Pienten Helsinki
A scorching July
What activities suitable for children can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What can you do on a rainy day? Pienet Helsinki's weekly series seeks activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The site targets children under school age and families with small children.The hottest week of July and an unfortunate blue-green algae situation in the Gulf of Finland, as well as Monday’s summit meeting, bring their own challenges to the week. What activities can you think of for the kids? This “Where to go this week” article lists the week’s events and also suggests cooler activities. During this hot July week, dancing takes place at Taskari and playgrounds, a meadow is being restored at Hertsika, and a bug-hunting expedition is planned. The Pienten Helsinki “Where to go this week” article appears weekly by Monday at the latest and suggests everything happening in the city for families with preschool-age children.
Remember also: There’s a Pienten Helsinki Facebook page with an ongoing contest where you can win tickets to the HIT Helsinki Tomppeli summer theater performance at Tervasaari. You can participate until Thursday!
New at Pienten Helsinki: Swimming spots for hot July -article lists the most reliably algae-free swimming areas. In the Helsinki islands series, we explore the favorite places of the Pienten Helsinki team around the city. Summer in Helsinki series has hundreds of tips for adventures in the summer capital!
Park Hide 2018: Parks’ conquest continues and there are already 29 hides to find, with Espoo’s first hide to be found at Pikku-Aurora children’s cultural center.
WISH: Feedback, praise, comments and wishes: tell us what you think about Pienten Helsinki!
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MONDAY 16.7.2018
Note this when planning activities for a heat wave day: The U.S. and Russia summit meeting in Helsinki affects and disrupts traffic and movement, especially in the city center. For example, the entire Market Square is closed and ferry traffic from the square is canceled for the entire Monday, for example to Suomenlinna (alternative connection from the Katajanokka service dock).Events at libraries:
Book recommendations for summer vacation days for children can be found at the Helmet library portal.Libraries also serve during summer months, even if there are no regular scheduled programs. Read for example what the library offers for young children and book tips for summer activities with children.
Events at playgrounds:
Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 p.m. throughout the summer vacation. You need to bring your own plate, utensils and drink. On Monday, the playground meal is chicken risotto. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.Helsinki playgrounds’ summer opening hours can be found here.
Traditional games summer tour at playgrounds: On Monday, playground Kipinäpuisto at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Other events:
Helsinki City Museum and Children's City open during the summer season starting June 4, 2018, already at 9 a.m. A great play area for early risers! Read more on the museum's website. The Children's City also features an illustrated art exhibition by illustrator Jenni Isotoff from May 29-August 31: Unelma Mäykkynen & Helsinki.Other museums open on Mondays include the Päivälehti Museum as well as the National Museum and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo during the summer season.
Hertsika meadow work day at Herttoniemi Manor with guidance from Stadin gardener at 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Activities for all ages and work party refreshments for the first 50 people. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP: Cooler activities: Take the metro to Espoo and enjoy the cool Iso Omenia Library! The metro takes you directly from Helsinki to this large library and excellent children’s section, where there’s room to play too. Two elevators up from the metro station and you’re right in the library!
TIP: Cooler activities: Go to the movies with the kids! For example, Maija the Bee and the Honey Games and Supermarsu are suitable for all ages.
TUESDAY 17.7.2018
Events at libraries:
Book recommendations for summer vacation days for children can be found at the Helmet library portal.Libraries also serve during summer months, even if there are no regular scheduled programs. Read for example what the library offers for young children and book tips for summer activities with children.
Events at playgrounds:
Helsinki playgrounds' summer opening hours can be found here.Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 p.m. throughout the summer vacation. You need to bring your own plate, utensils and drink. On Tuesday, the playground meal is dill-cheese fish soup. See the full summer menu and allergy information here. Free entry to the summer park and only a few workshops require advance registration.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg leads dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds during summer and fall. The workshops introduce the world of dance through imagination and music. There are two workshops: Dancing Magic Box (TT) for ages 0-6 and their families, and Dance Adventure Treasure Hunt (TA) for school-age children. On Tuesday, you can dance at Sepa playground in Punavuori at 10:30 a.m. (TT) and 1:30 p.m. (TA).
Traditional games summer tour at playgrounds: Tuesday at Mustakivi playground at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Other events:
Taskari, a dance version of music class at Annantalo A•lava on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Taskari is aimed at 0-5 year old children and their guardians. Free entry, no advance registration required. More information on Annantalo's website.Summer theater: At Taivallahti Summer Theater, you can see Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Tickets 16 €. Read more: Taivallahti Summer Theater’s website.
TIP: Cooler activities: Helsinki playgrounds have many wading pools and water sprinklers, where you can cool off in warm weather while the playground is open.
WEDNESDAY 18.7.2018
Events at libraries:
Book recommendations for summer vacation days for children can be found at the Helmet library portal.Libraries also serve during summer months, even if there are no regular scheduled programs. Read for example what the library offers for young children and book tips for summer activities with children.
Events at playgrounds:
Helsinki playgrounds' summer opening hours can be found here.Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 p.m. throughout the summer vacation. You need to bring your own plate, utensils and drink. On Wednesday, the playground meal is colorful barley porridge and berry soup. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg leads dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds during summer and fall. The workshops introduce the world of dance through imagination and music. There are two workshops: Dancing Magic Box (TT) for ages 0-6 and their families, and Dance Adventure Treasure Hunt (TA) for school-age children. On Wednesday, you can dance at Taivallahti playground at 10 a.m. (TT) and 1 p.m. (TA).
Traditional games summer tour at playgrounds: Wednesday at Myllynsiivi playground in Myllypuro at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Other events:
Children's sea adventure – family sailing June 27 - August 4, 2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event's Facebook page.Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family ticket packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s website.
A•lava open stage on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. The event is open to the public and performers. You can go on stage to perform or watch others perform. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Talo Museum Glims 4H farm animal pasture visits continue on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Read more on the farm museum’s website. Free entry.
TIP: Cooler activities: Museums also offer coolness on a hot day! Current tips for museum adventures with children can be found here.
Remember also: There’s a Pienten Helsinki Facebook page with an ongoing contest where you can win tickets to the HIT Helsinki Tomppeli summer theater performance at Tervasaari. You can participate until Thursday!
THURSDAY 19.7.2018
Events at libraries:
Book recommendations for summer vacation days for children can be found at the Helmet library portal.Libraries also serve during summer months, even if there are no regular scheduled programs. Read for example what the library offers for young children and book tips for summer activities with children.
Events at playgrounds:
Helsinki playgrounds' summer opening hours can be found here.Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 p.m. throughout the summer vacation. You need to bring your own plate, utensils and drink. On Thursday, the playground meal is cauliflower cream soup. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg leads dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds during summer and fall. The workshops introduce the world of dance through imagination and music. There are two workshops: Dancing Magic Box (TT) for ages 0-6 and their families, and Dance Adventure Treasure Hunt (TA) for school-age children. On Thursday, you can dance at Linnunrata playground at 10 a.m. (TT) and 1 p.m. (TA).
Traditional games summer tour at playgrounds: Thursday at Ruoholahti playground at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Other events:
Children's sea adventure – family sailing June 27 - August 4, 2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event's Facebook page.Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Thursday at 3 p.m. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family ticket packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s website.
Evening flea market at Ruoholahti Market Square starting at 4 p.m. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Film night at Annantalo A•lava on Thursday at 5 p.m. The film shown is Porco Rosso (Note: K-7 rating). No ticket reservations, free entry to the film. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Talo Museum Glims 4H farm animal pasture visits continue on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Read more on the farm museum’s website. Free entry.
Tip for Kerava: Ruffy Army’s giant bubbles can be enjoyed at Keravan Paasikivenkaukio during the summer flea market. More information on Kerava city’s website.
TIP: Cooler activities: Sea Life Aquarium and Heureka Science Center are great places to visit even on a hot day. Admission fee applies.
FRIDAY 20.7.2018
Events at libraries:
Book recommendations for summer vacation days for children can be found at the Helmet library portal.Libraries also serve during summer months, even if there are no regular scheduled programs. Read for example what the library offers for young children and book tips for summer activities with children.
Events at playgrounds:
Helsinki playgrounds' summer opening hours can be found here.Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 p.m. throughout the summer vacation. You need to bring your own plate, utensils and drink. On Friday, the playground meal is meat stew. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.
Other events:
At the Children's Traffic City there's an open family day during the summer season on Fridays and Sundays at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., when children of all ages practice in the traffic city under the supervision of their own adult. On other weekdays, there's guided traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on the Children's Traffic City's website. Free entry.
The Guard Parade tradition continues on Fridays. The Guard Parade procession departs at 12:30 p.m. from Helsinki Senate Square, marches through Market Square to the main guard, and from there back along Esplanade to Barracks Square. After the Guard Parade, the MIL-Espa concert at 2 p.m. is held at the Esplanade stage. On Friday, July 6, 2018, the Navy Band provides the music for the Guard Parade. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Friday at 3 p.m. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family ticket packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater's website.
Summer theater: At Taivallahti Summer Theater, you can see Tiina and Sinikka Nopola's Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Friday at 6 p.m. Tickets 16 €. Read more: Taivallahti Summer Theater's website.
TIP: Cooler activities: Stop by summer patios in the shade to cool down and enjoy some peace. For example, Riku Summer Patio, Annantalo A-lava, many parks and downtown courtyards offer shaded spots on hot days. A list of downtown summer patios can be found here.
SATURDAY 21.7.2018
Other events:
Crafts for time and space travelers at the Päivälehti Museum on Saturday at 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. More information on the museum's website. Free entry.Children’s sea adventure – family sailing June 27 - August 4, 2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family ticket packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s website.
Summer theater: At Taivallahti Summer Theater, you can see Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets 16 €. Read more: Taivallahti Summer Theater’s website.
Family puppet theater and folk music performance Mytty Evenings at Seurasaari in the courtyard of Antin Cottage on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The performance is included in the museum ticket price (3 €/6 €/9 €). More information on the National Museum’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Family nature walk on Pentala Island on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (the walk starts at Pentala Island at 11 a.m., so plan your arrival accordingly). In addition to adventurous spirit, bring your own light snacks and weather-appropriate clothing. The walk is free, and boat transport fees can be found here.
Tip for Lovisa: Small Ships Race sailing festival at Lovisa Laivasilli on Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22, 2018. Program for the whole family. Tickets 10 €, children under 12 free. More information on the event’s website.
TIP: Cooler activities: Swimming spots for hot July article lists the most reliably algae-free swimming areas in the metropolitan area.
SUNDAY 22.7.2018
Other events:
At the Children's Traffic City there's an open family day during the summer season on Fridays and Sundays at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., when children of all ages practice in the traffic city under the supervision of their own adult. On other weekdays, there's guided traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on the Children's Traffic City's website. Free entry.Vuosaari Market and Flea Market at Mosaiikkitoria at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Charity event at Linja playground on Sunday at 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Program for the whole family and opportunity to do good for Sylva ry. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Crafts for time and space travelers at the Päivälehti Museum on Sunday at 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. More information on the museum’s website. Free entry.
Circus Stories at Lapinlahti Source on Sunday at 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Workshops, performances, circus tricks and other circus-themed program for the whole family. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Mr. Heinämäki's Barn Orchestra concert at Konepaja Bruno on Sunday at 1 p.m. Performance duration 2 x 30 minutes, juice refreshments during intermission. Concert recommendation age K-4. Tickets in advance 12 €, at the door 15 €, children under 3 free with a ticket-holding adult. More information on the event's Facebook page.Children’s island adventure on Harak Island off Kaivopuisto on Sunday at 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. The island adventure is aimed at children ages 4-10. A shuttle boat to Harak Island runs from the Ullanlinnan dock at Kaivopuisto (Ehrenströmintie 3). Round-trip ticket for the ferry costs 5 € for adults, 2 € for children and seniors (card payment only). Entry to Harak Island and the island adventure is free. More information about the island adventure can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family ticket packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s website.
Family puppet theater and folk music performance Mytty Evenings at Seurasaari in the courtyard of Antin Cottage on Sunday at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The performance is included in the museum ticket price (3 €/6 €/9 €). More information on the National Museum’s website.
You can hear Tuomo Rannankari and the Sand Cake Orchestra, known from Pikku Kakkos, at Linnanmäki amusement park on Sunday at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Free entry. More information on Linnanmäki’s website.
Summer theater: At Taivallahti Summer Theater, you can see Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets 16 €. Read more: Taivallahti Summer Theater’s website.
Tip for Tuusula: Tuusula Day has lots of program for the whole family!
Tip for Espoo: Bug or Beetle? -insect walk is a whole-family interactive nature walk where you travel at the children’s pace. Bring light snacks and weather-appropriate clothing. Walk in the Elfvik landscapes on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Free entry, no advance registration required. More information on Villa Elfvik’s website.
Tip for Lovisa: Small Ships Race sailing festival at Lovisa Laivasilli on Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22, 2018. Program for the whole family. Tickets 10 €, children under 12 free. More information on the event’s website.
TIP: Cooler activities: Park Hide adventure continues around the city and 29 hides are waiting to be found!
Remember these too:
Snadi Lonna on Tuesday. Over 5-year-olds' own two-hour adventure on Lonna Island offers different themes weekly. Read more about this interesting adventure on the event's Facebook page and ask if there's still room to join.Mustasaari Summer Island regular ferry service started on June 5, 2018 and you can visit the island from Taivallahti beach until August. Read more about Mustasaari here.
At the Children’s Traffic City there’s an open family day during the summer season on Fridays and Sundays at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., when children of all ages practice in the traffic city under the supervision of their own adult. On other weekdays, there’s guided traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on the Children’s Traffic City’s website. Free entry. The Traffic City is closed on Midsummer weekend!
On the Esplanade stage you’ll see almost daily concerts and performances in the summer. Read more and check out the summer concert schedule on Helsinki’s cultural affairs website.
Fallkulla Farm is open throughout the summer daily from May 26 - August 26 at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Read more on the farm’s website. Farm animals have also been added for the summer at Linnunrata playground in Helsinki, Talo Museum Glims in Espoo, and Katrinebergi Manor in Vantaa!
Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City open during the summer season starting June 4, 2018, already at 9 a.m. A great play area for early risers! Read more on the museum’s website. The Children’s City also features an illustrated art exhibition by illustrator Jenni Isotoff from May 29-August 31: Unelma Mäykkynen & Helsinki. The Children’s City offers daily small self-guided paper crafts for families during the summer. Starting June 1, paper is used to make city fox chains and other decorations featuring Helsinki animals. More information on the City Museum’s website.
Linnanmäki amusement park is open daily and the Lintsi stage features almost daily programming. Check the June opening hours in detail on the amusement park’s website.
A new family event venue has opened at Itis shopping center at Tallinnanaukio. More information on Itis shopping center’s website and on Itis’ Facebook page.
Current museum tips can be found in Pienten Helsinki’s museum news.
Remember also: Park Hide adventure continues around the city and 28 hides are waiting to be found!
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