Winter Break Events for Children

What suitable activities can you find for children in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What can you 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 target audience of the website is pre-school age children and families with young children.

Where to Go This Week article continues to be published with a slightly changed concept. The article lists highlights of the week's events and the most interesting activity tips. Also included are highlights from Pienten Helsinki's news and new articles, plus a new "Have You Ever Visited" place that changes every week. The future of the page is still open, but we'll continue with this concept through spring.

Pienten Helsinki's tips for winter break with children in Helsinki have been published!

New in Pienten Helsinki: List of upcoming events for spring 2019 and Going to the Theater with Children article have been updated!

NEW: Helsinki Families Group on Facebook is a place for discussion about Helsinki for families with children: daycare spots, hobbies, transportation, everyday tips and ideas. Things that families encounter in daily life. The group is a place to share joy but also to raise awareness of issues in family matters. The group is also a place to share news and information related to family life. You can join the group here.

Be sure to follow Pienten Helsinki on Facebook. The page has lots of current event tips, discussions and other highlights related to family life in Helsinki. Facebook also has its own group for the city's baby families, Baby Helsinki.
You can also find Pienten Helsinki on Instagram using the hashtag #pientenhelsinki where you can find numerous photos of Helsinki with children.

This Week's Have You Ever Visited Place is Albertin Living Room. At the corner of Albertinkatu and Kalevankatu there is truly everyone's living room, a place where children are warmly welcomed with their parents. There are toys, company, coffee, tea, wonderful volunteer playmates and conversation partners, and AMAZING spaces. The Pienten Helsinki background team left here with smiles, so I can only hope we'll meet here sometime! So come on in—I can promise the welcome will be warm. If I could make a wish, there would be more Albertin living rooms!

Albertin Living Room.

Tuesday »Wednesday »Thursday »|
 Friday »Saturday »Sunday »


MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Events at Libraries

Story hours and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Events at Playgrounds

Some of Helsinki's city playgrounds are closed during winter break week, but many playgrounds have activities for families during the winter break. Park-specific information can be found on the parks' own Facebook pages and partly also in the city's event calendar.

Events and Activity Tips

Children's Traffic Town is open for families February 18-22, 2019 daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the traffic town, you can ride pedal cars under adult supervision, eat snacks indoors, and visit a small playground. Free admission.

Albertin Living Room is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A full article about this place is coming to Pienten Helsinki too, as our background team fell in love with it! Read more from Helsinki Mission's website.

MLL Dad Cafe at the Iso-Antinleikkipuisto playground in Itäkeskus on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. More information on the event's Facebook page.

Espoo: Vinksin Vonksin Winter Break Week at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Pikku-Aurora in Espoo Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Read more on the event's Facebook page.

Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter break week Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Winter Jams at Music House - music for children and vacationers Monday through Sunday, February 18-24, 2019. See the full week's program on Music House's website. Admission to events is free.

For Babies: Baby Monday at the Art Hall from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event introduces the Paul Osipow exhibition under the guidance of art educators Liini Laes and Iisa Juva. All babies under one year old are warmly welcomed to Baby Monday with their parents. Babies get their own color play session. Tickets €12 / €8 / Museum Card. More information on the Art Hall's Facebook page.

Museums open on Mondays include Helsinki City Museum and Children's City as well as Päivälehti Museum.

Pienten Helsinki's tips for winter break with children in Helsinki have been published!


TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019

Events at Libraries

Story hours and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Events at Playgrounds

Some of Helsinki's city playgrounds are closed during winter break week, but many playgrounds have activities for families during the winter break. Park-specific information can be found on the parks' own Facebook pages and partly also in the city's event calendar.

Events and Activity Tips

Children's Traffic Town is open for families February 18-22, 2019 daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the traffic town, you can ride pedal cars under adult supervision, eat snacks indoors, and visit a small playground. Free admission.

Espoo: Vinksin Vonksin Winter Break Week at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Pikku-Aurora in Espoo Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Read more on the event's Facebook page.

Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter break week Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For Babies in Vantaa: Baby Hint Exhibition Open Hours at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Toteemi in Myyrmäki on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Read more on Toteemi's Facebook page.

Winter Jams at Music House - music for children and vacationers Monday through Sunday, February 18-24, 2019. See the full week's program on Music House's website. Admission to events is free.

Pienten Helsinki's tips for winter break with children in Helsinki have been published!


WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019

Events at Libraries

Story hours and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Tip for Babies and Parents: BabyKino at Kallio Library. You can go to the movies with your baby on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. BabyKino's own Facebook group can be found here, where the week's film is posted and future programming is voted on, for example. More information is also available on the BabyKino Facebook page.

Events at Playgrounds

Some of Helsinki's city playgrounds are closed during winter break week, but many playgrounds have activities for families during the winter break. Park-specific information can be found on the parks' own Facebook pages and partly also in the city's event calendar.

Nurkan Winter Carnival at Nurkan playground in Puistola on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information from the city's event calendar.

Events and Activity Tips

Children's Traffic Town is open for families February 18-22, 2019 daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the traffic town, you can ride pedal cars under adult supervision, eat snacks indoors, and visit a small playground. Free admission.

MLL Goes to Oodi Dad Cafe at the central library Oodi on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Read more on the event's Facebook page.

Albertin Living Room is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A full article about this place is coming to Pienten Helsinki too, as our background team fell in love with it! Read more from Helsinki Mission's website.

Espoo: Vinksin Vonksin Winter Break Week at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Pikku-Aurora in Espoo Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Read more on the event's Facebook page.

Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter break week Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Winter Jams at Music House - music for children and vacationers Monday through Sunday, February 18-24, 2019. See the full week's program on Music House's website. Admission to events is free.

Helsinki Fire Department Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission €2, children under 15 free. Read more on the Helsinki City website.

Kindergarten Museum has play sessions every Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Museum admission €4, children under 16 free.

Pre-glue Emoji Non-stop Workshop at Päivälehti Museum on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Paloheina Winter Fun on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Paloheina outdoor recreation area. Lots of different sports activities for the whole family. Samppa and Vainu from the popular "Ryhmä Hau" group will also be there. Read more on the Helsinki City website.

Malmitalo's Helix Cinema shows Risto Räppääjä and the Pancake Boy movie (rated PG) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tickets €6. More information on Malmitalo's website.

Pienten Helsinki's tips for winter break with children in Helsinki have been published!


THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019

Events at Libraries

Story hours and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Winter Fun at Maunula playground on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lots of activities for the whole family. More information on the event's Facebook page.

Events at Playgrounds

Some of Helsinki's city playgrounds are closed during winter break week, but many playgrounds have activities for families during the winter break. Park-specific information can be found on the parks' own Facebook pages and partly also in the city's event calendar.

Events and Activity Tips

Children's Traffic Town is open for families February 18-22, 2019 daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the traffic town, you can ride pedal cars under adult supervision, eat snacks indoors, and visit a small playground. Free admission.

Albertin Living Room is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A full article about this place is coming to Pienten Helsinki too, as our background team fell in love with it! Read more from Helsinki Mission's website.

For Babies in Vantaa: Baby Hint Exhibition Open Hours at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Toteemi in Myyrmäki on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Read more on Toteemi's Facebook page.

Espoo: Vinksin Vonksin Winter Break Week at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Pikku-Aurora in Espoo Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Read more on the event's Facebook page.

Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter break week Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Winter Jams at Music House - music for children and vacationers Monday through Sunday, February 18-24, 2019. See the full week's program on Music House's website. Admission to events is free.

Ice Carousel – Skating Fun for All Ages at Kontula's Ice Rink on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Instruction in ice sports and help for beginners. Read more on the Helsinki City website.

Rosette Skating and Ice Disco at Käpylä Sports Park Ice Field on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission to the event is free. Read more on the Helsinki City website.

Matchbox Company: Prince Rei. An Enchanting Fairy Tale Adventure for ages 5+ at Caisa Cultural Center on Thursday at 6 p.m. Tickets €5 / €10. Read more about the performance on Caisa's website.

Pienten Helsinki's tips for winter break with children in Helsinki have been published!


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019

Events at Libraries

Story hours and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Events at Playgrounds

Some of Helsinki's city playgrounds are closed during winter break week, but many playgrounds have activities for families during the winter break. Park-specific information can be found on the parks' own Facebook pages and partly also in the city's event calendar.

Events and Activity Tips

Children's Traffic Town is open for families February 18-22, 2019 daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the traffic town, you can ride pedal cars under adult supervision, eat snacks indoors, and visit a small playground. Free admission.

Napero Cinema at Annantalo on Fridays at 10 a.m. Age recommendation: 0-3 years old with adult supervision; older children also welcome. Admission to the movies is free. More information on Annantalo's website.

Matchbox Company: Prince Rei. An Enchanting Fairy Tale Adventure for ages 5+ at Caisa Cultural Center on Friday at 10 a.m. Tickets €5 / €10. Read more about the performance on Caisa's website.

Espoo: Vinksin Vonksin Winter Break Week at Lastenkulttuurikeskus Pikku-Aurora in Espoo Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Read more on the event's Facebook page.

Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter break week Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Winter Jams at Music House - music for children and vacationers Monday through Sunday, February 18-24, 2019. See the full week's program on Music House's website. Admission to events is free.

Pienten Helsinki's tips for winter break with children in Helsinki have been published!


SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019

Events at Libraries

Story hours and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Saturday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Events and Activity Tips

Pienten Helsinki's tips for winter break with children in Helsinki have been published!

Kindergarten Museum hosts a whole family event with a sleep theme on Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission to the theme Saturday is free.

In Espoo: Pikku-Aurora's Saturday Workshop this week features "Kings of the Sky" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Read more on Aurora's website.

Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter break week Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MLL Family Floor Hockey at Pukinmäenkari primary school gym on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free family floor hockey is aimed at fathers and mothers as well as children approximately 3-6 years old. Registration is not required. More information on the event's Facebook page.

Winter Jams at Music House - music for children and vacationers Monday through Sunday, February 18-24, 2019. See the full week's program on Music House's website. Admission to events is free.

Vartiosaar Winter Fun on Saturday, February 23, 2019 includes an ice carousel and lots of other activities for all ages. Read more on Vartiosaar's website.

Matchbox Company: Prince Rei. An Enchanting Fairy Tale Adventure for ages 5+ at Caisa Cultural Center on Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets €5 / €10. Read more about the performance on Caisa's website.

Book launch celebrations for Jenni Isotoff's new children's book "Dream and Helsinki" on Saturday, February 23 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Children's City. Read more on the museum's Facebook page.

Flora & Fauna Dance Performance at Vuotalo on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets €6. Tickets and more information on Vuotalo's website.

Malmitalo's Helix Cinema shows Risto Räppääjä and the Pancake Boy movie (rated PG) on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets €6. More information on Malmitalo's website.


SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2019

Pienten Helsinki's tips for winter break with children in Helsinki have been published!

Events and Activity Tips

Espoo: Sunday Free Public Skating Session at Metro Arena on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Read more on the Espoo City website. The same website also has other Espoo city ice hall open skating sessions. Free admission. Tapiola Ice Garden is also open (small admission fee)!

Fallkulla Farm Animals is open to the public during winter break week Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Espoo: Villa Elfvik invites you to adventure during winter break week too. The nature center's surroundings offer great places for adventures with small children.
Winter Games for the Whole Family at Villa Elfvik on Sunday, February 24, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Winter Jams at Music House - music for children and vacationers Monday through Sunday, February 18-24, 2019. See the full week's program on Music House's website. Admission to events is free.

Helsinki Fire Department Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission €2, children under 15 free. Read more on the Helsinki City website.

Annantalo Sunday Hangout makes a "Dream in a Box" on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. No advance registration needed; suitable for the whole family. Read more on Annantalo's website.


Also Remember

Articles from Pienten Helsinki are available in Finnish, Swedish, and English on the My Helsinki Travel Site. The latest article takes you to Experiences in Helsinki with Children!

Places in Helsinki article is a lifesaver on boring days with children!

Current trail and skating rink freezing conditions can be found on the outdoor recreation.fi service.

Exhibition for a Friend at Annantalo February 14 – March 3, 2019. The exhibition is open during Annantalo's opening hours. Read more on Annantalo's website.

Alma Terra Imagination Land Exhibition invites visitors to touch, climb, and enjoy at Caisa Cultural Center from February 8-27, 2019. Admission to the exhibition is free. Read more on Caisa's website.

In Espoo: Finland's Largest Model Railroad can be admired at Tapiola's Heikintori in February-March. More detailed information on the Alpine Railway Association's website.


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