.1.2025. You can get a map for the Lighthouse Keeper's Route from the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre, located in the pale pink Rantakasarmi building near the HSL ferry pier.
- Espoo: Forest Hare and the Problem of Choice - A Christmas Nature Trail at Villa Elfvik can be experienced independently 1.-15.12.2024.
- Porvoo: Porvoo Christmas Path offers lots of activities for families!
- Haltiala Farm Animals Barn opens to the public again. The barn is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am–1 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays 10 am–2 pm from 3.12.2024–5.1.2024 (excluding Christmas holidays). Free admission.
- Vantaa: Children's Sunday: Aviation Museum Christmas on Sunday 10 am–5 pm. Museum admission fee applies.
- Fire Museum at Erottaja rescue station is open on Sundays 12–4 pm. Small admission fee.
- Traditional Christmas Path at Seurasaari on Sunday 12–5 pm. Free admission.
- Espoo: Tuomo's Christmas Carol Concert at Espoo Cultural Centre (Tapiola) on Sunday at 1 pm. Tickets €18.90/€19.90.
- Vantaa: Korso Christmas Path at Ankkapuisto park on Sunday 3–6 pm. Free admission.
Also remember:
Pienten Suomi - over 800 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
