November activities

What child-friendly activities can you find 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 the surrounding area. The website's target audience is pre-school-aged children and their families.

A new week and new adventures! The activity tip list is full of events for every taste. This weekend, for example, you can celebrate the long-awaited West Metro opening and Restaurant Day. What a fantastic week!

Also remember the Pienten Helsinki upcoming events list. The first Christmas season events have now been added to the list.

Do you know about children’s and family services in your neighborhood and, for example, the schedules of parent-child groups? Help Pienten Helsinki create a comprehensive list of family services in Helsinki’s different districts. Read more about the challenge and help make Helsinki an even more child-friendly city. This information will not be used for commercial purposes. Big thanks to those who have already been in touch!

Tip: Libraries currently have a survey open about children's internet pages. You can share your opinion and suggestions for a few more days—responses are being collected until 15.11.2017. Link to the survey on Helmet's website.

MONDAY 13.11.2017

Events:

Story time at Puistola Library at 10 a.m.

Toddler group in the story room at Maunula Library at 9.30 a.m. Story massage at Tapiola City Library at 6 p.m.

FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Kontula Library at 10 a.m. FOR BABIES: Baby rhymes in the story room at Maunula Library at 10.30 a.m.

Library 10 opens its first children’s own art exhibition. 8-year-old Leo Pesonen has the honor of being the first artist whose work fills the library’s exhibition space. Leo Pesonen’s exhibition is on display for three weeks and can be admired during the library’s opening hours. Children’s own art exhibition activities are reportedly a unique concept in Finland, and any child can hold an exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities. The opening of Leo Pesonen’s exhibition will be celebrated on Tuesday 14.11.2017 at 5:30 p.m.

Art clinic activities begin at Malmitalo. The first week’s theme is stick horse trot. The art clinic is aimed at 3-6-year-olds in home care. Entry is free. The art clinic starts at 10 a.m. and accommodates 20 children. Read more on Malmitalo’s website.

FOR BABIES and parents: Baby Cinema at Vuotalo, where you can watch the film Night Feeding on Monday at 2 p.m. Tickets 8 €. Read more on Vuotalo’s website.

TUESDAY 14.11.2017

Events: Story time at Malmi Library at 9.30 a.m. Story time at Viiki Library at 9.30 a.m. Story time at Herttoniemi Library at 9.45 a.m. Story time at Kannelmäki Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Pohjois-Haaga Library at 10 a.m. In Swedish: Story time in Swedish at Månsas Library at 10 a.m. Story time in the club room at Töölö Library at 10.15 a.m.

Jussi Ollila Story time at Itäkeskus Library at 9.30 a.m. Jussi Ollila story time in Vuotalo’s foyer at 10.30 a.m. Read more here.

Reading dog at Töölö Library at 6 p.m.

Family ball games at Pallomylly’s indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, gymnastics, running or practicing walking. Family ball games on Tuesdays 9.30-11.30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Free entry for morning ball games for everyone; afternoon ball games cost adults Pallomylly’s single entry fee (3.50 €).

Puppet theater Sampo presents the festive Surprise Gift for a Friend at 10 a.m. Tickets 11 €. The performance is suitable for all ages, including very small children. Read more on Sampo’s website.

Tip: Going to the movies for the first time with a little one? The lovely Onneli and Anneli and the mysterious stranger can be seen at Tennis Palace at 11.30 a.m. Perfect for a first film experience!

Tip: Have you already seen the Treasures of Ankallissgallery at the Ateneum Art Museum? The battling Ducks and Bathing Duck are waiting as part of the Finnish Art Story exhibition. Museum admission fee applies. Read more about the Ankallisgallery exhibition on Ateneum’s website.

WEDNESDAY 15.11.2017

Events:

Story time at Jätkäsaari Library at 9.30 a.m. Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9.30 a.m. Story time at Kontula Library at 9.30 a.m. Story time at Oulunkylä Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Käpylä Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Pukinmäki Library at 10.15 a.m.

Singing session led by Terttu Paija at Tapiola City Library at 10 a.m. Read more on the library’s website.

FOR BABIES: Baby and toddler rhyme time at Tapanila Library at 10 a.m.

Mauka and Väykä’s Journey performance at Kannelmäki Library at 10 a.m. A performance suitable for children over 3 years old—an interactive adventure where children can participate. Free entry. According to current information, the performance is full; you might want to ask the library about cancellation spots.

FOR BABIES and parents: Baby Cinema at Töölö Library at 12 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. Read more about Baby Cinema at Töölö Library, which is currently temporarily relocated, on the library’s website.

Tip: Children’s Museum is open on Wednesdays 12-6 p.m.

THURSDAY 16.11.2017

Events:

Story time at Laajasalo Library at 9.45 a.m. Story time at Vallila Library at 6 p.m.

Puppet theater center Poiju’s Tail of a Sprite performance at Tapiola City Library at 6 p.m. The performance is suitable for children over 3 years old. Read more on the library’s website.

Family ball games at Pallomylly’s indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, gymnastics, running or practicing walking. Family ball games on Thursdays 4-5 p.m. Free entry for children; adults pay Pallomylly’s single entry fee (3.50 €).

Muksukino films take over Myllypuro media library and community center Mylläri on Thursdays at 10 a.m. This week’s film is Grassroots. Read more about Muksukino on the library’s website.

The beloved fairy tale classic The Happy Prince can be seen as a puppet theater adaptation at the National Theater’s Grand Stage foyer on Thursday at 10 a.m. More performances in November and December. Tickets 15 €. The performance is aimed at 2-7-year-olds. Read more on the National Theater’s website.

Puppet theater Sampo’s festive Surprise Gift for a Friend performance on Thursday at Malmitalo at 10 a.m. Tickets 11 €. The performance is suitable for all ages, including very small children. Read more on Sampo’s website.

In Swedish: Rimjam poetry jams in Swedish at the Nordic Cultural Center on Kaisaniemi Street at 5 p.m. The program is aimed at 1-5-year-olds with an adult. Free entry. Read more on the organizer’s website.

Tip for Vantaa: At Tikkurila Library in Vantaa, Singing Together with Children event on Thursday at 10 a.m. You can also bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Read more about this fun group singing session here.

FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS: Tip for Vantaa: Art Center Pessi’s music session “I Have Light in My Toes” is a special time for babies and toddlers, though older siblings are also welcome. Music sessions start on Thursday at 9.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. Explore Art Center Pessi’s program!

FRIDAY 17.11.2017

Story hour at Roihuvuori Library at 9.45 a.m. Finnish-Russian story time at Vuosaari Library at 10 a.m.

Toddler group at Malmi Library at 10 a.m.

FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Pohjois-Haaga Library at 10 a.m. FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Malmi Library at 11 a.m.

Annantalo’s Naperokino continues and offers its own cinema for the very small (0-3 years old). Short films are shown on Fridays throughout the autumn at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This week’s theme is nature and seasons. Read more about Naperokino on Annantalo’s website.

Puppet theater Pikku Kulkuri’s Twinkle Christmas Tree performance at Annantalo on Friday at 6 p.m. Tickets 10 €. Read more on Annantalo’s website.

Mikko Mallikas invites stuffed animals for a sleepover at Viiki Library. Read more about the stuffed animals’ sleepover and schedules on the library’s website.

[caption id=“attachment_77” align=“aligncenter” width=“960”] Stuffed animals are having a sleepover at Viiki Library this week.[/caption]

SATURDAY 18.11.2017

Events:

Story time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11 a.m.

Flea market at Laajasalo Library 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Children’s Saturday at Lauttasaari Library 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

West Metro opening celebrations are held on Saturday 18.11.2017 with festive programs at many stations. Head to Espoo for a ride! Read more on the event’s Facebook page.

Restaurant Day is celebrated on 18.11.2017 throughout Helsinki and Finland. Read more on Restaurant Day’s website.

Sports Fun at Maunula sports hall on Saturdays 9-10.30 a.m. Read more on the Helsinki on the Move website and from Pienten Helsinki’s children’s sports article.

MLL Strömsinlahden Christmas flea market event at Roihuvuori Church on Saturday 9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.

At Cafe Monami at Rastila Manor there is Children’s Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Singing Elsa princess, clothing presentations, children’s clothing flea market and pony rides. Read more on the event’s Facebook page. Also check out what Cafe Monami looks like in Pienten Helsinki’s Dining Out with Little Ones article. More parts of the article series are being planned—suggest where Pienten Helsinki should visit next time.

[caption id=“attachment_1228” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”] Cafe Monami at Rastila camping area.[/caption]

The beloved fairy tale classic The Happy Prince can be seen as a puppet theater adaptation at the National Theater’s Grand Stage foyer on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. More performances in November and December. Tickets 15 €. The performance is aimed at 2-7-year-olds. Read more on the National Theater’s website.

The City Theater brings back the beloved Elves as Shoemakers performance, which is aimed at the family’s youngest members. Saturday’s performance starts at 11 a.m. Tickets 11 €. Read more on the City Theater’s website. Performances in November and December, also on weekdays.

Cable factory museums celebrate family day 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Programming for the whole family at museum ticket prices (9 €/ 0 €/ Museum Card venue). Read more on the museums’ website.

Puppet theater Pikku Kulkuri’s Twinkle Christmas Tree performance at Annantalo on Friday at 2 p.m. Tickets 10 €. Read more on Annantalo’s website.

Puppet theater Sampo presents the festive Surprise Gift for a Friend performance on Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets 11 €. The performance is suitable for all ages, including very small children. Read more on Sampo’s website.

Tip for Espoo: At Children’s Culture Center Pikku-Aurora’s Dream Saturday this week there is Disco Fever 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Read more about the day’s program on Pikku-Aurora’s website.

Tip for Espoo: Jazz for Kids – A family jazz session at Espoo’s cultural center on Saturday at 11 a.m. Entry is free. Read more on Espoo’s cultural website.

SUNDAY 19.11.2017

Events:

The whole family sports event Sports Fun takes over Sunday mornings at Sports Mill in Myllypuro 9-10.45 a.m. Free feel-good sports and varied activity tryouts. Free entry for children; 3.50 € for adults. Also read Pienten Helsinki’s article about sports events—the article also contains more information about Sports Fun.

Tip for Sipoo: MLL Sipoo Association organizes a Children’s Rights Day celebration at Söderkullan Library 11 a.m.-1.30 p.m. Programming for children and the whole family. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.

Pihlajamäki November Celebration is held at Pihlajamäki elementary school 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Programming for the whole family. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.

Hello November! Children and Youth Art Festival at Korjaamo on Sunday 12-4 p.m. Read more on the event’s website.

Risto Räppääjä Celebration Concert at Music Theater Kapsäkki on Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets 13.50/22.50 €. The performance is suitable for children over 5 years old. Read more on Kapsäkki’s website.

Megamuskari at Malmitalo on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets 6 €. Muskari is aimed especially at 0-7-year-olds and their families. Read more on Malmitalo’s website.

Tip for Espoo: Toy Museum Horseshoe is a great indoor venue on gray days. A museum where children can play. Pienten Helsinki recommends it!

[caption id=“attachment_1739” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”] At the Play Museum Horseshoe you can also care for stick horses.[/caption]

Tip for Espoo: At Villa Elfvik Nature Center, the whole family goes on an exciting twilight adventure at 11 a.m. Read more on the nature center’s website.

Also remember these:

Library 10 opens its first children's own art exhibition. 8-year-old Leo Pesonen has the honor of being the first artist whose work fills the library's exhibition space. Leo Pesonen's exhibition is on display 13.11-3.12.2017 and can be admired during the library's opening hours. Children's own art exhibition activities are reportedly a unique concept in Finland, and any child can hold an exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10's exhibition activities.

FOR PARENTS: The University of Helsinki Museum’s Baby in the Box exhibition sheds light on the fascinating history of maternity packages. The exhibition is on display at the University of Helsinki’s Science Corner and the University Museum. Read more on the university’s website.

[caption id=“attachment_2013” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”] The Baby in the Box exhibition at the Science Corner and University Museum.[/caption]

Annantalo features Dream Fabrics exhibition until mid-December and it can be enjoyed free of charge during the building’s opening hours. Read more on Annantalo’s website and check out the pictures here. Free entry.