Where to go with children in summery Helsinki? What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

The cover image of the article is from the newly opened Töölönlahti summer park, which also features a small sandy play area and water play opportunities.

Current highlights

MONDAY 22.7.2024

Events and
activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series and many tips for spending summer in Helsinki can be found at Pienten Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for those visiting the city as tourists.
  • Tuusula: Tuusula Day is celebrated on Monday. Tuusula Day in museums offers free admission to many museums in the area.
  • Children's Traffic City is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and you can ride pedal cars in the area. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start on the hour and the last lesson starts at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
  • Art Activities at Annantalo every weekday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Art activities take place 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 activities anytime or stay longer.

Happenings in playgrounds on Monday

  • Playground summer meals lunch menu on Monday: Ground beef soup (M G S K)
    Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils and drinks!
  • The playgrounds' summer season continues and the 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 share their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground Loru is on vacation in July!
  • MLL's Family House Unikko is on vacation and will reopen on August 5, 2024.

Library happenings on Monday

  • Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
    (Due to the Helmet website update, linking to day-specific events is no longer possible.)

TUESDAY 23.7.2024

Events and
activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series and many tips for spending summer in Helsinki can be found at Pienten Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for those visiting the city as tourists.

    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 takes small children into account with activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years 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 on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and you can ride pedal cars in the area. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start on the hour and the last lesson starts at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
  • Art Activities at Annantalo every weekday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Art activities take place 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 activities anytime or stay longer.

    Commercial collaboration
  • Suomenlinna adventure tour: Secrets of Wolf Island on Tuesday at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    Secrets of Wolf Island is a history-based adventure tour for children (6–13 years) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and curious coincidences from the past. The tour provides a fun and experiential way to learn about Suomenlinna and the 18th century.
  • Anybody's Architecture: Water Folk - Dance Performance in Kalasatama at Capellanranta waterfront stairs near Kalasatama Health Center. The performance is suitable for all ages. Performances 23.7.-31.7.2024 (no performances on Fridays) at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Free admission. Weather dependent.

Happenings in playgrounds on Tuesday

  • Playground summer meals lunch menu on Tuesday: Vegetarian pasta (M N K Veg).
    Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils and drinks!
  • The playgrounds' summer season continues and the 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 share their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground Loru is on vacation in July!
  • MLL's Family House Unikko is on vacation and will reopen on August 5, 2024.

Library happenings on Tuesday

  • Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
    (Due to the Helmet website update, linking to day-specific events is no longer possible.)

WEDNESDAY 24.7.2024

Events and
activity tips

  • Children's Traffic City is open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and you can ride scooters in the area. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start on the hour and the last lesson starts 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 takes small children into account with activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years 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 Activities at Annantalo every weekday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Art activities take place 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 activities anytime or stay longer.
  • Summer Crafts on the 3rd floor of Oodi on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.

    Commercial collaboration
  • Suomenlinna adventure tour: Secrets of Wolf Island on Wednesday at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    Secrets of Wolf Island is a history-based adventure tour for children (6–13 years) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and curious coincidences from the past. The tour provides a fun and experiential way to learn about Suomenlinna and the 18th century.
  • Anybody's Architecture: Water Folk - Dance Performance in Kalasatama at Capellanranta waterfront stairs near Kalasatama Health Center. The performance is suitable for all ages. Performances 23.7.-31.7.2024 (no performances on Fridays) at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Free admission. Weather dependent.

Happenings in playgrounds on Wednesday

  • Playground summer meals lunch menu on Wednesday: Fish soup (L G N S K).
    Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils and drinks!
  • The playgrounds' summer season continues and the 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 share their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground paddling pools and water play areas are available in July in open playgrounds.
  • Playground Loru is on vacation in July!
  • MLL's Family House Unikko is on vacation and will reopen on August 5, 2024.

Library happenings on Wednesday

  • Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
    (Due to the Helmet website update, linking to day-specific events is no longer possible.)

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THURSDAY 25.7.2024

Events and
activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series and many tips for spending summer in Helsinki can be found at Pienten Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for those visiting the city as tourists.

    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 takes small children into account with activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years 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 on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and you can ride scooters in the area. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons start on the hour and the last lesson starts at 3 p.m. Free admission to Traffic City.
  • Art Activities at Annantalo every weekday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Art activities take place 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 activities anytime or stay longer.

    Commercial collaboration
  • Suomenlinna adventure tour: Secrets of Wolf Island on Thursday at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    Secrets of Wolf Island is a history-based adventure tour for children (6–13 years) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and curious coincidences from the past. The tour provides a fun and experiential way to learn about Suomenlinna and the 18th century.
  • University of Helsinki Observatory on Tähtitorninmäki is open on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Museum admission fee.
  • Anybody's Architecture: Water Folk - Dance Performance in Kalasatama at Capellanranta waterfront stairs near Kalasatama Health Center. The performance is suitable for all ages. Performances 23.7.-31.7.2024 (no performances on Fridays) at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Free admission. Weather dependent.
  • Last week! SEA LIFE turtles go for walks weather permitting near the Marine World's main entrance every Thursday from June 27 to July 25 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can admire the turtles for free (SEA LIFE admission fee applies).
  • Espoo: Tapiola garden workshops in Tapionpuisto on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Design workshop suitable for the whole family. Free admission.

Happenings in playgrounds on Thursday

  • Playground summer meals lunch menu on Thursday: Sweet potato and potato soup (M G K Veg)
    Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils and drinks!
  • The playgrounds' summer season continues and the 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 share their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground paddling pools and water play areas are partly available in summer 2024 in open playgrounds.
  • Playground Loru is on vacation in July!
  • MLL's Family House Unikko is on vacation and will reopen on August 5, 2024.

Library happenings on Thursday

FRIDAY 26.7.2024

Events and
activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series and many tips for spending summer in Helsinki can be found at Pienten Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for those visiting the city as tourists.
  • Little Italy Festival at Citizen's Square from Friday to Sunday. Free admission.

    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 takes small children into account with activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years 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 Activities at Annantalo every weekday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Art activities take place 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 activities anytime or stay longer.
  • Children's Traffic City is open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Family days do not have instruction but children move around Traffic City guided by their own adult. Driving time 30 minutes. Free admission to Traffic City.
  • Huhuu! Hurts' Festivities at Narinkkatori on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.
  • Marta's Day at Ruiskumestarin House on Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.

    Commercial collaboration
  • Suomenlinna adventure tour: Secrets of Wolf Island (in Swedish) on Friday at 12 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    Secrets of Wolf Island is a history-based adventure tour for children (6–13 years) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and curious coincidences from the past. The tour provides a fun and experiential way to learn about Suomenlinna and the 18th century.
  • University of Helsinki Observatory on Tähtitorninmäki is open on Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Museum admission fee.
  • MIL-Espa: Finnish Defence Forces Conscript Military Band Showband at Espa stage on Friday at 2 p.m. Free admission.
  • Vantaa: Aviation Museum's free evenings on Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Happenings in playgrounds on Friday

  • Playground summer meals lunch menu on Friday: Broiler sausage soup (M G N S K)
    Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils and drinks!
  • The playgrounds' summer season continues and the 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 share their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground paddling pools and water play areas are available in July in open playgrounds.
  • Playground Loru is on vacation in July!
  • MLL's Family House Unikko is on vacation and will reopen on August 5, 2024.
  • Find all Pienten Helsinki's playground tips behind this link.

Library happenings on Friday

SATURDAY 27.7.2024

Unikeon Day

Events and
activity tips

  • Find all Pienten Helsinki's playground tips behind this link.
  • Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
  • Little Italy Festival at Citizen's Square from Friday to Sunday. Free admission.

    Commercial collaboration:
  • Järvenpää: Dinosaurs Exhibition at Aino Arena 6.7.-11.8.2024.
    At the exhibition opening on Saturday, July 6, 2024, Hevisaurus is also present! 🦕
    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 takes small children into account with activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years 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.
  • ESSE Performing Arts Festival in Roihuvuori's Peukaloisenpuisto and Japanese-style garden on Saturday. Programs for children especially from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., general programs for all ages from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Skidit disco is among the offerings! Free admission.
  • Vantaa: Håkansbölen summer exhibitions are open at the Håkansbölen manor area on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.
  • Mimi & Kuku at Espa stage on Saturday at 12 p.m. Free admission.
  • Jazz for Kids – Elena Mindru at Espa stage on Saturday at 1 p.m. Free admission.

    Commercial collaboration:
  • Suomenlinna adventure tour: Secrets of Wolf Island on Saturday at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    Secrets of Wolf Island is a history-based adventure tour for children (6–13 years) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and curious coincidences from the past. The tour provides a fun and experiential way to learn about Suomenlinna and the 18th century.
  • Children's Fun Day at Kontula Library on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.
  • Anybody's Architecture: Water Folk - Dance Performance in Kalasatama at Capellanranta waterfront stairs near Kalasatama Health Center. The performance is suitable for all ages. Performances 23.7.-31.7.2024 (no performances on Fridays) at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Free admission. Weather dependent.
  • Curious Skidipeli Media Museum and Archive at Merkkiin 8.5.–27.10.2024. Free admission.
    Skidipeli game instructor at Merkkiin Museum on Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

SUNDAY 28.7.2024

Events and
activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series and many tips for spending summer in Helsinki can be found at Pienten Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for those visiting the city as tourists.

    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 takes small children into account with activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years 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.
  • Little Italy Festival at Citizen's Square from Friday to Sunday. Free admission.

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