Pienten Helsinki
What to do or where to go with children? What child-friendly activities are available in Helsinki this week? Pienten 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 website is aimed at families with children under ten years old.
The cover image for the article is from Central Library Oodi, which is welcome to absolutely everyone and especially to small, curious children!
Exhibition tips for children
Everything Glass exhibition at Anantalo from November 11, 2022 to February 25, 2023. In this interactive exhibition created in collaboration between the Finnish Glass Museum and Anantalo, you'll explore glass and its many dimensions.
Square / Cube exhibition at Anantalo from October 20, 2022 to March 4, 2023. Is a square too rigid or a cube too angular? What if you put them in motion? Anantalo's autumn exhibition presents – and at the same time doesn't present – it opens the door to the abstract world!
Museum tips for visiting with children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2023
Sámi National Day
Events and activity tips
What should we do today? Check out tips for rainy days from Pienten Helsinki!
Albert's Living Room, a family meeting place open to everyone at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Mondays from 9:30 am to 2 pm (International Monday's).
Art Advisory Service: Fill the surfaces with prints
In graphic art workshops, images are created by pressing them onto paper. We'll try out various easy graphic techniques such as monotypy and pressprint and silicone plate techniques. Art Advisory Service for 3-5-year-olds at Anantalo (Annankatu 30) on Mondays at 10 am and 12:30 pm. Younger family members, babies and toddlers, can also participate and experience the Art Advisory Service atmosphere. Free admission.
Sámi National Day event - Õõutâst, Oovtâst, Ovttas, Together! at Citizens' Square on Monday at 4 pm.
Family Fun at Tapanila Primary School (Veljestenpiha 2) on Mondays from 5-6:30 pm from January 9 to April 24, 2023. Free admission. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost.
Activities at playgrounds on Monday
At Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, north end of 3rd floor) in the Loru playground on Monday:
10:30–11:00 Loru's little box – movement for over 1-year-olds
1:00 pm–1:30 pm Cuckoo-Chirp – baby time for under 1-year-olds
3:00 pm–3:30 pm Cuckoo-Chirp – baby time for under 1-year-olds
From January 9 to June 4, 2023, the following playgrounds are open: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Kurkimäki, Lampi, Dragon Playground, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari, and Vähätupa.
Note! The city list incorrectly states that Rutshollari playground would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only school children's afternoon activities are organized in substitute facilities.
Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
The City of Helsinki announced on December 8, 2022 that it would continue closing playgrounds, and since January 39 city playgrounds have been closed until at least summer 2023.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and presentations of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found on Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Monday
Helmet library events for children on Monday can be found on Helmet's events page.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2023
Events and activity tips
Family Fun at Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9). In family ball play, all children under 9 move with their own adult on soft artificial turf. Free play, acrobatics, running or even learning to walk. Family Fun on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 am and 4-6 pm from January 9 to April 28, 2023 (not in week 8). Free admission.
Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays from 12-7 pm. Small entrance fee.
Art for Toddlers workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Cultural Center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 pm. Workshops are suitable for 1.5–3-year-old children with their own adult. No pre-registration required, free admission. You can visit the workshops for the whole time or just for a moment.
Family Fun at Sakarinmäki Primary School (Knutersintie 924) on Tuesdays from 5-6:30 pm from January 10 to April 25, 2023 (not in week 8). Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free admission.
Family Fun at Kankarepuisto Primary School (Jakomäenpolku 6) on Tuesdays from 5:15-6:15 pm from January 10 to April 25, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free admission.
Activities at playgrounds on Tuesday
At Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, north end of 3rd floor) in the Loru playground on Tuesday:
11:00–11:30 Stroller exercise, Oodi courtyard
3:00 pm–3:30 pm Loru's songs – music session for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor
From January 9 to June 4, 2023, the following playgrounds are open: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Kurkimäki, Lampi, Dragon Playground, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari, and Vähätupa.
Note! The city list incorrectly states that Rutshollari playground would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only school children's afternoon activities are organized in substitute facilities.
Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
The City of Helsinki announced on December 8, 2022 that it would continue closing playgrounds, and since January 39 city playgrounds have been closed until at least summer 2023.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and presentations of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found on Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Tuesday
Helmet library events for children on Tuesday can be found on Helmet's events page.
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2023
Events and activity tips
Albert's Living Room, a family meeting place open to everyone at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 3 pm.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Wednesdays from 12-4 pm. Small entrance fee.
Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday from 12-7 pm. Small entrance fee.
Family Fun at Käpylä Primary School (Untamontie 2) on Wednesdays from 5-6:30 pm from January 11 to April 26, 2023 (not in week 8). Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free admission.
Let's Make Art: Light Bending at Anantalo Art Class 3 on Wednesday from 5-7 pm. In the workshop, a light theater is built and art is created using glass, light, and shadows. Let's Make Art workshops inspire and guide 6–10-year-old Helsinki children and their adults to create and experience art together. Free admission.
Activities at playgrounds on Wednesday
At Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, north end of 3rd floor) in the Loru playground on Wednesday:
11:00 am–1:00 pm Loru creates Valentine's Day cards – suitable for all ages
2:00 pm–3:30 pm Loru creates Valentine's Day cards - suitable for all ages
From January 9 to June 4, 2023, the following playgrounds are open: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Kurkimäki, Lampi, Dragon Playground, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari, and Vähätupa.
Note! The city list incorrectly states that Rutshollari playground would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only school children's afternoon activities are organized in substitute facilities.
Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
The City of Helsinki announced on December 8, 2022 that it would continue closing playgrounds, and since January 39 city playgrounds have been closed until at least summer 2023.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and presentations of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found on Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Wednesday
Helmet library events for children on Wednesday can be found on Helmet's events page.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023
Events and activity tips
Family Fun at Kurkimäki Courtyard House (Karpalokuja 7) on Thursdays from 9:30-11 am from January 12 to April 27, 2023 (not in week 8). Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free admission.
Family Fun at Tali Sports Park Soccer Hall (Purotie 8) on Thursdays from 9:30-11 am from January 12 to April 27, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free admission.
Albert's Living Room, a family meeting place open to everyone at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Thursdays from 9:30 am to 3 pm.
Art for Toddlers workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Cultural Center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays from 10 am to 12 pm. Workshops are suitable for 1.5–3-year-old children with their own adult. No pre-registration required, free admission. You can visit the workshops for the whole time or just for a moment.
Helsinki high school bench celebrations will be held on Thursday starting at 1 pm in the area around Esplanade Park.
Celebration floats travel the route Ehrenströmintie – Laivasillankatu – Eteläranta – Pohjoisesplanadi – Lönnrotinkatu – Hietalahdentori – Bulevardi – Yrjönkatu – Uudenmaankatu – Erottajankatu – Eteläesplanadi – Eteläranta (circling the Esplanade several times).
Family Fun at Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9). In family ball play, all children under 9 move with their own adult on soft artificial turf. Free play, acrobatics, running or even learning to walk. Family Fun on Thursday from 4-5 pm from January 11 to April 28, 2023 (not in week 8). Free admission.
Family Fun at Porolahti Primary School (Roihuvuorentie 2) on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm from January 12 to April 27, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free admission.
Family Fun at Pukinmäenkaari Primary School (Kenttäkuja 12) on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm from January 12 to April 27, 2023. Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free admission.
Family Fun at Malminkartano Primary School (Puustellintie 6) on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm from January 12 to April 20, 2023 (not in week 8). Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free admission.
Family Fun at Kampi Sports Center (Malminkatu 3) on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm from January 12 to April 27, 2023 (not in week 8). Family Fun offers children under school age and their parents a space where they can move together freely and at no cost. Free admission.
Activities at playgrounds on Thursday
At Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, north end of 3rd floor) in the Loru playground on Thursday:
11:00 am–11:30 am Moving with baby – energetic movement and dance
3:00 pm–3:30 pm Loru's games – play and fun for over 1-year-olds
From January 9 to June 4, 2023, the following playgrounds are open: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Kurkimäki, Lampi, Dragon Playground, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari, and Vähätupa.
Note! The city list incorrectly states that Rutshollari playground would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only school children's afternoon activities are organized in substitute facilities.
Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
The City of Helsinki announced on December 8, 2022 that it would continue closing playgrounds, and since January 39 city playgrounds have been closed until at least summer 2023.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and presentations of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found on Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Thursday
Helmet library events for children on Thursday can be found on Helmet's events page.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2023
Events and activity tips
What should we do today? Check out tips for rainy days from Pienten Helsinki!
Albert's Living Room, a family meeting place open to everyone at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Fridays from 9:30 am to 3 pm.
Porvoo: Porvoo Lights - light art event on Friday and Saturday from 6-9 pm.
Activities at playgrounds on Friday
At Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, north end of 3rd floor) in the Loru playground on Friday:
11:00 am–11:30 am Loru's waves – story-based play session for over 2-year-olds
1:00 pm–1:30 pm Loru's warmth – baby time for under 1-year-olds
3:00 pm–3:30 pm Loru's warmth – baby time for under 1-year-olds
From January 9 to June 4, 2023, the following playgrounds are open: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Kurkimäki, Lampi, Dragon Playground, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari, and Vähätupa.
Note! The city list incorrectly states that Rutshollari playground would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only school children's afternoon activities are organized in substitute facilities.
Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
The City of Helsinki announced on December 8, 2022 that it would continue closing playgrounds, and since January 39 city playgrounds have been closed until at least summer 2023.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and presentations of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found on Pienten Helsinki.
Library events on Friday
Helmet library events for children on Friday can be found on Helmet's events page.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2023
Events and activity tips
Commercial cooperation
Family Movie Day at BioRex cinemas! Family Movie Day in Helsinki is celebrated at BioRex cinemas in both Tripla shopping center and Redink on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.
This week's Family Movie Day program includes films such as Risto Räppääjä and Wild Machine (K-S), Pertsa & Kilu – The Pharaoh's Ring (K-7) and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (K-7). Tickets for Family Movie Day screenings cost €9.
More information, screening times and ticket reservations via BioRex's website!
Photo from Tripla shopping center BioRex.
Espoo: Tapiola Winter Festival in the Tapiola center area on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Free admission.
Espoo: Megamuskari in Espoo at Kannusali on Saturday at 10:30 am. Tickets €5.
Euro Day at Laajasalo Church from 11 am to 3 pm for the benefit of Shared Responsibility. The event features alpacas, horses, dog sledding and rabbits. Free admission, activities cost a few euros.
Also in Swedish! Nordic Winter Day - Nordisk vinterdag at the premises of the Swedish-language adult education institution Arbis in Töölö on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. Free admission.
Skidies' Sign Language Day at Oodi 3rd floor on Saturday from 12-3 pm.
Kino Helios: Håkan Bråkan film at Malmitalo small hall (Ala-Malmin tori 1) on Saturday at 3 pm. Håkan Bråkan is left – at least in his own opinion – in the care of the world's most boring babysitter Amanda while his parents travel to an official reception for Håkan's Karin mom. Tickets €8.50.
Espoo: Aurora Winter Courtyard event at Children's Cultural Center Aurora on Saturday from 5-8 pm. Free admission.
Espoo: Friend skating at Espoonlahti Sports Park on Saturday from 5-7 pm. Free admission.
Espoo: Friend skating at Tapiola Ice Garden on Saturday from 5-9:30 pm. Free admission.
Porvoo: Porvoo Lights - light art event on Friday and Saturday from 6-9 pm.
Current information about skating rinks and hiking trails in the metropolitan area can be found on ulkoliikunta.fi!
Library events on Saturday
Helmet library events for children on Saturday can be found on the libraries' events page.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2023
International Sign Language Day
Events and activity tips
Helmet library events for children on Sunday can be found on the libraries' events page.
What should we do today? Check out tips for rainy days from Pienten Helsinki!
Sports Fun at Sports Mill (Jauhokuja 3) in Myllypuro on Sunday from 9-10:45 am. Sports Fun offers children under 9 with their families an opportunity to move in a variety of ways and have fun. You can arrive according to your own schedule, there's space for strollers in the lobby and you should bring your own lock for the locker room. Entrance fee for adults €3.50, others €2, free admission for children under 9.
Winter Festival at Siltamäki Sports Park on Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm.
Uutela Hut at Särkkäniemi is open on Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Sundays from 12-4 pm. Small entrance fee.
Museum tips for visiting with children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
Remember also:
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