Pienten Helsinki
September activities in Helsinki
Updated 16.9.2017What suitable activities for children can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki’s weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and surrounding areas. The target audience of the website is children under school age.
This week’s activity tips highlight the offerings of Helsinki’s cultural centers for children. Included are puppet theater, art clinics, magic shows, and the Children’s Dream event. The week’s highlights include the Helsinki Design Week Children’s Weekend at Suvilahti and a mushroom exhibition at the Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden.
Library children’s events continue to be featured this week. What is story massage and how are lullabies sung to babies? Now is also a good time to head into the autumn forest with children. Child-friendly routes can be found in both Sipoonkorpi and Nuuksio national parks, but nearby forests are also fun to explore and investigate nature.
Regarding playgrounds, brochures for autumn programs at various playground areas have started to appear, but unfortunately very few are available in digital form. Pienten Helsinki continues to ponder ways to improve access to playground program information, hoping that as many as possible will find something to do at one of Helsinki’s 69 playgrounds.
MONDAY 11.9.2017
Events:Baby lullaby singing at Paloheinan library at 9:30. Story time at Puistola library at 10.
At Annantalo’s art clinic, this week’s theme is “With Trees.” The art clinic is designed for home-care children aged 3-6. Admission is free. There are two clinic groups on Monday, starting at 10 and 12:30. Read more about Annantalo’s art clinics here.
Opera’s children’s art sessions begin and take 5-6-year-olds through playing, dancing, and crafting into the fascinating world of opera and ballet. In these sessions, children become familiar with the main stage’s program through hands-on activities. The art form of children’s art sessions changes monthly. The session starts at 2 PM and lasts 90 minutes. Tickets €10 (adults also need to purchase a ticket). This week’s theme is masking. Read more about children’s art sessions here.
At the mushroom exhibition at the Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden, you can see various domestic mushrooms and get identification help. The exhibition is open on Monday from 11-17 and admission is free. During the mushroom exhibition, the greenhouses are also open without an entrance fee. A great place to get to know mushrooms with children before heading out on a mushroom foraging trip ;) Read more here.
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At the mushroom exhibition you can learn to identify poisonous mushrooms from edible ones.[/caption]
TUESDAY 12.9.2017
Events:The Puppet Theater Center brings “Troll’s Tail” performance to Annantalo on Tuesday at 10:15. The performance is suitable for ages 3+. Tickets €10. Read more about the performance here.
Opera’s children’s art sessions begin and take 5-6-year-olds through playing, dancing, and crafting into the fascinating world of opera and ballet. In these sessions, children become familiar with the main stage’s program through hands-on activities. The art form of children’s art sessions changes monthly. The session starts at 2 PM and lasts 90 minutes. Tickets €10 (adults also need to purchase a ticket). This week’s theme is masking. Read more about children’s art sessions here.
Story time at Herttoniemi library at 9:45. Story session at Itäkeskus library at 9:30. Story time at Kannelmäki library at 10. Story time at Malmi library at 9:30. Story time at Pohjois-Haaga library at 10. Story time in the club room of Töölö library at 10:15. Jussi Ollila’s story session in Vuotalo’s foyer at 10:30. Read more here.
Baby rhyme session at Tapu-Kaupunki library at 10:30. Story massage at Töölö library at 6 PM. Read more here.
Family ball games take over the Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park and invite all children under 9 to move on soft artificial grass with an adult. Family ball games feature free play, stunts, running, or even walking practice. Family ball games on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 and 4-6 PM. Free admission for children, single visit fee of €3.50 for adults. Read Pienten Helsinki’s article about Helsinki city sports events here for more information about family ball games and directions to Pallomylly.
Tip: Seal spotting! Stefan Lindforss-designed and decorated by various Finnish artists, large seal sculptures are now easier to spot than ever: in honor of Helsinki Design Week, you can now find all the seals in Jätkäsaari at the corners of the Clarion hotel. Now is the time to go seal spotting! Share your spotted seal photos on Instagram. #spotaseals #heyseals. More information about this Baltic Sea protection project here. The seals are also for sale ;)
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HeySeals, designed by Kasper Strömman, the 2013 Finnish Designer of the Year.[/caption]
WEDNESDAY 13.9.2017
Events:Story time at Arabianranta library at 9:30. Story time at Kontula library at 9:30. Story time at Käpylä library at 10. Story time at Lauttasaari library at 10. Story time at Oulunkylä library at 5 PM. Story time for ages 3-6 at Rikhardinkatu library at 9:30. Story time for ages 1-3 at Rikhardinkatu library at 10:30. Story time in Swedish at 10:15 at Bocksbacka library.
Evening story time and story massage at Malmi library at 6 PM.
Toddler rhyme circle at Oulunkylä library at 10. Baby rhyme circle at Oulunkylä library at 11.
Nukketeatteri Sampo brings “Lurpukka and the Blue Jacket” puppet show to Stoa on Wednesday at 10. The performance is aimed at preschool children. Tickets €11. Read more about the performance here.
“Maukka and Väykki’s Journey” performance is shown at Roihuvuori library at 10. A performance suitable for ages 3+ that is an interactive adventure where children can participate. Read more here. Free admission.
THURSDAY 14.9.2017
Events:Story session at Jakomäki library at 10. Story time at Laajasalo library at 9:45. Story time at Suutarila library at 9:30.
Muksukino films take over Myllypuro media library and the Mylli resident house hall on Thursdays at 10. Read more about Muksukino here.
Children’s art clinic takes over Kanneltalo’s Workshop on Thursday from 10-12. This week’s theme is “Captured Dreams.” Art clinics are designed for home-care children aged 3-6. No advance registration needed, free admission. Read more about Kanneltalo’s art clinic here.
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The art clinic is aimed at children ages 3-6.[/caption]
Jokeri Pokeri Box magic show is shown at Vuotalo on Thursday at 6 PM. The performance is suitable for ages 2+. Tickets €12. Read more about the performance here.
Family ball games take over the Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park on Thursdays as well and invite all children under 9 to move on soft artificial grass with an adult. Family ball games feature free play, stunts, running, or even walking practice. Family ball games on Thursdays from 4-5 PM. Free admission for children, single visit fee of €3.50 for adults. Read Pienten Helsinki’s article about Helsinki city sports events here for more information about family ball games and directions to Pallomylly.
Tip: Itäkatu family center, the first place combining family health clinic services, is holding an open house evening on Thursday from 2-6 PM. Read more about the event here.
FRIDAY 15.9.2017
Events:Story time at Roihuvuori library at 9:45.
Annantalo’s Napero Cinema continues and offers little ones (ages 0-3) their own movie theater. Short films are shown on Fridays throughout the fall from 10-12. Read more about Napero Cinema here.
Tip: Rainy day? No worries, museums are waiting for new visitors! Read Pienten Helsinki’s museum tips for visiting with children here.
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The Natural History Museum is an experience for both adults and children.[/caption]
SATURDAY 16.9.2017
Events:Story time at Munkkiniemi library at 11.
Malminkartano apple orchard opens its gates to the public and visitors can pick apples for their own use on Saturday from 12-4 PM. A wonderful place to visit even just for the smell ;) Read more about the apple orchard here.
Super Mario Day at Vuosaari library from 1-3 PM. Games and crafts related to the day’s theme are on offer. Read more here.
Children’s Weekend — Helsinki Design Week at Suvilahti from Saturday to Sunday from 10-4 PM. The event features plenty of hustle and bustle as various organizations in the area provide diverse activities for small and slightly older children. Read more about Children’s Weekend here. At Suvilahti there’s also Finland’s Tivoli.
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Helsinki Design Week and Children’s Weekend take over Suvilahti during the weekend.[/caption]
Children’s Dream event takes over Kanneltalo on Saturday from 11-4 PM. Diverse programming for children and the young at heart is on offer, including a fairy tale brunch, singing, play, gymnastics, magic sand, theater, painting, balloons… More information about the Children’s Dream event can be found here.
Meeting café brings clowning, circus games and skills, theater, and play to Annantalo on Saturday from 1-3 PM. The event is aimed at the whole family and admission is free. Read more about the Meeting Café here.
Tip to Tuusula: Koiramäki Willow House Pumpkin Carnival is a unique autumn event worth experiencing. The willow house environment appeals to both adults and children, and during the Pumpkin Carnival you can see alpacas in addition to the farm’s own animals, ride on carousels, venture into troll forests, pull ropes, and much more. Admission to the event is free and many activities are free, with some costing a few euros. This good-spirited event continues until Sunday from 10-6 PM. Read more about the Pumpkin Carnival here.
Tip to Espoo: Jazz for Kids - A whole family jazz session at Espoo Culture Center on Saturday at 11. Admission is free. Read more here.
SUNDAY 17.9.2017
Events:
Children’s Weekend — Helsinki Design Week at Suvilahti continues. See detailed information from Saturday’s events.
A Day in the Country event at Viik at the University of Helsinki’s teaching and research facility offers activities and experiences for the whole family. Animals, work machines, pony rides, and much more on offer on Sunday from 10-3 PM. Free admission, some activities have a fee. Read more here.
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The cows at Viik’s teaching and research facility are already waiting for visitors at the Day in the Country event.[/caption]
Paloheiná Rings — Family Day features a children’s concert, magic show, and other programs for the whole family on Sunday from 10-3 PM. The venue is Torpparinmäki youth center. Free admission. Read more here.
Napa School for Kids takes over Annantalo on Sunday from 12-4 PM. In this illustration event for the whole family, children get to explore the work of NAPA illustrators with their parents and learn the latest illustration ideas from professionals in workshops. Some workshops require advance registration. Events are part of Helsinki Design Week’s program. Free admission. Read more about the illustration event here.
Helsinki Puppy Parade is held at Kaivopuisto on Sunday starting at 3 PM. The event itself and puppy meetings at Kaivopuisto from 2-6 PM. Read more about the event here.
Guided island tour of Haraka Island on Sunday from 2-3 PM offers a trip to the island’s rich nature, history, and present day. Suitable for the whole family, though the route is not accessible. A shuttle boat to Haraka Island departs from the Ullanlinnankai pier at Kaivopuisto (Ehrenströmintie 3). The round-trip ticket costs €5 for adults, €2 for children and seniors. Access to Haraka Island and the tours are free. Read more about Haraka Island here.
Espoo: Adventure Forest is a nature walk for families at Villa Elfvik in Espoo on Sunday from 10:30-12:30. The hike is suitable for the whole family; remember to bring snacks and weather-appropriate clothing. Free admission. Read more here.
Tip to Tuusula: Koiramäki Willow House Pumpkin Carnival continues. Read more about Saturday’s events.
Tip: You can go mushroom foraging in the autumn forest, for example, at Sipoonkorpi with almost no accessibility barriers using the “Pony’s Heritage Trail."
Autumn archipelago nature is worth exploring with children, for example at Talosaar, and on the same trip you can admire the horses at the nearby riding stable.
Also remember these:
Habitare Fair at Messukeskus 13.-17.9.2017. This year also includes a specially designed Habi Kids area for children. Read more here.Helsinki Design Week city installations take over the city center 7.-17.9.2017. Read more about the works here.
Linnanmäki amusement park hosts Iik!Week from 2.9.-17.9.2017. Read more here. The Iik!Week theme is also visible at Merimaailma Sealife.
Tip: Seal spotting! Stefan Lindforss-designed and decorated by various Finnish artists, large seal sculptures are now easier to spot than ever: in honor of Helsinki Design Week, you can now find all the seals in Jätkäsaari at the corners of the Clarion hotel. Now is the time to go seal spotting! Share your spotted seal photos on Instagram. #spotaseals #heyseals. More information about this Baltic Sea protection project here. The seals are also for sale ;)
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#spotaseals #heyseals[/caption]
