Pienten Helsinki
Where to Go This Week?
What activities suitable for children can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? And what to do on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki's weekly series looks for activity tips and highlights child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website targets preschool children and families with young children.Where to Go This Week? This week, the first doors of Christmas calendars are opened, Christmas anticipation begins at numerous Christmas events, neighboring cities are visited in festive atmospheres, Buu-dagen is happening, carousels are spinning, and adventures await in Suomenlinna. Pienten Helsinki’s Where to Go This Week article suggests all the activities happening in the city for families with preschool-aged children.
Pienten Helsinki dreams and made a suggestion to the OmaStadi service for a shared family living room. Support suggestions and make your own dream come true. You can see Pienten Helsinki’s suggestion here.
CHALLENGE: Hmm, where are you? Pienten Helsinki challenges everyone wondering about lonely playgrounds, missing playmates, and those seeking more lively playground life to post pictures with the hashtag #hmmmwhereareYou. The campaign aims to spark discussion about why playgrounds are losing friends, think of solutions, and draw attention to the loneliness of young children’s parents. Photos, discussions, concrete actions, opinions - everything advances the cause using the #hmmmwhereareYou hashtag. If you want to take concrete action, get in touch! For example, in Helsinki it would be possible to organize larger play meetups on weekends, the space is already available. The campaign is hoped to spread throughout Finland, not just Helsinki, and the challenge is welcome to be shared!
The article’s cover photo is from Senate Square, from Thomas Market in December 2017.
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »| Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY 26.11.2018
Library events:
Story Time at Puistola Library at 10 a.m.Playground events:
Playgrounds, tip us about special event days directly to Pienten Helsinki!Parent cafés:
MLL Parent Café at Itäkatu Family Center on the first floor Mondays 9:30-11:30 a.m.Tip for Espoo: Parent Café at Tapiola Library Mondays 2-4 p.m.
Maintained by Pienten Helsinki, the list of MLL parent cafés in Helsinki is still waiting for an update.
Other events:
Puppet Theater Music Class at Sampo Gallery Hall Monday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Paid (€8/time or €80/entire fall). Read more from Puppet Theater Sampo's website.Art Clinic for 3-6-year-olds at Malmitalo Monday at 10 a.m. This Art Clinic’s theme is the kingdom of dolls. You can participate in the Art Clinic weekly or occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No advance registration required. Read more about the Art Clinic at Malmitalo’s website.
November museum tip: Museums open on Mondays are Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City, Newspaper Museum and Amos Rex.
Tip for Espoo: Mimmien talvi - Children’s Concert at Espoo Cultural Center Monday at 9 a.m. Tickets €7.50. More information on Espoo’s culture pages.
TUESDAY 27.11.2018
Library events:
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 North Haaga Library at 10 a.m. Story Time at Kannelmäki Library at 10 a.m. Story Time at Töölö Library at 10:15 a.m. Snowflake Workshop at Kontula Library 1:30-3 p.m.Playgrounds events:
Playgrounds, tip us about special event days directly to Pienten Helsinki!Parent cafés:
Tip for Espoo: International Parent Café at Sello Library Tuesdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.The list of MLL parent cafés in Helsinki maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for an update.
Other events:
Family Ball Sports at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball sports, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running or even learning to walk. Family ball sports Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Free admission for morning ball sports, afternoon sports cost adults Pallomylly's admission fee (€3.50). Read more from Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki on the Move article.Princess Day at Skidilässä in Annantalo Tuesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Read all about the pink and glittery day from the event’s Facebook page.
Ice skating! To Oulunkylä, Brahenkenttä, Pukinmäki and Lassila ice rinks you can already start practicing pirouettes. Käpylä and Kontula ice rinks open on Wednesday. Opening hours and more information from the Helsinki on the Move website. Small admission fee.
WEDNESDAY 28.11.2018
Library events:
Story Time at Maunula Library at 9:15 a.m. Story Time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30 a.m. Dancing Story Time at Kontula Library at 9:30 a.m. Story Time at Roihuvuori Library at 9:45 a.m. Music Story Time - Nature Adventure at Paloheinä Library at 10 a.m. Story Time at Lauttasaari Library at 10 a.m. Story Time at Pukinmäki Library at 10:15 a.m. Story Time at Oulunkylä Library at 5 p.m.Tip for babies and parents: BabyKino at Kallio Library. You can take your baby to movies Wednesdays at 12 noon and 2:30 p.m. BabyKino’s own Facebook group can be found here, where the week’s film is published and you vote on upcoming programs.
Playgrounds events:
Playgrounds, tip us about special event days directly to Pienten Helsinki!Parent cafés:
The list of MLL parent cafés in Helsinki maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for an update...Other events:
Theater Horseshoe's Sotta Pyttynen performance at Kanneltalo Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. Tickets €11.50. The performance is recommended for children over 3 years old. Read more from Kanneltalo's website.Kindergarten Museum is open 12-6 p.m. Small admission fee.
Free entry to Cable Factory museums on Wednesday: Theater Museum 3-6 p.m., Hotel and Restaurant Museum and Photography Art Museum 3-8 p.m. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Ice skating! To Oulunkylä, Brahenkenttä, Pukinmäki and Lassila ice rinks you can already start practicing pirouettes. Käpylä and Kontula ice rinks open on Wednesday. Opening hours and more information from the Helsinki on the Move website. Small admission fee.
THURSDAY 29.11.2018
Library events:
Story Time at Suutarila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story Time at Tapulinkaupunki Library at 9:30 a.m. Dancing Story Time at Kontula Library at 9:30 a.m. Story Time at Paloheinä Library at 9:30 a.m. Christmas Crafts at Suutarila Library 1-3 p.m. Story Time at Vallila Library at 6 p.m.Playgrounds events:
Playgrounds, tip us about special event days directly to Pienten Helsinki!Parent cafés:
MLL Parent Café in Kruunuhaka at Krunan mesta (Meritullinkatu 6) Thursdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. MLL Parent Café at Kurkimäki Courtyard (Musikantti door) Thursdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. Almost every week the parent group has Hupsansaa Association's music play session open to all at 10 a.m. MLL Parent Café in Töölö at Ruusulankatu (Ruusulankatu 10, side building) Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tip for Espoo: MLL Leppävaara Parent Café at Sello Library's Children's Land Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.The list of MLL parent cafés in Helsinki maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for an update…
Other events:
Family Ball Sports at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball sports, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running or even learning to walk. Family ball sports Thursdays 4-5 p.m. Afternoon sports cost adults Pallomylly's admission fee (€3.50). Read more from Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki on the Move article.Fathers and Children Sports Group at Puotila Primary School gymnasium Thursdays 6-7 p.m. The event is organized by MLL Uusimaa. Free admission. Read more from MLL Uusimaa region website.
Tip for Espoo: Ti-Ti Nalle’s 30th Anniversary Concert at Espoo Cultural Center in Tapiola Thursday at 6 p.m. Tickets from €25. Information and tickets at Espoo culture pages.
FRIDAY 30.11.2018
Library events:
Toddler Time at Malmi Library at 10 a.m. Baby Rhyme Time at South Haaga Library at 10 a.m. Baby Rhyme Time at Malmi Library at 11 a.m.Tip for Vantaa: Let’s Sing Together with Children at Tikkurila Library at 10 a.m.
Playgrounds events:
Playgrounds, tip us about special event days directly to Pienten Helsinki!Parent cafés:
MLL Parent Café at Itäkatu Family Center Fridays 9:30-11:30 a.m.The list of MLL parent cafés in Helsinki maintained by Pienten Helsinki is still waiting for an update…
Other events:
Naperokino in Annantalo Fridays at 10 a.m. Age recommendation: 0-3 years with an adult, older children also welcome. Movies are free. Friends and Family (latest). More information on Annantalo's website.In Swedish: Arbis Christmas Party Event at the Swedish Workers’ Institute in Töölö offers activities and experiences for all ages and languages Friday 5-9 p.m. Sås and Kopp performs in the celebration hall at 5 p.m. Entry to the event is free, some workshops may have a small material fee in cash. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Fantasy Opera Tomtebobarnen at Savoy Theater Friday at 7 p.m. The performance is recommended for children over 5 years old. Tickets €16.50/€29.50. More information at Savoy Theater website.
Tip for Espoo: Theater Horseshoe’s Sotta Pyttynen Performance at Sello Hall Friday at 10:15 a.m. Tickets €11.50. The performance is recommended for children over 3 years old. Read more at Sello Hall website.
SATURDAY 1.12.2018
Library events:Story Time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11 a.m.
Library tip for Espoo: Christmas Family Day at Entressen Library Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Other events:
Christmas Markets around the city, check out the day's vendors from Pienten Helsinki's list.Fortress Christmas in Suomenlinna: Fortress Santa’s Self-Guided Route in Suomenlinna 1.12.2018-6.1.2019. Fortress Santa’s Kaarlen Route in Suomenlinna Saturdays 1.-22.12.2018. Tickets €7. Christmas at Ehrensvärd Museum in Suomenlinna Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets €2/€5, Museum Card venue. Suomenlinna Toy Museum and the Café Samovarbar located next to the museum are open in December 1.12.2018 – 6.1.2019 daily 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Museum tickets €2-€7, Museum Card venue.
Flea market and Christmas vendor sales! MLL Strömsinlahti Christmas Event & Flea Market at Roihuvuori Playground facilities Saturday 9:30 a.m.-12 noon. More information from the organizer’s website.
Kindergarten Museum Christmas Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. activities include gingerbread baking, making Christmas decorations, decorating the tree and enjoying the beautiful museum environment - without forgetting play! Free admission. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
In Swedish: BUU-day at Arcada premises in Arabianranta Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Entry to the event is free, advance registration is required only for performances. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Christmas: Thomas Market opens again Saturday and celebrates its opening throughout the day 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The program includes carousel rides plus at least group singing and visiting Father Christmas. Read more on Thomas Market’s website. Thomas Market at Senate Square 1.-22.12.2018.
[caption id=“attachment_2223” align=“aligncenter” width=“1024”]
A carousel is spinning at Thomas Market![/caption]
Little Ones’ Christmas at City Museum Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Performances, workshops and meeting traditional Father Christmas. Read more from City Museum’s website. Free admission.
Nordic Little Christmas / Nordic Little Christmas Celebrations at the Nordic Cultural Center and Library premises on Kaisaniemenkatu Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Special programs also for children. More information on the Nordic Cultural Center’s website.
Dream Gingerbread House Workshops at the Hotel and Restaurant Museum Saturday 12-3 p.m. The museum is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and has free admission on workshop day. Read more from the Hotel and Restaurant Museum’s website.
Culture Mill Open Doors and Gingerbread Theater Workshop at Liikuntmylly lower floor in Myllypuro Saturday 12-3 p.m. Programs for all ages from babies to grandparents. The day’s complete program can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
Vuosaari Christmas Trail for the seventh time around Café Kampela Saturday 12-5 p.m. Lots to try and see in beautiful surroundings. Free admission for the whole family event. More information from the event’s Facebook page.
Granny from Pikkukakkos brings a children’s musical to Musiikkiteatteri Kapsäki stage Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets for the premiere cost €14.50/€22.50. Tickets and information at Kapsäki’s website.
Meeting Café at culture center Caisa Saturday 2-4 p.m. Read more from Caisa’s website.
Let’s Move! ToPos Toddler Club at Munkkiniemi Co-educational School gymnasium Saturday 2:30-4 p.m. The event open to everyone promises at least activities, games, obstacle courses and ball sports. More information from the event’s Facebook page.
Fantasy Opera Tomtebobarnen at Savoy Theater Saturday at 6 p.m. The performance is recommended for children over 5 years old. Tickets €16.50/€29.50. More information at Savoy Theater’s website.
Flea market tip for Vantaa: MLL Korso-Koivukyläs large Christmas flea market at Lumon premises Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Little Aurora Saturday Workshop Features Christmas Art WORKSHOP Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.! Read more from Aurora’s website.
Let’s Move! Tip for Espoo: Moomins’ Twilight Adventure in Oittaa Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. More information from the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Theater Horseshoe’s Sotta Pyttynen Performance at Sello Hall Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets €11.50. The performance is recommended for children over 3 years old. Read more from Sello Hall’s website.
Let’s Move! Tip for Vantaa: Forest Sprites Family Day for 5-7-year-olds at Bisa Lodge Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. More information from the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Porvoo: Traditional Christmas Opening of Old Porvoo around Town Hall Square Saturday from 3 p.m. Read more from Porvoo Tourism’s website.
Tip for Porvoo: Ti-Ti Nalle’s 30th Anniversary Concert at Taidetehtaat Avanti Hall Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets €25. Information and tickets from Taidetehtaat’s website.
Tip for Loviisa: Loviisa Christmas & Old-Fashioned Christmas Homes in Loviisa Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy Christmas homes, charming small-town Christmas atmosphere, craft markets and play at two playgrounds from Onni and Anneli. A nice day trip less than an hour away from Helsinki! Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Ruotsinpyhtää near Loviisa: Strömforsin Mill Christmas Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Christmas program for the whole family, Christmas gifts and Hembolen farm animals. More information from the event’s Facebook page.
SUNDAY 2.12.2018
Other events:
Christmas Markets around the city, check out the day's vendors from Pienten Helsinki's list.Fortress Santa’s Self-Guided Route in Suomenlinna 1.12.2018-6.1.2019.
Suomenlinna Toy Museum and the Café Samovarbar located next to the museum are open in December 1.12.2018 – 6.1.2019 daily 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Museum tickets €2-€7, Museum Card venue. Read more from Suomenlinna Tourism’s website.
Christmas: Thomas Market at Senate Square 1.-22.12.2018. Carousel spins daily at the center of the square for free! Market program can be found here.
Fantasy Opera Tomtebobarnen at Savoy Theater Saturday at 6 p.m. The performance is recommended for children over 5 years old. Tickets €16.50/€29.50. More information at Savoy Theater’s website.
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.
Ice skating in Helsinki! Oulunkylä, Brahenkenttä, Pukinmäki, Kontula, Käpylä and Lassila ice rinks are again open for practicing pirouettes. Opening hours and more information from the Helsinki on the Move website. Small admission fee.
Sports tip for Espoo: Sunday Rental-Free Public Skating Hour at Metro Arena Sundays 9 a.m.-12 noon. Read more from Espoo’s website. Free admission. Also Tapiola Ice Garden is open (small admission fee)!
Tip for Loviisa: Loviisa Christmas & Old-Fashioned Christmas Homes in Loviisa Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy Christmas homes, charming small-town Christmas atmosphere, craft markets and play at two playgrounds from Onni and Anneli. A nice day trip less than an hour away from Helsinki! Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Ruotsinpyhtää near Loviisa: Strömforsin Mill Christmas Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Christmas program for the whole family, Christmas gifts and Hembolen farm animals. More information from the event’s Facebook page.
Also Remember These:
Submitting suggestions for a better Helsinki in the OmaStadi service 15.11-9.12.2018. Dream, wish and come up with ideas for a better Helsinki and submit your bold suggestion! Pienten Helsinki dreams and made a suggestion to the OmaStadi service for a shared family living room. Support suggestions and make your own dream come true. You can see Pienten Helsinki's suggestion here.Thomas Market at Senate Square 1.-22.12.2018. Carousel spins daily at the center of the square for free! Market program can be found here.
Fortress Santa’s Self-Guided Route in Suomenlinna 1.12.2018-6.1.2019.
Suomenlinna Toy Museum and the Café Samovarbar located next to the museum are open in December 1.12.2018 – 6.1.2019 daily 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Museum tickets €2-€7, Museum Card venue. Read more from Suomenlinna Tourism’s website.
Exhibition! Rosamaría Bolomn’s Joy is a Child’s Right. Rights for Everyone! paper carving exhibition is on display at Annantalo Art Gallery 4.11.2018-16.12.2018. Read more from Annantalo’s website.
CHALLENGE: Hmm, where are you? Pienten Helsinki challenges everyone wondering about lonely playgrounds, missing playmates, and those seeking more lively playground life to post pictures with the hashtag #hmmmwhereareYou. The campaign aims to spark discussion about why playgrounds are losing friends, think of solutions, and draw attention to the loneliness of young children’s parents. Photos, discussions, concrete actions, opinions - everything advances the cause using the #hmmmwhereareYou hashtag. If you want to take concrete action, get in touch! For example, in Helsinki it would be possible to organize larger play meetups on weekends, the space is already available. The campaign is hoped to spread throughout Finland, not just Helsinki, and the challenge is welcome to be shared!
Helsinki Places article is the salvation for boring days!
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