Where to go with children in summer Helsinki? What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and recommends family-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

The article cover image is from the new swing playground at Loviseholmi Park on Sompasaari.

Current highlights

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series has dozens of tips for summer in Helsinki! It's meant to be Helsinki's summer ABC – everything you can do with children in Helsinki during the summer – a series that currently has over 50 articles! And don't forget Pienten Suomi, whose new map service has now been launched!
  • All Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found at this link.
  • Going swimming?
    - Pienten Helsinki's Swimming? article recommends family-friendly beaches in Helsinki.

    - The Swimming spots for hot days article collects tips for outdoor swimming pools and other swimming spots that remain free of blue-green algae. 

    - Wading pools and water play areas are partially available during summer 2024 in open playgrounds.
  • Museum tips for visiting with children from Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
  • Remarkable Skidipeli at Media Museum and Archive Merkkii, May 8 – October 27, 2024. Free admission.
  • Art in the middle of the city! Kim Simonsson's Peat Giants can be found at Lasipavillion square and Bio Rex terrace until October. Impressive, thought-provoking, and delightful for children too.
  • Skidimarket is open on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall until further notice.
  • Skidimarket Deli – play cottage can be found at Hietalahti Market Hall! Open during hall opening hours, free admission.
  • You can also borrow admission tickets to the Natural History Museum or Korkeasaari Zoo from the library! From Viikki Library you can borrow admission to the Natural History Museum. From Kalasatama Library you can borrow admission to Korkeasaari Zoo.

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2024

Events and activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series and lots of tips for summer activities in Helsinki can be found in Pienten Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.
  • Last week! Children's Traffic City is open Mondays 9am–4pm and visitors can drive pedal cars in the area. The activity is aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Classes start on the hour and the last class starts at 3pm. Free admission to Traffic City.
  • Giant bubble workshop at Stoa square for families and schoolchildren Monday at 10am. Free admission.
  • Art stuff at Annantalo weekdays 10am–12pm and 1pm–3pm.
    Art activities take place in summer 2024 at Annantalo's outdoor courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with an adult, and for older children without an adult. You can drop by Art stuff anytime or stay longer.
  • Anybody's Architecture: Vedenväki dance performance in Kalasatama at the Capellanranta steps near Kalasatama health center. The performance is suitable for all ages. Performances July 23-31, 2024 (no performances on Fridays) at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm. Free admission. Weather permitting.

Events at playgrounds Monday

  • Last week of summer! Playground summer meal lunch menu Monday: Lentil vegetable soup (M G K Veg)
    Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils, and drink!
  • Summer season at playgrounds continues and playgrounds open this week are:
    Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi, and Etupelto.
  • Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Loru playground is closed in July!
  • MLL's Perhetalo Unikko is closed and will open again on August 5, 2024.

Library events Monday

  • Helmet library events for children can be found at Helmet's event page.
    (Due to updates to the Helmet website, linking to specific daily events is no longer possible.)

TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2024

Events and activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series and lots of tips for summer activities in Helsinki can be found in Pienten Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.

    Commercial cooperation
  • Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena July 6 – August 11, 2024.
    The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer is coming to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers younger children and has activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years old 0 € (separate ticket not needed).
    Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train    .
  • Last week! Children's Traffic City is open Tuesdays 9am–4pm and visitors can drive pedal cars in the area. The activity is aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Classes start on the hour and the last class starts at 3pm. Free admission to Traffic City.
  • Juggling workshop for families and schoolchildren at Stoa square Tuesday at 10am. Free admission.
  • Art stuff at Annantalo weekdays 10am–12pm and 1pm–3pm.
    Art activities take place in summer 2024 at Annantalo's outdoor courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with an adult, and for older children without an adult. You can drop by anytime or stay longer.
  • Baby café Tuesday at the following locations:
    – Vantaa: Robert's Coffee Jumbo at 10am
    – Espoo: Robert's Coffee Sello at 10am
    – Helsinki: Robert's Coffee Jugend at 10am
    – Helsinki: Robert's Coffee Kamppi at 1pm
  • Free admission to Design Museum & Architecture Museum Tuesday 11am–8pm.

    Commercial cooperation
  • Last week! Suomenlinna adventure walk: Susisaari's secret Tuesday at 12pm and 3pm. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    Susisaari's secret is a history-based adventure walk aimed at children (6–13 years) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange coincidences from ages past. The walk introduces Suomenlinna and the 1700s in a fun and experiential way.
  • Anybody's Architecture: Vedenväki dance performance in Kalasatama at the Capellanranta steps near Kalasatama health center. The performance is suitable for all ages. Performances July 23-31, 2024 (no performances on Fridays) at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm. Free admission. Weather permitting.

Events at playgrounds Tuesday

  • Last week of summer! Playground summer meal lunch menu Tuesday: Italian stew (M S K).
    Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils, and drink!
  • Summer season at playgrounds continues and playgrounds open this week are:
    Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi, and Etupelto.
  • Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Loru playground is closed in July!
  • MLL's Perhetalo Unikko is closed and will open again on August 5, 2024.

Library events Tuesday

  • Helmet library events for children can be found at Helmet's event page.
    (Due to updates to the Helmet website, linking to specific daily events is no longer possible.)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2024

Events and activity tips

  • Last week! Children's Traffic City is open Wednesdays 9am–4pm and visitors can ride scooters in the area. The activity is aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Classes start on the hour and the last class starts at 3pm. Free admission to Traffic City.

    Commercial cooperation
  • Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena July 6 – August 11, 2024.
    The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer is coming to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers younger children and has activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years old 0 € (separate ticket not needed).
    Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train.
  • Art stuff at Annantalo weekdays 10am–12pm and 1pm–3pm.
    Art activities take place in summer 2024 at Annantalo's outdoor courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with an adult, and for older children without an adult. You can drop by anytime or stay longer.

    Commercial cooperation
  • Last week! Suomenlinna adventure walk: Susisaari's secret Wednesday at 12pm and 3pm. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    Susisaari's secret is a history-based adventure walk aimed at children (6–13 years) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange coincidences from ages past. The walk introduces Suomenlinna and the 1700s in a fun and experiential way.

Events at playgrounds Wednesday

  • Last week of summer! Playground summer meal lunch menu Wednesday: Clear salmon soup (M G N S K).
    Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils, and drink!
  • Summer season at playgrounds continues and playgrounds open this week are:
    Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi, and Etupelto.
  • Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground wading pools and water play areas are available in July at open playgrounds.
  • Loru playground is closed in July!
  • MLL's Perhetalo Unikko is closed and will open again on August 5, 2024.

Library events Wednesday

  • Helmet library events for children can be found at Helmet's event page.
    (Due to updates to the Helmet website, linking to specific daily events is no longer possible.)

Pienten Suomi has been updated!
Pienten Suomi - over 800 reasons to travel in Finland with children!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2024

Events and activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series and lots of tips for summer activities in Helsinki can be found in Pienten Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.

    Commercial cooperation
  • Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena July 6 – August 11, 2024.
    The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer is coming to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers younger children and has activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years old 0 € (separate ticket not needed).
    Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train.
  • Last week! Children's Traffic City is open Thursdays 9am–4pm and visitors can ride scooters in the area. The activity is aimed at children born in 2019 and older. Classes start on the hour and the last class starts at 3pm. Free admission to Traffic City.
  • Art stuff at Annantalo weekdays 10am–12pm and 1pm–3pm.
    Art activities take place in summer 2024 at Annantalo's outdoor courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with an adult, and for older children without an adult. You can drop by anytime or stay longer.

    Commercial cooperation
  • Last week! Suomenlinna adventure walk: Susisaari's secret Thursday at 12pm and 3pm. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    Susisaari's secret is a history-based adventure walk aimed at children (6–13 years) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange coincidences from ages past. The walk introduces Suomenlinna and the 1700s in a fun and experiential way.
  • Back to school art workshops at HAM Thursday 12pm–3pm. Free admission.
  • University of Helsinki Observatory at Tähtitorninmäki is open Thursday 12pm–8pm. Museum admission fee.
  • Espoo: Tapiola garden workshops at Tapion Park Thursday 3pm–5pm. Design workshop for the whole family. Free admission.

Events at playgrounds Thursday

  • Last week of summer! Playground summer meal lunch menu Thursday: Vegetable pasta bake (M K Veg)
    Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils, and drink!
  • Summer season at playgrounds continues and playgrounds open this week are:
    Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi, and Etupelto.
  • Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground wading pools and water play areas are partially available in July-August at open playgrounds.
  • Loru playground is closed in July!
  • MLL's Perhetalo Unikko is closed and will open again on August 5, 2024.

Library events Thursday

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024

Events and activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series and lots of tips for summer activities in Helsinki can be found in Pienten Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.

    Commercial cooperation
  • Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena July 6 – August 11, 2024.
    The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer is coming to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers younger children and has activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years old 0 € (separate ticket not needed).
    Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train.
  • Art stuff at Annantalo weekdays 10am–12pm and 1pm–3pm.
    Art activities take place in summer 2024 at Annantalo's outdoor courtyard or indoors. Guided activities are suitable for children under 8 with an adult, and for older children without an adult. You can drop by anytime or stay longer.
  • Dinosaur day at Laajasalo Library Friday 10am–3pm. Free admission.
  • Last week! Children's Traffic City is open Fridays 10am–4pm. On family days, no classes are held – children move around Traffic City under the guidance of their own adult. Driving time 30 minutes. Free admission to Traffic City.

    Commercial cooperation
  • Last week! Suomenlinna adventure walk: Susisaari's secret (in Swedish) Friday at 12pm. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    Susisaari's secret is a history-based adventure walk aimed at children (6–13 years) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange coincidences from ages past. The walk introduces Suomenlinna and the 1700s in a fun and experiential way.
  • Back to school art workshops at HAM Thursday 12pm–3pm. Free admission.
  • University of Helsinki Observatory at Tähtitorninmäki is open Friday 12pm–4pm. Museum admission fee.
  • Children's fun day at Malmi Library Friday 1pm–4pm. Free admission.

Events at playgrounds Friday

  • Last week of summer! Playground summer meal lunch menu Friday: Sausage soup (M G N K)
    Bring your own cooking pot, eating utensils, and drink!
  • Summer season at playgrounds continues and playgrounds open this week are:
    Nurkka, Kipinäpuisto, Orava, Lehdokki, Piika, Vähätupa, Kannelmäki, Laurinniitty, Munkki, Isonneva, Taivallahti, Lahnalahti, Intia, Mäkitorppa, Viikkari, Kurranummi, Linja, Traktori, Maasälpä, Linnunrata, Tuorinniemi, Rudolf, Myllynsiipi, Mellunmäki, Lohikäärmepuisto, Mustakivi, and Etupelto.
  • Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Playground wading pools and water play areas are available in July-August at open playgrounds.
  • Loru playground is closed in July!
  • MLL's Perhetalo Unikko is closed and will open again on August 5, 2024.
  • All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found at this link.

Library events Friday

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2024

Events and activity tips

  • All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found at this link.
  • Helmet library events for children can be found at Helmet's event page.

    Commercial cooperation:
  • Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena July 6 – August 11, 2024.
    The exhibition opening on Saturday, July 6, 2024 also features Hevisaurus! 🦕
    The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer is coming to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers younger children and has activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years old 0 € (separate ticket not needed).
    Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train.
  • Espoo: The badger's forest story time at Villa Elfviki Saturday at 11am. Free admission.
  • Vantaa: Håkansbölen summer exhibitions are open at Håkansbölen manor area Saturdays and Sundays 11am–4pm. Free admission.

    Commercial cooperation:
  • Last week! Suomenlinna adventure walk: Susisaari's secret Saturday at 12pm and 3pm. Tickets 14 € (children under 16) and 16 € (adults).
    Susisaari's secret is a history-based adventure walk aimed at children (6–13 years) that also works well for adults. Following clues and solving hints, adventurers encounter exciting situations and strange coincidences from ages past. The walk introduces Suomenlinna and the 1700s in a fun and experiential way.
  • Whole family jazz day at Espan lava Saturday 2pm–4pm. Screaming Jay & The Bones and Megasakki will be on stage. Free admission.
  • Remarkable Skidipeli at Media Museum and Archive Merkkii, May 8 – October 27, 2024. Free admission.
    Remarkable posters workshop at Museum Merkkii Saturday and Sunday 2pm–4pm.
  • Hippalot children's art festival in Hämeenlinna August 1–4, 2024. Partially paid admission.
  • Assembly gaming event at Helsinki Convention Center August 1–4, 2024. Tickets 13 €, under 7 free, family ticket 28 €. Programs for children too!
  • Hamina: Hamina Tattoo still Saturday. Mostly free admission.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2024

Events and activity tips

  • Pienten Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series and lots of tips for summer activities in Helsinki can be found in Pienten Helsinki. Summer tips are also suitable for tourists visiting the city.

    Commercial cooperation:
  • Järvenpää: Dinosaurs exhibition at Aino Arena July 6 – August 11, 2024.
    The popular Dinosaurs exhibition seen in Tampere last summer is coming to the capital region in July-August and offers a unique dinosaur experience for all ages. The exhibition also considers younger children and has activities and experiences for all ages.
    Tickets: adults 20 €, children and youth (2–16 years old), pensioners, students 18 €, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) 68 €. Under 2 years old 0 € (separate ticket not needed).
    Aino Arena is located south of Järvenpää, within walking distance of Ainola train station, which is easily accessible from Helsinki by R train.

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