Pienten Helsinki
What kid-friendly activities are available in Helsinki? Where to go with children on weekends or during summer vacation? What to do on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. In addition to events, the summer month tips include suggestions for spending vacation days. The target audience of the website is families with preschool-aged children.
Where to go this week -article continues with a slightly modified concept. The article lists the highlights of the week's events and the most interesting activity tips. Also included are highlights from Pienten Helsinki articles and news. The future of the page is open, but we will continue with this concept until the end of July.
Helsinki places article has been updated and the list now includes 120 destinations to save you from boring days or inspire you to explore the city!
New in Pienten Helsinki: Summer in Helsinki series with 30 articles for summer activities in Helsinki.
Sponsor Pienten Helsinki!
Pienten Helsinki's most popular, weekly Where to go this week article series is looking for sponsors! More information via the link.
Family city trails
In the coming months, Pienten Helsinki will launch a new type of urban tourism concept when hospitality student Heidi Säynätkari creates city trails for families in several Helsinki districts as her thesis work. The launch of family city trails has been delayed due to server issues and the trails will be published as soon as possible!
Pienten Helsinki's page occasionally experiences disruptions due to serious issues with an external hosting service. I apologize!
Article cover image: At the Bryga rooftop terrace of Redi shopping center, there is also a playground where both small and big children enjoy themselves on warm weather days. Access to the rooftop via the shopping center's gull elevators.
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MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2019
Library happenings
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground happenings
Monday playground lunch is fish soup (L, G, N, S, K).
Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock through early August. You need to bring your own plate, cutlery, and drink.
Playground events are now also available in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can view Monday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the detailed June program on the traffic city website.
Albert's lounge is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Monday 9:30-15. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Fallkullan farm animals is open daily 10-15 during the summer season. Free admission.
Espoo: Summer yard craft workshop Monday to Friday 6/3-8/1/2019 at the Children's Culture Center Pikku-Aurora yard. More information on Aurora's website.
Pop-up Heureka science show in Musiikkitalo's Main Lampai at 11 am, 12 noon, 3 pm, and 4 pm on Monday. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times on the Musiikkitalo website.
Museums open on Monday include National Museum (summer season), Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex, Päivälehti Museum, and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo (summer season).
Summer suggestion: Day trip to sunny Lahti? Tips for a trip to Lahti on children's terms can be found here.
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019
Library happenings
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground happenings
Tuesday playground lunch is spinach soup (L, K).
Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock through early August. You need to bring your own plate, cutlery, and drink.
Playground events are now also available in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can view Tuesday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the detailed June program on the traffic city website.
Fallkullan farm animals is open daily 10-15 during the summer season. Free admission.
Thumbelina's journeys with wild geese puppet theater performance in the courtyard of Helsinki City Winter Garden (indoors in rain) Tuesday at 11 am and 1 pm, free admission. The performance is recommended for ages 2-9 and lasts approximately 20 minutes. More information on the Winter Garden website.
Pop-up Heureka science show in Musiikkitalo's Main Lampai at 11 am, 12 noon, 3 pm, and 4 pm on Tuesday. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times on the Musiikkitalo website.
Trip tip: A summer day on Mustasaari Island!
Vantaa: Free pasture visits at Katrinebergi Manor farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 5-6 pm. More information on the City of Vantaa website.
City dances at Annantalo A stage on Tuesday at 5:30 pm. Read more on Annantalo's website.
In Espoo for babies: Evening color bath for the family's smallest in Pikku-Aurora's garden on Tuesday at 6 pm. Color bath costs 8 €. More information on Aurora's website.
Espoo: Pikku-Aurora Summer yard craft workshop Monday to Friday 6/3-8/1/2019 at the Children's Culture Center Pikku-Aurora yard. More information on Aurora's website.
Summer suggestion: Animals in the city article provides the best tips for places in Helsinki and the surrounding area to see farm animals.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019
Library happenings
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground happenings
Wednesday playground lunch is chicken sausage pasta
(M, G, N, S, K). Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock through early August. You need to bring your own plate, cutlery, and drink.
Playground events are now also available in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can view Wednesday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's lounge is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Wednesday 9:30-15. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Annantalo's yard hosts Helsinki's funniest community garden in 2019 with open gardening work sessions for all on Wednesdays 10 am-2 pm.
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the detailed June program on the traffic city website.
Fallkullan farm animals is open daily 10-15 during the summer season. Free admission.
Järvenpää: Kakara Blues at Järvenpää city center's Blues Lane: Ville Karttunen performs cheerful children's music at 10:30 am and 5 pm. Read more on the Puisto Blues website.
Pop-up Heureka science show in Musiikkitalo's Main Lampai at 11 am, 12 noon, 3 pm, and 4 pm on Wednesday. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times on the Musiikkitalo website.
Last week before summer break: At the Kindergarten Museum you can play on Wednesdays 12-6 pm. Museum admission 4 €, children under 16 free, Museum Card also valid.
Espoo tip: Talo Museum Glimsin 4H farm pasture visits continue on Wednesdays at 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the museum's website. Free admission to Glimsin during pasture visits.
You can climb the National Museum tower on summer Wednesdays 4-6 pm. Tower tour ticket costs 5 € and can be purchased at the ticket office on Wednesdays (no advance sales). More information on the museum's website.
Free admission to Kaapelitehdas museums Wednesday 5-8 pm. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Pikku-Aurora Summer yard craft workshop Monday to Friday 6/3-8/1/2019 at the Children's Culture Center Pikku-Aurora yard. More information on Aurora's website.
Summer suggestion: Summer theater with children? Pienten Helsinki's tips for theater summer can be found here.
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019
Library happenings
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground happenings
Thursday playground lunch is rice porridge and juice (L, G, N, S, K). Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock through early August. You need to bring your own plate, cutlery, and drink.
Playground events are now also available in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can view Thursday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's lounge is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Thursday 9:30-15. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the detailed June program on the traffic city website.
Fallkullan farm animals is open daily 10-15 during the summer season. Free admission.
Järvenpää: Kakara Blues at Järvenpää city center's Blues Lane: Dance to the wonderful Pikku Papu Orchestra on Thursday at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm (note the changed time!). Free admission. Read more on the Puisto Blues website.
Pop-up Heureka science show in Musiikkitalo's Main Lampai at 11 am, 12 noon, 3 pm, and 4 pm on Thursday. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times on the Musiikkitalo website.
Espoo tip: Talo Museum Glimsin 4H farm pasture visits continue on Thursdays at 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the museum's website. Free admission to Glimsin during pasture visits.
PomppuWorld at Haltiala estate Thursday through Sunday. Open Thursday 4-8 pm. Tickets 12 € (ages 2-17), children under 2 bounce free. More information on the event's Facebook page.
NOTE: Opening hours changed due to rainy weather.
Espoo: Summer yard craft workshop Monday to Friday 6/3-8/1/2019 at the Children's Culture Center Pikku-Aurora yard. More information on Aurora's website.
Summer suggestion: Helsinki's islands are surprising! Have you ever been to Matosaari Island? Read more here.
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019
Library happenings
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground happenings
Friday playground lunch is ground meat risotto (M, G, S, K). Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock through early August. You need to bring your own plate, cutlery, and drink.
Playground events are now also available in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can view Friday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City Summer. See the detailed June program on the traffic city website.
Albert's lounge is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Now also open on Fridays 9:30-15. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Albert's lounge takes a break in July.
Fallkullan farm animals is open daily 10-15 during the summer season. Free admission.
PomppuWorld at Haltiala estate Thursday through Sunday. Open Friday 10 am-6 pm. Tickets 12 € (ages 2-17), children under 2 bounce free. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Järvenpää: Kakara Blues at Järvenpää city center's Blues Lane: Maddalena performs on Thursday at 10:30 am and 5 pm. Free admission. Read more on the Puisto Blues website.
MLL and Sunsäbä goes Pride at Narinkkatori Friday 11 am-4 pm. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Vantaa: Free pasture visits at Katrinebergi Manor farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 5-6 pm. More information on the City of Vantaa website.
Espoo: Summer yard craft workshop Monday to Friday 6/3-8/1/2019 at the Children's Culture Center Pikku-Aurora yard. More information on Aurora's website.
Summer suggestion: Lovely summer cafés to enjoy with children!
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019
Library happenings
Helmet libraries summer hours.
Story hours and children's events are on break during summer Saturdays.
Events and activity tips
Children's Saturday at Haaga Market at 10 am-2 pm. More information on the market's Facebook page.
Fallkullan farm animals is open daily 10-15 during the summer season. Free admission.
Hop aboard the museum tram from the corner of Kauppatori, near the Havis Amanda statue, 10 am-5 pm. Tickets 6 €, children under 2 travel free on laps. Read more on the museum tram website.
PomppuWorld at Haltiala estate Thursday through Sunday. Open Saturday 10 am-8 pm. Tickets 12 € (ages 2-17), children under 2 bounce free. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Exhibition: Check out what the Päivälehti Museum's Pekka Tophanto new exhibition looks like! Museum open Saturdays 11 am-5 pm. Free admission.
Haltiala farm animals is practically always open and animals spend the summer in outdoor pastures. Stop by to say hello to vacationing police horses, play at Haltiala playground, or enjoy juice at the Old Porch.
Kids Run Helsinki Trail running event at Paloheinä Saturday at noon. More information and registration on the event website (paid).
Jungle sports day at Sahara field next to Helsinki's Telia 5G arena (Urheilukatu 5) Saturday 2-4 pm. Free all-ages family sports event. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Helsinki Pride 2019 Park Party at Kaivopuisto Saturday 2-6 pm. Party includes programs for children. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information on the Musiikkitalo website.
Summer suggestion: Trip tip: Home by evening – day trip with children in Sipoo, Porvoo, and Loviisa.
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2019
Events and activity tips
Haltiala farm animals is practically always open and animals spend the summer in outdoor pastures. Stop by to say hello to vacationing police horses, play at Haltiala playground, or enjoy juice at the Old Porch.
Fallkullan farm animals is open daily 10-15 during the summer season. Free admission.
Helsinki Farmers' Market at Hakaniemi Market Sunday 10 am-4 pm. Market also features sheep and pony rides during the event. More information on the event website.
Children's Traffic City Summer. Traffic City is open summer Sundays 10 am-4 pm. See detailed program on the traffic city website. Free admission.
PomppuWorld at Haltiala estate Thursday through Sunday. Open Sunday 10 am-7 pm. Tickets 12 € (ages 2-17), children under 2 bounce free. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Adventure forest family hike in Villa Elfvik's landscapes Sunday 10:30 am-12:30 pm. The hike follows children's pace. Bring small snacks and dress according to the weather. More information on Elfvik's website
Flea market! Aleksis Kivi street Sunday flea market starting at 11 am!
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information on the Musiikkitalo website.
Summer suggestion: Packed lunch at the top of Kruununvuori Hill is a different kind of city adventure. Read more in Pienten Helsinki's trip article.
Remember also
Summer lambs in Helsinki islands: Vartiosaari and Mustasaari islands (sheep on neighboring Hevossaari island, which is connected by a bridge) have received summer guests. Kuusiluoto island's lambs arrive for summer work around Midsummer.
Animals in the city article provides the best tips for places in Helsinki and the surrounding area to see farm animals.
The mystery of the hidden ship adventure tour at Suomenlinna 6/11-8/3/2019 and 8/10/2019 and 8/17/2019. Paid.
Children's maritime adventure - Tykkisluuppi Diana family sailing 6/26-8/31/2019. More information on the event website. Paid.
Summer theater with children? Pienten Helsinki's tips for theater summer can be found here.
Espa stage's full summer program can be found on the stage's own website.
Linnanmäki has once again opened its gates for the 2019 season. There is free admission to the amusement park area and small daredevils have access to free amusement rides.
In Espoo: Toy Museum Hevosenkengän new Menopeli Play exhibition. Museum admission fee.
Exhibition: Check out what the Päivälehti Museum's Pekka Tophanto new exhibition looks like! Päivälehti Museum is closed during Midsummer weekend.
Helsinki places article is a lifesaver on boring days with children!
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