Pienten Helsinki
What to do or where to go with children? What kid-friendly activities are available in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and suggests child-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
* Commercial cooperation with Play Café play park café.
Play Café play park café operating this week:
- Thursday May 18, 2023 play park Brahe in Kallio 10am-4pm.
- Friday May 19, 2023 play park Orava in Herttoniemi 10am-4pm.
- Saturday May 20, 2023 play park Traktori 10am-4pm.
Exhibition tips for children
Vantaa: Invisible Backpack exhibition Feb 11 - May 20 at Children's Cultural Centre Toteem (Myyrmäki). Open Fridays 10am-3pm and at Toteem's own evening and weekend events. Free admission.
Museum tips for children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
MONDAY MAY 15, 2023
Children's Culture Week May 15-21, 2023
Events and activity tips
Secrets of Helsinki article reveals small and big secrets in Helsinki!
Albert's Lounge, a family meeting place open to everyone at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Mondays 9:30am-2pm (International Monday's).
Dance and play workshops for toddlers and their parents at cultural centre Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) in the Maissi space on Monday at 10am (ages 1-3) and 11am (ages 3-5). The Dance and Play workshop inspires and guides Helsinki parents and children to create and experience dance art together. You can participate in the workshop instruction whenever it suits you, at all sessions or just some. Choose a time that works for you and arrive on time. No advance registration, places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Capacity for 12 first arrivals. Free admission.
Play parks activities on Monday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at play park Loru on Monday:
10:00-11:00 Fire truck visit (Helsinki Emergency Services), Oodi courtyard
1:00pm-1:30pm Kukkuluuruu – baby time for under 1-year-olds
3:00pm-3:30pm Kukkuluuruu – baby time for under 1-year-olds
Other play parks announce their programs in Helsinki city's event calendar and on the play parks' own Facebook pages.
During Jan 9 - June 4, 2023 open play parks are: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Lohikäärmepuisto, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that play park Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only after-school activities are arranged in substitute premises.
Play parks announce their programs in Helsinki city's event calendar and on the play parks' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and a presentation of the newest play areas can be found in Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Monday
Helmet library children's events for Monday can be found on Helmet's event page.
TUESDAY MAY 16, 2023
Children's Culture Week May 15-21, 2023
Events and activity tips
Jussi's Forest Tales: Storytelling forest walk in Matokallio Forest Tuesday at 9:15am and 10:30am. The forest story walk is suitable for children over 3 years old, or children who can manage a short forest walk. The location is Matokallio Forest next to Helsinki Language High School in Itäkeskus. Meeting place on the forest side of the language school, at the intersection of Kajaaninlinnantie and Ratasmyllynkuja. Free admission.
Neuvola Park at Kamppi Family Centre on Tuesdays 9:30am-1pm.
Kindergarten Museum is open Tuesdays 12pm-7pm. Small admission fee.
For babies and parents: Baby circus workshop: Vekkulit kekkulit! at Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth's premises at Kaapelitehdas on Tuesday at 1:15pm. Tickets 8 €.
Art for Toddlers workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Cultural Centre Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays 1:30pm-3:30pm. The workshops are suitable for 1.5–3-year-old children together with their own adult. No advance registration, free admission. You can attend the workshops for the entire time or just for a while at a time.
Play parks activities on Tuesday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at play park Loru on Tuesday:
11am-11:30am Stroller gymnastics, Oodi courtyard
3pm-3:30pm Loru's songs – music time for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor
Other play parks announce their programs in Helsinki city's event calendar and on the play parks' own Facebook pages.
During Jan 9 - June 4, 2023 open play parks are: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Lohikäärmepuisto, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that play park Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only after-school activities are arranged in substitute premises.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and a presentation of the newest play areas can be found in Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Tuesday
Helmet library children's events for Tuesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
Small Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
WEDNESDAY MAY 17, 2023
Children's Culture Week May 15-21, 2023
Events and activity tips
Albert's Lounge, a family meeting place open to everyone at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Wednesdays 9:30am-3pm.
Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Wednesdays 12pm-4pm. Small admission fee.
Kindergarten Museum is open Wednesday 12pm-7pm. Small admission fee.
Spring Rush at Kumpula School Garden on Wednesday 3pm-7pm. Free admission.
Espa Stage opening ceremony on Wednesday from 5pm.
Play parks activities on Wednesday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at play park Loru on Wednesday:
11am-1pm Loru creates – crafts for all ages
2pm-3:30pm Loru creates – crafts for all ages
Other play parks announce their programs in Helsinki city's event calendar and on the play parks' own Facebook pages.
During Jan 9 - June 4, 2023 open play parks are: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Lohikäärmepuisto, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that play park Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only after-school activities are arranged in substitute premises.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and a presentation of the newest play areas can be found in Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Wednesday
Helmet library children's events for Wednesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
THURSDAY MAY 18, 2023
Ascension Thursday, Museum Day
Children's Culture Week May 15-21, 2023
Events and activity tips
Secrets of Helsinki article reveals small and big secrets in Helsinki!
In honor of International Museum Day many museums have free admission on Thursday and museums have other themed day programming.
Tillsammans yard games day at Helsinki ice rink Thursday 2pm-5pm. Free admission.
Flea market! Puu-Vallila traditional yard flea market Thursday 10am-3pm.
What should we do today? Check out the tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
Play parks activities on Thursday
On Ascension Thursday play parks are closed, but you can always play freely in the park yards.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and a presentation of the newest play areas can be found in Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Thursday
Most libraries are closed on Ascension Thursday. Open are for example Central Library Oodi 12pm-6pm.
FRIDAY MAY 19, 2023
Events and activity tips
Albert's Lounge is closed on the Friday after Ascension Thursday.
Kalasatama Caravan event in Kalasatama Park Friday to Sunday. Free admission.
- Three Goats performance (all ages) at 10am, 10:45am, and 11:30am.
- Scrap puppet workshop (all ages, children and adults together) non-stop 3pm-5pm.
Guard parade procession with Finnish Defence Forces Band departs Friday at 12:30pm from Senate Square, marching through Market Square to the main guard and back along Esplanade to Casern Square.
MIL-Espa: Finnish Defence Forces Band at Espa stage at 2pm. Free admission.
What should we do today? Check out the tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
Play parks activities on Friday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at play park Loru on Friday:
11am-11:30am Loru's waves – storytelling playtime for over 2-year-olds
1:30pm-2pm Loru's warmth - baby time for under 1-year-olds
3pm-3:30pm Loru's warmth - baby time for under 1-year-olds
During Jan 9 - June 4, 2023 open play parks are: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Lohikäärmepuisto, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that play park Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only after-school activities are arranged in substitute premises.
Play parks announce their programs in Helsinki city's event calendar and on the play parks' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and a presentation of the newest play areas can be found in Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Friday
Helmet library children's events for Friday can be found on Helmet's event page.
SATURDAY MAY 20, 2023
Children's Culture Week May 15-21, 2023
Events and activity tips
Skateboard school at Kontula skate hall on Saturday 10am-12pm. Suitable for all ages, the smallest with their own adult. Course price 20 €.
Vantaa: Children's Saturday - Children's Culture Celebration at Children's Cultural Centre Pesis on Saturday 10am-1pm. Free admission.
KurkiJamit at Kurkimäki play park on Saturday 10am-2pm. Free admission.
Espoo: Spring Day in yards and parks at Children's Cultural Centre Aurora on Saturday 10am-2pm. Free admission.
Vantaa: Manor Spring event at Håkansböle Manor on Saturday 11am-4pm. Free admission.
Roihuvuoren HANAMI 2023 – Helsinki Cherry Blossom Festival at Cherry Blossom Park (Roihuvuori) on Saturday 12pm-6pm. Note! Please use public transport, there is VERY limited parking in the area. Free admission.
Arabian Street Festival is celebrated on the Arabianmäki park area on Saturday 12pm-6pm. Free admission.
Kalasatama Caravan event in Kalasatama Park Friday to Sunday. Free admission.
- Scrap puppet workshop (all ages, children and adults together) at Kalasatama Park non-stop 1pm-3pm.
- Fauna Humana performance (all ages) at 1pm and 3pm, departure point Leonkatu 6 (in front of Redi).
Secrets of Helsinki article reveals small and big secrets in Helsinki!
Library events on Saturday
Helmet library children's events for Saturday can be found on the libraries' event page.
SUNDAY MAY 21, 2023
Children's Culture Week May 15-21, 2023
Events and activity tips
Secrets of Helsinki article reveals small and big secrets in Helsinki!
Helmet library children's events for Sunday can be found on the libraries' event page.
Kumpula outdoor swimming pool opens. Admission fee.
Flea market! Vantaa: MLL Aviapoliksen children's clothing flea market at Tammisto Superpark parking lot on Sunday 10am-1pm.
Kalasatama Caravan event in Kalasatama Park Friday to Sunday. Free admission.
- Three Goats performance (all ages) at 11am, 11:30am, and 12pm.
- Mask hats workshop (all ages, children and adults together) non-stop 1pm-3pm.
- Fauna Humana performance (all ages) at 12:15pm and 2pm. Departure point Leonkatu 6 (in front of Redi).
Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Sundays 12pm-4pm. Small admission fee.
Remember also:
Small Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
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