Pienten Helsinki
What activities suitable for children can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with kids on the weekend? What to do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and suggests family-friendly events in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website targets families with pre-school aged children.
Where to go this week -article continues to be published with a slightly changed concept. The article lists the highlights of the week's events and the week's most interesting activity tips. It also includes highlights from Little Helsinki articles and news. The future of the page is very open. If you'd like your advertisement to reach your target audience excellently on this page, read more here.
Family City Routes: The first four Family City Routes have now been published! The first city routes take you on an adventure in Helsinki: to Haaga, Pitäjänmäki, Ruskeasuo, and Vuosaari.
Family City Routes are a new type of city tourism concept that takes you on a journey of discovery to new places and shows familiar areas in a new light. It also challenges you to think about whether it's always necessary to travel far to experience something new and unprecedented. City Routes are part of Heidi Säynätkari's hospitality degree thesis, which is being carried out in collaboration with Little Helsinki. "The idea for city routes came from my own interest in city tourism with children, and especially from a desire to get to know cities outside of downtown areas."
You can also create your own route and share it with other adventurers!
Read more about city routes and go on an adventure!
OmaStadi voting is underway throughout October and there are many good suggestions. Little Helsinki recommends checking out at least the Crowdfunding for good ideas proposal and the proposal for a playground in the city's most beautiful park. More information about OmaStadi and voting can be found on the city's website.
New in Little Helsinki: Halloween events.
New in Little Helsinki: Going to the theatre with children -article has been updated!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can browse Monday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room, an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi, is open Mondays 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Read more from Helsinki Mission's website.
MLL's Dad Cafe at Iso-Antinki playground on Mondays at 10 a.m. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Puppet Theater Musicals at Sampo's aulahallery on Monday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Paid (€8/time or €80/whole season). Read more from Puppet Theater Sampo's website.
Art Advisory for 3-6 year-olds at Annantalo on Monday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You can participate in Art Advisory weekly or just occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No advance registration. Read more about Art Advisory on Annantalo's website.
For babies: Baby Monday at Art Hall from 1-3 p.m. The event introduces Ugo Rondinone's exhibition under the guidance of art educators Liini Laeks and Iisa Juva and Art Hall's own guide. All babies under one year old are welcome with their parents. A separate play session is available for babies. Tickets €12 / €8 / Museum card. More information on Art Hall's website.
Museums open on Mondays are Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex, and Newspaper Museum.
Circus Finlandia at Kaisaniemi field October 4 – November 3, 2019. Ticket prices and more information can be found on the circus's own website.
Exhibition: Vicar, A Life in Pencil October 3-31, 2019 at Annantalo. Includes, among others, Donald Duck drawings. Free admission.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can browse Tuesday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Vantaa: Linnateatteri: Tatu and Patu, Let's Eat! performance at Cultural Factory Vernissa in Vantaa on Tuesday at 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Tickets €6. The performance's age recommendation is for ages 2+. Information and tickets from Vernissa's website.
Family Ball Games at Pallomylly's indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 years old move on artificial turf with an adult. Free play, acrobatics, running, or practicing walking. Family Ball Games Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Morning ball games are free for all, afternoon games cost adults Pallomylly's per-visit fee (€3.50). Read more from Little Helsinki's Helsinki Moves -article.
Circus Finlandia at Kaisaniemi field October 4 – November 3, 2019. Ticket prices and more information can be found on the circus's own website.
Exhibition: Vicar, A Life in Pencil October 3-31, 2019 at Annantalo. Includes, among others, Donald Duck drawings. Free admission.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the Helsinki 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 movies with your baby on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The BabyKino group on Facebook can be found here, where, for example, the week's movie is published and voting takes place for upcoming programming. More information is also available on BabyKino's Facebook page.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can browse Wednesday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room, an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi, is open Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Read more from Helsinki Mission's website.
Art Advisory for 3-6 year-olds at Malmitalo on Wednesday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. You can participate in Art Advisory weekly or just occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No advance registration. Read more about Art Advisory on Malmitalo's website.
Fallkulla Farm is open Wednesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission.
Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open Wednesdays from 12-4 p.m. Admission €2, children under 15 free. More information on the museum's website.
Kindergarten Museum is open Wednesdays from 12-6 p.m. Small admission fee.
Free admission to Cable Factory museums Wednesday 5-8 p.m. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Exhibition: Vicar, A Life in Pencil October 3-31, 2019 at Annantalo. Includes, among others, Donald Duck drawings. Free admission.
Circus Finlandia at Kaisaniemi field October 4 – November 3, 2019. Ticket prices and more information can be found on the circus's own website.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can browse Thursday's events here.
Events and activity tips
MLL's Family Cafe at Kruun Mesta (Meritullinkatu 6) Thursdays at 9:30-11:30 a.m. More information from the family cafe's Facebook group.
Albert's Living Room, an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi, is open Thursdays 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Read more from Helsinki Mission's website.
Vantaa: Little Art Morning at Children's Culture Center Pessi in Vantaa Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Visual Arts Adventure for children and adults at Kannelmäki youth center's Workshop on Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free admission to the North Helsinki art school course. The recommended age for children is 3-6 years, and you can participate in either a single session or multiple sessions. More information on Kanneltalo's website.
Fallkulla Farm is open Thursdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission.
Family Ball Games at Pallomylly's indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 years old move on artificial turf with an adult. Free play, acrobatics, running, or practicing walking. Family Ball Games Thursdays 4-5 p.m. Free admission for children, adults pay Pallomylly's per-visit fee (€3.50). Read more from Little Helsinki's Helsinki Moves -article.
Exhibition: Vicar, A Life in Pencil October 3-31, 2019 at Annantalo. Includes, among others, Donald Duck drawings. Free admission.
Circus Finlandia at Kaisaniemi field October 4 – November 3, 2019. Ticket prices and more information can be found on the circus's own website.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can browse Friday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Vantaa: Kukkuu! Art Festival for babies and toddlers November 1-10, 2019.
Albert's Living Room, an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi, is open Fridays 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Read more from Helsinki Mission's website.
Toddler Cinema at Annantalo on Friday at 10 a.m. Age recommendation: 0-3 years with an adult; older children are also welcome. Free admission to movies. More information on Annantalo's website.
Children's Fridays at Alppila Church Fridays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The whole fall program can be found on the event's Facebook page.
Fallkulla Farm is open Fridays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission.
Splendid Evening at Children's Traffic City Friday, November 1, 2019 from 5-7 p.m. Free admission. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Halloween Party at Annantalo's Skidilässä Cafe Friday, November 1, 2019 from 5-7:30 p.m. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Kekri Celebration at Annala Villa in Arabianranta Friday, November 1, 2019 starting at 5 p.m. The evening culminates in the burning of the Kekri Witch. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Kino Helios: Poju – You're Never Alone -animation at Malmitalo Friday at 6 p.m. Tickets €6. The film is rated K7. More information on Malmitalo's website.
Halloween Horror Trail in Vartio around Risku Park Friday from 7-9 p.m. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Circus Finlandia at Kaisaniemi field October 4 – November 3, 2019. Ticket prices and more information can be found on the circus's own website.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019
All Saints' Day
Elsewhere in Little Helsinki: Halloween events
Events at libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the Helsinki metropolitan area for Saturday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events and activity tips
Vantaa: Kukkuu! Art Festival for babies and toddlers November 1-10, 2019.
Maunula Sports Fun Saturdays from 9-10:30 a.m. at Maunula sports hall. Family sports activities with something for even the smallest. Free admission for children, adults €3.50. More information on Helsinki Moves website.
Maunula Kids Club – Welcome Winter! at Maunulalo Saturday from 9:30-11 a.m. Advance registration required for the workshop. More information on Maunulalo's website.
Skateboard School from baby to grandpa at Kontulan skate hall or Luuppi Skate Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Course fee. Information, registrations, and course times at Helride's website.
Familjelördag - Family Saturday at Svenska Teatern Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Vantaa: Forest Warden's Family Day at Bisan cottage Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Read more on Vantaa Paths website.
Old Villa Christmas Opening Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The place is a real Christmas wonderland with the Westeeth Christmas ornament factory and factory shop. Programming for children as well. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Oittaa Family Day and Stick Saturday Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Family Day at Cable Factory Museums with a Halloween theme Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission €12, children under 18 free (museum card venue). Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Jänniäiset Children's Event at Haltia Nature Center Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Part of the program requires admission to the nature center. Read more on Haltia's website.
Haltia Farm is practically always open. Stop by to say hello to the farm animals and play at Haltia's playground.
All Saints' Day Ship Parade from Hernesaari tip to Eiran shore Saturday starting at 12 p.m. Volunteer coast guards honor the memory of seafarers who died at sea with a ship parade. Also participating is the Border Guard's patrol boat. After the parade, ships will be open to the public at South Harbor from 1-2:30 p.m. There will also be information booths and the Coast Guard Rescue Society's merchandise for sale on the dock. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Scare the Kids - A delightfully creepy event suitable for all ages! Music, activities, experiences and much more at culture center Stoa Saturday from 12-3 p.m. Free admission. Read more on Stoa's website.
Viapori Kekri takes over Suomenlinna with programming for children and families as well. The full Viapori Kekri program can be found on the event's website. Burning of the Kekri Witch at Varvilahti shore at 7 p.m. Free admission to the event; some programming may be paid. Read more about this fourth-time event on Viapori Kekri's website.
Children's Halloween Party at Teatteri Tuikke's premises in Tapiola Saturday from 2-5 p.m. The event is partially paid. More information on the event's Facebook page.
ToPo Toddler Club at Munkkiniemi Middle School hall Saturday from 2:30-4 p.m. An event open to all, with guaranteed activities, games, obstacle courses, and ball games. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Children's Saturday: Maukka, Väykkä and Bear Murhinen at Sellosaali Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets €12. More information on Sellosaali's website.
Espoo: Kummajaiset at children's culture center Pikku-Aurora Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 4-8 p.m. Read more about Kummajaiset on Aurora's website.
Loviisa: Kekri at Strömfors Mill Saturday from 4 p.m.-12 a.m. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Little Helsinki tips: You can also stop at Loviisa's Onneli and Anneli playgrounds on the same trip. The mill area is also wonderful!
Circus Finlandia at Kaisaniemi field October 4 – November 3, 2019. Ticket prices and more information can be found on the circus's own website.
Face Your Fears Halloween Weekends at Korkeasaari Zoo October 26-27 and November 2-3, 2019 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Zoo admission fee.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019
Events and activity tips
Vantaa: Kukkuu! Art Festival for babies and toddlers November 1-10, 2019.
Sports Fun at Sports Mill in Myllypuro Sunday mornings from 9-10:45 a.m. Admission €3.50 for adults, children under 9 have fun free. You can arrive on your own schedule; there's room for strollers in the lobby and you should bring your own lock for the locker room. Read more from Little Helsinki's Helsinki Moves -article.
Fallkulla Farm is open Sundays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission.
Haltia Farm is practically always open. Stop by to say hello to the farm animals and play at Haltia's playground.
Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open Sundays from 12-4 p.m. Admission €2, children under 15 free. More information on the museum's website.
Bokvilla's Horror Cafe Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Program includes workshops, a scary fun trail, scary face paintings, and spooky treats. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Samova Fest - International Storytelling Festival's whole family program day at KoKo Theater (Hämeentie 3) Sunday from 1:30-3 p.m. Tickets €6. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Last day! Circus Finlandia at Kaisaniemi field October 4 – November 3, 2019. Ticket prices and more information can be found on the circus's own website.
Face Your Fears Halloween Weekends at Korkeasaari Zoo October 26-27 and November 2-3, 2019 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Zoo admission fee.
Also remember
Vantaa: Kukkuu! Art Festival for babies and toddlers November 1-10, 2019.
Circus Finlandia at Kaisaniemi field October 4 – November 3, 2019. Ticket prices and more information can be found on the circus's own website.
Places in Helsinki -article is a lifesaver for boring days with kids!
Animals in the City -article compiles the best tips from the best places in Helsinki and the surrounding area to see farm animals.
Little Helsinki as an app on your phone!
Little Helsinki now works as a PWA app. You can install Little Helsinki on your Android or iPhone by simply opening the site in Chrome or Safari and selecting "Add to home screen" from the share menu. A PWA app differs from a traditional app in that you don't need to install it separately from the App Store or similar. In practice, the content is exactly the same as in the browser, but the page loads faster.
Little Helsinki doesn't require registration to work now, and never will.
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