Pienten Helsinki
What kid-friendly activities are available in Helsinki? Where should you go with children on weekends? And what can you do on a rainy day? Small Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly events in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website is aimed at families with pre-school-aged children.
The "Where to Go This Week" article continues to be published in 2020 as well!
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Cover photo for this article: Sibafest and the festival's pop-up concerts continue this week, including at Oodi.
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the Helsinki City event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own information channels. Monday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
You can play Skidipeli in the foyer on the 2nd floor of Annantalo from January 9 to January 31, 2020 during the building's opening hours (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm).
Alberto's Living Room, an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi, is open again on Mondays from 9:30am to 3pm. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
MLL's Dad Cafe at the Iso-Anta playground on Mondays at 10am. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Puppet Theater Music Class at Sampo's entrance gallery on Monday at 10am and 11am. Paid (€8 per session or €80 for the whole fall). Read more on the Puppet Theater Sampo website.
Art Advisory Clinic for 3-6 year-olds at Annantalo on Monday at 10am and 12:30pm. You can participate in the Art Advisory Clinic weekly or just occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No pre-registration required. Read more about the Art Advisory Clinic on Annantalo's website.
Sibafest 2020: Sibafest pop-up concert on the 3rd floor of Oodi on Monday at 12pm.
For babies, small toddlers and parents: Creative Parents at the Pasila residents' building on Monday at 12:45pm. More information on the event's Facebook page.
For babies: Baby Monday at the Art Hall from 1-3pm. The event includes an introduction to the Anu Tuominen exhibition guided by art educators Liini Laeks and Iisa Juva and the Art Hall's own guide. All babies under one year old are welcome with their parents. Babies have their own play session. Tickets €14 / €8 / Museum card holders. More information on the Art Hall's website.
Museums open on Mondays include Helsinki City Museum and City for Children, Amos Rex (admission fee), Tram Museum, and Päivälehti Museum.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the Helsinki City event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own information channels. Tuesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
You can play Skidipeli in the foyer on the 2nd floor of Annantalo from January 9 to January 31, 2020 during the building's opening hours (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm).
Family Ball Games at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 years old move on a soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, gymnastics, running or practicing walking. Family ball games on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30am and 4-6pm. Free admission for the morning session, afternoon session costs €3.50 for adults. Really easy and low-threshold exercise for the smallest members of the family!
Espoo: Freija band's Hetkun ketkun concert at Sellosalin on Tuesday at 10:15am. Tickets €5. The concert is recommended for children over 3 years old. Read more on Sellosalin's website.
Sibafest 2020: Sibafest pop-up concert in the basement of Musiikkitalo on Tuesday at 12:30pm.
Mini Opera: Reininkulta performance in the dress circle of the Opera House on Tuesday at 2pm. Tickets €10. More information on the Opera's website.
Uutela's star path takes you on adventures in nature and stargazing by flashlight until the end of January. More information on the event's Facebook page.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2020
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Tip for babies and parents: BabyKino at Kallio Library. You can go to movies with your baby on Wednesdays at 12pm and 2:30pm. BabyKino's own group on Facebook can be found here, where for example the week's film is published and voting takes place for upcoming films. More information can also be found on BabyKino's Facebook page.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the Helsinki City event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own information channels. Wednesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
You can play Skidipeli in the foyer on the 2nd floor of Annantalo from January 9 to January 31, 2020 during the building's opening hours (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm).
Alberto's Living Room, an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi, is open on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 5pm. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Fallkulla farm is open on Wednesdays from 10am to 6pm. Free admission.
Sibafest 2020: Sibafest pop-up concert in the basement of Musiikkitalo on Wednesday at 12:30pm.
For babies: New mothers and babies craft group on Wednesday from 12-2pm at Verstas247 - Craftgym space on Toinen Linja. €6 per session. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Wednesdays from 12-4pm. Admission €2, children under 15 free. More information on the museum's website.
Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesdays from 12-6pm. Small admission fee.
Free admission to Kaapelitehdas museums on Wednesday from 5-8pm. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the Helsinki City event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own information channels. Thursday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
You can play Skidipeli in the foyer on the 2nd floor of Annantalo from January 9 to January 31, 2020 during the building's opening hours (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm).
Alberto's Living Room, an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi, is open on Thursdays from 9:30am to 3pm. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Fallkulla farm is open on Thursdays from 10am to 6pm. Free admission.
Sibafest 2020: Sibafest pop-up concert in the basement of Musiikkitalo on Thursday at 12:30pm.
Family Ball Games at Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 years old move on a soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, gymnastics, running or practicing walking. Family ball games on Thursdays from 4-5pm. Free admission for children, €3.50 for adults. Really easy and low-threshold exercise for the smallest members of the family!
Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway on the 2nd floor of Ainoa shopping center on Thursday from 4-7pm. Optional admission. More information on the Alpine Railway Hobbyists' website.
Family Fun Nights at Porolahti Primary School on Thursdays at 5pm. Free admission. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Family Fun Nights at Malminkartano Elementary School on Thursdays at 6pm. Free admission. More information on the event's Facebook page.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the Helsinki City event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own information channels. Friday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Small Size Days January 31 - February 2, 2020.
You can play Skidipeli in the foyer on the 2nd floor of Annantalo from January 9 to January 31, 2020 during the building's opening hours (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm).
Alberto's Living Room, an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi, is open on Fridays from 9:30am to 3pm. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Children's Fridays at Alppila Church on Fridays from 10am to 12pm. The program for the whole season can be found on the event's Facebook page.
Fallkulla farm is open on Fridays from 10am to 6pm. Free admission.
Small Size Days 2020: Backwards Collective: Wish Seed puppet theater performance at Annantalo on Friday at 11am. The performance is recommended for 1.5-5 year-olds. Free admission, but pre-registration is required. Read more on Annantalo's website.
Sibafest 2020: Sibafest pop-up concert on the 3rd floor of Oodi on Friday at 12pm.
Last evening: Uutela's star path takes you on adventures in nature and stargazing by flashlight. More information on the event's Facebook page.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at the Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Saturday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events and activity tips
Small Size Days 2020: Art Advisory Clinic: Delicious Sky Scraper! at Malmitalo on Saturday from 10am-12pm. The Art Advisory Clinic is designed for 3-6 year-olds participating with an adult. Free admission. Read more on Malmitalo's website.
Skateboarding lessons from babies to grandparents at Kontulan skate hall or Luuppi Skate on Saturday from 10am-12pm. Course fee. More information, registrations and course times on Helride's website.
Nordic Cultural Center's Family Saturdays from 10am-2pm. Free admission. More information on the cultural center's website.
Espoo: Small Size Days 2020: Saturday Workshop: Ipana Studio at Aurora Children's Cultural Center on Saturday from 10am-2pm. Free admission. More information on Aurora's website.
Vantaa: Forest Trolls Family Day at Bisa cottage on Saturday from 10am-2pm. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway on the 2nd floor of Ainoa shopping center on Saturday from 11am-5pm. Optional admission. More information on the Alpine Railway Hobbyists' website.
The Ship is Loaded performance at Puppet Theater Sampo on Saturday at 12pm. Tickets €12. The performance is suitable for all ages. More information on Sampo's website.
Children's Saturday goes Viiru and Pesonen at Kanneltalo on Saturday from 12-3pm. Free admission. The full program for the event can be found on Kanneltalo's website.
At Uutela cottage there are ready-made fires for roasting snacks on Saturday from 12-3pm.
Small Size Days 2020: Small Size Days events for little ones at Malmi Library on Saturday from 12:30-3pm. More information on Malmitalo's website.
Circus Melskala performance at Music Theater Kapsäkki on Saturday at 1pm and 3pm. The TV favorites Tuomo Rannankari, Siina Hirvonen and Jaakko Loukkola combine their powers in an energetic and humorous musical celebration for the whole family. Tickets €14/€20. Read more on Kapsäkki's website.
Musical tale of forest animals at Central Library Oodi on Saturday at 2pm. More information on the event's Facebook page.
DanceAbility dance class at Annantalo at 2pm. The class is suitable for all 3-12 year-olds with an adult companion, regardless of ability or disability. Read more about DanceAbility classes on Annantalo's website.
Theater Hevosenkenkä: Viiru and Pesonen performance at Kanneltalo on Saturday at 3pm. Tickets €6. The performance is recommended for children over 3 years old. Read more on the event's Facebook page
Small Size Days 2020: Backwards Collective: Wish Seed puppet theater performance at Malmitalo on Saturday at 3pm. The performance is recommended for 1.5-6 year-olds. Tickets €6. Read more on Annantalo's website.
The Boot-Legged Cat play at Annala Villa on Saturday at 3pm. Tickets €12. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
The Places of Helsinki article is a lifesaver on boring days with children!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2020
Events and activity tips
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Family Fun Mornings at Liikuntamylly in Myllypuro on Sunday mornings from 9-10:45am. Admission €3.50 for adults, children under 9 have fun for free. You can arrive on your own schedule, there's room for strollers in the foyer and remember to bring your own lock for the locker. Read more in Small Helsinki's "Helsinki on the Move" article.
Moomin's winter fun will be celebrated on Sunday from 10am-2pm at Maunula cottage. More information on the Helsinki Latu's Facebook page.
Fallkulla farm is open on Sundays from 10am-3pm. Free admission.
Espoo: Badger's forest tale at Villa Elfvik on Sunday at 11am. Read more on the Elfvik website.
Small Size Days 2020: Sunday meetings: Moving Shapes workshop at Annantalo on Sunday at 11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm. Age recommendation for children over 3 years old. Free admission, but pre-registration is required. Read more on Annantalo's website.
At Uutela cottage there are ready-made fires for roasting snacks on Sunday from 12-3pm.
Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Sundays from 12-4pm. Admission €2, children under 15 free. More information on the museum's website.
Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway on the 2nd floor of Ainoa shopping center on Sunday from 12-4pm. Optional admission. More information on the Alpine Railway Hobbyists' website.
Small Size Days 2020: Sunday meetings: Last Mönkijäinen Summer - Art Advisory Clinic at Annantalo on Sunday at 1pm and 2pm. Age recommendation for 1-5 year-olds. More information on Annantalo's website.
The Ship is Loaded performance at Puppet Theater Sampo on Sunday at 2pm. Tickets €12. The performance is suitable for all ages. More information on Sampo's website.
Evening story time at Oodi on Sunday at 5pm.
Remember also
Uutela's star path takes you on adventures in nature and stargazing by flashlight until January 31, 2020. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Skating is available at least at several of the city's artificial ice rinks. There is a small admission fee for the artificial ice rinks. Read more about admission fees and opening hours on the City of Helsinki's website. A new artificial ice rink has opened at Laajasalo sports park, where there is no admission fee and no reserved time slots, but stick time is available separately. You can also skate at Ice Park at Rautatientori and Tapiola Ice Garden (free admission to the Ice Garden, as with all Espoo artificial ice rinks).
Current ice conditions can be found on the ulkoliikunta.fi service (change the activity to skating).
The Places of Helsinki article is a lifesaver on boring days with children!
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