What to do or where to go with children? What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series finds activity ideas and suggests family-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website's target audience is families with children under ten years old.

The article's cover photo is from Vanhankaupunkinkoski, where a statue created by Hannu Konttinen in memory of Katariina Saxlina gazes toward the spring rapids of the gorge. The statue is located next to the Matinkaari walking bridge, on the Arabia side of the shore.

Pienten Helsinki celebrates its 6th birthday this Saturday!
The first "Where to go this week" article was published on April 15, 2017 in the form of Easter tips!

Pienten Helsinki turns 6 years old!

MONDAY APRIL 10, 2023

On Monday, you'll find tips here due to the Easter holidays.


Exhibition tips for children

Museum tips for children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's theme article!


TUESDAY APRIL 11, 2023

Events and activity ideas

Uunisaari Island can be reached on Thursday, April 13, 2023, for the last time by bridge before the boat lane opens for the summer season.

MLL Myllypuro and Metropolia HyMy Village family café in Metropolia's Myllypuro facilities (next to the metro station) on Tuesday from 9-11 am. Each time also includes varying programs for families. Free entry.
This week's theme: Learn rhyme games together!

Health center park at the Kamppi family center on Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 1 pm.

Family fun times in the Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9). In family ball play, all children under 9 move with their own adult on soft artificial grass. Free play, stunts, running, or learning to walk. Family fun times on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 am and 4-6 pm during January 9 – April 28, 2023. Free entry.

Children's daycare museum is open on Tuesdays from 12-7 pm. Small entrance fee.

Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway in Ainoa Shopping Center (Tapiola) on the 1st floor, behind Kaisan Café on Tuesday from 2-6 pm. Free entry.

Family fun times at Sakarinmäki primary school (Knutersintie 924) on Tuesdays from 5-6:30 pm during January 10 – April 25, 2023. Family fun times offer children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free entry.

Family fun times at Kankarepuisto primary school (Jakomäenpolku 6) on Tuesdays from 5:15-6:15 pm during January 10 – April 25, 2023. Family fun times offer children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free entry.

Activities in playgrounds on Tuesday

Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) in the Loru playground, activities on Tuesday:
11-11:30 am Stroller exercise, Oodi courtyard
3-3:30 pm Loru songs – music session for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor

Open from January 9 – June 4, 2023 are playgrounds Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Dragon Playground, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Squirrel, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that playground Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building will be demolished and only after-school activities for school children will be organized in substitute premises.

Playgrounds announce their programs through the City of Helsinki's event calendar and the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.

Tips for Helsinki's best play places and presentation of the latest play places can be found in Pienten Helsinki.

Library events on Tuesday

Helmet library events for children on Tuesday can be found on Helmet's event page.


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


WEDNESDAY APRIL 12, 2023

Events and activity ideas

Uunisaari Island can be reached on Thursday, April 13, 2023, for the last time by bridge before the boat lane opens for the summer season.

Albertin living room, a family meeting place open to all at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 3 pm.

Fire museum at the Erottaja fire station is open on Wednesdays from 12-4 pm. Small entrance fee.

Children's daycare museum is open on Wednesday from 12-7 pm. Small entrance fee.

Family fun times at Käpylä primary school (Untamontie 2) on Wednesdays from 5-6:30 pm during January 11 – April 26, 2023. Family fun times offer children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free entry.

Activities in playgrounds on Wednesday

Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) in the Loru playground, activities on Wednesday:
11 am-1 pm Loru creates – arts and crafts for all ages
2-3:30 pm Loru creates – arts and crafts for all ages

Open from January 9 – June 4, 2023 are playgrounds Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Dragon Playground, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Squirrel, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that playground Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building will be demolished and only after-school activities for school children will be organized in substitute premises.

Playgrounds announce their programs through the City of Helsinki's event calendar and the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.

Tips for Helsinki's best play places and presentation of the latest play places can be found in Pienten Helsinki.

Library events on Wednesday

Helmet library events for children on Wednesday can be found on Helmet's event page.


THURSDAY APRIL 13, 2023

Events and activity ideas

Uunisaari Island can be reached on Thursday, April 13, 2023, for the last time by bridge before the boat lane opens for the summer season.

Haltiala farm sheep pasture opens to the public on April 13, 2023. The sheep pasture is open until the move to outdoor pasture on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am-12 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am-1 pm.

Family fun times at Kurkimäki terrace house (Karpalokuja 7) on Thursdays from 9:30-11 am during January 12 – April 27, 2023. Family fun times offer children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free entry.

Family fun times at Tali sports park soccer hall (Purotie 8) on Thursdays from 9:30-11 am during January 12 – April 27, 2023. Family fun times offer children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free entry.

Albertin living room, a family meeting place open to all at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Thursdays from 9:30 am to 3 pm.

Following migrating birds – bird guidance in the Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden on Thursday at 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. The guided walk starts from in front of the greenhouse and lasts about 45 minutes. Suitable for all ages. Free entry.

Espoo: For babies and parents! Baby art play at Emma Museum in Espoo from 1-3 pm. Museum entrance fee.

Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway in Ainoa Shopping Center (Tapiola) on the 1st floor, behind Kaisan Café on Thursday from 2-6 pm. Free entry.

Family fun times in the Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9). In family ball play, all children under 9 move with their own adult on soft artificial grass. Free play, stunts, running, or learning to walk. Family fun times on Thursday from 4-5 pm during January 11 – April 28, 2023. Free entry.

Family fun times at Porolahti primary school (Roihuvuorentie 2) on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm during January 12 – April 27, 2023. Family fun times offer children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free entry.

Family fun times at Pukinmäenkaar primary school (Kenttäkuja 12) on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm during January 12 – April 27, 2023. Family fun times offer children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free entry.

Family fun times at Malminkartano elementary school (Puustellintie 6) on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm during January 12 – April 20, 2023. Family fun times offer children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free entry.

Family fun times at Kamppi sports center (Malminkatu 3) on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm during January 12 – April 27, 2023 (not week 8). Family fun times offer children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free entry.

Activities in playgrounds on Thursday

Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) in the Loru playground, activities on Thursday:
11-11:30 am Moving with a baby - energetic movement and dancing
3-3:30 pm Loru games – play and fun for over 1-year-olds

Open from January 9 – June 4, 2023 are playgrounds Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Dragon Playground, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Squirrel, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that playground Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building will be demolished and only after-school activities for school children will be organized in substitute premises.

Playgrounds announce their programs through the City of Helsinki's event calendar and the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.

Tips for Helsinki's best play places and presentation of the latest play places can be found in Pienten Helsinki.

Library events on Thursday

Helmet library events for children on Thursday can be found on Helmet's event page.


FRIDAY APRIL 14, 2023

Events and activity ideas

Commercial partnership:

Children's Fair at the Helsinki Exhibition Center from Friday to Sunday! Lots of programs and activities for children, read more from Pienten Helsinki's Children's Fair with children article!
Tickets 23 €/ 16 € / 10 €, under 4-year-olds free. Pre-purchased tickets to the Children's Fair at a lower price!

Note that the Children's Fair allergy-free day can be celebrated on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Pet Fair is also held at the Exhibition Center.

Albertin living room, a family meeting place open to all at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Fridays from 9:30 am to 3 pm.

Commercial partnership:

Opening of the renovated children's world at the downtown Helsinki Stockmann department store April 13-16, 2023.
Welcome to celebrate the opening of the downtown Helsinki department store's renovated Children's World!

From the new, immersive children's and youth department, you'll find a comprehensive selection of children's clothing and supplies from babies to teenagers. Also welcome to visit the newly opened Stockmann's Small Toy Store. The largest toy store in the Nordic region offers surprises and adventures for all ages, and from the extensive selection you'll find a favorite for every play lover.

Opening program on Friday:

11 am Presentations of children's clothing brands
3-6:30 pm Treasure hunt

What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days in Pienten Helsinki!

Activities in playgrounds on Friday

Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) in the Loru playground, activities on Friday:
11-11:30 am Loru rides the waves – a story-based play session for over 2-year-olds
1-1:30 pm Loru's warmth – baby session for under 1-year-olds
3-3:30 pm Loru's warmth – baby session for under 1-year-olds

Open from January 9 – June 4, 2023 are playgrounds Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Dragon Playground, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Squirrel, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that playground Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building will be demolished and only after-school activities for school children will be organized in substitute premises.

Playgrounds announce their programs through the City of Helsinki's event calendar and the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.

Tips for Helsinki's best play places and presentation of the latest play places can be found in Pienten Helsinki.

Library events on Friday

Helmet library events for children on Friday can be found on Helmet's event page.


SATURDAY APRIL 15, 2023

Events and activity ideas

Following migrating birds – bird guidance in the Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden on Saturday at 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. The guided walk starts from in front of the greenhouse and lasts about 45 minutes. Suitable for all ages. Free entry.

Skate school at Kontula skate hall on Saturday from 10 am-12 pm. Suitable for all ages, for the youngest with their own adult. Course price €20.

Commercial partnership:

Children's Fair at the Helsinki Exhibition Center from Friday to Sunday! Lots of programs and activities for children, read more from Pienten Helsinki's Children's Fair with children article!
Tickets 23 €/ 16 € / 10 €, under 4-year-olds free. Pre-purchased tickets to the Children's Fair at a lower price!

Note that the Children's Fair allergy-free day can be celebrated on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Pet Fair is also held at the Exhibition Center.

What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days in Pienten Helsinki!

Thrift store! MLL Pakila children's clothes and supplies thrift store in the NMKY Pakila activity center (Palosuontie 4 B) on Saturday from 10 am-12:30 pm.

Thrift store! MLL Myllypuro children's clothes and supplies thrift store in the Resident hall Orpaantuva (Myllypurontie 22) on Saturday from 10 am-1 pm.

Haltiala farm sheep pasture opens to the public on April 13, 2023. The sheep pasture is open until the move to outdoor pasture on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am-12 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am-1 pm.

Visseli music and instrument event for families at the Helsinki Conservatory (Ruoholahti) on Saturday from 10 am-1 pm. Free entry.

Children's theater festival at Laajasalo Institute (Kuukiventie 6) on Saturday from 10 am-2 pm. Tickets €2.

Espoo: Insect hotels workshop at the Children's Cultural Center Aurora on Saturday from 10 am-2 pm. Free entry.

Commercial partnership:

Opening of the renovated children's world at the downtown Helsinki Stockmann department store April 13-16, 2023.
Welcome to celebrate the opening of the downtown Helsinki department store's renovated Children's World!

From the new, immersive children's and youth department, you'll find a comprehensive selection of children's clothing and supplies from babies to teenagers. Also welcome to visit the newly opened Stockmann's Small Toy Store. The largest toy store in the Nordic region offers surprises and adventures for all ages, and from the extensive selection you'll find a favorite for every play lover.

Note! There are schedule changes at the event and the program has been updated in this publication.

Opening program on Saturday:
11:00 am Meet & greet: Ella & Helmi, Stockmann Lounge, 4A floor. Queuing at the corner of Mannerheimintie and Pohjoisesplanadi.
11 am-4 pm Toofruit nail studio
11 am-5 pm Glitter face painting
11 am-6:30 pm Treasure hunt
12:00 pm Children's fashion show
1:00 pm Meet & greet: Group Hau
1-5 pm Magic wand crafts
2:00 pm Joni Pakanen Magic Show for the youngest
2:30 pm Children's fashion show
4:00 pm Children's fashion show
5:00 pm Joni Pakanen Magic Show for older children and teens

The downtown Stockmann children's clothing department now also has a small play area. Commercial partnership with Stockmann.

Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway in Ainoa Shopping Center (Tapiola) on the 1st floor, behind Kaisan Café on Saturday from 11 am-5 pm. Free entry.

Päistikka Takes Flight concert in the main hall at Stoa (Turunlinnantie 1) on Saturday at 1 pm. Tickets €6.

Library events on Saturday

Spring toddler disco at Vuosaari library on Saturday at 10:30 am.

Children's Saturday: Ears Wide Open! at Oulunkylä library on Saturday from 10 am-3:30 pm.

Helmet library events for children on Saturday can be found on the libraries' event page.


SUNDAY APRIL 16, 2023

Events and activity ideas

Helmet library events for children on Sunday can be found on the libraries' event page.

Haltiala farm sheep pasture opens to the public on April 13, 2023. The sheep pasture is open until the move to outdoor pasture on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am-12 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am-1 pm.

Commercial partnership:

Children's Fair at the Helsinki Exhibition Center from Friday to Sunday! Lots of programs and activities for children, read more from Pienten Helsinki's Children's Fair with children article!
Tickets 23 €/ 16 € / 10 €, under 4-year-olds free. Pre-purchased tickets to the Children's Fair at a lower price!

Note that the Children's Fair allergy-free day can be celebrated on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Pet Fair is also held at the Exhibition Center.

April Fun at Suutarila elementary school on Sunday from 10 am-2 pm. Free entry.

Espoo: Let's go hiking! - outdoor season opening for families around Villa Elfvik on Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

Fire museum at the Erottaja fire station is open on Sundays from 12-4 pm. Small entrance fee.

Commercial partnership:

Opening of the renovated children's world at the downtown Helsinki Stockmann department store April 13-16, 2023.
Welcome to celebrate the opening of the downtown Helsinki department store's renovated Children's World!

From the new, immersive children's and youth department, you'll find a comprehensive selection of children's clothing and supplies from babies to teenagers. Also welcome to visit the newly opened Stockmann's Small Toy Store. The largest toy store in the Nordic region offers surprises and adventures for all ages, and from the extensive selection you'll find a favorite for every play lover.

Note! There are schedule changes at the event and the program has been updated in this publication.

Opening program on Sunday:
12-4 pm Treasure hunt
1-5 pm Magic wand crafts
1:00 pm & 3:00 pm Magician Luttinen

Espoo: Little Papu's Orchestra concert at Tapiola hall on Sunday at 3 pm. Tickets €20.

What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days in Pienten Helsinki!


Also remember:

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


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