Pienten Helsinki
Where to go with children in summer Helsinki? What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki this week? Little Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and suggests child-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
The cover image is from the Ehrensvärd Museum in Suomenlinna, where Frederick's Day event will be held on Saturday. The photo is from a few years ago at the same event, when the gentry decorated the traditional name day cake.
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Current News
- Little Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series has dozens of tips for summer in Helsinki! It's meant to be an ABC of summer in Helsinki - what all you can do with children in Helsinki during the summer - a series that currently has over 50 articles! Don't forget Little Finland, whose new map service has now been launched!
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- Swimming?
- Little Helsinki's Swimming? article recommends child-friendly beaches in Helsinki.
- The Swimming spots for hot days article collects tips for outdoor pools and other swimming spots that remain free of blue-green algae.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially available during the summer 2024 in open playgrounds. - Museum tips for children from Little Helsinki's themed article!
- The Curious Skidipeli Media Museum and Archive Merkkiin 8.5.–27.10.2024. Free admission.
- Art in the city center! Kim Simonsson's Peat Giants can be seen at Lasipalatsi Square and Bio Rex terrace until October. Impressive, thought-provoking and delightful to children as well.
- Skidimarket Deli – play cottage can be found at Hietalahti Market Hall! Open during hall hours, free admission.
- Museum passes to the Natural History Museum or entrance tickets to Korkeasaari can also be borrowed from the library!
From Viik Library you can borrow an entrance ticket to the Natural History Museum. From Kalasatama Library you can borrow an entrance ticket to Korkeasaari Zoo.
MONDAY 15.7.2024
Events and
activity ideas
- Little Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series with many tips for summer activities in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
- Children's Traffic City is open Mondays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with pedal car driving. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start at the top of each hour, with the last lesson starting at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
- Art Fun at Annantalo every weekday 10 a.m.–noon and 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Art Fun happens in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and for older children also without their own adult. You can drop by Art Fun anytime or stay longer.
- Helsinki's newest beach opens at Palette Pond in Kuninkaan District Monday at 10 a.m.
Playgrounds on Monday
- Playground summer lunch menu Monday: Chicken risotto (M G N S K)
Bring your own cooking pot, utensils and drinks!
- Playgrounds' summer season continues and playgrounds open this week are:
Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially available in open playgrounds during summer 2024.
- Playground Loru is on vacation in July!
- MLL's Family House Unikko is on vacation and opens again on 5.8.2024.
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Libraries on Monday
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
TUESDAY 16.7.2024
Events and
activity ideas
- Little Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series with many tips for summer activities in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
Commercial collaboration - Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena 6.7.-11.8.2024.
The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer comes to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers the youngest and there's activities and experiences for all ages.
Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), seniors, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2-year-olds 0 € (no separate ticket needed).
Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train. - Children's Traffic City is open Tuesdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with pedal car driving. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start at the top of each hour, with the last lesson starting at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
- Art Fun at Annantalo every weekday 10 a.m.–noon and 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Art Fun happens in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and for older children also without their own adult. You can drop by Art Fun anytime or stay longer.
Commercial collaboration - Suomenlinna adventure tour: Secret of Wolf Island Tuesday at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
Secret of Wolf Island is a historically-based adventure tour aimed at children (ages 6–13), which is also suitable for adults. Following clues and solving riddles, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange occurrences from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and the 18th century in a fun and experiential way. - Curious Posters workshop at Media Museum and Archive Merkkiin Tuesday 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Free admission.
Playgrounds on Tuesday
- Playground summer lunch menu Tuesday: Cheese fish soup (L G N S K).
Bring your own cooking pot, utensils and drinks!
- Playgrounds' summer season continues and playgrounds open this week are:
Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially available in open playgrounds during summer 2024.
- Playground Loru is on vacation in July!
- MLL's Family House Unikko is on vacation and opens again on 5.8.2024.
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Libraries on Tuesday
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
WEDNESDAY 17.7.2024
Events and
activity ideas
- Little Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series with many tips for summer activities in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
- Children's Traffic City is open Wednesdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with scooter driving. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start at the top of each hour, with the last lesson starting at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
Commercial collaboration - Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena 6.7.-11.8.2024.
The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer comes to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers the youngest and there's activities and experiences for all ages.
Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), seniors, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2-year-olds 0 € (no separate ticket needed).
Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train. - Art Fun at Annantalo every weekday 10 a.m.–noon and 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Art Fun happens in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and for older children also without their own adult. You can drop by Art Fun anytime or stay longer. - Summer crafting at Oodi's 3rd floor Wednesday 12 p.m.–2 p.m. Free admission.
Commercial collaboration - Suomenlinna adventure tour: Secret of Wolf Island Wednesday at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
Secret of Wolf Island is a historically-based adventure tour aimed at children (ages 6–13), which is also suitable for adults. Following clues and solving riddles, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange occurrences from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and the 18th century in a fun and experiential way.
Playgrounds on Wednesday
- Playground summer lunch menu Wednesday: Beef stew (M G K Veg).
Bring your own cooking pot, utensils and drinks! - Playgrounds' summer season continues and playgrounds open this week are:
Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially available in open playgrounds during summer 2024.
- Playground Loru is on vacation in July!
- MLL's Family House Unikko is on vacation and opens again on 5.8.2024.
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Libraries on Wednesday
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
Little Finland has been updated!
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
THURSDAY 18.7.2024
Events and
activity ideas
- Little Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series with many tips for summer activities in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
Commercial collaboration - Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena 6.7.-11.8.2024.
The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer comes to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers the youngest and there's activities and experiences for all ages.
Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), seniors, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2-year-olds 0 € (no separate ticket needed).
Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train. - Children's Traffic City is open Thursdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with scooter driving. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start at the top of each hour, with the last lesson starting at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
- Art Fun at Annantalo every weekday 10 a.m.–noon and 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Art Fun happens in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and for older children also without their own adult. You can drop by Art Fun anytime or stay longer.
Commercial collaboration - Suomenlinna adventure tour: Secret of Wolf Island Thursday at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
Secret of Wolf Island is a historically-based adventure tour aimed at children (ages 6–13), which is also suitable for adults. Following clues and solving riddles, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange occurrences from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and the 18th century in a fun and experiential way. - University of Helsinki Observatory at Tähtitorninmäki is open Thursday 12 p.m.–8 p.m. Museum entrance fee.
- Curious Posters workshop at Media Museum and Archive Merkkiin Thursday 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Free admission.
- SEA LIFE turtles take walks weather permitting at the Marine World near the main entrance every Thursday June 27–July 25, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Turtles can be enjoyed free of charge (SEA LIFE entrance fee applies).
Playgrounds on Thursday
- Playground summer lunch menu Thursday: Turkey root vegetable stew (M G N S K)
Bring your own cooking pot, utensils and drinks! - Playgrounds' summer season continues and playgrounds open this week are:
Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially available in open playgrounds during summer 2024.
- Playground Loru is on vacation in July!
- MLL's Family House Unikko is on vacation and opens again on 5.8.2024.
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Libraries on Thursday
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
FRIDAY 19.7.2024
Events and
activity ideas
- Little Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series with many tips for summer activities in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
Commercial collaboration - Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena 6.7.-11.8.2024.
The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer comes to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers the youngest and there's activities and experiences for all ages.
Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), seniors, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2-year-olds 0 € (no separate ticket needed).
Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train. - Art Fun at Annantalo every weekday 10 a.m.–noon and 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Art Fun happens in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 years old with their own adult, and for older children also without their own adult. You can drop by Art Fun anytime or stay longer. - Children's Traffic City is open Fridays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. On family days no instruction is offered, children move around Traffic City under their own adult's guidance. Riding time 30 minutes. Free admission to Traffic City.
Commercial collaboration - Suomenlinna adventure tour: Secret of Wolf Island (in Swedish) Friday at 12 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
Secret of Wolf Island is a historically-based adventure tour aimed at children (ages 6–13), which is also suitable for adults. Following clues and solving riddles, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange occurrences from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and the 18th century in a fun and experiential way. - MIL-Espa: Finnish Defence Forces enlisted men's brass band at Espa's stage Friday at 2 p.m. Free admission.
- University of Helsinki Observatory at Tähtitorninmäki is open Friday 12 p.m.–4 p.m. Museum entrance fee.
Playgrounds on Friday
- Playground summer lunch menu Friday: Vegetable spaghetti casserole (M K Veg)
Bring your own cooking pot, utensils and drinks! - Playgrounds' summer season continues and playgrounds open this week are:
Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi and Etupelto. - Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Playgrounds' wading pools and water play areas are partially available in open playgrounds during summer 2024.
- Playground Loru is on vacation in July!
- MLL's Family House Unikko is on vacation and opens again on 5.8.2024.
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Libraries on Friday
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, daily event linking is no longer possible.)
SATURDAY 20.7.2024
Events and
activity ideas
- Little Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series with many tips for summer activities in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
Commercial collaboration: - Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena 6.7.-11.8.2024.
At the exhibition opening Saturday July 6, 2024, Hevisaurus will also be there!
The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer comes to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers the youngest and there's activities and experiences for all ages.
Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), seniors, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2-year-olds 0 € (no separate ticket needed).
Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train. - Vantaa: Håkansbölen summer exhibitions are open at Håkansbölen manor on Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission.
- Seurasaari Market at Antti's Square Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission, entrance fee applies to museum buildings.
- Horse rides and pony riding at Seurasaari Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Paid activity.
Commercial collaboration: - Suomenlinna adventure tour: Secret of Wolf Island Saturday at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
Secret of Wolf Island is a historically-based adventure tour aimed at children (ages 6–13), which is also suitable for adults. Following clues and solving riddles, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange occurrences from times past. The tour introduces Suomenlinna and the 18th century in a fun and experiential way. - The Curious Skidipeli at Media Museum and Archive Merkkiin 8.5.–27.10.2024. Free admission.
Skidipeli game guide available at Museum Merkkiin Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m.–4 p.m. - Frederick's Day at Ehrensvärd Museum in Suomenlinna Saturday 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m. Museum entrance fee. Little Helsinki recommends this, we visited once and loved it! Decorating the name day cake was a wonderful tradition!
SUNDAY 21.7.2024
Events and
activity ideas
- Little Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series with many tips for summer activities in Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
Commercial collaboration: - Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena 6.7.-11.8.2024.
The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer comes to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers the youngest and there's activities and experiences for all ages.
Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), seniors, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2-year-olds 0 € (no separate ticket needed).
Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train.
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- Children's Traffic City is open Sundays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. On family days no instruction is offered, children move around Traffic City under their own adult's guidance. Riding time 30 minutes. Free admission to Traffic City.
- Espoo: Fairy School at Villa Elfvkink grounds Sunday 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Håkansbölen summer exhibitions are open at Håkansbölen manor on Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission.
- Family marine biology adventure to Hara Island Sunday at 12 p.m. Adventure is free, but ferry ride to the island is paid.
- The Curious Skidipeli at Media Museum and Archive Merkkiin 8.5.–27.10.2024. Free admission.
- Skidipeli game guide available at Museum Merkkiin Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
- What should we do today? Check out the tips for boring days from Little Helsinki!
- Hidden Helsinki article reveals small and big secrets about Helsinki!
Remember also:
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
