Pienten Helsinki
What family-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with children on weekends or during summer vacation? What to do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. During the summer months, the activity tips include not only events but also suggestions for spending holiday days. The website's target audience is families with preschool-aged children.
Where to go this week -article continues with a slightly modified concept. The article lists the week's event highlights and the week's most interesting activity tips. It also includes highlights from Little Helsinki articles and news. The future of the page is open, but this concept will continue until the end of July.
Coming soon: New to Little Helsinki: A major playground article will be published soon!
#littlehelsinki
Have you explored an interesting place? It would be wonderful if you could use the hashtag #littlehelsinki when sharing photos, so that your images would be joy and inspiration for other adventurers. As a thank you, I promise to offer hot drinks at one of Helsinki's classic events held in our neighborhood when autumn arrives 😉
Family City Routes
Little Helsinki will publish a new kind of city tourism concept in the coming months, as culinary student Heidi Säynätkari creates city routes for families in several Helsinki neighborhoods as her thesis. The publication of Family City Routes has been delayed due to server issues and the routes will be published as soon as possible!
Article cover photo: Suomenlinna is a wonderful place also in August-September, when the worst summer crowds ease up. A Little Helsinki article from a few years ago takes you to autumn Suomenlinna!
MONDAY 12.8.2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
All city playgrounds and family centers will open their doors again after the summer!
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Monday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Registration for Workers' Institute courses begins in phases starting Monday 12.8.2019.
Albert's Lounge opens its doors again after summer break! The lounge is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Monday 9:30-15:00. Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open daily 10:00-15:00 during summer season. Free admission.
Free summer concerts at Music House throughout the summer, more information on Music House's website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's theater summer tips here.
Museums open on Mondays include National Museum (summer season), Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex, Newspaper Museum, and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo (summer season).
TUESDAY 13.8.2019
Swedish-language schools and preschools' school year begins in Helsinki!
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Tuesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Thumbelina's Adventures with Wild Geese - puppet theater performance at Helsinki's Winter Garden courtyard (indoors if rainy) Tuesday 9:30 and 10:30 am, free admission. The performance is recommended for 2-9 year-olds and lasts about 20 minutes. More information on the Winter Garden's website.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open daily 10:00-15:00 during summer season. Free admission.
Free summer concerts at Music House throughout the summer, more information on Music House's website.
Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops Tuesday at Caisa Cultural Center 2:00 pm. Workshops suitable for 1.5-3 year-old children with a guardian. You can stay for the entire workshop or just for a while. No advance registration required, free admission. More information on Caisa's website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's theater summer tips here.
Vantaa: Free farm visits at Katrineberg Manor's farm held on Tuesdays and Fridays 5:00-6:00 pm. More information on City of Vantaa's website.
City Dances at Annantalo's A stage Tuesday 5:30 pm. Read more on Annantalo's website.
WEDNESDAY 14.8.2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Wednesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Lounge is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Wednesdays 9:30-15:00. Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
At Annantalo courtyard, Helsinki's funniest community garden has been set up in 2019 and Wednesdays feature open gardening work parties 10:00-14:00.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open daily 10:00-15:00 during summer season. Free admission.
Free summer concerts at Music House throughout the summer, more information on Music House's website.
Kindergarten Museum is back from summer break and open Wednesdays 12:00-18:00. Small admission fee.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's theater summer tips here.
Espoo: Manor Museum Glims 4H Farm's Pasture Visits Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the manor museum's website. Glims has free admission during pasture visits.
You can climb the National Museum's tower on summer Wednesdays 4:00-6:00 pm. A ticket for the tower tour costs €5 and can be purchased at the ticket office on Wednesdays (no advance sales). More information on the museum's website.
Espoo: Karatalo Summer Wednesdays: Sparkle Wednesday with glitter & giant bubbles Wednesday 4:00-7:00 pm. More information on Karatalo's website.
THURSDAY 15.8.2019
Night of the Arts in Helsinki
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Thursday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
MLL's Family Café at Kruunu Mesta (Meritullinkatu 6) Thursdays 9:30-11:30. More information on the family café's Facebook group.
Albert's Lounge is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Thursdays 9:30-15:00. Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops Thursday at Caisa Cultural Center 10:00 am. Workshops suitable for 1.5-3 year-old children with a guardian. You can stay for the entire workshop or just for a while. No advance registration required, free admission. More information on Caisa's website.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open daily 10:00-15:00 during summer season. Free admission.
Night of the Arts in Helsinki. Lots of programs for children too. Find Little Helsinki's own favorites for this classic event here.
Night of the Arts at Helsinki Cultural Centers:
- Night of the Arts program at Annantalo.
- Night of the Arts at Kanneltalo.
- Stoa's Night of the Arts and Children's Poetry Month.
- Night of the Arts at Vuotalo.
Free summer concerts at Music House throughout the summer, more information on Music House's website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's theater summer tips here.
Espoo: Talomuseo Glims 4H Farm's Pasture Visits continue Thursdays 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the manor museum's website. Glims has free admission during pasture visits.
FRIDAY 16.8.2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Friday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Lounge is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Fridays 9:30-15:00. Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
Naperokino at Annantalo Fridays 10:00 am. Age recommendation: 0-3 years with an adult, older children also welcome. Movies are free admission. More information on Annantalo's website.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open daily 10:00-15:00 during summer season. Free admission.
Free summer concerts at Music House throughout the summer, more information on Music House's website.
Vantaa: Free farm visits at Katrineberg Manor's farm held on Tuesdays and Fridays 5:00-6:00 pm. More information on City of Vantaa's website.
Vantaa: August outdoor concerts - Stars at Tikkurila Library Park. Friday 6:00 pm on stage are Voice of Finland stars and Vantaa Entertainment Orchestra Ensemble. Admission to concert is free. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's theater summer tips here.
SATURDAY 17.8.2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Saturday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events and activity tips
Kerava: Garlic Festival Saturday 9:00 am-6:00 pm with programs for children too. Detailed information on the organizer's website.
Kontula Summer Day Saturday in front of Mikael Church 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Alpacas, face painting and tattoos, children's concerts and treats, plus back-alley flea market. More information on Mikael Parish's website.
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open daily 10:00-15:00 during summer season. Free admission.
Skidit Festarit in Kallio at Elanto Block Saturday 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Tickets €13.50 (adult/child), children under 1 year free on laps. Tickets and more information on the event's website.
Hop on the museum tram from the corner of Market Square, next to the Havis Amanda statue 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Tickets €6, children under 2 travel free on laps. Read more on the museum tram's website.
Haltiala Farm Animals are practically always open and the animals spend summer on pastures. Stop by to say hello to the farm animals and play at Haltiala's playground.
Helsinki Festival: Architects of Air: Arboria art experience at Citizen Square through 25.8.2019. A mind-bending experience, works well with children but may not suit the most sensitive ones. Stroller parking available near the entrance, inside the artwork you walk barefoot. Free admission. More information and exact opening times on the event's website.
Vantaa: August outdoor concerts - Stars at Tikkurila Library Park. Saturday 11:00 am on stage is Pikku Pappu's Orchestra. Admission to concert is free. More information on the event's Facebook page.
DNA Kids Saturday at Espa stage Saturday 11:00 am-2:00 pm. Watch circus tricks at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm and hear Mutaveiraat at 12:00 pm. Free admission. More information on Espa stage's website.
Old Vuosaari Summer Festival in Liveskorpi Park Saturday 11:00 am-3:00 pm. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Red Bull Soapbox Race 2019 on Tähtitorn Hill Saturday 11:00 am-5:00 pm. More information on the event's website. Free admission.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's theater summer tips here.
Espoo: Pony Racing at Vermon racetrack 12:00-2:30 pm. The event has free admission. More information on the event's Facebook page.
SUNDAY 18.8.2019
Events and activity tips
Fallkulla Farm Animals is open daily 10:00-15:00 during summer season. Free admission.
Haltiala Farm Animals are practically always open and the animals spend summer on pastures. Stop by to say hello to the farm animals and play at Haltiala's playground.
Helsinki Festival: Architects of Air: Arboria art experience at Citizen Square through 25.8.2019. A mind-bending experience, works well with children but may not suit the most sensitive ones. Stroller parking available near the entrance, inside the artwork you walk barefoot. Free admission. More information and exact opening times on the event's website.
Espoo: Fairy School at Villa Elfvik Sunday 10:30 am-12:30 pm. The outing is conducted at the children's pace. Bring along small snacks and dress according to the weather. Fairy School hike is also accessible for those walking with strollers. More information on Elfvik's website.
Flea Market! Aleksis Kivi Street Sunday Flea Market starting at 11:00 am!
Vartiosaari Day - Vartiosaari Day Sunday 11:00 am-8:00 pm. Free boat transportation all day from Reposalmi (Reposalmentie 3). Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Harvest Market and Sunday Coffee at Herttoniemi Allotment Garden Sunday 12:00-3:00 pm. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open Sundays 12:00-4:00 pm. Admission €2, under 15 years old free. More information on the museum's website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's theater summer tips here.
Summer Café Rhubarb Paradise invites you to treat yourself and play in Malmi (Paavolantie 7) Sunday 12:00-6:00 pm. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Vallila Allotment Garden's Summer Festival Sunday starting 1:00 pm. Read more on the allotment garden's website.
Free summer concerts at Music House throughout the summer, more information on Music House's website.
Also remember
All of Helsinki's summer tips and ideas for day trips in one place.
Animals in the city article brings together the best tips for Helsinki and surrounding areas' best places to see farm animals.
Summer sheep in Helsinki islands: Vartiosaari and Kuusiluoto's sheep have arrived for their summer stay.
Mystery of the Hidden Ship - Adventure Tour at Suomenlinna 11.6.-3.8.2019 and 10.8.2019 and 17.8.2019. Paid event.
Children's Sea Adventure - Cannon Sloop Diana Family Sailing 26.6.-31.8.2019. More information on the event's website. Paid event.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's theater summer tips here.
Espa stage's entire summer program can be found on the stage's own website.
Linnanmäki is open daily during summer season. The amusement park has free entry and younger thrill-seekers have free amusement park rides.
In Espoo: Toy Museum Horse Shoe explore the Menopeli Toys exhibition. Museum admission fee applies.
Exhibition: Peek at what it looks like in the Newspaper Museum's Pekka Töpöhäntä exhibition!
Helsinki Places article is a lifesaver for boring days with kids!
Little Helsinki as an app on your phone!
Little Helsinki now also works as a PWA app. You can install Little Helsinki on your Android or iPhone by opening the website in Chrome or Safari browser and selecting "Add to home screen" from the share menu. A PWA app differs from a traditional app in that it doesn't need to be separately installed from the App Store or similar. Practically speaking, the content is exactly the same as in the browser, but the page loads faster.
Little Helsinki doesn't require registration to work now, and never will.
Follow Little Helsinki:
Little Helsinki on Facebook!
Little Helsinki on Instagram!
Little Helsinki on Twitter!
