Pienten Helsinki
October children's events
What kid-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 targets children under school age and families with young children.Where to go this week? Pienten Helsinki recommends raking activities in Kaivopuisto Park, Art Studios for young children, Family ball play in Maunula and Myllypuro, the opening of the Longinoja Nature Trail, and a cleaning day at the Daycare Museum. For those seeking relaxed socializing, Kalasatama’s Free Town is an excellent option. This week’s event tips have been compiled in the usual way in Pienten Helsinki’s “Where to go this week” article. Pienten Helsinki’s “Where to go this week” article suggests all sorts of things happening in the city for families with children under school age.
Updates on the site: Pienten Helsinki and page advertising. We are looking for ways to finance the website maintenance costs and we are testing advertising suitable for the site’s topic for the first time. If advertising space interests you, feel free to get in touch and I’ll tell you more (mari ät pientenhelsinki.fi).
REQUEST: #pientenhelsinki can be found on Instagram among other places, and behind the hashtag you’ll find other families’ experiences and tips for activities with children. Feel free to use the #pientenhelsinki hashtag ;)
The article’s cover image is from Stansviken Manor Park on Helsinki’s Kruunuvuorenranta.
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »| Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2018
At the libraries:
Story time at Puistola Library at 10 a.m.Malmi Mondays is a crafting evening for children and families at Malmi Library once a month on Mondays from 5-7 p.m. Read more on the library’s website.
At playgrounds:
Playgrounds, let us know about special event days directly at Pienten Helsinki!Parent-child cafés:
MLL Parent-child café at Itäkatu Family Center on the first floor on Mondays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.The MLL parent-child café list maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for updates…
Other events:
Puppet theater music class at Sampo's lobby gallery on Monday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Fee (€8/session or €80/whole spring). Read more on Puppet Theater Sampo's website.Art Studio for ages 3-6 at Annantalo on Monday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This week at the art studio, children create feeling portraits of friends. You can participate in Art Studio weekly or occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No advance registration required. Read more about Art Studio activities on Annantalo’s website.
Museums open on Mondays include Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City, Päivälehti Museum, and Amos Rex.
[caption id=“attachment_5610” align=“aligncenter” width=“1024”]
Amos Rex is worth waiting in line for![/caption]
Also remember: Kalasatama’s Free Town in the REDI shopping center invites you to hang out, play, eat your own snacks, or just relax. Free Town is located on the 2nd floor of the shopping center. Read more on Free Town’s Facebook page.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018
At the libraries:
Story time led by Jussi Ollila at Itäkeskus Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Kallio Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Malmi 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 Töölö Library at 10:15 a.m. Story time led by Jussi Ollila at Vuosaari Library at 10:30 a.m.At playgrounds:
Playgrounds, let us know about special event days directly at Pienten Helsinki!Parent-child cafés:
Family group at Itäkatu Family Center on the first floor on Tuesdays from 1:30-3 p.m.Tip for Espoo: International Parent-child café at Sello Library on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
The MLL parent-child café list maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for updates…
Other events:
Family ball play in Pallomylly's indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball play, all children under 9 move on a soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running, or practicing walking. Family ball play on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Morning ball play is free for all, afternoon play costs adults Pallomylly's drop-in fee (€3.50). Read more in Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki on the Move article.Art for Toddlers - Open Studio for Toddlers workshop for ages 1.5-3 (with your own adult) at Caisa Cultural Center on Tuesday from 10-11:30 a.m. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Touch Allowed! Fall Break Activities at the Natural History Museum during week 43 from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Museum admission fee applies. Details on the museum’s website.
Also remember: Kalasatama’s Free Town in the REDI shopping center invites you to hang out, play, eat your own snacks, or just relax. Free Town is located on the 2nd floor of the shopping center. Read more on Free Town’s Facebook page.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2018
At the libraries:
Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Tapanila Library at 9:30 a.m. Circus Room workshop at Kontula Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Rikhardinkatu Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Roihuvuori Library at 9:45 a.m. Story time at Lauttasaari Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Oulunkylä Library at 10 a.m.Tip FOR BABIES and parents in Espoo: BabyKino at Ison Omenen Library at 10:30 a.m. Read more about BabyKino on the library’s website.
At playgrounds:
Obstacle course in the enclosure at Maunula playground on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.Playgrounds, let us know about special event days directly at Pienten Helsinki!
Parent-child cafés:
The MLL parent-child café list maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for updates...Other events:
On Wihuri Day, the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation offers free admission to all exhibitions at Ateneum, Kiasma, and Sinebrychoff Art Museums for every visitor. Opening hours: Ateneum Art Museum 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., and Sinebrychoff Art Museum 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Read more on the event's Facebook page.The Ship is Loaded puppet theater concert at Puppet Theater Sampo on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Tickets €12. Information and ticket reservations on Sampo’s website.
Daycare Museum is open on Wednesday from 12-6 p.m.
At Malmitalo’s Kino Helioks you can see the film Urpo and Turpo Following the Thread (approved) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tickets €6. Information and ticket reservations on Malmitalo’s website.
Touch Allowed! Fall Break Activities at the Natural History Museum during week 43 from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Museum admission fee applies. Details on the museum’s website.
Also remember: Kalasatama’s Free Town in the REDI shopping center invites you to hang out, play, eat your own snacks, or just relax. Free Town is located on the 2nd floor of the shopping center. Read more on Free Town’s Facebook page.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018
At the libraries:
Story time at Pasila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Tapulinkaupunki Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Paloheinä Library at 9:30 a.m. Circus Room workshop at Kontula Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Jakomäki Library at 10 a.m. Toddler time at Paloheinä Library at 10:30 a.m.At playgrounds:
Playgrounds, let us know about special event days directly at Pienten Helsinki!Parent-child cafés:
MLL Parent-child café in Kruunuhaka at Kruna mesta (Meritullinkatu 6) on Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. MLL Parent-child café at Kurkimäki courtyard (Musikantti entrance) on Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Nearly every week there is an open Hupsansaa association's music play session at 10 a.m. at the parent-child group. MLL Parent-child café in Töölö at Ruusulassa (Ruusulankatu 10, side building) on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tip for Espoo: MLL Leppävaara Parent-child café at Sello Library's Children's Area on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.The MLL parent-child café list maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for updates…
Other events:
The Ship is Loaded puppet theater concert at Puppet Theater Sampo on Thursday at 10 a.m. Tickets €12. Information and ticket reservations on Sampo's website.Family ball play in Pallomylly’s indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball play, all children under 9 move on a soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running, or practicing walking. Family ball play on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. Afternoon play costs adults Pallomylly’s drop-in fee (€3.50). Read more in Pienten Helsinki’s Helsinki on the Move article.
Helsinki Book Fair October 25-28, 2018. The children’s area offers diverse programming for small children and their friends. More information on the Book Fair’s website. Admission fee applies.
Touch Allowed! Fall Break Activities at the Natural History Museum during week 43 from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Museum admission fee applies. Details on the museum’s website.
Also remember: Kalasatama’s Free Town in the REDI shopping center invites you to hang out, play, eat your own snacks, or just relax. Free Town is located on the 2nd floor of the shopping center. Read more on Free Town’s Facebook page.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018
At the libraries:
Toddler time at Viikki Library at 10 a.m. Toddler time at South Haaga Library at 10 a.m. Russian-language music play school visits Töölö Library at 10 a.m. FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Viikki Library at 11 a.m.Tip for Vantaa: Let’s Sing Together with Children at Tikkurila Library at 10 a.m.
At playgrounds:
Playgrounds, let us know about special event days directly at Pienten Helsinki!Parent-child cafés:
MLL Parent-child café at Itäkatu Family Center on Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.The MLL parent-child café list maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for updates…
Other events:
Art Studio for ages 3-6 at playground Lamma (Kontula) on Friday at 10 a.m. You can participate in Art Studio weekly or occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No advance registration required. Read more about Art Studio activities on Stoa's website.The Ship is Loaded puppet theater concert at Puppet Theater Sampo on Friday at 10 a.m. Tickets €12. Information and ticket reservations on Sampo’s website.
Baby Cinema at Annantalo on Fridays at 10 a.m. Age recommendation: 0-3 years with an adult, older children also welcome. Admission is free. This week’s theme is games, activities, and hobbies. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Longinoja Nature Trail opening on Friday from 2-4 p.m. Best tips for spotting trout and light refreshments for opening guests. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Helsinki Book Fair October 25-28, 2018. The children’s area offers diverse programming for small children and their friends. More information on the Book Fair’s website. Admission fee applies.
Touch Allowed! Fall Break Activities at the Natural History Museum during week 43 from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Museum admission fee applies. Details on the museum’s website.
Also remember: Kalasatama’s Free Town in the REDI shopping center invites you to hang out, play, eat your own snacks, or just relax. Free Town is located on the 2nd floor of the shopping center. Read more on Free Town’s Facebook page.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2018
At the libraries:Music movement session: Mammoth Mars - a space adventure at Arabianranta Library at 11 a.m. Story time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11 a.m.
Tip for Espoo: Lukukamut – multilingual reading corner for fathers and children at Sello Library from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tip FOR BABIES and parents to Kauniainen: BabyTango at Kauniainen Library at 12 p.m.
Other events:
Helsinki Book Fair October 25-28, 2018. The children's area offers diverse programming for small children and their friends. More information on the Book Fair's website. Admission fee applies.Movement Games in Maunula continue Saturday mornings from 9-10:30 a.m. at Maunula Sports Hall. Adults pay €3.50, children under 9 play for free. You can arrive at your own pace. Read more in Pienten Helsinki’s Helsinki on the Move article.
[caption id=“attachment_1639” align=“aligncenter” width=“1024”]
Movement Games continue at Maunula Sports Hall on Saturday. Photo from Liikuntamylly’s games.[/caption]
Taitoliikuntakeskus’s Play Days on Saturdays and Sundays for children under school age: 1-3 year-olds at 10-11 a.m. and 3-6 year-olds at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Tickets €10/child. More information on Taitoliikuntakeskus’s website.
Cleaning Day!! - whole family event at the Daycare Museum on Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission to the museum and event is free. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s Saturday at Cafe Monami at Rastila Campground on Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Programs and activities for small children. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
The Ship is Loaded puppet theater concert at Puppet Theater Sampo on Saturday at 12 p.m. Tickets €12. Information and ticket reservations on Sampo’s website.
Kiasma’s Saturday Workshops continue and are open to all with museum admission and are suitable for children over 3. Read more about Kiasma’s workshop activities on the museum’s website. Museum admission fee applies.
Red Noses Day at Vuotalo on Saturday from 12-4 p.m. Fun and activities for all ages. Some programs are paid. Read more on Vuotalo’s website.
In Swedish: Saturday treats - The Story of the Little Uncle at Lilla Luckan on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Meeting Point Café at Stoa Cultural Center on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Read more on Stoa’s website.
DanceAbility dance class at Annantalo from 2-3 p.m. The class is suitable for all 3-12 year-olds with their own adult, regardless of ability or disability. Read more about DanceAbility classes on Annantalo’s website. Free admission.
Joker Poker Box 40th Anniversary Magic Show at Kanneltalo on Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets €13.50. More information on Kanneltalo’s website.
Touch Allowed! Fall Break Activities at the Natural History Museum during week 43 from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Museum admission fee applies. Details on the museum’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Jazz for Kids at Espoo Cultural Center in Tapiola on Saturday at 11 a.m. Admission is free. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Dance along to Pikku Pappu’s orchestra at Aino shopping center in Tapiola (M-level) on Saturday from 1-1:15 p.m. and 2-2:15 p.m. Read more on Pikku Pappu’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Pumpkin Festival at Toy Museum Horse Shoe in Tapiola on Saturday from 12-4 p.m. In addition to costumes, lots of exciting programs for children. Read more on the event’s Facebook page. Museum admission fee applies.
Tip for Espoo: Park Magazine at Träskanda Manor Park on Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Lots of programs for all ages! Read more on the event’s Facebook page. Free admission.
Also remember: Kalasatama’s Free Town in the REDI shopping center invites you to hang out, play, eat your own snacks, or just relax. Free Town is located on the 2nd floor of the shopping center. Read more on Free Town’s Facebook page.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2018
Winter time begins! Clocks are turned back one hour.Other events:
Helsinki Book Fair October 25-28, 2018. The children's area offers diverse programming for small children and their friends. More information on the Book Fair's website. Admission fee applies.Movement Games continue at Liikuntamylly in Myllypuro on Sunday mornings from 9-10:45 a.m. Adults pay €3.50, children under 9 play for free. You can arrive at your own pace, there is space for strollers in the foyer and you should pack your own lock for the locker room. Read more in Pienten Helsinki’s Helsinki on the Move article.
Taitoliikuntakeskus’s Play Days on Saturdays and Sundays for children under school age: 1-3 year-olds at 10-11 a.m. and 3-6 year-olds at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Tickets €10/child. More information on Taitoliikuntakeskus’s website.
Flea market! MLL Tapaninkylä Children’s Clothing and Equipment Flea Market at Suutarila Elementary School from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Kaivopuisto raking work party on Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event is suitable for families and children are provided with smaller tools as well. Light refreshments and a good reason to get outside together. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
In Swedish: Children’s Sundays at Kino Engel at 1 p.m. Children’s film screenings at Kino Engel in Swedish. Tickets €10.50. Read more and see the program on Kino Engel’s website.
Sunday Meetings Play-Time/Play-Thing dance piece at Annantalo on Sunday at 1 p.m. Register for the performance on Annantalo’s website. Free admission.
Believe It or Not - workshop day at Annantalo on Sunday from 1-3:30 p.m. Workshops for all ages and tastes. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Pakila gymnasts’ family day at Metsola Elementary School gym on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Free admission. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Vantaa: Whole Family Nature School Sunday at Vantaa Nature School from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Read more on the Finnish Nature League’s website.
Also remember: Kalasatama’s Free Town in the REDI shopping center invites you to hang out, play, eat your own snacks, or just relax. Free Town is located on the 2nd floor of the shopping center. Read more on Free Town’s Facebook page.
Also remember these:
Helsinki places article is a lifesaver for boring days!Circus Finlandia at Kaisaniemi Field from September 28-October 28, 2018. Ticket prices and more information available on the circus’s own website.
Helsinki Book Fair October 25-28, 2018. The children’s area offers diverse programming for small children and their friends. More information on the Book Fair’s website. Admission fee applies.
Skidilä, a new child-friendly café at Annantalo invites you to visit and spend, for example, a delicious pastry break!
Go on a fall foliage hike! Helsinki’s parks and forests are now glowing in beautiful autumn colors! Pienten Helsinki recommends a trip to at least Tullisaari in Laajasalo, Herttoniemi Manor Park, and Sibelius Park in Töölö. Espoo’s Träskanda Manor Park is also a wonderful experience!
Also remember: Nordic Library on Kaisaniemenkatu.
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