Pienten Helsinki
What to do or where to go with children? What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki this week? Little Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and suggests family-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
The cover image of this article is from HAM Helsinki, which currently features a functional art exhibition hung at children's height called "Spring Pasture."
Exhibition tips with children
Museum tips with children can be found in Little Helsinki's themed article!
Espoo: Tangible - Espoo Art School's graduation exhibitions and basic groups' exhibitions at Ainoa shopping center in Tapiola April 6-May 14, 2023. Free admission.
MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2023
Reading Week April 17-23, 2023
Events and activity tips
What to do today? Check out tips for boring days from Little Helsinki!
Albert's Living Room, a family meeting place open to everyone at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Mondays 9:30-14 (International Monday's).
Dance and Play Workshops for toddlers and their parents at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) in the Maissi space on Monday at 10 (ages 1-3) and 11 (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 teaching whenever it suits you, at all sessions or just some. Choose a time that works for you and arrive on time. No advance registration needed; spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 12 people can fit. Free admission.
Art Clinic: Yum, yum and slurps! The Art Clinic candy kiosk invites you to create and play. Can you eat with your eyes? How are treats packaged? Does the candy play continue at home? This art clinic is part of the concept "Senses Wide Open." Art Clinic for 3-5-year-olds at Annantalo (Annankatu 30) on Mondays at 10 and 12:30. The family's youngest, babies and toddlers, can also participate in experiencing the art clinic atmosphere. Free admission.
Family Fun at Tapiola Elementary School (Veljestenpiha 2) on Mondays 5-6:30 p.m. from January 9 to April 24, 2023. Free admission. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together on their own initiative and free of charge.
Play parks on Monday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at the Loru play park on Monday:
10:30-11 Loru's Little Pockets – movement for over 1-year-olds
13:00-13:30 Kukkuluuruu – baby session for under 1-year-olds
15:00-15:30 Kukkuluuruu – baby session for under 1-year-olds
Open from January 9 to June 4, 2023 are play parks 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 school daycare afternoon activities are arranged in substitute spaces.
Play parks announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and play parks' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and introductions to the newest play areas can be found in Little Helsinki.
Library events on Monday
Helmet libraries' children's events for Monday can be found on Helmet's event page.
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2023
Reading Week April 17-23, 2023
Events and activity tips
Haltiala farm's sheep flock is open until the move to outdoor pasture on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Health Station Park at Kamppi Family Center on Tuesdays 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Family Fun at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9). In family ball play, all children under 9 move with their own adult on soft artificial grass. Free play, stunts, running, or even learning to walk. Family Fun on Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. from January 9 to April 28, 2023. Free admission.
Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays 12-7 p.m. Small entrance fee.
Art for Toddlers Workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. Workshops are suitable for 1.5-3-year-old children with their own adult. No advance registration, free admission. You can participate in the workshops for the entire time or just for a moment at a time.
Family Fun at Sakarinmäki Primary School (Knutersintie 924) on Tuesdays 5-6:30 p.m. from January 10 to April 25, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Free admission.
Family Fun at Kankarepuisto Primary School (Jakomäenpolku 6) on Tuesdays 5:15-6:15 p.m. from
January 10 to April 25, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Free admission.
Play parks on Tuesday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at the Loru play park on Tuesday:
Note! LORU OPENS AT 12 DUE TO DEVELOPMENT DAY
3-3:30 p.m. Loru's Songs – music session for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor
Open from January 9 to June 4, 2023 are play parks 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 school daycare afternoon activities are arranged in substitute spaces.
Play parks announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and play parks' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and introductions to the newest play areas can be found in Little Helsinki.
Library events on Tuesday
Helmet libraries' children's events for Tuesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2023
Reading Week April 17-23, 2023
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room, a family meeting place open to everyone at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Classical music concert with your child? Helsinki City Orchestra's dress rehearsals at the Music Center on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. offer affordable tickets (€5 each).
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Wednesdays 12-4 p.m. Small entrance fee.
Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday 12-7 p.m. Small entrance fee.
Family Fun at Käpylä Primary School (Untamontie 2) on Wednesdays 5-6:30 p.m. from January 11 to April 26, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Free admission.
Play parks on Wednesday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at the Loru play park on Wednesday:
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Loru Creates – crafts and art for all ages
2-3:30 p.m. Loru Creates – crafts and art for all ages
Open from January 9 to June 4, 2023 are play parks 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 school daycare afternoon activities are arranged in substitute spaces.
Play parks announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and play parks' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and introductions to the newest play areas can be found in Little Helsinki.
Library events on Wednesday
Helmet libraries' children's events for Wednesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023
Reading Week April 17-23, 2023
Events and activity tips
Haltiala farm's sheep flock opens to the public April 13, 2023. The flock is open until the move to outdoor pasture on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Family Fun at Kurkimäki Block Building (Karpalokuja 7) on Thursdays 9:30-11 a.m. from January 12 to April 27, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Free admission.
Family Fun at Tali Sports Park soccer hall (Purotie 8) on Thursdays 9:30-11 a.m. from January 12 to April 27, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Free admission.
Albert's Living Room, a family meeting place open to everyone at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Thursdays 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Art for Toddlers Workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays 10 a.m.-noon. Workshops are suitable for 1.5-3-year-old children with their own adult. No advance registration, free admission. You can participate in the workshops for the entire time or just for a moment at a time.
Family Fun at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9). In family ball play, all children under 9 move with their own adult on soft artificial grass. Free play, stunts, running, or even learning to walk. Family Fun on Thursday at 4-5 p.m. from January 11 to April 28, 2023. Free admission.
Family Fun at Porolahti Primary School (Roihuvuorentie 2) on Thursdays 5-6:30 p.m. from January 12 to April 27, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Free admission.
Family Fun at Pukinmäenkaari Primary School (Kenttäkuja 12) on Thursdays 5-6:30 p.m. from January 12 to April 27, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Free admission.
Family Fun at Malminkartano Primary School (Puustellintie 6) on Thursdays 5-6:30 p.m. from January 12 to April 20, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Free admission.
Family Fun at Kampi Sports Center (Malminkatu 3) on Thursdays 5-6:30 p.m. from January 12 to April 27, 2023 (not in week 8). Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together on their own initiative and free of charge. Free admission.
Play parks on Thursday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at the Loru play park on Thursday:
11-11:30 a.m. Moving with Baby – energetic movement and dance
3-3:30 p.m. Loru's Games – play and fun for over 1-year-olds
Open from January 9 to June 4, 2023 are play parks 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 school daycare afternoon activities are arranged in substitute spaces.
Play parks announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and play parks' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and introductions to the newest play areas can be found in Little Helsinki.
Library events on Thursday
Helmet libraries' children's events for Thursday can be found on Helmet's event page.
FRIDAY April 21, 2023
Reading Week April 17-23, 2023
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room, a family meeting place open to everyone at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Fridays 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
What to do today? Check out tips for boring days from Little Helsinki!
Play parks on Friday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at the Loru play park on Friday:
11-11:30 a.m. Loru's Waves – a story-based play session for over 2-year-olds
1-1:30 p.m. Loru's Warmth ─ baby session for under 1-year-olds
3-3:30 p.m. Loru's Warmth ─ baby session for under 1-year-olds
Open from January 9 to June 4, 2023 are play parks 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 school daycare afternoon activities are arranged in substitute spaces.
Play parks announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and play parks' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and introductions to the newest play areas can be found in Little Helsinki.
Library events on Friday
Helmet libraries' children's events for Friday can be found on Helmet's event page.
SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023
Play Day April 22, 2023
Reading Week April 17-23, 2023
Events and activity tips
Skateboard School at Kontula Skate Hall on Saturday 10 a.m.-noon. Suitable for all ages, with younger children accompanied by an adult. Course fee €20.
Haltiala farm's sheep flock is open until the move to outdoor pasture on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Secondhand! MLL Lauttasaari children's clothing secondhand market at Myllykallio Elementary School on Saturday 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Kontula Electronic: Programs for children and families at Kontula Square on Saturday 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Maria Baric Company circus workshop, giant soap bubbles, and live music. At 12-2 p.m. at Kontula Library, make your own Kontula Electronic rabbits! Under the guidance of Maria Baric Company, explore the world of shadow theater and make your own shadow theater rabbits. Luuppi will set up a street art container at Kontula Square where everyone can create graffiti!
Tuusula: Lotta Museum's Children's Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission to the Lotta Museum's exhibitions during the event with children.
Commercial partnership:
Children's Energy Adventure – the year's most energetic book launches!
Helen invites all families to the year's most energetic and fun book launches at Kattilahall (Sörnäisten rantatie 22) on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Helen's new children's book Ellen's Energy Adventure explains energy and energy transition to children and their parents. In experiential book launches, children can follow Ellen's footsteps to learn about energy and different energy sources through play. Learn, for example, how water power works in a ball pool and discover wind power logic on swings. Solve a puzzle course to see how horses relate to biogas and get behind the wheel of a children's electric car. Build your own power plant from giant Lego blocks and color characters with the book's illustrator.
At 12, 1, and 2 p.m., the book comes to life as read by the book's godmother, Seela Sellan.
Get to know the book and its energetic characters, enjoy juice and popcorn, and take home souvenirs including a book and balloon. Books are reserved for the first 650 visitors. The event is open to everyone and free.
Espoo: Children's Book Adventure - Hanaholmens Barnboksdag on Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Hanasaari is located right on the Helsinki border and a free poetry bus transports visitors to Hanasaari from Koivusaari metro station during the event.
Kruunuvuorenranta spring cleanup main day is being celebrated on Saturday!
Vantaa: Heureka Play Day on Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission fee applies.
Spring Dance Day in Helsinki - Spring Dance Day at Citizen's Square on Saturday at 1 p.m. Free admission.
Music School at the Museum Concerts at Helsinki City Museum on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Free admission.
What to do today? Check out tips for boring days from Little Helsinki!
Library events on Saturday
Helmet libraries' children's events for Saturday can be found on libraries' event page.
SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2023
Reading Week April 17-23, 2023
Events and activity tips
Helmet libraries' children's events for Sunday can be found on libraries' event page.
Haltiala farm's sheep flock opens to the public April 13, 2023. The flock is open until the move to outdoor pasture on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Secondhand! MLL Vuosaari children's clothing secondhand market at Rastike Youth Center on Sunday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Diaper People Carnival at Malmitalo on Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Partially paid / requires advance registration.
Vantaa: Lion Hiking in Tikkurila on Sunday 12-3 p.m. Free admission.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Sundays 12-4 p.m. Small entrance fee.
Elsa and Lauri the Gardeners book launches at Tuhkimo Park (Tuhkimontie 10-12) in Roihuvuori on Sunday 2-4 p.m. Free admission.
What to do today? Check out tips for boring days from Little Helsinki!
Also remember:
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
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