Pienten Helsinki
Events and autumn children's culture special
What fun activities suitable for children can you find in Helsinki? Where should you go with small children during the weekend? What can you do on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki's weekly series searches for event tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The target audience of the website is pre-school children and families with small children.August is starting and the heat continues, but it’s also time to think a bit about autumn. This week’s “Where to go” article lists not only this week’s events but also children’s culture centers and other cultural institutions whose autumn programs are worth exploring now. During the first week of August, there’s plenty happening: the premiere of Puluboin and Poni the movie, Children’s Festivals, Children’s Kallio Block Party, and Hippalot in Hämeenlinna - it’s worth traveling there from far away. At the same time, the last week of the summer playground dining and children’s traffic city starts. The last moments of the park hideouts are also here, so now is definitely the time to go hiding. Pienten Helsinki’s “Where to go this week” article appears weekly, by Monday at the latest, and offers tips on everything happening in the city for families with pre-school children.
Help create something exciting for the Helsinki Festival’s Night of the Arts for families and vote for Park Hideouts in Helen’s Summer Energy competition. Prizes for those who vote!
New in Pienten Helsinki: The newest episode of the Museum Buddy and I series takes you to HAM Helsinki and the Graffiti exhibition at the Tennis Palace. Summer in Helsinki series has hundreds of tips for adventures in the summery capital.
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Cover image: Annantalo is a children’s culture center in Kamppi, Helsinki.
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MONDAY, JULY 30, 2018
What's happening in libraries:
Library tip: At least Rikhardinkatu Library and Kallio Library have their own summer courtyards, which are definitely worth visiting!Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found on the Helmet library portal.
Libraries are also open during summer months, even if there isn’t regular organized programming. For example, read what the library offers to small children and book suggestions for summer activities with children.
What's happening in playgrounds:
Last week of playground dining! Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 years old a free lunch in playgrounds on weekdays at 12 p.m. throughout the summer vacation. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a drink. Monday's playground lunch is Italian stew. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.Summer opening hours for Helsinki’s playgrounds can be found here.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg leads dance workshops in Helsinki’s playgrounds in June-August. The workshops introduce the world of dance with imagination and music. There are two workshops: Dancing Magic Box (TT) for ages 0-6 and their families, and Dance Adventure Treasure Hunt (TA) for school-age children. On Monday, you can dance at Kurranummi playground at 10 a.m. (TT) and 11 a.m. (TT).
Traditional games on summer tour at playgrounds: Monday at Filpus playground in Malmi from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Other events:
JazzEspa on Espa's stage July 30 - August 4, 2018, enjoy relaxed jazz concerts daily all week. The full program can be found on the event's website. Free admission.Mini Tattoo marching show performances can be enjoyed at Senate Square on Monday at 12 p.m. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City open at 9 a.m. during the summer season. Great place for early risers! Read more on the museum’s website. Children’s City also features an illustrated art exhibition by illustrator Jenni Isotoff Dream Mäykkynen & Helsinki from May 29 - August 31.
Other museums open on Mondays include the Päivälehti Museum and during the summer season also the National Museum and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo.
Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Monday at 3 p.m. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s website.
Summer theater: At Taivallahti Summer Theater, you’ll see Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Monday at 6 p.m. Tickets 16 €. Read more: Taivallahti Summer Theater’s website.
Children’s culture for autumn: The multidisciplinary children’s and youth art center Annantalo offers various art courses, music classes, and children’s events. Browse the autumn program now and sign up!
[caption id=“attachment_5322” align=“aligncenter” width=“768”]
Annantalo is located in Kampi, Helsinki, on Annankatu Street.[/caption]
TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2018
What's happening in libraries:
Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found on the Helmet library portal.Libraries are also open during summer months, even if there isn’t regular organized programming. For example, read what the library offers to small children and book suggestions for summer activities with children.
What's happening in playgrounds:
Summer opening hours for Helsinki's playgrounds can be found here.Last week of playground dining! Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 years old a free lunch in playgrounds on weekdays at 12 p.m. throughout the summer vacation. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a drink. Tuesday’s playground lunch is chicken stew. See the full summer menu and allergy information here. Free admission to the summer parks and only a few workshops require advance registration.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg leads dance workshops in Helsinki’s playgrounds in June-August. The workshops introduce the world of dance with imagination and music. There are two workshops: Dancing Magic Box (TT) for ages 0-6 and their families, and Dance Adventure Treasure Hunt (TA) for school-age children. On Tuesday, you can dance at Ruoholahti playground at 10 a.m. (TT) and 11 a.m. (TT).
FOR BABIES: Baby massage at Taivallahti playground on Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Traditional games on summer tour at playgrounds: Tuesday at North Haaga playground from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Other events:
JazzEspa on Espa's stage July 30 - August 4, 2018, enjoy relaxed jazz concerts daily all week. The full program can be found on the event's website. Free admission.Taskari, the dance version of music class at Annantalo’s A•stage on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Taskari is aimed at children ages 0-5 and their guardians. Free admission, no advance registration needed. More information on Annantalo’s website.
The Tale of Tamme - puppet theater performance at Helsinki City’s Winter Garden courtyard (indoors if rainy) on Tuesday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The performance is recommended for ages 3-9 and lasts about 20 minutes. The production is by puppet theater Sytkyt. Free admission.
Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Tuesday at 3 p.m. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s website.
Children’s culture for autumn: Registration for Workers’ Institute autumn courses begins in staggered phases on Monday, August 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. The autumn course offerings include music classes for babies and toddlers, art courses and color baths for small children, family cooking courses, and much more throughout Helsinki. Explore the offerings in the Ilmonet service, more information on the Workers’ Institute website.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
What's happening in libraries:
Mask crafts at Suutari Library for all ages on Wednesday from 1-3 p.m.Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found on the Helmet library portal.
Libraries are also open during summer months, even if there isn’t regular organized programming. For example, read what the library offers to small children and book suggestions for summer activities with children.
What's happening in playgrounds:
Summer opening hours for Helsinki's playgrounds can be found here.Last week of playground dining! Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 years old a free lunch in playgrounds on weekdays at 12 p.m. throughout the summer vacation. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a drink. Wednesday’s playground lunch is spinach stew. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.
Traditional games on summer tour at playgrounds: Wednesday at Nurk playground from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Other events:
JazzEspa on Espa's stage July 30 - August 4, 2018, enjoy relaxed jazz concerts daily all week. The full program can be found on the event's website. Free admission.Children’s sea adventure - family sailing June 27 - August 4, 2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Summer theater: At the courtyard of Puotila Manor, Viiru the cat and old man Pesonen take over when Viiru Moves play is shown at Puotila Summer Theater on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Tickets 12 €. Read more on Puotila Summer Theater’s website.
Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s website.
You can climb the National Museum’s tower on summer Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. The ticket for the tower tour costs 5 € and can be purchased at the ticket office on Wednesdays (no advance sales). Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
A•stage open stage on Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. The event is open to the public and performers. Anyone can take the stage to perform or watch others perform. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Manor Museum Glims 4H farm visits continue on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Read more on the manor museum’s website. Free admission.
Children’s culture for autumn: Helsinki’s cultural centers offer concerts, themed days, films, and much more for children and families. Check out the autumn program now, as tickets or spots for some shows should be reserved soon! You can find the cultural centers’ page here.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018
What's happening in libraries:
Library tip: Take the metro to Espoo and the cool Iso Omena Library! The metro takes you directly from Helsinki to the large library and the great children's section, which also has space to play. From the metro station up two elevators directly to the library!Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found on the Helmet library portal.
Libraries are also open during summer months, even if there isn’t regular organized programming. For example, read what the library offers to small children and book suggestions for summer activities with children.
What's happening in playgrounds:
Summer opening hours for Helsinki's playgrounds can be found here.Last week of playground dining! Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 years old a free lunch in playgrounds on weekdays at 12 p.m. throughout the summer vacation. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a drink. Thursday’s playground lunch is fish soup. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.
Jamkids park music class at Taivallahti playground on Thursday at 10 a.m.
Traditional games on summer tour at playgrounds: Thursday at Maunula playground from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Other events:
JazzEspa on Espa's stage July 30 - August 4, 2018, enjoy relaxed jazz concerts daily all week. The full program can be found on the event's website. Free admission.Helsinki Police Orchestra’s Children’s Concert at Linnanmäki amusement park on Thursday at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Also at 2:30 p.m., enjoy the Police Orchestra’s Music Carousel. Free admission. More information on Linnanmäki’s website.
Children’s sea adventure - family sailing June 27 - August 4, 2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Summer theater: At the courtyard of Puotila Manor, Viiru the cat and old man Pesonen take over when Viiru Moves play is shown at Puotila Summer Theater on Thursday at 1 p.m. Tickets 12 €. Read more on Puotila Summer Theater’s website.
Cleaning Day Goes Beach Summer evening flea market at Herttoniemi’s Neitojenranta beach starting at 4 p.m. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Movie night at Annantalo’s A•stage on Thursday at 5 p.m. The movie shown is The Kingdoms of Cats (for ages 3 and up). No ticket reservations needed, free admission to movies. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Summer theater: At Taivallahti Summer Theater, you’ll see Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Thursday at 6 p.m. Tickets 16 €. Read more: Taivallahti Summer Theater’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Manor Museum Glims 4H farm visits continue on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Read more on the manor museum’s website. Free admission.
Tip for Hämeenlinna: Children’s Art Festival Hippalot in Hämeenlinna at the Factory Building Thursday through Sunday, August 2-5, 2018. LOTS of great programming for the whole family. The event is partly paid. More information on Hippalot’s own website.
Children’s culture for autumn: At Sellosalin in Espoo’s Leppävaara, many family performances are held. The autumn program has been published and tickets are on sale now. Explore the autumn offerings on Sellosalin’s website.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018
What's happening in libraries:
Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found on the Helmet library portal.Libraries are also open during summer months, even if there isn’t regular organized programming. For example, read what the library offers to small children and book suggestions for summer activities with children.
What's happening in playgrounds:
Summer opening hours for Helsinki's playgrounds can be found here.Last day of playground dining! Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 years old a free lunch in playgrounds on weekdays at 12 p.m. throughout the summer vacation. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and a drink. Friday’s playground lunch is cheese and vegetable bean stew. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.
Many playgrounds hold end-of-summer celebrations and foam parties to honor the last pool day. Check out the playground splash pads here.
Pony riding (3 €) and horse cart rides (3 €) at Maunula playground on Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Taivallahti Playground’s 50th Birthday on Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Other events:
JazzEspa on Espa's stage July 30 - August 4, 2018, enjoy relaxed jazz concerts daily all week. The full program can be found on the event's website. Free admission.Last summer Friday! Children's traffic city holds open family days during summer on Fridays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where all ages practice traffic safety with an adult. On other weekdays there is supervised traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on Children's Traffic City's website. Free admission.
Summer theater: At the courtyard of Puotila Manor, Viiru the cat and old man Pesonen take over when Viiru Moves play is shown at Puotila Summer Theater on Friday at 1 p.m. Tickets 12 €. Read more on Puotila Summer Theater's website.
TIP: Movies with kids! Puluboin and Poni's movie opens Friday! Other all-ages movies showing in theaters include Maija the Bee and the Honey Festival and Supermarsu.
Tip for Hämeenlinna: Children's Art Festival Hippalot in Hämeenlinna at the Factory Building Thursday through Sunday, August 2-5, 2018. LOTS of great programming for the whole family. The event is partly paid. More information on Hippalot's own website.
Children's sports for autumn: Registration for Helsinki city children's sports courses begins in mid-August. Check out the autumn sports offerings for children under school age here.
[caption id=“attachment_1639” align=“aligncenter” width=“1024”]
Registration for Helsinki city children’s sports courses begins in August.[/caption]
SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2018
Other events:
Hakaniemi Hall celebrates Traditional Costume Ventilation all Saturday long with folk music at 12 p.m. More information on the hall's website.Children’s Festivals 2018 at Hesperian Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Programming for every taste, lots to see and experience. Children’s Festivals are free to enter and the program area extends from Hesperian Park to the Opera House, which has a childcare room for festivals and facilities to warm up baby food. Explore the festival program and the day’s schedule on the event’s own page.
Puluboin and Poni’s movie Töttölöö! event day at Riviera cinema in Kallio on Saturday from 10:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. Four film screenings, filmmaker guests, and other programming. Movie tickets cost 10 €. Read more on Riviera’s website.
Loota is also an exciting comic book exhibition for the whole family at Annantalo’s art gallery. The exhibition features many comic strip pages from the Kiste series in both Finnish and German. The book’s world continues in the space as a three-dimensional and playable experience. You can view the exhibition during Annantalo’s opening hours August 4 - September 2, 2018. The event is organized by the Comic Center and is part of the 2018 Helsinki Comic Festivals program. Free workshops related to the exhibition are held on August 6 at 12-4 p.m. and August 23 at 4-7 p.m. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Herttoniemi Beach Day on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s sea adventure - family sailing June 27 - August 4, 2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s Kallio Block Party at the office building next to Hakaniemi Beach on Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Circus, bouncing, yard games, art, giant soap bubbles, and much more. The area also has a diaper-changing station and a rest area. The event is free to enter. More information on the event’s Facebook page. At the same time, there’s also Kallio Block Party at Hakaniemi Beach from 2-10 p.m.
Summer theater: At the courtyard of Puotila Manor, Viiru the cat and old man Pesonen take over when Viiru Moves play is shown at Puotila Summer Theater on Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets 12 €. Read more on Puotila Summer Theater’s website.
Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s website.
Summer theater: At Taivallahti Summer Theater, you’ll see Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Saturday at 6 p.m. Tickets 16 €. Read more: Taivallahti Summer Theater’s website.
Kids Run with Raikastamo at Hietaniemi Beach on Saturday at 7 p.m. The event is aimed at runners under 13 years old. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Mäyrä’s Forest Story Time at Villa Elfvik Nature Center on Saturday at 11 a.m. Read more on Elfvik’s website.
Tip for Hämeenlinna: Children’s Art Festival Hippalot in Hämeenlinna at the Factory Building Thursday through Sunday, August 2-5, 2018. LOTS of great programming for the whole family. The event is partly paid. More information on Hippalot’s own website.
Children’s culture for autumn: Children’s Culture Center Pikku-Aurora in Espoo’s Järvenperä offers countless events for small children. Explore the autumn program now and mark the most interesting activities on your calendar. Read more on Pikku-Aurora’s website. Pikku-Aurora also runs Espoo’s only park hideout!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2018
Other events:
Last summer Sunday! Children's traffic city holds open family days during summer on Fridays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where all ages practice traffic safety with an adult. On other weekdays there is supervised traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on Children's Traffic City's website. Free admission.Summer theater: At the courtyard of Puotila Manor, Viiru the cat and old man Pesonen take over when Viiru Moves play is shown at Puotila Summer Theater on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets 12 €. Read more on Puotila Summer Theater’s website.
Summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater on Sunday at 12 p.m. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theater’s website.
Summer theater: At Taivallahti Summer Theater, you’ll see Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets 16 €. Read more: Taivallahti Summer Theater’s website.
Count Jumpoline’s Castle at Linnanmäki on Sunday at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Free admission. Read more on Linnanmäki’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Villa Elfvik’s Adventure Forest is an interactive nature excursion for the whole family where you travel at the children’s pace. Bring small snacks for the trip and dress appropriately for the weather. Adventure trail at Elfvik landscapes on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free admission, no advance registration required. More information on Villa Elfvik’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Group Hau’s Kaja and Samppa meet at Iso Omena shopping center in Matinkylä on Sunday at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. More information on the shopping center’s website.
Tip for Hämeenlinna: Children’s Art Festival Hippalot in Hämeenlinna at the Factory Building Thursday through Sunday, August 2-5, 2018. LOTS of great programming for the whole family. The event is partly paid. More information on Hippalot’s own website.
Children’s culture for autumn: At the National Opera and National Ballet, there are different art sessions for babies and children. In particular, art sessions for babies sell out quickly. Tickets for the art sessions typically become available in August, so keep watching this page.
Remember also these:
The world conquest of park hideouts continues for a while longer, with 27 hideouts still to be found!
Mustasaari Island’s summer ferry service started on June 5, 2018, and you can take a trip to the island from Taivallahti Beach through August. Read more about Mustasaari here.
Children’s traffic city holds open family days during summer on Fridays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where all ages practice traffic safety with an adult. On other weekdays there is supervised traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on Children’s Traffic City’s website. Free admission. The traffic city is closed Midsummer weekend!
Espa’s stage features almost daily concerts and performances of various kinds during the summer. Read more and see the summer concert schedule on Helsinki’s cultural services website.
Fallkulla farm is open all summer daily from May 26 - August 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read more on the farm’s website. Also Milky Way Playground in Helsinki, Manor Museum Glims in Espoo, and Katrinebergen Manor in Vantaa have summer farm animals as guests!
Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City open at 9 a.m. starting June 4, 2018 during the summer season. Great place for early risers! Read more on the museum’s website. Children’s City also features an illustrated art exhibition by illustrator Jenni Isotoff Dream Mäykkynen & Helsinki from May 29 - August 31. Children’s City offers small self-guided paper crafts for families every day during the summer. Starting June 1, paper city fox chains and other decorations with Helsinki animals are made. More information on the city museum’s website.
Linnanmäki amusement park is open daily and Lintssin stage features programming almost daily. Check the June opening hours on the amusement park’s website.
Current museum tips in Pienten Helsinki’s museum news article.
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