Pienten Helsinki
What to do or where to go with children? What kid-friendly activities can you find 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.
The cover image of the article shows the May Day atmosphere at Linnanmäki. Linnanmäki opens its doors for the summer season on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 3:30 PM.
Exhibition tips for children
Farewell to the old exhibition. Päivälehti Museum is being renovated this year. The current permanent exhibition, dating from 2015, will be on display until Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after which the museum will close for renovation work. The renovated museum will open in November 2023.
Museum tips for children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
Espoo: Touching - Espoo's art school graduation exhibitions and basic groups exhibition at Ainoassa shopping center in Tapiola on April 6 - May 14, 2023. Free admission.
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023
Events and activity tips
There's exciting things to see at Suomenlinna, as the dry dock's outdoor pool begins to be filled on Monday and Tuesday and water is released into the large pool from which the traditional vessels wintering at the dock can return to sea at around 1 PM. This is an unforgettable sight for many small and large visitors, so a trip to Suomenlinna and to the viewing platform at Susisaari is definitely worth doing! Similar dry docks can be found in very few places in the world, so this is quite a unique experience!
What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
Albertin Living Room, a meeting place for families open to all at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Mondays from 9:30 AM to 2 PM (International Monday's).
Dance and play workshops for toddlers and their parents at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) in the Maissi room on Monday at 10 AM (ages 1-3) and 11 AM (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; spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 12 will fit in. Free admission.
Art Advisory: Just Scribbles? Have you ever wondered about the colorful paintings and texts on house walls or elsewhere in the city? They might be graffiti. What exactly is graffiti and why is it made? Elisabeth Vesanto will tell us about this form of street art and we'll get to try making graffiti ourselves using non-toxic, water-soluble paints. Art Advisory for 3-5-year-olds at Annatalossa (Annankatu 30) on Mondays at 10 AM and 12:30 PM. The family's younger children, babies and toddlers, can also participate and experience the atmosphere of the art advisory. Free admission.
Final week! Family Festivities at Tapiola Elementary School (Veljestenpiha 2) on Mondays from 5 PM to 6:30 PM on January 9 - April 24, 2023. Free admission. Family Festivities offer preschool-age children and their parents a space where they can move together independently and free of charge.
Farewell to the old exhibition. Päivälehti Museum is being renovated this year. The current permanent exhibition, dating from 2015, will be on display until Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after which the museum will close for renovation work. The renovated museum will open in November 2023.
Activities in playgrounds on Monday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, north end of the 3rd floor) in the Loru playground the following happens on Monday:
10:30-11 AM Loru Lompsis – movement for over 1-year-olds
1:00-1:30 PM Kukkuluuruu – baby time for under 1-year-olds
3:00-3:30 PM Kukkuluuruu – baby time for under 1-year-olds
Open from January 9 - June 4, 2023 are the playgrounds: 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 incorrectly states that the Rutshollari playground would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only after-school activities are provided in replacement premises.
Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and a presentation of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Monday
Helmet library events for children on Monday can be found on Helmet's event page.
TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2023
Events and activity tips
There's exciting things to see at Suomenlinna, as the dry dock's outdoor pool begins to be filled on Monday and Tuesday and water is released into the large pool from which the traditional vessels wintering at the dock can return to sea at around 1 PM. This is an unforgettable sight for many small and large visitors, so a trip to Suomenlinna and to the viewing platform at Susisaari is definitely worth doing! Similar dry docks can be found in very few places in the world, so this is quite a unique experience!
Haltiala farm's lamb shelter is open until transition to outdoor pastures on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 12 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 1 PM.
MLL Myllypuro and Metropolia's HyMy-kylä family café at Myllypuro's Metropolia premises (next to the metro station) on Tuesday from 9 AM to 11 AM. Each time also features changing programs for families. Free admission.
Neuvolaparkki at the Kampi Family Center on Tuesdays from 9:30 AM to 1 PM.
Final week! Family Festivities at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9). In family ball games, all children under 9 move in the company of their own adult on soft artificial turf. Free play, climbing, running or even learning to walk. Family Festivities on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 AM and 4-6 PM from January 9 - April 28, 2023. Free admission.
Ateneum Art Museum's free day on Tuesday from 10 AM to 8:30 PM
Free admission to Design Museum (Korkeavuorenkatu 23) on the last Tuesday of the month from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays from 12 PM to 7 PM. Small admission fee.
Art for Toddlers Workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 PM. Workshops are suitable for 1.5-3-year-old children with their own adult. No advance registration, free admission. You can join the workshops for the whole time or just for a moment at a time.
My Day as a Doctor | Whole Family Workshop Event at the Science Corner on Tuesday from 4-7 PM. Free admission.
Final week! Family Festivities at Sakarinmäki Elementary School (Knutersintie 924) on Tuesdays from 5 PM to 6:30 PM from January 10 - April 25, 2023. Family Festivities offer preschool-age children and their parents a space where they can move together independently and free of charge. Free admission.
Final week! Family Festivities at Kankarepuisto Elementary School (Jakomäenpolku 6) on Tuesdays from 5:15-6:15 PM from January 10 - April 25, 2023. Family Festivities offer preschool-age children and their parents a space where they can move together independently and free of charge. Free admission.
Farewell to the old exhibition. Päivälehti Museum is being renovated this year. The current permanent exhibition, dating from 2015, will be on display until Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after which the museum will close for renovation work. The renovated museum will open in November 2023.
Activities in playgrounds on Tuesday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, north end of the 3rd floor) in the Loru playground the following happens on Tuesday:
11-11:30 AM Stroller fitness, Oodi courtyard
3-3:30 PM Loru Songs – music session for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor
Open from January 9 - June 4, 2023 are the playgrounds: 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 incorrectly states that the Rutshollari playground would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only after-school activities are provided in replacement premises.
Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and a presentation of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Tuesday
Helmet library events for children on Tuesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2023
Events and activity tips
Albertin Living Room, a meeting place for families open to all at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 3 PM.
Fire Museum at the Erottaja fire station is open on Wednesdays from 12 PM to 4 PM. Small admission fee.
Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday from 12 PM to 7 PM. Small admission fee.
Final week! Family Festivities at Käpylä Elementary School (Untamontie 2) on Wednesdays from 5 PM to 6:30 PM from January 11 - April 26, 2023. Family Festivities offer preschool-age children and their parents a space where they can move together independently and free of charge. Free admission.
Free admission to Cable Factories Museums on Wednesday from 5-8 PM.
Farewell to the old exhibition. Päivälehti Museum is being renovated this year. The current permanent exhibition, dating from 2015, will be on display until Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after which the museum will close for renovation work. The renovated museum will open in November 2023.
Activities in playgrounds on Wednesday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) in the Loru playground the following happens on Wednesday:
11 AM-1 PM Loru Creates – crafts and art for all ages
2-3:30 PM Loru Creates – crafts and art for all ages
Open from January 9 - June 4, 2023 are the playgrounds: 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 incorrectly states that the Rutshollari playground would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only after-school activities are provided in replacement premises.
Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and a presentation of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Wednesday
Helmet library events for children on Wednesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
Events and activity tips
Renovated Hakaniemi Market Hall opens on Thursday at 8 AM.
Jussi's forest fairy tale session at Uutelan rocky forest on Thursday at 9:15 AM and 10:30 AM.
With Jussi Ollila, we venture into the forest to find the most exciting fairy tales and most magical stories. The stories come to life from the children's ideas improvised and inspired by the life we encounter in the forest. A loyal travel guitar accompanies us. In stormy weather, the session is postponed to a later time. Suitable for over 3-year-olds, or children who can manage a short forest walk. The location is Uutelan rocky forest. Departure from the parking area between Kahvila Kampela and Uutelan forest.
Haltiala farm's lamb shelter opens to the public on April 13, 2023. The shelter is open until transition to outdoor pastures on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 12 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Final week! Family Festivities at Kurkimäki row house (Karpalokuja 7) on Thursdays from 9:30-11 AM from January 12 - April 27, 2023. Family Festivities offer preschool-age children and their parents a space where they can move together independently and free of charge. Free admission.
Final week! Family Festivities at Tali Sports Park indoor football hall (Purotie 8) on Thursdays from 9:30-11 AM from January 12 - April 27, 2023. Family Festivities offer preschool-age children and their parents a space where they can move together independently and free of charge. Free admission.
Albertin Living Room's May Day celebration (Albertinkatu 33) on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 3 PM.
Art for Toddlers Workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays from 10 AM to 12 PM. Workshops are suitable for 1.5-3-year-old children with their own adult. No advance registration, free admission. You can join the workshops for the whole time or just for a moment at a time.
Final week! Family Festivities at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9). In family ball games, all children under 9 move in the company of their own adult on soft artificial turf. Free play, climbing, running or even learning to walk. Family Festivities on Thursday from 4-5 PM from January 11 - April 27, 2023. Free admission.
MLL's May Day Extravaganza at Ruoholahti playground on Thursday from 4:30-6:30 PM. Free admission.
Final week! Family Festivities at Porolahti Elementary School (Roihuvuorentie 2) on Thursdays from 5 PM to 6:30 PM from January 12 - April 27, 2023. Family Festivities offer preschool-age children and their parents a space where they can move together independently and free of charge. Free admission.
Final week! Family Festivities at Pukinmäenkaari Elementary School (Kenttäkuja 12) on Thursdays from 5 PM to 6:30 PM from January 12 - April 27, 2023. Family Festivities offer preschool-age children and their parents a space where they can move together independently and free of charge. Free admission.
Final week! Family Festivities at Malminkartano Elementary School (Puustellintie 6) on Thursdays from 5 PM to 6:30 PM from January 12 - April 20, 2023. Family Festivities offer preschool-age children and their parents a space where they can move together independently and free of charge. Free admission.
Final week! Family Festivities at Kampi Sports Center (Malminkatu 3) on Thursdays from 5 PM to 6:30 PM from January 12 - April 27, 2023 (not in week 8). Family Festivities offer preschool-age children and their parents a space where they can move together independently and free of charge. Free admission.
Farewell to the old exhibition. Päivälehti Museum is being renovated this year. The current permanent exhibition, dating from 2015, will be on display until Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after which the museum will close for renovation work. The renovated museum will open in November 2023.
Activities in playgrounds on Thursday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) in the Loru playground the following happens on Thursday:
11-11:30 AM Move with your baby - energetic movement and dance
1-2:40 PM Baby cinema, Oodi 1st floor Cinema Regina
3-3:30 PM Loru Games – play and fun for over 1-year-olds
Open from January 9 - June 4, 2023 are the playgrounds: 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 incorrectly states that the Rutshollari playground would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only after-school activities are provided in replacement premises.
Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and a presentation of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Thursday
Helmet library events for children on Thursday can be found on Helmet's event page.
FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023
Events and activity tips
Espoo: ETKOT! May Day Festival! At Children's Cultural Center Aurora on Friday from 9:30-11:30 AM.
Albertin Living Room, a meeting place for families open to all at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Fridays from 9:30 AM to 3 PM.
For babies and parents! Maunula Baby Cinema on Friday at 10 AM.
Maunula Hall youth center on the 2nd floor (Metsäpurontie 4) transforms into a cinema for babies and parents. Film screenings are baby-friendly, but films are chosen to suit adult tastes. The film sounds are quieter than usual and the space has dim lighting. Facilities in the space include a water point and microwave to help with baby care, and a changing table in the hallway of Maunula Hall. Coffee and tea are available. The living room has sofas, armchairs and a large mat on the floor. Adding your own pad would add comfort for your baby. You can also bring a sling/car seat where your baby can sleep during the movie. Free admission.
Pihlajamäki May Day Celebration on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 2-6 PM at the Pihlajamäki Youth Center.
Early Start to Dance Day at the Theater Museum on Friday from 3:30-8 PM. Free admission
Dance Hall Open Doors on Friday from 3:30-7:30 PM. Free admission.
MLL Kontula May Day Carnival at Kontulankaari 24 on Friday from 4-7 PM. Free admission.
What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
Farewell to the old exhibition. Päivälehti Museum is being renovated this year. The current permanent exhibition, dating from 2015, will be on display until Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after which the museum will close for renovation work. The renovated museum will open in November 2023.
Activities in playgrounds on Friday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) in the Loru playground the following happens on Friday:
11-11:30 AM Loru's Waves – story-based play session for over 2-year-olds
2:30-3:30 PM May Day Celebration for all ages, Oodi 1st floor. Maija Hall
Open from January 9 - June 4, 2023 are the playgrounds: 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 incorrectly states that the Rutshollari playground would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only after-school activities are provided in replacement premises.
Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and a presentation of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Friday
Helmet library events for children on Friday can be found on Helmet's event page.
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2023
Events and activity tips
Skateboarding school at Kontula skate hall on Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM. Suitable for all ages, with the smallest accompanied by an adult. Course fee €20.
Haltiala farm's lamb shelter is open until transition to outdoor pastures on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 12 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Spring Market at Puistola Corner (Nurkkatie 2) on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Free admission.
May Day Games at Kesälä location of Malmi Elementary School (Silkokuja 7) on Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM. Free admission.
Flea market! MLL Kannelmäki children's clothing flea market at Kanneltal on Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Espoo: Megamuskari at Kannusali on Saturday at 10:30 AM. Tickets €5.
Instrument Garden Opening at the Music House courtyard on Saturday from 12-3 PM. Little Pup Orchestra, Ruffy Army's giant soap bubbles and more. Free admission.
Children's Saturday: Theme Manga at Comic Center (Herttoniemenranta) on Saturday from 12-3 PM. Free admission.
A Little Wilder May Day Disco - May Day Events for Children and the Young at Heart at Stoa's small hall (Turunlinnantie 1) on Saturday from 1-3 PM. At the wilder May Day disco, we groove to the rhythm of DJ Lazy Jaakko, with disco, funk and soul beats. This is a dance invitation for small and large ones who enjoy all kinds of music. You have the entire music hall floor at Stoa to use, where you can get into a wilder May Day mood, alone or with your family or group together. At the event, you can also get into the spirit by dressing appropriately. Restaurant Skutta serves the best May Day treats. Free admission.
What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
Library events on Saturday
Helmet library events for children on Saturday can be found on the library's event page.
SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2023
May Day's Eve
Events and activity tips
Find the best May Day's Eve activity tips in Pienten Helsinki's May Day 2023 article!
Haltiala farm's lamb shelter opens to the public on April 13, 2023. The shelter is open until transition to outdoor pastures on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 12 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Tuusula: Spring Carnival at Tuusula Sports Center on Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Free admission.
Fire Museum at the Erottaja fire station is open on Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM. Small admission fee.
What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023
May Day
Events and activity tips
Happy May Day!
Find the best May Day tips in Pienten Helsinki's May Day 2023 article!
What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
Activities in playgrounds on Monday
On May Day playgrounds do not have organized activities, but you can play on the playground grounds anytime!
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and a presentation of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Monday
On May Day libraries are closed.
Remember also:
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
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