Pienten Helsinki
What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with kids on weekends? What to do on a rainy day?
Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series returns after a break that began in the spring due to coronavirus, and seeks activity tips and child-friendly events in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website's target audience is families with children under ten years old.
NOTE! Always check the latest information on the organizer's website,
as sudden cancellations are possible.
Cover image for the article: Traditional sailing ships arrive at Market Square on Saturday, and Sailing Ship Day is celebrated on Sunday.
MONDAY 5.10.2020
Things happening at libraries
Helmet libraries have returned to normal opening hours and story times are gradually returning to library programs. Child-friendly events for Monday can be found on Helmet's events page.
Ode to Nature exhibition in the Brygga space of the Oodi Central Library until the end of November.
Things happening at playgrounds
Monday events at playgrounds can be found on the city's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
Events and activity tips
Puppet Theater Sytkytïn's "The Seven Brothers - Children's Own Version" in the City Museum lobby on Monday at 9 am and 10:30 am. Free admission.
Albertin olohuone is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. The Albertin olohuone is open considering the exceptional circumstances on Mondays from 9:30 am to 3 pm.
Art Advisory: The Return of Koljo the Giant Art Advisory for ages 3-6 at Annantalo on Monday at 10 am and 12:30 pm. You can participate in the Art Advisory weekly or just occasionally, but you need to be there on time. Advance registration is required due to the exceptional circumstances.
Helsinki Herring Markets at Market Square 4.-10.10.2020.
Silo Sounds: Chrono – Echo of Light. In the Kruunuvuorenranta Oil Tank 468, from 2.10–11.10 for ten days, a light and sound artwork called Chrono – Echo of Light is being created. The artwork's sounds play daily from 10 am to 10 pm. In the evenings, as the sun sets, the lights of the artwork also illuminate the tank as the city darkens.
A fun adventure destination for kids!
Puppet Theater Sampo music class in Sampo's hall gallery on Mondays at 10:30 am. Music class fee 8 €/time.
Second-hand market: MLL Herttoniemi Children's Clothing and Supplies Second-hand Days 30.9.–12.10.2020 at the Eighth Sense self-service flea market on Siilikatu Street.
Virtual event: With Babies! Art Hall's Baby Monday Art Tips encourage trying things out and creating art together.
For babies and toddlers! Espoo: Round Like Pom Pom Pom - a touchable storybook for babies and toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Aurora 15.8.-23.10.2020. Open Monday to Friday 9 am-4 pm and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm. Free admission.
TUESDAY 6.10.2020
Things happening at libraries
Helmet libraries have returned to normal opening hours and story times are gradually returning to library programs. Child-friendly events for Tuesday can be found on Helmet's events page.
Ode to Nature exhibition in the Brygga space of the Oodi Central Library until the end of November.
Things happening at playgrounds
Tuesday events at playgrounds can be found on the city's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
Events and activity tips
Helsinki Herring Markets at Market Square 4.-10.10.2020.
Silo Sounds: Chrono – Echo of Light. In the Kruunuvuorenranta Oil Tank 468, from 2.10–11.10 for ten days, a light and sound artwork called Chrono – Echo of Light is being created. The artwork's sounds play daily from 10 am to 10 pm. In the evenings, as the sun sets, the lights of the artwork also illuminate the tank as the city darkens.
A fun adventure destination for kids!
Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays from 12 pm to 7 pm. Small admission fee.
Open Studio for Toddlers workshops at Cultural Center Caisa on Tuesdays. The group size is limited due to current circumstances, so two workshops are held on Tuesdays: group 1 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm and group 2 from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. The workshops are suitable for children ages 1.5–3 with a caregiver. No advance registration, free admission.
Family Fun Activities at Sakarinmäki Primary School in Östersundom on Tuesdays from 5 pm to 6:30 pm from 8.9–8.12.2020. Family Fun Activities are designed for families to move together, and the activities provide a space for children under school age and their caregivers to move together independently and free of charge.
For babies and toddlers! Espoo: Round Like Pom Pom Pom - a touchable storybook for babies and toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Aurora 15.8.-23.10.2020. Open Monday to Friday 9 am-4 pm and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm. Free admission.
WEDNESDAY 7.10.2020
Things happening at libraries
Helmet libraries have returned to normal opening hours and story times are gradually returning to library programs. Child-friendly events for Wednesday can be found on Helmet's events page.
For babies and parents! BabyKino at Kallio Library. You can go to movies with your baby on Wednesdays at 12 pm and 2:30 pm. BabyKino's own Facebook group can be found here, where for example the week's movie is published and voting takes place for upcoming programs. More information is also available on BabyKino's Facebook page.
Ode to Nature exhibition in the Brygga space of the Oodi Central Library until the end of November.
Things happening at playgrounds
Wednesday events at playgrounds can be found on the city's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
Events and activity tips
Albertin olohuone is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. The Albertin olohuone is open considering the exceptional circumstances on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 3 pm.
Helsinki Herring Markets at Market Square 4.-10.10.2020.
Silo Sounds: Chrono – Echo of Light. In the Kruunuvuorenranta Oil Tank 468, from 2.10–11.10 for ten days, a light and sound artwork called Chrono – Echo of Light is being created. The artwork's sounds play daily from 10 am to 10 pm. In the evenings, as the sun sets, the lights of the artwork also illuminate the tank as the city darkens.
A fun adventure destination for kids!
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Wednesdays from 12 pm to 4 pm. Small admission fee, children under 15 free of charge.
Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesdays from 12 pm to 7 pm. Small admission fee.
Family Fun Activities at Käpylä Primary School (2.9.-9.12.2020) and Pukinmäenkaari Primary School (2.9.-9.12.2020) on Wednesdays from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Family Fun Activities are designed for families to move together, and the activities provide a space for children under school age and their caregivers to move together independently and free of charge.
Dads' After Work with kids - Father and Children Park Meeting at playroom Iso-Antti on Wednesdays from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Second-hand market: MLL Herttoniemi Children's Clothing and Supplies Second-hand Days 30.9.–12.10.2020 at the Eighth Sense self-service flea market on Siilikatu Street.
For babies and toddlers! Espoo: Round Like Pom Pom Pom - a touchable storybook for babies and toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Aurora 15.8.-23.10.2020. Open Monday to Friday 9 am-4 pm and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm. Free admission.
THURSDAY 8.10.2020
Things happening at libraries
Helmet libraries have returned to normal opening hours and story times are gradually returning to library programs.
Child-friendly events for Thursday can be found on Helmet's events page.
Ode to Nature exhibition in the Brygga space of the Oodi Central Library until the end of November.
Things happening at playgrounds
Thursday events at playgrounds can be found on the city's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
Events and activity tips
Albertin olohuone is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. The Albertin olohuone is open considering the exceptional circumstances on Thursdays from 9:30 am to 3 pm.
Family Ball Games at Tali Sports Park's soccer hall on Thursdays from 9:30 am to 11 am. In Family Ball Games, all children under 9 move with their own adult on soft artificial grass. Free play, activities, running or even learning to walk. You can pick up a tool kit from the front desk when your turn begins and return it to the same place when your turn ends. No organized activities. Free admission.
Open Studio for Toddlers workshops at Cultural Center Caisa on Thursdays. The group size is limited due to current circumstances, so two workshops are held on Thursdays: group 1 from 10 am to 11 am and group 2 from 11 am to 12 pm. The workshops are suitable for children ages 1.5–3 with a caregiver. No advance registration, free admission.
Helsinki Herring Markets at Market Square 4.-10.10.2020.
Silo Sounds: Chrono – Echo of Light. In the Kruunuvuorenranta Oil Tank 468, from 2.10–11.10 for ten days, a light and sound artwork called Chrono – Echo of Light is being created. The artwork's sounds play daily from 10 am to 10 pm. In the evenings, as the sun sets, the lights of the artwork also illuminate the tank as the city darkens.
A fun adventure destination for kids!
Family Fun Activities at Kampin Sports Center's sports hall (from 3.9.-10.12.2020) and Porolahti Primary School (from 10.9–15.10.2020) on Thursdays from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Family Fun Activities are designed for families to move together, and the activities provide a space for children under school age and their caregivers to move together independently and free of charge.
Family Fun Activities at Malminkartano Primary School on Thursdays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm from 3.9.-10.12.2020. Family Fun Activities are designed for families to move together, and the activities provide a space for children under school age and their caregivers to move together independently and free of charge.
Second-hand market: MLL Herttoniemi Children's Clothing and Supplies Second-hand Days 30.9.–12.10.2020 at the Eighth Sense self-service flea market on Siilikatu Street.
For babies and toddlers! Espoo: Round Like Pom Pom Pom - a touchable storybook for babies and toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Aurora 15.8.-23.10.2020. Open Monday to Friday 9 am-4 pm and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm. Free admission.
FRIDAY 9.10.2020
Things happening at libraries
Helmet libraries have returned to normal opening hours and story times are gradually returning to library programs.
Child-friendly events for Friday can be found on Helmet's events page.
Ode to Nature exhibition in the Brygga space of the Oodi Central Library until the end of November.
Things happening at playgrounds
Friday events at playgrounds can be found on the city's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
Events and activity tips
Albertin olohuone is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. The Albertin olohuone is open considering the exceptional circumstances on Fridays from 9:30 am to 3 pm.
Kids Cinema at Annantalo's banquet hall on Friday at 9:30 am. Kids Cinema is a high-quality short film session for children over 3 years old. Free admission.
Helsinki Herring Markets at Market Square 4.-10.10.2020.
Silo Sounds: Chrono – Echo of Light. In the Kruunuvuorenranta Oil Tank 468, from 2.10–11.10 for ten days, a light and sound artwork called Chrono – Echo of Light is being created. The artwork's sounds play daily from 10 am to 10 pm. In the evenings, as the sun sets, the lights of the artwork also illuminate the tank as the city darkens.
A fun adventure destination for kids!
The Daily Press Museum features The Seven Dog Brothers exhibition 1.6.-31.12.2020. Free admission, also open on Mondays.
Second-hand market: MLL Herttoniemi Children's Clothing and Supplies Second-hand Days 30.9.–12.10.2020 at the Eighth Sense self-service flea market on Siilikatu Street.
For babies and toddlers! Espoo: Round Like Pom Pom Pom - a touchable storybook for babies and toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Aurora 15.8.-23.10.2020. Open Monday to Friday 9 am-4 pm and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm. Free admission.
SATURDAY 10.10.2020
Aleksis Kivi and Finnish Literature Day
Things happening at libraries
Helmet libraries have returned to normal opening hours and story times are gradually returning to library programs.
Child-friendly events for Saturday can be found on Helmet's events page.
Candy Day - Godisdag event at Itäkeskus Library on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Ode to Nature exhibition in the Brygga space of the Oodi Central Library until the end of November.
Events and activity tips
CANCELLED Family Fishing Event on Hara Island on Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. Connection boat to Hara leaves from Ullanlinnan wharf at 10 am. Ferry fee, event admission free.
Helsinki Herring Markets at Market Square 4.-10.10.2020.
Silo Sounds: Chrono – Echo of Light. In the Kruunuvuorenranta Oil Tank 468, from 2.10–11.10 for ten days, a light and sound artwork called Chrono – Echo of Light is being created. The artwork's sounds play daily from 10 am to 10 pm. In the evenings, as the sun sets, the lights of the artwork also illuminate the tank as the city darkens.
A fun adventure destination for kids!
Dance Day at Maunulahall: music classes for babies to pre-school age and a DJ workshop. Free admission, but participation requires advance registration.
Vantaa: The Great Moomin Concert - Stor Muminkonsert at Martinus Cultural Center on Saturday at 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Tickets 20 € /15 € /12 €.
Vantaa: Puppet Theater Sytkytïn "The Seven Brothers - Children's Own Version" at Children's Cultural Center Pesä on Saturday at 11 am. Advance tickets 6 € (child and adult).
Espoo: Jazz For Kids: Anna Inginmaa, vocals, and Arto Ikävalko, piano. Children's own jazz concert at Espoo Cultural Center's (Tapiola) Flygel hall on Saturday at 11 am. Free admission.
Atheneum's Children's Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm inspired by the film "Risto Räppääjä and the Wrong Vincent". Workshops are registered at the museum lobby. Museum admission fee, under 18 free of charge.
Count Pouncefort's Children's Music Concert at Malmitalo on Saturday at 3 pm. Tickets 6 €.
Story Wall at the Music Hall's lower lobby from 10.10.-10.11.2020. Free admission.
The traditional Sailing Ship Day begins in part on Saturday evening, when traditional sailing ships sail in the Tynnyri traditional sailing race off Helsinki. The starting gun is fired at sea in the Helsinki area and the finish line is located south of the Kaivopuisto-Katajanokka line. The start time and route are determined by wind conditions, with arrival at the finish expected between 3 pm and 4 pm. After the race, the ships line up for the Parade of Sails, which brings the sailing ships sailing in a parade procession to the South Harbor immediately after the race at around 4 pm. To watch the race finish and the Parade of Sails, the best spots for the public are Kaivopuisto and Katajanokka beaches. After the parade, the ships moor in the South Harbor to the Cholera Bay and its surroundings for Sunday's traditional Sailing Ship Day.
Second-hand market: MLL Herttoniemi Children's Clothing and Supplies Second-hand Days 30.9.–12.10.2020 at the Eighth Sense self-service flea market on Siilikatu Street.
For babies and toddlers! Espoo: Round Like Pom Pom Pom - a touchable storybook for babies and toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Aurora 15.8.-23.10.2020. Open Monday to Friday 9 am-4 pm and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm. Free admission.
Tuusula: Tip for Aleksis Kivi Day:
You can visit the little Aleksis Kivi Death Cottage in Tuusula (voluntary admission fee). The Tuusula Lake area has other interesting museums for kids and next to the cottage is Fjällbo Park, which has a playground, grilling opportunity, and a really wonderful nature trail for outdoor activities in a national landscape.
SUNDAY 11.10.2020
Girls' Day
Events and activity tips
Traditional Sailing Ship Day at Market Square on Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Free admission.
Silo Sounds: Chrono – Echo of Light. In the Kruunuvuorenranta Oil Tank 468, from 2.10–11.10 for ten days, a light and sound artwork called Chrono – Echo of Light is being created. The artwork's sounds play daily from 10 am to 10 pm. In the evenings, as the sun sets, the lights of the artwork also illuminate the tank as the city darkens.
A fun adventure destination for kids!
Story Wall at the Music Hall's lower lobby from 10.10.-10.11.2020. Free admission.
Benny Törnroos' Moomin Concert at Vuotalo on Sunday at 12 pm (in Swedish) and 3 pm (in Finnish). Tickets 10 €.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm. Small admission fee, children under 15 free of charge.
Second-hand market: MLL Herttoniemi Children's Clothing and Supplies Second-hand Days 30.9.–12.10.2020 at the Eighth Sense self-service flea market on Siilikatu Street.
Ode to Nature exhibition in the Brygga space of the Oodi Central Library until the end of November.
