Pienten Helsinki
Summer events in hot Helsinki for families
What child-friendly activities are available in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Pienillä Helsingin (Small Helsinki) weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The target audience of the website is families with children under school age.July has arrived in Helsinki and the city offers activities and events for all tastes. Pienten Helsingin Where to go this week -article is published weekly, by Monday at the latest, and suggests what’s happening in the city for families with preschool children. During this hot July week people dance at Taskari, skateboard at the HELRide event, paint on Art Day, and visit Art Circus. Helsinki Cup and tens of thousands of young football players also fill the city.
New on Pienten Helsinki: Helsinki Islands -series features adventures in the favorite places of the Pienten Helsinki team around the city. The series takes you to, for example, Matosaari, which is a hidden gem in eastern Helsinki. Rainy Day Fun -series offers tips for activities even in dreary weather.
Also remember: Summer in Helsinki -series has hundreds of tips for adventures in the summer capital!
Worried about summer vacation travel with kids? Tips for summer trips and activities can be found on Pienten Helsinki’s Facebook page in the Ask others for tips thread.
The cover photo from Riku’s summer patio where a day can be spent under the umbrellas!
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MONDAY 9.7.2018
Library events:
Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found at the Helmet library portal.Libraries are open during summer months too, even if there’s no formal programming. Read for example what the library offers for small children and book tips for summer activities with children.
Playground events:
Helsinki offers free lunch at playgrounds to all children and young people under 16 on weekdays at noon throughout the summer holidays. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and drink. Monday's playground meal is cheese and vegetable soup. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.Summer opening hours for Helsinki playgrounds can be found here.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg runs dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds from June to 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 Intia playground at 9:30 am (TT) and 1:30 pm (TA).
Traditional games summer tour at playgrounds: Monday at Taivallahti playground from 11 am to 1 pm.
Other events:
Helsinki City Museum and Children's City open at 9 am starting from 4.6.2018 during summer season. A great play space for early risers! Read more on the museum's website. Children's City also features the narrative art exhibition by illustrator Jenni Isotoff from 29.5.–31.8. Dream Mäykkynen & Helsinki.Other museums open on Mondays include Päivälehti Museum and also National Museum and Haltia Nature Centre in Espoo during summer season.
Crafts for time and space travelers at Päivälehti Museum on Monday from noon to 3 pm. More information on the museum’s website. Free admission.
Helsinki Cup, one of the world’s largest junior football tournaments, fills Helsinki’s fields from 9.-14.7.2018 and matches can be watched for free around Helsinki. More information about the tournament can be found here.
Helsinki Cup opening ceremony is celebrated on Monday at 7:30 pm with a procession from Kiasma to Senate Square. Senate Square will feature formal opening program and fighter jet flybys at the end of the opening. More information about the opening on Helsinki Cup’s website.
Summer theatre: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theatre on Monday at 3 pm. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theatre’s website.
[caption id=“attachment_5132” align=“alignleft” width=“1024”]
Characters from films can be seen in the first floor of Tennis Palace.[/caption]
TIP: Things to see and do in Helsinki: Tennis Palace lobby features several superheroes from classic films. A fun place to visit while exploring the city.
TUESDAY 10.7.2018
Library events:
Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found at the Helmet library portal.Libraries are open during summer months too, even if there’s no formal programming. Read for example what the library offers for small children and book tips for summer activities with children.
Pienten Helsinki’s library tip to Espoo: Take the metro to Iso-Omenia Library in Matinkylä! The metro takes you from Helsinki directly to the large library and the great children’s section, which also has space to play. Two elevators up from the metro station and you’re right in the library!
Playground events:
Summer opening hours for Helsinki playgrounds can be found here.Helsinki offers free lunch at playgrounds to all children and young people under 16 on weekdays at noon throughout the summer holidays. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and drink. Tuesday’s playground meal is chicken and vegetable pasta bake. See the full summer menu and allergy information here. Summer park admission is free and only a few activities require advance registration.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg runs dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds from June to 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 Viikari playground at 10 am (TT) and 11 am (TT).
Traditional games summer tour at playgrounds: Tuesday at Isonneva playground from 11 am to 1 pm.
Tips for Helsinki playgrounds’ Grand Painting Event can be found here.
Other events:
Helsinki Cup, one of the world's largest junior football tournaments, fills Helsinki's fields from 9.-14.7.2018 and matches can be watched for free around Helsinki. More information about the tournament can be found here.Grand Painting Event celebrates Finland’s Art Day and Helene Schjerfbeck’s birthday on Tuesday across Finland. Read more about the event and see all activities across Finland on the Grand Painting Event’s website.
- In Helsinki children paint at Riku's Summer Patio on Tuesday from 1-3 pm. More information on the event's Facebook page.
- Tips for Helsinki playgrounds' Grand Painting Event can be found here.
- All themed day events in Helsinki can be found here.
Summer theatre: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theatre on Tuesday at 3 pm. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theatre’s website.
Also remember: Parkpiilo adventure continues around the city and 28 hideouts are waiting to be found!
Tip to Espoo: Nature yoga with your child at Villa Elfvik Nature Lodge on Tuesday at 5 pm. More information on Villa Elfvik’s website. Free admission.
TIP: Things to see and do in Helsinki: Want to ride in a robot bus? You can do so in Helsinki’s Kivikko, where you can now ride the trial robot bus for free all summer on weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm. More information about the departure location and schedule on Metropolia Robotbus project’s Facebook page.
WEDNESDAY 11.7.2018
Library events:
Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found at the Helmet library portal.Libraries are open during summer months too, even if there’s no formal programming. Read for example what the library offers for small children and book tips for summer activities with children.
Playground events:
Summer opening hours for Helsinki playgrounds can be found here.Helsinki offers free lunch at playgrounds to all children and young people under 16 on weekdays at noon throughout the summer holidays. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and drink. Wednesday’s playground meal is colorful rainbow trout and vegetable soup. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg runs dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds from June to 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 Wednesday you can dance at Mäkitorppa playground at 9:30 am (TT) and 10 am (TT) and at Etupelto playground at 11:15 am (TT).
Art Circus arrives at Rudolfi Playground on Wednesday from 1 pm onwards. The program includes dance, theater, color splashes, oddities, face painting, and much more. Dancing Magic Box workshop is also included. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Traditional games summer tour at playgrounds: Wednesday at Iso-Antinkallio playground from 11 am to 1 pm.
Other events:
Helsinki Cup, one of the world's largest junior football tournaments, fills Helsinki's fields from 9.-14.7.2018 and matches can be watched for free around Helsinki. More information about the tournament can be found here.Children’s sea adventure – family sailing from 27.6.-4.8.2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:30 pm. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Summer theatre: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theatre on Wednesday at 3 pm. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theatre’s website.
A•stage open stage Wednesdays from 5-7 pm. The event is open to the public and performers. You can go on stage to perform or watch others perform. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Summer theatre: Taivallahti Summer Theatre presents Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppää and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Wednesday at 6 pm. Tickets 16 €. Read more: on Taivallahti Summer Theatre’s website.
Tip to Espoo: Glimsin Manor Museum’s 4H farm animal pasture visits continue on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the manor museum’s website. Free admission.
Tip to Oulu: Children’s Song Street fills Rotuaari on Wednesday.
TIP: Things to see and do in Helsinki: Did you know that Helsinki has 66 playgrounds and over 200 play spaces? Only a fraction of these have been presented on Pienten Helsinki’s website, but all the places the city offers for play can be found on the metropolitan area’s Service Map.
THURSDAY 12.7.2018
Library events:
Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found at the Helmet library portal.Libraries are open during summer months too, even if there’s no formal programming. Read for example what the library offers for small children and book tips for summer activities with children.
Playground events:
Summer opening hours for Helsinki playgrounds can be found here.Helsinki offers free lunch at playgrounds to all children and young people under 16 on weekdays at noon throughout the summer holidays. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and drink. Thursday’s playground meal is beet root soup. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.
Dance artist Veera Lamberg runs dance workshops at Helsinki playgrounds from June to 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 Thursday you dance at Salpausselkä playground at 10:30 am (TT) and 1 pm (TA).
Traditional games summer tour at playgrounds: Thursday at Viikari playground from 11 am to 1 pm.
Other events:
Helsinki Cup, one of the world's largest junior football tournaments, fills Helsinki's fields from 9.-14.7.2018 and matches can be watched for free around Helsinki. More information about the tournament can be found here.HELRide 2018 brings world-class skateboarding and events to Salmisaari, Narinkkatori, and Suvilahti from 12.-14.7.2018. The program features world-class competitions and free skateboarding classes. More information about the event and daily schedule can be found on HELRide’s website and the event’s Facebook page. The event is free and open to all.
Children’s sea adventure – family sailing from 27.6.-4.8.2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:30 pm. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Movie night at Annantalo’s A•stage on Thursday at 5 pm. The film is Kiki’s Delivery Service (approved for all ages). No ticket reservations; admission to movies is free. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Tip to Espoo: Glimsin Manor Museum’s 4H farm animal pasture visits continue on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the manor museum’s website. Free admission.
TIP: Things to see and do in Helsinki: Matosaari, Helsinki’s hidden gem invites you on a real adventure!
[caption id=“attachment_5108” align=“aligncenter” width=“943”]
Matosaari is an adventure island where you can also see the vessels of Helsinki’s Sea Rescue Society.[/caption]
FRIDAY 13.7.2018
Library events:
Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found at the Helmet library portal.Libraries are open during summer months too, even if there’s no formal programming. Read for example what the library offers for small children and book tips for summer activities with children.
Playground events:
Summer opening hours for Helsinki playgrounds can be found here.Helsinki offers free lunch at playgrounds to all children and young people under 16 on weekdays at noon throughout the summer holidays. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and drink. Friday’s playground meal is pea soup. See the full summer menu and allergy information here.
Other events:
Helsinki Cup, one of the world's largest junior football tournaments, fills Helsinki's fields from 9.-14.7.2018 and matches can be watched for free around Helsinki. More information about the tournament can be found here.HELRide 2018 brings world-class skateboarding and events to Salmisaari, Narinkkatori, and Suvilahti from 12.-14.7.2018. The program features world-class competitions and free skateboarding classes. More information about the event and daily schedule can be found on HELRide’s website and the event’s Facebook page. The event is free and open to all.
At the Children's Traffic City an open family day is held during the summer season on Fridays and Sundays from 10 am-4 pm, when people of all ages practice in the traffic city under the guidance of their own adult. On other weekdays, guided traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on the Children's Traffic City's website. Free admission.
Guard parade tradition continues again on Fridays. The guard parade procession departs at 12:30 pm from Helsinki's Senate Square, marching through the Market Square to the main guard, and from there back to Esplanade towards Cathedral Square. After the guard parade, an entertaining MIL-Espa concert at 2 pm is held on the Esplanade stage. On Friday 6.7.2018, the Navy Band is responsible for the guard parade music. More information on the event's Facebook page.
TIP: Things to see and do in Helsinki: Riku's Summer Patio is a small oasis in the middle of Helsinki: games, play, peace, and a wonderful umbrella roof. Stop by or spend more time at the summer patio of Rikhardinkatu Library!
[caption id=“attachment_5135” align=“aligncenter” width=“935”]
At Riku’s summer patio.[/caption]
SATURDAY 15.7.2018
Other events:
Helsinki Cup, one of the world's largest junior football tournaments, fills Helsinki's fields from 9.-14.7.2018 and matches can be watched for free around Helsinki. More information about the tournament can be found here. Saturday final matches are played at Töölö sports field; the exact schedule can be found here.HELRide 2018 brings world-class skateboarding and events to Salmisaari, Narinkkatori, and Suvilahti from 12.-14.7.2018. The program features world-class competitions and free skateboarding classes. More information about the event and daily schedule can be found on HELRide’s website and the event’s Facebook page. The event is free and open to all.
Seurasaari Handicraft Market on Saturday and Sunday 14.-15.7.2018 from 11 am-5 pm. Free admission to the market; craft demonstrations and museums have museum ticket prices (9 €/ 6 €/ 3 €). Lots of programs for all ages in Antin Square. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s sea adventure – family sailing from 27.6.-4.8.2018 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:30 pm. Tickets 25 € (adult), 12 € (child). More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Summer theatre: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theatre on Saturday at 1 pm and 3 pm. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theatre’s website.
Summer theatre: Taivallahti Summer Theatre presents Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppää and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Saturday at 2 pm. Tickets 16 €. Read more: on Taivallahti Summer Theatre’s website.
Teurastamo Jazz 2018 fills the summer courtyard and invites jamming to an age-limit-free summer event on Saturday from 3-10 pm. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
TIP to Sipoo: At Joensuun Farm located at Söderkulla in Sipoo, a Family Sports Day is held and you can splash in the swimming area (verified; no blue-green algae on 13.7.2018). Lots of fun activities for the whole family. Read more on the event’s Facebook page. Note: You can also reach Söderkulla by HSL bus from Itäkeskus metro station.
[caption id=“attachment_4789” align=“alignnone” width=“2000”]
The look of Puistopiilo is created by Helsinki-based visual designer Lotta Maija Paananen. www.lottamaija.com[/caption]
TIP: Things to see and do in Helsinki: Parkpiilo adventure continues around the city and 28 hideouts are waiting to be found!
SUNDAY 15.7.2018
Other events:
At the Children's Traffic City an open family day is held during the summer season on Fridays and Sundays from 10 am-4 pm, when people of all ages practice in the traffic city under the guidance of their own adult. On other weekdays, guided traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on the Children's Traffic City's website. Free admission.Seurasaari Handicraft Market on Saturday and Sunday 14.-15.7.2018 from 11 am-5 pm. Free admission to the market; craft demonstrations and museums have museum ticket prices (9 €/ 6 €/ 3 €). Lots of programs for all ages in Antin Square. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Summer theatre: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theatre on Sunday at 1 pm and 3 pm. Tickets 14 €, children under 2 free, family packages also available. Read more about the performance on the theatre’s website.
Summer theatre: Taivallahti Summer Theatre presents Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppää and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Sunday at 6 pm. Tickets 16 €. Read more: on Taivallahti Summer Theatre’s website.
Tip to Espoo: Villa Elfvik’s Forest of Adventures is a whole family’s action-packed nature trip where you travel at the children’s pace. Pack a small snack and dress according to the weather. Trip in Elfvik’s landscape on Sunday from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Free admission; no advance registration required. More information on Villa Elfvik’s website.
TIP: Things to see and do in Helsinki: Museum tram is available in Helsinki during summer months on Saturdays and Sundays. Departure from the Havis Amanda statue and the first departure of the day is at 10 am and the last at 5 pm, with 20-30 minute intervals. The trip costs 6 €, children under 2 enjoy the ride in your arms for free. More information on Stadin Ratikat’s website.
Also remember these:
Snadi Lonna on Tuesday. A two-hour adventure for children over 5 on Lonna Island with weekly changing themes. Read more about this exciting adventure on the event's Facebook page and ask if there's still room.Mustasaari Summer Island’s regular ferry service started on 5.6.2018 and you can take trips to the island from Taivallahti beach through August. Read more about Mustasaari here.
At the Children’s Traffic City an open family day is held during the summer season on Fridays and Sundays from 10 am-4 pm, when people of all ages practice in the traffic city under the guidance of their own adult. On other weekdays, guided traffic education for children born in 2013 and older. Read more on the Children’s Traffic City’s website. Free admission. Children’s Traffic City is closed during Midsummer weekend!
On Esplanade stage there are almost daily concerts and performances during summer. Read more and check the summer concert program on Helsinki’s culture department’s website.
Fallkulla farm animal site is open all summer daily from 26.5.-26.8. from 10 am-3 pm. Read more on the site’s website. Also Milky Way Playground in Helsinki, Glimsin Manor Museum in Espoo, and Katrinebergin Manor in Vantaa have welcomed farm animals as summer visitors!
Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City open at 9 am starting from 4.6.2018 during summer season. A great play space for early risers! Read more on the museum’s website. Children’s City also features the narrative art exhibition by illustrator Jenni Isotoff from 29.5.–31.8. Dream Mäykkynen & Helsinki. At Children’s City summer offers as usual daily small self-guided paper crafts for families every day. Starting from June 1st, paper is used to make city cat chains and other decorations featuring Helsinki animals. More information on the city museum’s website.
Linnanmäki amusement park is open daily and Lintsi stage features programming almost daily. See more detailed summer opening hours on the amusement park’s website.
A new family event venue has opened at Itis shopping center, Tallinnanaukio. More information on Itis shopping center’s website and on Itis’ Facebook page.
Current museum tips in Pienten Helsinki’s museum news.
Also remember: Parkpiilo adventure continues around the city and 28 hideouts are waiting to be found!
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