Pienten Helsinki
What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with kids on weekends or 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. In summer months, the activity tips include event suggestions as well as ideas for spending vacation days. The website targets families with preschool-age children.
Where to go this week -article continues with a slightly modified concept. The article lists the week's event highlights and the most interesting activity tips of the week. It also includes highlights from Little Helsinki articles and news. The page's future remains open, but we'll continue with this concept through the end of July.
#littlehelsinki
Have you explored an interesting place? It would be wonderful if you would use the hashtag #littlehelsinki when sharing your pictures. Your photos will be a joy and inspiration to other adventurers. As a thank you, I promise to treat you to hot juices at one of Helsinki's classic events we'll be celebrating together this fall 😉
New on Little Helsinki: Summer in Helsinki -series with 38 articles about summer activities in Helsinki.
Want to collaborate with Little Helsinki? Read more about the website's background and collaboration opportunities!
Helsinki Places article has been updated and now lists 120 destinations to rescue boring days or inspire your adventures in the city!
City Paths for Families
Little Helsinki will publish a new concept of urban tourism in the coming months as hospitality student Heidi Säynätkari creates city paths for families to various neighborhoods in Helsinki as her thesis. The publication of family city paths has been delayed due to server issues and the paths will be published as soon as possible!
MONDAY JULY 8, 2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Monday can be found at the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Monday's playground lunch is cheese and vegetable stew (L, G, K). Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at noon until early August. Bring your own plate, utensils, and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki City's event calendar. Monday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Summer Day at Töölönlahti event celebrating the opening of Finland's EU presidency at Töölönlahti Park and Citizens' Square starting Monday at 9 a.m. Special programming for children, with the day's highlight being the children's music orchestra Pikka Papun concert at 3 p.m. The full Summer Day program can be found on Helsinki City's website.
1920s cars at Hakasalmen Manor courtyard Monday 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission. The event is part of the Summer Day at Töölönlahti event.
Helsinki Cup, one of the world's largest junior football tournaments, fills the city's fields July 8-13, 2019. You can watch games for free around Helsinki. More information about Helsinki Cup can be found on the tournament's own website.
The Love The Ball Center program at Käpylä Sports Park can be found here.
Children's Traffic City summer. Check the detailed summer program on the Traffic City website.
Fallkullan farm is open daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Rastila campground activity week July 8-14, 2019. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Main Hall Monday at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and showtimes can be found on Musiikkitalo's website.
Espoo: Aurora Summer Patio self-serve craft workshop Monday through Friday June 3–August 1, 2019 at the Aurora Children's Culture Center patio. More information at Aurora's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer. More information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Meilahti arboretum's rose garden is at its most beautiful now!
Want to go to summer theater with kids? Little Helsinki's summer theater tips can be found here.
Helsinki Cup opening ceremony takes place Monday at 7:30 p.m. with a procession from Senate Square to Töölönlahti Park. You'll see and hear the opening program at the destination. More information about the opening on Helsinki Cup's website.
For Navy Day ships arrive off the coast of Helsinki on Monday July 8, 2019 in a ship parade.
Museums open on Mondays include the National Museum (summer season), Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex, Päivälehti Museum, and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo (summer season).
Summer tip: Summer activities in Helsinki list has many tips for adventures in Helsinki.
TUESDAY JULY 9, 2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Tuesday can be found at the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Tuesday's playground lunch is fish stew (L, G, N, S, K).
Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at noon until early August. Bring your own plate, utensils, and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki City's event calendar. Tuesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Navy Day is celebrated around Market Square starting Tuesday at 8 a.m. The program includes a parade viewing, ship visits, equipment display, and treats from the military home. Navy Day events have free admission. As a visibility campaign for the day, people are encouraged to wear striped shirts. More information at the Navy's website.
Helsinki Cup, one of the world's largest junior football tournaments, fills the city's fields July 8-13, 2019. You can watch games for free around Helsinki. More information about Helsinki Cup can be found on the tournament's own website.
The Love The Ball Center program at Käpylä Sports Park can be found here.
Children's Traffic City summer. Check the detailed summer program on the Traffic City website.
Fallkullan farm is open daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Rastila campground activity week July 8-14, 2019. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Trip tip: A summer day on Mustasaari!
Want to go to summer theater with kids? Little Helsinki's summer theater tips can be found here.
Meilahti arboretum's rose garden is at its most beautiful now!
Vantaa: Free grazing visits at Katrinebergin Manor's farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays 5–6 p.m. More information at Vantaa City's website.
City dances at Annantalo's A stage Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Read more at Annantalo's website.
Espoo: Aurora Summer Patio self-serve craft workshop Monday through Friday June 3–August 1, 2019 at the Aurora Children's Culture Center patio. More information at Aurora's website.
Summer tip: Museum tips for rainy days.
WEDNESDAY JULY 10, 2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Wednesday can be found at the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Wednesday's playground lunch is broiler and vegetable pasta bake
(M, N, S, K). Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at noon until early August. Bring your own plate, utensils, and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki City's event calendar. Wednesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Helsinki Cup, one of the world's largest junior football tournaments, fills the city's fields July 8-13, 2019. You can watch games for free around Helsinki. More information about Helsinki Cup can be found on the tournament's own website.
The Love The Ball Center program at Käpylä Sports Park can be found here.
A community garden is being set up on Annantalo's patio in 2019 and on Wednesdays the program includes gardening work parties open to all 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Children's Traffic City summer. Check the detailed summer program on the Traffic City website.
Fallkullan farm is open daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Great Painting Event at Central Library Oodi Wednesday starting at 10 a.m. Paint your own work for the pop-up exhibition. More information at the event's Facebook page.
Want to go to summer theater with kids? Little Helsinki's summer theater tips can be found here.
Rastila campground activity week July 8-14, 2019. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Kindergarten Museum is closed in July.
Find a picture book! Children's book event at Riku Summer Patio Wednesday 1–2 p.m. More information at the event's Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Talo Museum Glims 4H farm grazing visits on Wednesdays 3:30–4:30 p.m. Read more at the museum's website. Admission to Glims is free during grazing visits.
The National Museum tower can be climbed on summer Wednesdays 4–6 p.m. Tower tour ticket costs €5 and can be purchased at the ticket office on Wednesdays (no advance sales). More information at the museum's website.
Espoo: Pikku-Aurora Summer Patio self-serve craft workshop Monday through Friday June 3–August 1, 2019 at Pikku-Aurora Children's Culture Center patio. More information at Aurora's website.
Summer tip: Going to Helsinki with kids for the first time?
THURSDAY JULY 11, 2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Thursday can be found at the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Thursday's playground lunch is paprika cream soup (M, G, K, VEG) Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at noon until early August. Bring your own plate, utensils, and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki City's event calendar. Thursday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Helsinki Cup, one of the world's largest junior football tournaments, fills the city's fields July 8-13, 2019. You can watch games for free around Helsinki. More information about Helsinki Cup can be found on the tournament's own website.
The Love The Ball Center program at Käpylä Sports Park can be found here.
Children's Traffic City summer. Check the detailed summer program on the Traffic City website.
Want to go to summer theater with kids? Little Helsinki's summer theater tips can be found here.
Rastila campground activity week July 8-14, 2019. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Fallkullan farm is open daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Main Hall Thursday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and showtimes can be found on Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer. More information at Musiikkitalo's website.
HELRide 2019 skateboarding event at Suvilahti and other places in the city July 11-13, 2019. More information at the event's website.
Tip for Espoo: Talo Museum Glims 4H farm grazing visits continue on Thursdays 3:30–4:30 p.m. Read more at the museum's website. Admission to Glims is free during grazing visits.
Espoo: Pikku-Aurora Summer Patio self-serve craft workshop weekdays June 3–August 1, 2019 at Pikku-Aurora Children's Culture Center patio. More information at Aurora's website.
Summer tip: Care rooms around the city.
FRIDAY JULY 12, 2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region on Friday can be found at the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Friday's playground lunch is pea soup (M, G, N, K). Helsinki offers free lunch to all children and young people under 16 at playgrounds on weekdays at noon until early August. Bring your own plate, utensils, and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki City's event calendar. Friday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Helsinki Cup, one of the world's largest junior football tournaments, fills the city's fields July 8-13, 2019. You can watch games for free around Helsinki. More information about Helsinki Cup can be found on the tournament's own website.
The Love The Ball Center program at Käpylä Sports Park can be found here.
Children's Traffic City summer. Check the detailed summer program on the Traffic City website.
Fallkullan farm is open daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Rastila campground activity week July 8-14, 2019. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Main Hall Friday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and showtimes can be found on Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer. More information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Want to go to summer theater with kids? Little Helsinki's summer theater tips can be found here.
HELRide 2019 skateboarding event at Suvilahti and other places in the city July 11-13, 2019. More information at the event's website.
Meilahti arboretum's rose garden is at its most beautiful now!
Vantaa: Free grazing visits at Katrinebergin Manor's farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays 5–6 p.m. More information at Vantaa City's website.
Espoo: Summer patio self-serve craft workshop Monday through Friday June 3–August 1, 2019 at Pikku-Aurora Children's Culture Center patio. More information at Aurora's website.
Summer tip: Kids in restaurants challenge is progressing slowly but surely. You can still nominate well-tested restaurants and cafes and help others find kid-friendly places.
SATURDAY JULY 13, 2019
Events at libraries
Helmet libraries summer hours.
Story times and children's events are on break on summer Saturdays.
Events and activity tips
Helsinki Cup, one of the world's largest junior football tournaments, fills the city's fields July 8-13, 2019. You can watch games for free around Helsinki. More information about Helsinki Cup can be found on the tournament's own website.
The Love The Ball Center program at Käpylä Sports Park can be found here.
Fallkullan farm is open daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Hop aboard the heritage tram from Market Square corner, near the Havis Amanda statue 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tickets €6, children under 2 travel free on laps. Read more on the heritage tram's website.
Summer tip to Häme region: Open Farms events at farms throughout Central and Päijät-Häme on Saturday 11 a.m.–3 p.m. More information at the event's Facebook page.
Summer tip to Kirkkonummi: American cars at the Farm Shop in Eestinkylä Saturday 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Kids can enjoy, among other things, tractor rides. More information on the Farm Shop's Facebook page.
Want to go to summer theater with kids? Little Helsinki's summer theater tips can be found here.
HELRide 2019 skateboarding event at Suvilahti on Saturday. More information at the event's website.
Linnanmäki's Roller Coaster 68th birthday celebration features free rides on the roller coaster. More information at Linnanmäki's website.
Rastila campground activity week July 8-14, 2019. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Meilahti arboretum's rose garden is at its most beautiful now!
Exhibition: Check out Pekka Töpöhäntä -new exhibition at Päivälehti Museum! Museum open Saturdays 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission.
Haltia farm is practically always open and animals spend summer in outdoor pastures. Drop by to say hello to vacationing police horses, play at Haltia playground or enjoy refreshments at Old Pehtori.
Elephantasy - Funky Family Picnic 2019 event at Alppipuisto Saturday starting at 2 p.m. Featuring live music, dancing, and workshops for the whole family. More information at the event's Facebook page.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer. More information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Tip to Porvoo (for adults): Tove Jansson's summer home Klovharu open visiting week July 13-19, 2019 in Porvoo at Pellinge archipelago. More information at the local heritage association's website.
Summer tip: You can view Helsinki from a different perspective by spotting various vehicles around the city!
SUNDAY JULY 14, 2019
Events and activity tips
Meilahti arboretum's rose garden is at its most beautiful now!
Fallkullan farm is open daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Haltia farm is practically always open and animals spend summer in outdoor pastures. Drop by to say hello to vacationing police horses, play at Haltia playground or enjoy refreshments at Old Pehtori.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer. More information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Children's Traffic City summer. Traffic City is open on summer Sundays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Check the detailed program on the Traffic City website. Free admission.
Espoo: Forest adventures in the surroundings of Villa Elfvik Sunday 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The trip follows children's pace. Bring snacks and dress for the weather. The Fairytale School -trip is also suitable for those with strollers. More information at Elfvik's website
Want to go to summer theater with kids? Little Helsinki's summer theater tips can be found here.
Flea market! Sunday flea market on Aleksis Kivi Street starting at 11 a.m.!
At the National Museum's summer patio, witness Finland and Japan's centennial diplomatic relations celebration with a Yagyu-Shingage-ryu: bamboo sword fighting demonstration at 2:30 p.m. and Ogasawara-ryu: Momote – two-team archery ceremony at 3:15 p.m. After the performances, the audience has the opportunity to take photos with the performers. More information at the museum's website.
Flea market! Evening flea market pop-up cleaning day at Aurinkolahti Sunday 5–8 p.m. Read more at the event's Facebook page.
Tip to Porvoo (for adults): Tove Jansson's summer home Klovharu open visiting week July 13-19, 2019 in Porvoo at Pellinge archipelago. More information at the local heritage association's website.
Summer tip: Summer tips for Helsinki can be found in one place!
Remember also
Summer sheep in Helsinki's islands: Vartiosaari, Kuusiluoto, and Mustasaari (sheep are on neighboring Hevossaari island, which has a bridge connection) have welcomed sheep for the summer.
Animals in the city article brings together the best tips for Helsinki's and surrounding areas' best places to see farm animals.
The Mystery of the Hidden Ship -adventure tour in Suomenlinna June 11–August 3, 2019 and August 10 and 17, 2019. Fee required.
Children's maritime adventure - Cannon Sloop Diana family sailings June 26–August 31, 2019. More information at the event's website. Fee required.
Want to go to summer theater with kids? Little Helsinki's summer theater tips can be found here.
Espa Stage's full summer program can be found on the stage's own website.
Linnanmäki is open daily during summer. Free entry to the amusement park grounds, with free rides available for little daredevils.
In Espoo: Toy Museum at the Horseshoe invites you on a journey in the Menopeli play exhibition. Museum entrance fee required.
Exhibition: Check out Pekka Töpöhäntä -new exhibition at Päivälehti Museum!
Helsinki Places article is the remedy for boring days with kids!
Little Helsinki as an app on your phone!
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