Pienten Helsinki
Upcoming events and a hundred articles about children's culture
Updated March 16, 2018What activities suitable for children can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What can you 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. The website targets children under school age and families with children.
Little Helsinki’s Where to go this week articles also appear in 2018, published by Mondays at the latest, and suggest all sorts of activities happening in the city for families with children. The eleventh Where to go this week article of 2018 takes you to children’s museum and theater festivals, Helsinki Police Orchestra children’s concerts, sports activities, and folk music performances. Special mention to our neighboring city Espoo: The children’s museum festival program is amazing this year! In addition, there are currently several art exhibitions in Helsinki suitable for small children. Tips for current exhibitions at the end of the article.
This past week marked the completion of Little Helsinki’s one hundredth published article. To celebrate, the site published One hundred and one places in Helsinki article over the weekend. It takes you around Helsinki to places that appeal to children, are especially child-friendly, or are simply nice places to visit with little ones. 
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The article cover image is from the Päivälehti Museum’s Pelle Fearless - The World’s Bravest Inventor exhibition.
Monday » | Tuesday » | Wednesday » | Thursday » | Friday » | Saturday » | Sunday »
MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2018
Events:Story time at Puistola Library at 10 a.m.
Story yoga at Paloheinen Library at 10:15 a.m.
Malmi Mondays - craft session for children and families at 5-7 p.m. at Malmi Library.
MLL Family Coffee meets on Mondays in the first floor lobby spaces of Itäkatu Family Center from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The family coffee, open to all families with small children, is a place to come at your own pace to play, spend time, and meet other families in similar life situations. Learn more from the family center’s Facebook page. Tip! You can also suggest a program or performance for the family coffee.
Art Advisory at Linnunrata playground on Monday at 10 a.m. Topic: “my body”. Learn more about the Art Advisory on the event’s Facebook page. No advance registration required.
Puppet Theater Music Lesson at Sampo’s foyer gallery every Monday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Paid (€8/session or €70/whole spring). Learn more on the Puppet Theater Sampo website.
Art Advisory for ages 3-6 at Annantalo on Monday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This week at the advisory, a sprawling table garden will be created. You can participate in the Art Advisory weekly or occasionally, but you should arrive on time. Learn more about this wonderful Art Advisory program on the Annantalo website.
For all children’s culture enthusiasts: What is your dream Annantalo? The Upé - Dream Cultural Center collaborative planning and idea game is played at Annantalo on Monday from 6:30-7 p.m. More information on the Annantalo website.
Friends Illustration Exhibition in Annantalo’s café through May 13, 2018, during Annantalo’s opening hours. Learn more on the Annantalo website.
TIP: Through collaboration between Little Helsinki and MLL Helsinki, a list of MLL family cafes operating in Helsinki is now available on the Little Helsinki website. Family cafes open almost every weekday around Helsinki!
TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018
Events:Story time at Itäkeskus Library led by Jussi Ollila at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Kallio Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Malmi Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Kannelmäki Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Herttoniemi Library at 9:45 a.m. Saga hour in Swedish at Maunula Library at 10 a.m. Story time in the activity room at Töölö Library at 10:15 a.m. Story time in the foyer at Vuotalo Library led by Jussi Ollila at 10:30 a.m.
FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Tapulinkaupunki Library at 10:30 a.m.
Bravo! La Baracca - Testoni ragazzi: Upside down, a silent performance for ages 1-6 at Malmitalo on Tuesday at 9 a.m. (the 10:30 a.m. performance is fully booked, but cancellations may become available). Free admission but requires advance registration through the Malmitalo website. The performance is part of Bravo! international children’s and youth theater festival.
Family ball games continue at the Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball games, all children under 9 years old play on soft artificial turf accompanied by an adult. Free play, acrobatics, running, or learning to walk. Family ball games on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Free admission for morning sessions, evening sessions cost adults the Pallomylly day pass (€3.50).
Bravo! festival: Little Wonders - three silent performances for babies and toddlers: Time, belly button, Promenade, Jajang Jajang my baby at Vuotalo on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Free admission. Learn more and reserve tickets in advance on the Vuotalo website.
Art Advisory for ages 3-6 at Kanneltalo on Tuesday at 10 a.m. This week’s theme is Remember?. Art Advisory meets at Kanneltalo three times and you can participate weekly or occasionally, but you should arrive on time. Learn more about this wonderful Art Advisory program on the Kanneltalo website.
TIP: Shopping center Kaari hosts weekly Tuesday Fun, with music lessons for babies and toddlers and story times for all small children. Learn more on the Kaari website, advance registration required for music lessons.
TIP for Vantaa: Bravo! festival in Vantaa Library Bus. Learn more on the library website.
TIP for Sipoo: Puppet Theater Sampo’s Meow – Easter in the Puppet Theater cavalcade at Lilla Villa on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Tickets €12. Learn more on the event’s Facebook page.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018
Events:Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Tapanila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Lauttasaari Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Maunula Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Oulunkylä Library at 5 p.m.
Toddler rhyme time at Pukinmäki Library at 10 a.m. Toddler rhyme circle at Oulunkylä Library at 10 a.m.
FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Pukinmäki Library at 11 a.m. FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme circle at Oulunkylä Library at 11 a.m. FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Kannelmäki Library at 1:30 p.m.
Russian-language children’s club at Malmi Library on Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m.
FOR BABIES and parents: BabyKino at Kallio Library. You can watch films with your baby on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. BabyKino’s own group can be found on Facebook here, where, for example, the week’s film is published and voting takes place for upcoming programs.
Malmitalo’s Kino Helios shows Supermarsu (suitable for all ages) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tickets €6. More information on the Malmitalo website.
Princess Adalmina Opera at Balder Hall on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The performance is suitable for the whole family. Tickets €10/€15, family ticket €40. More information on Teatro Theater’s website.
TIP for Espoo: Bravo! festival in Espoo Library Buses on Wednesday. Learn more on the library website.
TIP: Kindergarten Museum is open every Wednesday from 12-6 p.m.
TIP: Changing facilities mapped! Little Helsinki’s latest article in the Baby Helsinki series maps out tested baby changing facilities around the metropolitan area.
THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018
Events:Story time at Pasila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Suutarila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Tapulinkaupunki Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Laajasalo Library at 9:45 a.m. Story time at Jakomäki Library at 10 a.m.
Bravo! festival in Helsinki Library Buses on Thursday. Learn more on the library website.
FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Roihuvuori Library at 10 a.m. Note advance registration required! FOR BABIES and parents in Espoo: BabyKino at Entresse Library at 10:30 a.m.
Soft, soft spatial art installation in Annantalo’s art gallery March 15-27, 2018 during the building’s opening hours. The work features sound, movement, and you can go inside to relax. In the same space, the Etana Editions publishing house’s Etana library. Learn more on the Annantalo website.
Puppet Theater Sampo’s Meow – Easter in the Puppet Theater cavalcade at Kanneltalo on Thursday at 10 a.m. Tickets €12. Learn more on the Kanneltalo website.
Muksukino films take over Myllypuro Media Library and the Mylläri community room on Thursdays at 10 a.m. This week’s film is The World of the Moomins: The Piscean’s Prophecy. Learn more about Muksukino on the library website.
Family ball games at the Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball games, all children under 9 years old play on soft artificial turf accompanied by an adult. Free play, acrobatics, running, or learning to walk. Family ball games on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m., Pallomylly day pass (€3.50) for adults, free for children.
TIP: Movies! Supermarsu, Strawberry Girl, Fuzzy Pajamas Boy and the Ruben Brothers, and Moomins’ Winter Magic are currently playing in cinemas and are suitable for small children’s first film experience.
TIP for Espoo: Espoo cultural department’s children’s events can be found conveniently through one link, browse the spring program offerings in the neighboring city.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018
Story time at Roihuvuori Library at 9:45 a.m.Toddler time at South Haaga Library at 10 a.m. Toddler time at Viikki Library at 10 a.m.
FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Viikki Library at 11 a.m.
FOR BABIES and parents: Helsinki Cine Asia Festival Baby Cinema Showing at Korjaamo on Friday at 10 a.m. Film: The Mohican Comes Home (Japan). Tickets €7.50. Learn more on the festival website.
Update Your Tradition Pop-up Workshop at Library 10 on Friday from 3-7 p.m. Suitable for both adults and children. The event is organized by Helsinki Workers’ Institute in cooperation with the Culture and Leisure Department. More information on the library website.
MLL Family Coffee also meets on Fridays in the first floor lobby spaces of Itäkatu Family Center from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The family coffee, open to all families with small children, is a place to come at your own pace to play, spend time, and meet other families in similar life situations. You can find all of Helsinki’s MLL family cafes around the city here.
Naperokino at Annantalo on Fridays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This week’s theme is friends and family. Learn more about Naperokino on the Annantalo website.
Art Advisory at Mellunmäki playground at 10 a.m. Topic: “Remember? Let’s play now!”. Learn more about Art Advisory on Stoa’s website. No advance registration required.
In Swedish: Theater Grus Grus: Björkmusen and Bill Badger Performance at Stoa on Friday at 6 p.m. Tickets €6. Learn more on Stoa’s website. The performance is part of Bravo! international children’s and youth theater festival.
TIP for Vantaa: In Vantaa at Tikkurila Library, Singing Together with Children event on Friday at 10 a.m. You can also bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Learn more about this fun singing session on the library website.
TIP: Follow Little Helsinki! ;)
SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2018
Events:Story time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11 a.m.
Children’s Saturday at Töölö Library on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn more about the day’s program on the library website. Children’s Saturday at Viikki Library from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. More information about the day’s program on the library website.
Roihuvuori Book Fair on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Lots of programming for all ages, including story times and science club for children. Explore event venues and the fair’s full program on the event’s Facebook page.
Sherlock in Jätkäsaari Event at Jätkäsaari Library from 12-3 p.m.
Maunula Sports Fun on Saturdays from 9-10:30 a.m. until April 7, 2018 at Maunula Sports Hall. Family exercise activity with activities for even the smallest. Free for children, €3.50 for adults. More information on the Helsinki Moves website.
Folk Music in Helsinki City Center at various locations on Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Places and times on the Folk Music Association’s website. The route is part of the Samuel Polonaise & Winter Ensemble festival.
Call the Police 112 Children’s Concert at the Music Hall on Saturday at 11 a.m. Tickets €10, under 12 free. More information and tickets on the Music Hall website.
Children’s Music Orchestra Orffit at the City Museum on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. More information on the City Museum website. The concert is part of the Samuel Polonaise & Winter Ensemble festival.
Ice Park Closing Ceremony on Saturday from 12-6 p.m. Lots of programming for all ages. Learn more and see the day’s schedule on the Ice Park website.
On the Run - Theater Comedy for children at Music Theater Kapsäkki on Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets €12.50/€22.50. Learn more and reserve tickets on the Kapsäkki website.
Saturday Workshops at Kiasma March-April on Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. Workshops suitable for ages 3+ to adults operate on a drop-in basis and the workshop topic changes weekly. Kiasma admission fee applies. Learn more on the Kiasma website.
DanceAbility Dance Class at Annantalo from 2-3 p.m. The class is suitable for all children ages 3-12 with an adult present, regardless of disability or non-disability. Learn more about DanceAbility classes on the Annantalo website. Free admission.
INTO - Bearded Baby at Käännös Place at the Arabian resident building (Intiankatu 1) on Saturday at 3 p.m. Free admission. Learn more on the event's Facebook page.
TIP for Espoo: Children's Museum Festival and Construction Party at WeeGee Exhibition Center in Tapiola, Espoo on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. LOTS of programming for all ages, including Little Paavo's Orchestra, the Giggling Poo Poo Disco, Tatu and Patu, Onni and Anni's House, work vehicles, LEGO Brick's Birthday... Museum admission €12, under 18 free, museum card accepted. Learn more about the weekend's amazing program and check the exact schedule on the exhibition center's website.TIP for Espoo: Bravo! Children’s and Youth Theater Festival Family Day at Pikkuaurora from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn more about the day’s comprehensive program on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP for Vantaa: Bravo! Family Day in Vantaa at Lumo Hall on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. and at Art House Totem from 1:30-4 p.m. Learn more about the day’s program on the festival website.
TIP: Haltia Farm is open year-round and, for example, cows graze even during cold months. It’s worth visiting Haltia to at least see the cows, play at the excellent playground, and stroll in beautiful scenery. The restaurant Wanha Pehtoori, which operates on the farm, is also open year-round. The Lamb Farm opens again around Easter, when you can admire newborn lambs up close.
SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2018
Events:Sports Fun at Myllypuro Sports Mill on Sunday from 9-10:45 a.m. Family exercise activity with activities for even the smallest. Sports Fun continues at Myllypuro on Sundays until March 25, 2018. Free for children, €3.50 for adults. More information on the Helsinki Moves website.
MLL Pihlajamäki Children’s Equipment Thrift Store at Pihlajisto Elementary School on Sunday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn more on the event’s Facebook page. Also see the list of upcoming thrift stores on the Little Helsinki website.
Children’s Theater Festivals at Laajasalo VPK premises on Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets €3 for adults, children free. An event organized by Laajasalo Opisto’s theater students, suitable for the whole family. Learn more on the event’s Facebook page.
Bravo! Festival Family Day at Stoa on Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Learn more about the day’s comprehensive program on Stoa’s website.
For all children’s culture enthusiasts: What is your dream Annantalo? The Upé - Dream Cultural Center collaborative planning and idea game is played at Annantalo on Sunday from 12:30-1 p.m. More information on the Annantalo website.
In Swedish: Children’s Sundays at Kino Engel. Children’s film screenings at Kino Engel in Swedish. Tickets €10.50. Learn more and check the program on the Kino Engel website.
Puppet Theater Sampo’s Meow – Easter in the Puppet Theater cavalcade at Sampo on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets €12. Learn more on the puppet theater’s website.
TIP for Espoo: Children’s Museum Festival and Construction Party at WeeGee Exhibition Center in Tapiola, Espoo on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. LOTS of programming for all ages, including Little Paavo’s Orchestra, the Giggling Poo Poo Disco, Tatu and Patu, Onni and Anni’s House, work vehicles, LEGO Brick’s Birthday… Museum admission €12, under 18 free, museum card accepted. Learn more about the weekend’s amazing program and check the exact schedule on the exhibition center’s website.
TIP: Fallkulla Farm is open to the public also during winter: Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The youth-run café Kilikuppila also reopens, but remember to bring cash for café treats. Free admission. Learn more on the City of Helsinki Youth Services website.
Exhibition Tips for Children:
Let's Go to the Neighbors Exhibition in Stoa's gallery through March 24, 2018. The exhibition is also suitable for children. Learn more on Stoa's website.Soft, soft spatial art installation in Annantalo’s art gallery March 15-27, 2018 during building hours. The work features sound, movement, and you can go inside to relax. In the same space, the Etana Editions publishing house’s Etana library. Learn more on the Annantalo website.
Previously Invisible Animals Exhibition from January 11, 2018 at the Nordic Library on Kaisaniemenkatu. The exhibition is based on Ulf Stark and Linda Bondestam’s picture book of the same name, which was awarded the Nordic Council’s Children’s and Youth Literature Prize in 2017. The exhibition will be on display through March 28, 2018 during the Nordic Library’s opening hours. Learn more on the library’s website.
Library 10 features the sixth children’s own art exhibition, when Tehtaankatu Elementary School’s 2nd grade C class brings a breath of the art world to the library’s everyday life and the children’s department’s exhibition space. The class’s motto for the exhibition is “We start from the idea that every work is worth exhibiting.” The 2C class exhibition can be admired during library hours from March 6-25, 2018. Children’s own art exhibition activity is reportedly a unique concept in Finland, and anyone can organize an exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities.
Silent Books Exhibition at Pasila Library March 6-22, 2018. In a wordless picture book there is no text, but it is full of the power of story and can be read at all language levels. Learn more on the library website.
The Päivälehti Museum’s new interactive exhibition suitable for all ages Pelle Fearless - The World’s Bravest Inventor is on display through fall 2018. Admission to the Päivälehti Museum is free. Little Helsinki’s article about the museum can be found here, an article about the new exhibition is coming very soon!
[caption id=“attachment_3129” align=“aligncenter” width=“2048”]
From the Päivälehti Museum’s Pelle Fearless exhibition.[/caption]
Also Remember These:
Bravo! International Children's and Youth Theater Festival takes over cultural venues in the metropolitan area with its program March 10-18, 2018. Explore the festival and its program on Bravo!'s own website.ESPOO: Finland’s Largest Model Railroad in the basement of Tapiola Shopping Center in Espoo January-April. Exact opening hours on the Alpine Railroad Enthusiasts’ website.
