Pienten Helsinki
What kid-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and highlights child-friendly events in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website is aimed at families with pre-school aged children.
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MONDAY 10.2.2020
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Monday can be found at Helmet-event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own communication channels. Monday events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room, an open meeting place for families and seniors in Kamppi, is open again on Mondays from 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
MLL's Dad Cafe at Iso-Antinleikkipuisto playground on Mondays at 10 a.m. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Puppet Theatre Music Class at Sampo's aula gallery on Monday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Paid (€8/session or €80/whole season). Read more on Puppet Theatre Sampo's website.
Art Clinic for 3-6 year-olds at Annantalo on Monday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You can participate in the art clinic weekly or just occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No pre-registration required. Read more about Art Clinic activities on Annantalo's website.
For babies: Baby Monday at Kunsthalle from 1–3 p.m. The event features a tour of Anu Tuominen's exhibition led by art educators Liini Laeksen and Iisa Juva and Kunsthalle's own guide. All babies under one year old are welcome with their parents. There's a separate play session for babies. Tickets €14 / €8 / Museum card. More information on Kunsthalle's website.
Museums open on Mondays include Helsinki City Museum and Children's Town, Amos Rex (admission fee), Tram Museum, and Päivälehti Museum.
TUESDAY 11.2.2020
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own communication channels. Tuesday events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
112 Day at Oodi Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event includes a chance to get to know a fire truck. Read more from the event's Facebook page.
Family Ball Games at Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move with their own adult on soft artificial grass. Free play, gymnastics, running, or practicing walking. Family ball games on Tuesdays from 9:30–11:30 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. Free entry for everyone at the morning session, afternoon session costs adults Pallomylly's day rate (€3.50). Really easy and low-threshold sports for the family's smallest members!
New opening hours! Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays from 12–7 p.m. Small admission fee.
Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops at Cultural Centre Caisa on Tuesday from 1:30–3:30 p.m. Workshops are suitable for 1.5–3-year-old children with a guardian. You can drop by or stay longer. No pre-registration required, free entry. More information on Caisa's website.
Musical Story about Forest Animals for the whole family at Laajasalo library at 2 p.m. Free entry. Read more from the event's Facebook page.
WEDNESDAY 12.2.2020
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Tip for babies and parents: BabyKino at Kallio Library. You can take your baby to movies on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. BabyKino's own group on Facebook can be found here, where the week's film is published and upcoming programming is voted on, for example. More information can also be found on BabyKino's Facebook page.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own communication channels. Wednesday events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room, an open meeting place for families and seniors in Kamppi, is open on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
In Swedish: Theatre Hevosenkenkä: Pettson and Findus performance at Annantalo on Wednesday at 10 a.m. The performance is recommended for children over 3 years old. Tickets €11.50. More information on Annantalo's website.
Harakka Cooks Stew puppet theatre performance at Sampo on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Tickets €12. The performance is suitable for all ages, especially the youngest viewers. More information on Sampo's website.
Fallkulla Farm is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free entry.
For babies: New Mothers and Babies Craft Circle on Wednesday from 12–2 p.m. in Verstas247 - Craftgym space on Toinen Linja. €6 per session. Read more from the event's Facebook page.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Wednesdays from 12–4 p.m. Admission €2, children under 15 free. More information on the museum's website.
New opening hours! Valentine's Day at the Kindergarten Museum on Wednesday from 12–7 p.m. Small admission fee.
Wednesday Unhurried Gallery Workshop: Silent Candy Bag at Vuotalo's atrium on Wednesday from 4–6 p.m. Free entry. Read more on Vuotalo's website.
Espoo: For baby families: Sounds Evening Color Bath at Children's Culture Centre Aurora on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tickets €8. More information on Aurora's website.
THURSDAY 13.2.2020
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own communication channels. Thursday events can be browsed here.
Highlight: Valentine's Day Toddler Disco and Costume Party at Puuskankulma playground (Jollas) on Friday from 10:30–11:15 a.m.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room, an open meeting place for families and seniors in Kamppi, is open on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
Liikuntamylly's 20th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free entry all day (bring your own padlock for the locker!). More information from the event's Facebook page.
In Swedish: Theatre Hevosenkenkä: Pettson and Findus performance at Annantalo on Thursday at 10 a.m. The performance is recommended for children over 3 years old. Tickets €11.50. More information on Annantalo's website.
Harakka Cooks Stew puppet theatre performance at Stoa on Thursday at 10 a.m. Tickets €12. The performance is suitable for all ages, especially the youngest viewers. More information on Stoa's website.
Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops at Cultural Centre Caisa on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Workshops are suitable for 1.5–3-year-old children with a guardian. You can drop by or stay longer. No pre-registration required, free entry. More information on Caisa's website.
Fallkulla Farm is open on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free entry.
Student Pranks Take Over Helsinki's Center and you can wave at the high school students during the candy shower, for example, in Esplanaadi park around 1–1:45 p.m. The student floats depart from Kaivopuisto waterfront at 1 p.m. and circle around Eteläranta and Esplanaadi park a few times. Read more about the celebrations and see the exact route for the floats on the City of Helsinki's website.
Family Ball Games at Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move with their own adult on soft artificial grass. Free play, gymnastics, running, or practicing walking. Family ball games on Thursdays from 4–5 p.m. Free entry for children, €3.50 from adults (Pallomylly day rate). Really easy and low-threshold sports for the family's smallest members!
Espoo: Finland's Largest Miniature Railway on the 2nd floor of Ainooa shopping center on Thursday from 4–7 p.m. Voluntary admission fee. More information on Alppirailway Enthusiasts' website.
Family Fun Nights at Porolahti Primary School on Thursdays at 5 p.m. Free entry. More information from the event's Facebook page.
FRIDAY 14.2.2020
Valentine's Day
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own communication channels. Friday events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room, an open meeting place for families and seniors in Kamppi, is open on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
In Swedish: Theatre Hevosenkenkä: Pettson and Findus performance at Annantalo on Friday at 10 a.m. The performance is recommended for children over 3 years old. Tickets €11.50. More information on Annantalo's website.
Naperokino at Annantalo on Friday at 10 a.m. Age recommendation: 0–3 years with an adult; older children are also welcome. Free entry to the movies. More information on Annantalo's website.
Harakka Cooks Stew puppet theatre performance at Sampo on Friday at 10 a.m. Tickets €12. The performance is suitable for all ages, especially the youngest viewers. More information on Sampo's website.
Children's Fridays at Alppila Church on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The program for the whole season can be found on the event's Facebook page.
Fallkulla Farm is open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free entry.
I Want to Tell You - Valentine's Day Event at Helsinki City Museum on Friday from 1–3 p.m. and 4–8:45 p.m. You can come for the whole time or just pop by for a moment. The event is suitable for all ages. Free entry, as always at the City Museum. More information on the museum's website.
Old Dances can be admired at the Ice Hall on Friday at 2 p.m. The event is open to everyone and there's certainly room in the stands. Free entry.
Kino Helios: Hayseed, Raggy and the Cheeky Schoolboy (S) film at Malmitalo on Friday at 6 p.m. Tickets €7. More information on Malmitalo's website.
Porvoo: Porvoo Lights Light Festival 14.–15.2.2020 from 6–9 p.m.
SATURDAY 15.2.2020
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Saturday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events and activity tips
Skateboarding School from babies to grandparents at Kontula skateboarding hall, Luuppi Skate, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Course fee. More information, registration and course times on Helride's website.
Espoo: Saturday Craft Session: Baltic Sea Inhabitants at Children's Culture Centre Aurora on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free entry. Read more on Aurora's website.
Bokbio: Short Film and Craft at the Nordic Cultural Centre's library on Saturday at 11 a.m. Recommended for 2–6-year-olds. Free entry. Read more on the cultural center's website.
Children's Saturday at Maunula House on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. More information on Maunula House's website.
Espoo: Winter Nature Day at Haltia Nature Centre on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free; there is an admission fee for Haltia's exhibitions. More information on Haltia's website.
Espoo: Finland's Largest Miniature Railway on the 2nd floor of Ainooa shopping center on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voluntary admission fee. More information on Alppirailway Enthusiasts' website.
Harakka Cooks Stew puppet theatre performance at Sampo on Saturday at 12 p.m. Tickets €12. The performance is suitable for all ages, especially the youngest viewers. More information on Sampo's website.
Family Day: Valentine's Day Saturday at Kultuurimylly (Myllypuro) on Saturday from 1–3 p.m. Free entry. Make a reservation and read more on Kultuurimylly's website.
Winter Break Treasure Trail at Lapinlahti on Saturday from 1–3 p.m. More information from the event's Facebook page.
DanceAbility Dance Class at Annantalo at 2 p.m. The class is suitable for all 3–12-year-olds with their own adult, regardless of disability or lack thereof. Read more about DanceAbility classes on Annantalo's website.
Family Saturday at Ice Park on Saturday from 2–4 p.m. Admission fee. More information on Ice Park's website.
Kino Helios: Hayseed, Raggy and the Cheeky Schoolboy (S) film at Malmitalo on Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets €7. More information on Malmitalo's website.
Porvoo: Porvoo Lights Light Festival 14.–15.2.2020 from 6–9 p.m.
Helsinki Places article is a lifesaver on boring days with kids!
SUNDAY 16.2.2020
Events and activity tips
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Family Fun at Liikuntamylly in Myllypuro on Sunday mornings from 9–10:45 a.m. Admission fee for adults €3.50, children under 9 participate free. You can arrive on your own schedule; there's space for strollers in the hallway and it's a good idea to pack your own padlock for the locker. Read more in Little Helsinki's Helsinki on the Move tips article.
Fallkulla Farm is open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free entry.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Sundays from 12–4 p.m. Admission €2, children under 15 free. More information on the museum's website.
Espoo: Finland's Largest Miniature Railway on the 2nd floor of Ainooa shopping center on Sunday from 12–4 p.m. Voluntary admission fee. More information on Alppirailway Enthusiasts' website.
Megamuskari at Annantalo on Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets €6. Register in advance and read more on Annantalo's website.
Media Literacy Week Evening Story Time at Oodi on Sunday at 5 p.m.
Also Remember
Exhibition: Forest of Elves - photos from Helsinki's Central Park from Maunula to Pitkäkoski at Maunula House 9.2.2020 – 5.3.2020. Free entry.
Exhibition: Object as Painting Base in the glass wing on the second floor of Annantalo 6.2.2020 - 8.3.2020 during Annantalo's opening hours.
Exhibition: All at Home - Exhibition about the diversity of everyday life and families at Annantalo's art gallery 6.2.2020 - 14.5.2020 during Annantalo's opening hours.
Ice skating is available at least at several of the city's artificial ice rinks. There is a small admission fee for artificial ice rinks. Read more about admission fees and opening hours on the City of Helsinki's website.
Laajasalo Sports Park (free of charge) and Jätkäsaari next to Verkkokauppa.com have a new artificial ice rink, where there are no reserved times, only stick hockey hours separately. You can also ice skate at Ice Park at Rautatientori and at Tapiola Ice Garden (free entry to Ice Garden, as with all Espoo artificial ice rinks).
Current ice conditions can be found in the outdoor recreation service (change activity to ice skating).
Helsinki Places article is a lifesaver on boring days with kids!
Little Helsinki as an app on your phone!
Little Helsinki now also works as a PWA app. You can install Little Helsinki on your Android or iPhone simply by opening the site in Chrome or Safari browser and selecting Add to Home Screen from the share menu. A PWA app differs from a traditional app in that you don't need to install it separately from the App Store or similar. In practice, the content is exactly the same as in the browser, but the page loads faster.
Little Helsinki does not require registration to function now, nor ever.
