Pienten Helsinki
What to do or where to go with children? What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki this week? Little Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and suggests family-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
Current highlights
- Did you know that the Children's Traffic Town can be explored independently during operating hours (weekdays 8 am-4 pm) with your own scooter? The area gates are open and the traffic lights are working. And it's free! :)
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- Museum tips for children can be found in Little Helsinki's themed article!
- Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall!
- You can also borrow a museum ticket from the library!
From Viikki Library you can borrow admission tickets to the Natural History Museum: a family ticket (2 adults, 4 children) or a single ticket. The ticket loan period is 7 days. Admission tickets cannot be reserved in advance. - Espoo: Happiness is Being - Play Space and Exhibition at Children's Cultural Center Aurora. Exhibition open:
April 30 - May 29 Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm, Sat May 4, 11, 18, and 25, 10 am-2 pm and during events. Closed on Ascension Day May 9. Free admission. - Art in the middle of the city! Kim Simonsson's Moss Giants can be found at Lasipalasi Square and the Bio Rex terrace through October. Impressive, thought-provoking and delightful for children too.
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall and is urgently looking for staff!
- Dance and Play Workshops for toddlers and their parents at the cultural center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) in the Maissi studio on Mondays at 9:15 am and 10:15 am.
Dance and Play workshops inspire and guide Helsinki parents and children to create and experience dance art together. You can participate in the workshop whenever it suits you, at all sessions or just some. Choose a time that works for you and arrive on time. No advance registration, places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 12 to arrive can participate. Free admission.
- Albertin Lounge is open on Mondays from 9:30 am–2 pm (International Monday).
- Espoo: Happiness is Being - Play Space and Exhibition at Children's Cultural Center Aurora. Exhibition open:
April 30 - May 29 Mon-Fri 9 am-4 pm, Sat May 4, 11, 18, and 25, 10 am-2 pm and during events. Closed on Ascension Day May 9. Free admission.
Playgrounds on Monday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor areas are open to families on weekdays mainly from 9 am-12 pm, afternoons are reserved for school-age children. More detailed information can be found on each playground's own website. Playgrounds share their programs in the City of Helsinki events calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Monday:
10:30 am-12 pm Loru Creates – Mother's Day crafts for all ages on the Oodi courtyard near the climbing structure
1:30 pm-3 pm Loru Creates – Mother's Day crafts for all ages on the Oodi courtyard near the climbing structure
- Family houses have activities:
- Family House Naapuri (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the house's FB page.
- Family House Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the house's FB page.
- MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more on the family house website!
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Libraries on Monday
- Helmet Library's children's events can be found on Helmet's events page.
(Due to the Helmet website update, daily event links are no longer available.)
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall and is urgently looking for staff!
- Metropolia's HyMy Village Family Café at Metropolia's Myllypuro facilities (next to the metro station) on Tuesdays from 9 am-11 am. Each session also includes varied programming for families. Free admission.
- Neuvolaparkki on Tuesdays from 9:30 am–1 pm in the lower lobby of Kamppi Family Center. Free admission.
- Haltiala Farm's lamb paddock can be visited to see sheep and lambs on Tuesdays from 10 am-2 pm through mid-May. Haltiala Farm is open daily from 7 am-10 pm. Cattle in outdoor pastures, sausage roasting opportunities (bring your own wood), a nice playground and a café-restaurant on the farm. Near Haltiala you can also find Niskala arboretum, where spring is slowly awakening. Free admission to Haltiala Farm.
- Military Home Heritage Day at Senate Square on Tuesday from 10 am-4 pm. Free admission.
- Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays from 12 pm-7 pm. Small admission fee.
- Art for Toddlers Workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Cultural Center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays from 1:30 pm-3:30 pm. Workshops are suitable for children aged 1.5–3 years with their own adult. No advance registration, free admission. You can come to the workshops for the whole time or just for a moment at a time.
- Espoo: Matinraitin Village Carnival at Matinkylä Residents' Park on Tuesday from 3 pm-6 pm. Free admission.
Playgrounds on Tuesday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor areas are open to families on weekdays mainly from 9 am-12 pm, afternoons are reserved for school-age children. More detailed information can be found on each playground's own website. Playgrounds share their programs in the City of Helsinki events calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Tuesday:
11 am Stroller Aerobics, Oodi courtyard
3 pm Loru's Warmth - baby session for under 1-year-olds - MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more on the family house website!
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Libraries on Tuesday
- Helmet Library's children's events can be found on Helmet's events page.
(Due to the Helmet website update, daily event links are no longer available.)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall and is urgently looking for staff!
- MLL Laajasalo Family Café at Cafe Hiekka on Wednesdays from 9 am-10:30 am.
- MLL Lauttasaari Family Café at youth center Apaja from 9:30 am-11:30 am.
- Albertin Lounge is open on Wednesdays from 9:30 am–3 pm.
- Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Experience Area for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5-June 30, 2024. Open Wed-Fri from 10 am–4 pm and during Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
- New exhibition! Remarkable Ski Game at Media Museum and Archive Merkkiin May 8-October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- Fire Museum at the Erottaja Fire Station is open on Wednesdays from 12 pm-4 pm. Small admission fee.
- Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday from 12 pm-7 pm. Small admission fee.
Playgrounds on Wednesday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor areas are open to families on weekdays mainly from 9 am-12 pm, afternoons are reserved for school-age children. More detailed information can be found on each playground's own website. Playgrounds share their programs in the City of Helsinki events calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Wednesday:
10:30 am-12 pm Loru Creates – Mother's Day crafts for all ages on the 3rd floor of Oodi
1:30 pm-3 pm Loru Creates – Mother's Day crafts for all ages on the 3rd floor of Oodi - MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more on the family house website!
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Libraries on Wednesday
- Helmet Library's children's events can be found on Helmet's events page.
(Due to the Helmet website update, daily event links are no longer available.)
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024
Ascension Day
Events and
activity tips
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days on Little Helsinki!
- Vantaa: Family Home Party at Ylästö Countryside House in Vantaa (Sienestäjänkuja 5) on Thursday from 10 am-1 pm. Free admission.
- Helsinki VPK's 160th Anniversary Parade will be held in Jätkäsaari on Ascension Day starting at 11 am. The parade departs from Western Terminal 1 and its route goes from Tyynenmerenkatu to Välimerenkaatu and from there past the fire station to Messipojankuja. In addition to marchers, various fire trucks will be included. Free admission.
- Haltiala Farm's lamb paddock can be visited to see sheep and lambs on Thursdays from 10 am-2 pm through mid-May. Haltiala Farm is open daily from 7 am-10 pm. Cattle in outdoor pastures, sausage roasting opportunities (bring your own wood), a nice playground and a café-restaurant on the farm. Near Haltiala you can also find Niskala arboretum, where spring is slowly awakening. Free admission to Haltiala Farm. NOTE! Lamb paddock opening hours on Ascension Day not confirmed!
- Flea market! Puu-Vallila Yard Flea Market on Ascension Day from 10 am-3 pm.
- Flea market! Yard Flea Market at Ruoholahti Villas on Ascension Day from 11 am-4 pm.
- New exhibition! Remarkable Ski Game at Media Museum and Archive Merkkiin May 8-October 27, 2024. Free admission.
Open on Ascension Day from 11 am-5 pm.
- 'K-Let's Dance - Dance Event for All Ages K-pop and J-pop Listeners at Tiivistämö (Suvilahti) on Thursday from 12 pm-4:30 pm. Free admission, also paid programs available.
- Secrets of Helsinki article reveals small and large secrets about Helsinki!
Playgrounds on Thursday
- Playgrounds and family houses are closed on Ascension Day, but you can always play in the courtyards of the parks!
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Libraries on Thursday
- On Ascension Day some libraries are closed, others open with holiday hours. For example, Oodi central library is open from 12 pm-6 pm.
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days on Little Helsinki!
- New exhibition! Kirsi Kunnas: Poetry Lounge - Interactive Exhibition about poems and stories at Annantalo Gallery May 10 - August 24, 2024. Open according to Annantalo's opening hours. The exhibition is part of Kirsi Kunnas's 100th birthday celebration.
- New exhibition! Remarkable Ski Game at Media Museum and Archive Merkkiin May 8-October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall and is urgently looking for staff!
- Vantaa: Little Art Morning at Children's Cultural Center Pessi on Friday starting at 9:30 am. Colors and Shapes art workshops at 9:30 am and 10:30 am. No advance registration, free admission.
- Albertin Lounge is open on Fridays from 9:30 am–3 pm.
- MLL Pasila Family Café at shopping center Tripla's Fokus space on Fridays from 10 am-12 pm.
- Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Experience Area for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Cultural Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5-June 30, 2024. Open Wed-Fri from 10 am–4 pm and during Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
- University of Helsinki Observatory on Tähtitorninmäki is open on Friday from 12 pm–4 pm. Museum admission fee.
Playgrounds on Friday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor areas are open to families on weekdays mainly from 9 am-12 pm, afternoons are reserved for school-age children. More detailed information can be found on each playground's own website. Playgrounds share their programs in the City of Helsinki events calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Friday:
10:30 am-11 am Loru Songs - song session, Oodi 3rd floor
1 pm-1:30 pm Loru Songs - song session for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor
3 pm-3:30 pm Loru's Enchantment – session with changing theme including play, movement or stories for over 2-year-olds, Oodi 3rd floor - Family houses have activities
- Family House Naapuri (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the house's FB page.
- Family House Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the house's FB page. - MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more on the family house website!
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
Libraries on Friday
- Helmet Library's children's events can be found on Helmet's events page.
(Due to the Helmet website update, daily event links are no longer available.)
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- Helmet Library's children's events can be found on Helmet's events page.
(Due to the Helmet website update, daily event links are no longer available.)
- Kirsi Kunnas: Poetry Lounge - Interactive Exhibition about poems and stories at Annantalo Gallery May 10 - August 24, 2024. Open according to Annantalo's opening hours. The exhibition is part of Kirsi Kunnas's 100th birthday celebration.
- Remarkable Ski Game at Media Museum and Archive Merkkiin May 8-October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- Skidimarket has opened its doors again on the 2nd floor of Hakaniemi Market Hall and is urgently looking for staff!
- Espoo: Magic from Magic Clay - Art Workshop at Children's Cultural Center Aurora on Saturday from 10 am-2 pm. Free admission.
- Haltiala Farm's lamb paddock can be visited to see sheep and lambs on Saturday from 10 am-2 pm through mid-May. Haltiala Farm is open daily from 7 am-10 pm. Cattle in outdoor pastures, sausage roasting opportunities (bring your own wood), a nice playground and a café-restaurant on the farm. Near Haltiala you can also find Niskala arboretum, where spring is slowly awakening. Free admission to Haltiala Farm.
- Vantaa: Mother's Day at Håkansböle Manor on Saturday from 10:30 am-4 pm. Partly paid.
- Roihuvuori Hanami Festival at Cherry Tree Park on Saturday from 12 pm-6 pm. Free admission.
- Henna & Superheroes Concert at Vuotalo on Saturday at 3 pm. Tickets 6 €.
- VIIHDY! Circus Experience Tent at Kalasatama at Redi Courtyard (Leonkatu 6 / Kalasatamankatu 1, near the Nereidi sculpture) on Saturday and Sunday. The experience tent is open on Saturday from 3 pm-3:30 pm and 6 pm-6:30 pm and on Sunday from 3 pm-3:30 pm. Suitable for all ages. Free admission.
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024
Mother's Day - Happy Mother's Day!
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Events and
activity tips
- All of Little Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- Swimming Stadium Opening on Sunday from 9 am-2 pm. Swimming Stadium is open on Sunday from 9 am-8 pm. Admission fee.
- Haltiala Farm's lamb paddock can be visited to see sheep and lambs on Sunday from 10 am-2 pm through mid-May. Haltiala Farm is open daily from 7 am-10 pm. Cattle in outdoor pastures, sausage roasting opportunities (bring your own wood), a nice playground and a café-restaurant on the farm. Near Haltiala you can also find Niskala arboretum, where spring is slowly awakening. Free admission to Haltiala Farm.
- Remarkable Ski Game at Media Museum and Archive Merkkiin May 8-October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- Tuusula: Mother's Day and Lotta Day on Sunday from 10 am-5 pm. Free admission.
- Mothers, Children, Families - Mother's Day Event at Pakila Veto Manor on Sunday from 11 am-1:30 pm. Free admission.
- Fire Museum at the Erottaja Fire Station is open on Sundays from 12 pm-4 pm. Small admission fee.
- Mother's Day Kite Flying at Kustaanmiekka (Suomenlinna) on Sunday starting at 12:30 pm. Free admission (excluding Suomenlinna ferry fee).
- Song as a Gift - Mother's Day Concert at Helsinki City Museum on Sunday at 3 pm. Free admission, optional program booklet 10 €.
- VIIHDY! Circus Experience Tent at Kalasatama at Redi Courtyard (Leonkatu 6 / Kalasatamankatu 1, near the Nereidi sculpture) on Saturday and Sunday. The experience tent is open on Saturday from 3 pm-3:30 pm and 6 pm-6:30 pm and on Sunday from 3 pm-3:30 pm. Suitable for all ages. Free admission.
- Kauniainen: Tuomo Rannankari & Singing Suns Choir: Blue Ball Concert at Kauniainen Church on Sunday at 5 pm. Free admission, optional program booklet 10 € for United Responsibility.
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days on Little Helsinki!
- Secrets of Helsinki article reveals small and large secrets about Helsinki!
Remember also:
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
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