Pienten Helsinki
What to do or where to go with children? What child-friendly activities are available in Helsinki this week? Little Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and suggests child-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
The cover image of the article shows Skidipeli, which can be played for the next two weeks at Pasila Library.
Current news
- Little Helsinki has been awarded the Helsinki Cultural Achievement 2023 award!
- Want to go ice skating at an ice hall? You can find the public skating times for Helsinki and the capital region at Little Helsinki's themed article.
- Want to go ice skating outdoors? You can already go skating on many Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa ice rinks and natural ice rinks! Skating on artificial ice rinks is free this year as well. Current rink condition information can be found in the Ulkoliikunta.fi service.
- Museum tips for children can be found in Little Helsinki's themed article!
- Where are the best sledding hills in the capital region? Check out the sledding hill tips from Little Helsinki!
MONDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2024
J. L. Runeberg Day
Events and activity tips
- Dance and Play workshops for toddlers and their parents in the Maissi room at the Caisa Cultural Centre (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Mondays at 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
The Dance and Play workshop inspires and guides Helsinki parents and children to create and experience dance art together. You can participate in the workshop whenever it suits you, at every session or just some. Choose a time that works for you and arrive on time. No advance registration needed; spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A maximum of 12 participants. Free admission.
- Albert's Living Room is open on Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (International Monday).
- Skidipeli at Pasila Library from 1–17 February 2024. The game can be played Monday to Thursday from 2–7:30 p.m., Fridays from 2–5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free admission.
- Family Fun Sessions provide space for preschool children and their parents to move together independently and free of charge. Family Fun Sessions on Mondays:
- Family Fun Sessions at Tapanila Primary School (Veljestenpiha 2) on Mondays from 5–6:30 p.m. during 8 January–22 April 2024 (not in week 8).
Playgrounds activities on Monday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mainly from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; afternoons are reserved for school children. For more detailed information, check the playgrounds' own websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Monday:
10:30–11:00 a.m. Loru Games - action session for children over 1 year old
1–1:30 p.m. Kukkuluuruu - baby session for children under 1 year old
3–3:30 p.m. Kukkuluuruu - baby session for children under 1 year old
- Activities at Family Centres:
- Neighbour Family Centre (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the centre's Facebook page.
- Sahrami Family Centre (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the centre's Facebook page.
- MLL's Unikko Family Centre (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0–12. Read more on the centre's website!
- You can find all of Little Helsinki's playground tips at this link.
Library activities on Monday
- Helmet library children's events on Monday can be found on the Helmet events page.
TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2024
Sami National Day
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Events and activity tips
- MLL Myllypuro and Metropolia HyMy-village family café at Myllypuro Metropolia premises (next to the metro station) on Tuesday from 9–11 a.m. Each session also includes varying programs for families. Free admission.
- Health Centre Park on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in the lower lobby of the Kamppi Family Centre. Free admission.
- Children's Garden Museum is open on Tuesdays from 12–7 p.m. Small admission fee.
- Art for Toddlers workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Centre (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. Workshops are suitable for children aged 1.5–3 years together with their adult. No advance registration needed; free admission. You can attend the workshops for the full time or just drop in for a bit.
- Skidipeli at Pasila Library from 1–17 February 2024. The game can be played Monday to Thursday from 2–7:30 p.m., Fridays from 2–5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free admission.
- Albert's Living Room evening social on Tuesdays from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
- Family Fun Sessions provide space for preschool children and their parents to move together independently and free of charge. Family Fun Sessions on Tuesdays:
- Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9) on Tuesdays from 9:30–11:30 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. during 9 January–23 April 2024 (not in week 8).
- Käpylä Primary School (Mäkelänkatu 89) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30 p.m. during 9 January–23 April 2024 (not in weeks 8, 11, 12, 13, and 14).
- Sakarinmäki Primary School (Knutersintie 924) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30 p.m. during 9 January–23 April 2024 (not in week 8).
- Merilahti Primary School in Vuosaari (Jaluspolku 3) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30 p.m. during 9 January–23 April 2024 (not in week 8).
Playgrounds activities on Tuesday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mainly from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; afternoons are reserved for school children. For more detailed information, check the playgrounds' own websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Tuesday:
11 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Stroller Aerobics, Oodi courtyard
3–3:30 p.m. Loru's Warmth - baby session for children under 1 year old
- Activities at Family Centres
- Neighbour Family Centre (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the centre's Facebook page.
- Sahrami Family Centre (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the centre's Facebook page. - MLL's Unikko Family Centre (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0–12. Read more on the centre's website!
- You can find all of Little Helsinki's playground tips at this link.
Library activities on Tuesday
- Helmet library children's events on Tuesday can be found on the Helmet events page.
WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2024
Events and activity tips
- MLL Laajasalo family café at Cafe Hiekka on Wednesdays from 9–10:30 a.m.
- MLL Lauttasaari family café at Apaja youth centre from 9:30–11:30 a.m.
- Albert's Living Room is open on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Want to go to a classical music concert with your child? Helsinki City Orchestra dress rehearsals at the Music Centre on Wednesday at 10 a.m. offer affordable tickets (€6.50 each).
- Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Wednesdays from 12–4 p.m. Small admission fee.
- Children's Garden Museum is open on Wednesday from 12–7 p.m. Small admission fee.
- Skidipeli at Pasila Library from 1–17 February 2024. The game can be played Monday to Thursday from 2–7:30 p.m., Fridays from 2–5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free admission.
- Espoo: Grand Model Railway at Ainoa shopping centre in Espoo is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The exhibition is located on the second floor of Ainoa next to the Itsudemo restaurant. Free admission.
- Family Fun Sessions provide space for preschool children and their parents to move together independently and free of charge. Family Fun Sessions on Wednesdays:
- Kurkimäki Block Centre (Karpalokuja 7) on Wednesdays from 9:30–11 a.m. during 10 January–24 April 2024 (not in week 8).
- Kannelmäki Primary School (Runonlaulajantie 40) on Wednesdays from 5–6 p.m. during 10 January–24 April 2024 (not in week 8).
Playgrounds activities on Wednesday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mainly from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; afternoons are reserved for school children. For more detailed information, check the playgrounds' own websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Wednesday:
10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Loru Creates - crafting for all ages
1:30–3:30 p.m. Loru Creates - crafting for all ages
- Activities at Family Centres
- Neighbour Family Centre (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the centre's Facebook page.
- Sahrami Family Centre (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the centre's Facebook page. - MLL's Unikko Family Centre (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0–12. Read more on the centre's website!
- You can find all of Little Helsinki's playground tips at this link.
Library activities on Wednesday
- Helmet library children's events on Wednesday can be found on the Helmet events page.
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2024
Events and activity tips
- Albert's Living Room is open on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Art for Toddlers workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Centre (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Workshops are suitable for children aged 1.5–3 years together with their adult. No advance registration needed; free admission. You can attend the workshops for the full time or just drop in for a bit.
- Helsinki high school graduates' traditional penkkarit will be held on Thursday starting at 1 p.m. around Esplanade Park. Cars will travel the route Eteläranta - Pohjoisesplanadi - Lönnrotinkatu - Abrahaminkatu - Bulevardi - Eteläesplanadi - Fabianinkatu - Pohjoisesplanadi - Lönnrotinkatu - Abrahaminkatu - Bulevardi - Eteläesplanadi - Eteläranta - Pohjoisesplanadi - Päävartiontori/Meritullintori – Pohjoisranta. The route will be completed twice. Route map.
- Skidipeli at Pasila Library from 1–17 February 2024. The game can be played Monday to Thursday from 2–7:30 p.m., Fridays from 2–5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free admission.
- Family Fun Sessions provide space for preschool children and their parents to move together independently and free of charge. Family Fun Sessions on Thursdays:
- Tali Sports Park football hall (Purotie 8) on Thursdays from 9:30–11 a.m. during 11 January–25 April 2024 (not in week 8).
- Kamppi Sports Centre (Malminkatu 3) on Thursdays from 5–6:30 p.m. during 11 January–25 April 2024
(not in week 8).
- Malminkartano Primary School (Puustellintie 6) on Thursdays from 5–6:30 p.m. during 11 January–25 April 2024 (not in weeks 7 and 8).
- Porolahti Primary School (Roihuvuorentie 2) on Thursdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m. during 11 January–25 April 2024 (not in week 8).
- Pukinmäkikaar Primary School mirror hall (Kenttäkuja 12) on Thursdays from 5–6:30 p.m. during
11 January–25 April 2024 (not in week 8).
Playgrounds activities on Thursday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mainly from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; afternoons are reserved for school children. For more detailed information, check the playgrounds' own websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Thursday:
11–11:30 a.m. Loru's Warmth - baby session for children under 1 year old
3–3:30 p.m. Loru Games - action session for children over 1 year old - Activities at Family Centres
- Neighbour Family Centre (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the centre's Facebook page.
- Sahrami Family Centre (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the centre's Facebook page. - MLL's Unikko Family Centre (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0–12. Read more on the centre's website!
- You can find all of Little Helsinki's playground tips at this link.
Library activities on Thursday
- Helmet library children's events on Thursday can be found on the Helmet events page.
FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2024
Events and activity tips
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Little Helsinki!
- Albert's Living Room is open on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- MLL Pasila family café at Tripla shopping centre Focus area on Fridays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Skidipeli at Pasila Library from 1–17 February 2024. The game can be played Monday to Thursday from 2–7:30 p.m., Fridays from 2–5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free admission.
- Espoo: Grand Model Railway at Ainoa shopping centre in Espoo is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The exhibition is located on the second floor of Ainoa next to the Itsudemo restaurant. Free admission.
- Porvoo: Porvoo Lights event in the Porvoo town centre on Friday and Saturday from 6–9 p.m. During the 2024 festival, visitors will encounter various light installations and events themed around playfulness. Free admission.
Playgrounds activities on Friday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mainly from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; afternoons are reserved for school children. For more detailed information, check the playgrounds' own websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Friday:
1–1:30 p.m. Loru Songs - singing session for all ages
3–3:30 p.m. Loru Enchanted - session with a varying theme including games, movement, and stories for children over 2 years old
- Activities at Family Centres
- Neighbour Family Centre (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the centre's Facebook page.
- Sahrami Family Centre (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the centre's Facebook page. - MLL's Unikko Family Centre (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0–12. Read more on the centre's website!
- You can find all of Little Helsinki's playground tips at this link.
Library activities on Friday
- Helmet library children's events on Friday can be found on the Helmet events page.
SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2024
Events and activity tips
- Helmet library children's events on Saturday can be found on the Helmet events page.
Library event highlights:
- Skidipeli at Pasila Library from 1–17 February 2024. The game can be played Monday to Thursday from 2–7:30 p.m., Fridays from 2–5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free admission.
- Vaapero and Taapero Get Dressed: craft and story session at Herttoniemi Library on Saturday from 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Viiru and Pesonen 40 Years! Celebration at Jätkäsaari Library on Saturday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Käpykolo Characters: Autumn Guest – book presentation and workshop on the 3rd floor of Oodi on Saturday from 1–3 p.m.
- Want to go ice skating at an ice hall? You can find the public skating times for Helsinki and the capital region at Little Helsinki's themed article.
- Vantaa: Whole Family Winter Fun at Play Café Winter Café at Tuomela School in Vantaa on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Valentine's Day clay workshop for families at Children's Culture Centre Pesä in Vantaa on Saturday from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Age recommendation: 3 years and older. Material fee €5 / participant. Advance registration required.
- Little Grandpa's Orchestra at Music Theatre Kapsäkki on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Tickets €24 / €14.
- Soft Cloud Castle: Chasing Dreams! workshop at Maunula House on Saturday from 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission. This day's Saturday Kids performance is fully booked.
- Tuusula: Lotta Museum's Kids Saturday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission to exhibitions for children during the event.
- Music Centre's Free Day on Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. LOTS of programs for young children too. Free admission.
- Nordic Winter Day - Nordisk vinterdag at Arbis in Etu-Töölö (Swedish-language workers' institute) from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission.
- Espoo: Black Hole Theatre presents: Pekka Bushy Tail play in Espoo's Matinkylä on Saturday at 1 p.m. The performance runs approximately 2 hours including intermission and is recommended for children from about 5 years old. Tickets €15.
- Espoo: Grand Model Railway at Ainoa shopping centre in Espoo is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The exhibition is located on the second floor of Ainoa next to the Itsudemo restaurant. Free admission.
- Espoo: Aurora's Winter Garden at Aurora Children's Culture Centre on Saturday from 5–8 p.m. Aurora's Winter Garden awakens a magical winter garden to sparkle in the twilight glow. Joyful encounters, winter art workshops, and shimmering lights – the Winter Garden will surely entertain the whole family. Free admission.
- Porvoo: Porvoo Lights event in the Porvoo town centre on Friday and Saturday from 6–9 p.m. During the 2024 festival, visitors will encounter various light installations and events themed around playfulness. Free admission.
SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2024
Carnival Sunday
Events and activity tips
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Little Helsinki!
- Family Fun at Tapulin Sports Centre exercise hall on Sundays from 9–11 a.m. Tickets €5/family (payment in cash, card, or Mobile Pay on site).
- Sports Fun at Sports Mill (Jauhokuja 3) in Myllypuro on Sunday from 9–10:45 a.m.
Sports Fun offers children under 9 and their families a chance to move in many different ways and have fun. You can arrive on your own schedule, there's space for strollers in the lobby, and you should bring your own lock for the locker room. Admission: €3.50 for adults, €2 for others, free for children under 9.
- Winter Fun at Siltamäki Sports Park on Sunday from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Carnival Fun at Ylästö Parish Hall on Sunday from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission.
- Espoo: Winter forest walk for families at Villa Elfvik on Sunday from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free admission.
- Scout Troop Helsinki Blues' Carnival Fun at Rudolf playground in Laajasalo on Sunday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission.
- Espoo: Winter Fun at Träskända Manor on Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission.
- Espoo: Carnival Sunday at Glims on Sunday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Museum admission fee applies.
- Taivaskallio Carnival at Taivaskallio and Onnenpuisto field on Sunday from 12–2 p.m. Free admission.
- Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Sundays from 12–4 p.m. Small admission fee.
- Espoo: Black Hole Theatre presents: Pekka Bushy Tail play in Espoo's Matinkylä on Sunday at 3 p.m. The performance runs approximately 2 hours including intermission and is recommended for children from about 5 years old. Tickets €15.
- Carnival Sunday sleigh rides on Seurasaari island field on Sunday from 3–6 p.m. Free admission to the island; sleigh rides available for a fee.
- Want to go ice skating at an ice hall? You can find the public skating times for Helsinki and the capital region at Little Helsinki's themed article.
Also remember:
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