What to do or where to go with children in summer Helsinki? What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series finds activity tips and recommends family-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

Article cover image: Helsinki's newest fountain can be found in front of Kiasma. Artist Nina Beier's fountain artwork Women & Children becomes a permanent part of Helsinki's public art collection.

Current highlights

  • From Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series you'll find dozens of tips for summer in Helsinki!
    It's meant to be Helsinki's summer ABC - everything you can do in Helsinki with children during summer - a series that currently contains 52 articles. The series is complemented by themed articles in progress and of course the weekly "Where to go this summer week" articles. And don't forget Pienten Suomi, which is currently undergoing an amazing renovation!
  • Art in the middle of the city! Kim Simonsson's Moss Giants can be found in Lasipalatsi Square and on the Bio Rex terrace through October. Impressive, thought-provoking, and delightful for children too.
  • Skidimarket is open on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall for now!
  • You can borrow museum tickets or tickets to Korkeasaari from the library too!
    From Viiki Library you can borrow an admission ticket to the Museum of Natural History. From Kalasatama Library you can borrow an admission ticket to Korkeasaari Zoo.

MONDAY JUNE 3, 2024

Marin's birthday

Events and activity tips

  • Skidimarket is open on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall for now!
  • The Children's Traffic City summer season begins!
    On Mondays the traffic city is open 9–16 and children can ride pedal cars. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons begin on the hour and the last lesson starts at 3 p.m. Free admission to the traffic city.
  • Pirkkolan Plotti, a sand-bottomed swimming area for children, opens its summer season on Monday at Pirkkola Sports Park! Also Tapiola Splash Pool is back in use. Free admission.
  • Art Stories at Annantalo every weekday 10–12 and 13–15.
    Art Stories take place in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with their own adult, and older children also without their own adult. You can drop in at Art Stories anytime or stay longer.
  • Fun Journey Board Game Workshop at the City Museum of Helsinki weekdays June 3-16, 2024, 12-15. Free admission.

Activities at playgrounds on Monday

  • The playground summer season begins and the playgrounds open this week are:
    Trumpetti, Nuoli, Ida, Torpparinmäki, Kotinummi, Kankarepuisto, Kiikku, Iso-Antti, Hilleri, Arabia, Brahe, Loru, Ulvila, Maunula, 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 the City of Helsinki event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground Loru on Monday:
    10:00-10:45 Loru's games – session for children over 1 year old, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor.
    14:30-15:00 Loru's fun - baby session with changing theme, Oodi 3rd floor.
  • MLL's Perhetalo Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more on the family home's pages!

Library events on Monday

  • Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
    (Due to updates to the Helmet website, linking to daily events is no longer possible.)

TUESDAY JUNE 4, 2024

Armed Forces Flag Day

Events and activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series has many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. Summer tips also work for tourists visiting the city.
  • Baby Coffee on Tuesday at the following locations:
    – Vantaa: Robert's Coffee Jumbo 9:30 a.m.
    – Espoo: Robert's Coffee Sello 9:30 a.m.
    – Helsinki: Robert's Coffee Jugend 10 a.m.
    – Helsinki: Robert's Coffee Kamppi 1 p.m.
  • Haaga Alpine Rose Garden will soon be in its prime bloom.
  • Skidimarket is open on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall for now!
  • The Children's Traffic City summer season begins!
    On Tuesdays the traffic city is open 9–16 and children can ride pedal cars. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons begin on the hour and the last lesson starts at 3 p.m. Free admission to the traffic city.
  • Mustasaari opens to the public for this summer. The island has free admission; ferry passage is charged.
  • Summer Music at Annantalo's back courtyard on A stage Tuesday 9:30 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. Free admission.
  • Espoo: Jukran Pujut Summer Film at Children's Cultural Center Aurora on Tuesday 10-13. Free admission.
  • Art Stories at Annantalo every weekday 10–12 and 13–15.
    Art Stories take place in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with their own adult, and older children also without their own adult. You can drop in at Art Stories anytime or stay longer.
  • Helsinki Samba Carnaval June 3-9, 2024.
  • In honor of Armed Forces Flag Day, Suomenlinna War Museum and submarine Vesikko have free admission on Tuesday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Summer Crafts at Oodi's children's event space on Tuesday 12–14 p.m. Free admission.
  • Fun Journey Board Game Workshop at the City Museum of Helsinki weekdays June 3-16, 2024, 12-15. Free admission.
  • School Holiday Field Art Workshops at Helsinki Art Museum HAM on the 2nd floor of Tennis Palace Tuesday through Friday 12–16. Workshops are drop-in sessions and no pre-registration is needed. You can participate in just one or all five art workshops. Free admission to the art workshops.
  • Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays 12–19 p.m. Small admission fee.

Activities at playgrounds on Tuesday

  • The playground summer season begins and the playgrounds open this week are:
    Trumpetti, Nuoli, Ida, Torpparinmäki, Kotinummi, Kankarepuisto, Kiikku, Iso-Antti, Hilleri, Arabia, Brahe, Loru, Ulvila, Maunula, 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 the City of Helsinki event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground Loru on Tuesday:
    10:00-10:30 Loru's stroller exercise, Oodi courtyard
    13:00-13:30 Loru's fun - baby session with music and rhythm, Oodi 3rd floor.
    14:30-15:00 Loru sings – singing session for all ages, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor.
  • MLL's Perhetalo Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more on the family home's pages!

Library events on Tuesday

  • Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
    (Due to updates to the Helmet website, linking to daily events is no longer possible.)

WEDNESDAY JUNE 5, 2024

Events and activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series has many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. Summer tips also work for tourists visiting the city.
  • Haaga Alpine Rose Garden will soon be in its prime bloom.
  • Skidimarket is open on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall for now!
  • The Children's Traffic City summer season begins!
    On Wednesdays the traffic city is open 9–16 and children can ride scooters. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons begin on the hour and the last lesson starts at 3 p.m. Free admission to the traffic city.
  • Albert's Living Room is open on Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Summer Season Opening at Annantalo on Wednesday 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Free admission.
  • Art Stories at Annantalo every weekday 10–12 and 13–15.
    Art Stories take place in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with their own adult, and older children also without their own adult. You can drop in at Art Stories anytime or stay longer.
  • Helsinki Samba Carnaval June 3-9, 2024.
  • Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Experience Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5 – June 30, 2024. Open Wed–Fri 10–16 and at Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
  • School Holiday Field Art Workshops at Helsinki Art Museum HAM on the 2nd floor of Tennis Palace Tuesday through Friday 12–16. Workshops are drop-in sessions and no pre-registration is needed. You can participate in just one or all five art workshops. Free admission to the art workshops.
  • Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open Wednesdays 12–16 p.m. Small admission fee.
  • Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday 12–19 p.m. Small admission fee.

Activities at playgrounds on Wednesday

  • Playground lunch menu on Wednesday: Chickpea-coconut stew (M G K Veg)
    Bring your own pot, utensils and drinks!
  • The playground summer season begins and the playgrounds open this week are:
    Trumpetti, Nuoli, Ida, Torpparinmäki, Kotinummi, Kankarepuisto, Kiikku, Iso-Antti, Hilleri, Arabia, Brahe, Loru, Ulvila, Maunula, 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 the City of Helsinki event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground Loru on Wednesday:
    10:00-10:30 Theatre Rollo: The Realm of Chance, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor.
    13:00-14:00 Summer Fun (sensory world), Oodi 3rd floor event space
  • MLL's Perhetalo Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more on the family home's pages!

Library events on Wednesday

  • Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
    (Due to updates to the Helmet website, linking to daily events is no longer possible.)

Pienten Suomi - Over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!

THURSDAY JUNE 6, 2024

Events and activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series has many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. Summer tips also work for tourists visiting the city.
  • The Children's Traffic City summer season begins!
    On Wednesdays the traffic city is open 9–16 and children can ride scooters. Activities are aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Lessons begin on the hour and the last lesson starts at 3 p.m. Free admission to the traffic city.
  • Albert's Living Room is open on Thursdays 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Art Stories at Annantalo every weekday 10–12 and 13–15.
    Art Stories take place in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with their own adult, and older children also without their own adult. You can drop in at Art Stories anytime or stay longer.
  • Suomenlinna Museum Day is celebrated on Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Helsinki Samba Carnaval June 3-9, 2024.
  • Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Experience Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5 – June 30, 2024. Open Wed–Fri 10–16 and at Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
  • Park Patrol Concert at Playground Torpparinmäki on Thursday 10:30 a.m. Free admission.
  • Fun Journey Board Game Workshop at the City Museum of Helsinki weekdays June 3-16, 2024, 12-15. Free admission.
  • School Holiday Field Art Workshops at Helsinki Art Museum HAM on the 2nd floor of Tennis Palace Tuesday through Friday 12–16. Workshops are drop-in sessions and no pre-registration is needed. You can participate in just one or all five art workshops. Free admission to the art workshops.
  • University of Helsinki Observatory on Tähtitorninmäki is open Thursday 12–8 p.m. Museum admission fee applies.
  • Dog Parade at Lapinlahden Spring on Thursday 4–6 p.m. Free admission.

Activities at playgrounds on Thursday

  • Playground lunch menu on Thursday: Turkey-root vegetable stew (M G N S K)
    Bring your own pot, utensils and drinks!
  • The playground summer season begins and the playgrounds open this week are:
    Trumpetti, Nuoli, Ida, Torpparinmäki, Kotinummi, Kankarepuisto, Kiikku, Iso-Antti, Hilleri, Arabia, Brahe, Loru, Ulvila, Maunula, 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 the City of Helsinki event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground Loru on Thursday:
    10:00-11:00 Loru finds - physical search session for children over 2 years old, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor
    13:00-13:30 Loru's fun - baby session with changing theme, Oodi 3rd floor.
    14:30-15:00 Loru reads – interactive reading session for children over 1 year old, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor.
  • MLL's Perhetalo Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more on the family home's pages!

Library events on Thursday

  • Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
    (Due to updates to the Helmet website, linking to daily events is no longer possible.)

FRIDAY JUNE 7, 2024

Events and activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series has many tips for spending summer in Helsinki. Summer tips also work for tourists visiting the city.
  • Haaga Alpine Rose Garden will soon be in its prime bloom.
  • Skidimarket is open on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall for now!
  • Albert's Living Room is open on Fridays 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Art Stories at Annantalo every weekday 10–12 and 13–15.
    Art Stories take place in summer 2024 in Annantalo's courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with their own adult, and older children also without their own adult. You can drop in at Art Stories anytime or stay longer.
  • The Children's Traffic City summer season begins!
    Fridays and Sundays are age-unrestricted family days and the traffic city is open 10–16 a.m. On family days no lessons are organized and children move around the traffic city under the guidance of their own adult. Driving time 30 minutes. Free admission to the traffic city.
  • Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Experience Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5 – June 30, 2024. Open Wed–Fri 10–16 and at Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
  • Fun Journey Board Game Workshop at the City Museum of Helsinki weekdays June 3-16, 2024, 12-15. Free admission.
  • School Holiday Field Art Workshops at Helsinki Art Museum HAM on the 2nd floor of Tennis Palace Tuesday through Friday 12–16. Workshops are drop-in sessions and no pre-registration is needed. You can participate in just one or all five art workshops. Free admission to the art workshops.
  • Skate Container Opening at Eläintarha Skate Park on Friday 12–8 p.m. Free admission.
  • Helsinki Samba Carnaval June 3-9, 2024.
  • Lapland Military Band Guard Parade at Senate Square starting at 12 p.m.
    The 2024 summer guard parades begin at Senate Square, where entertainment music, formations and weapons exercises are performed. The parade then continues to the beat of march music around Havis Amanda to Esplanade and in front of the Helsinki main guard. From the main guard the parade proceeds around Esplanade Park via Kasarminkatu to Kasarmi Square, where the parade ends.
  • Nature Walk for Families around Töölönlahti on Friday 1 p.m. Free admission.
  • MIL-Espa: Lapland Band at Espan Stage on Friday 2 p.m. Free admission.
  • University of Helsinki Observatory on Tähtitorninmäki is open Friday 12–4 p.m. Museum admission fee applies.

Activities at playgrounds on Friday

  • Playground lunch menu on Friday: Sibling Sausage Stew (M G K)
    Bring your own pot, utensils and drinks!
  • The playground summer season begins and the playgrounds open this week are:
    Trumpetti, Nuoli, Ida, Torpparinmäki, Kotinummi, Kankarepuisto, Kiikku, Iso-Antti, Hilleri, Arabia, Brahe, Loru, Ulvila, Maunula, 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 the City of Helsinki event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground Loru on Friday:
    10:00-10:30 Loru sings – singing session for all ages, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor.
    14:00-14:45 Loru's games – session for children over 1 year old, Oodi courtyard or 3rd floor.
  • MLL's Perhetalo Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more on the family home's pages!

Library events on Friday

  • Helmet library events for children can be found on Helmet's event page.
    (Due to updates to the Helmet website, linking to daily events is no longer possible.)

SATURDAY JUNE 8, 2024

World Oceans Day

Events and activity tips

  • King's Picnic Event at Håkansbölen Manor on Saturday 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission; some programs require advance registration.
  • Imperial Guard Band Festival in Suomenlinna on Saturday.
    - Children's Concert at Levyhalli on Saturday 11:15 a.m., reserve seats for the concert here.
    - Parade at 5 p.m. Levyhalli–Parade Field–Suomenlinna Church–Levyhalli.
    Finnish Armed Forces Conscript Band with rifle platoons.
    - MILjazz at 6 p.m. at Parade Field.
  • Flea Market! Konepaja District Flea Market on Saturday 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Konepajanraitti next to Konepaja Park.
  • Konepaja Festival at the former Konepaja factory area on Saturday. Children's area with programming 11 a.m.–6 p.m., live music at the festival 2–10 p.m. Free admission.

    Commercial collaboration:
  • Suomenlinna Adventure Tour: Secret of Wolf Island on Saturday 12 p.m. Tickets €14 (children under 16) and €16 (adults).
    Secret of Wolf Island is a historically-based adventure tour for children (ages 6–13) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving riddles, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange coincidences from centuries past. The tour introduces visitors to Suomenlinna and the 18th century in a fun and immersive way.
  • Family Picnic at Ala-Malmi Park behind Malmitalo on Saturday 12–5 p.m. Free admission.
  • Helsinki Samba Carnaval carnival parade departs Senate Square on Saturday 3 p.m. and follows the route Pohjoiseplanadi–Mannerheimintie–Aleksanterinkatu returning to Senate Square. Senate Square has festival programming all day.
  • Helsinki Samba Carnaval June 3-9, 2024.

SUNDAY JUNE 9, 2024

Events and activity tips