Pienten Helsinki
What kid-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and highlights child-friendly events in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website targets families with preschool-aged children.
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Cover image: Haltiala farm's cows spend time outdoors even during winter months.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2020
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Monday can be found in Helmet's event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Playground events
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar in addition to playgrounds' own communication channels. You can browse Monday's events here.
Note: Some playgrounds are closed during winter break week.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City is open for families February 17-21 daily 9am-3pm. At Traffic City you can drive pedal cars under adult supervision, eat packed lunches indoors, and use a small playground. Free admission.
Albert's Living Room is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Mondays 9:30am-3pm.
MLL's Dad Cafe at Iso-Antinleikkipuisto playground Mondays at 10am.
Espoo: Sottapyttyrumba craft workshops at Children's Culture Center Pikku-Aurora in Espoo Monday to Friday 10am-1pm.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public during winter break week Monday to Sunday 10am-3pm. Free admission.
Art Clinic Laboratory for ages 2-6 with an adult at Annantalo Monday 11am-3pm. The laboratory has multiple activity stations where you can test how colors behave, paint guided by your sense of smell, and learn details about art history. You can spend just a moment or a longer time at the workshop. No pre-registration required.
Winter break movies at Vuotalo. Free admission.
Winter Jams at Music Hall - music for children and those on break Monday to Sunday 17-23.2.2020. Monday's program can be found on Music Hall's website. Events are free.
For babies: Baby Mondays at Art Hall 1pm-3pm. At the event, you'll explore Anu Tuominen's exhibition guided by art educators Liini Laeksen and Iisa Juva and Art Hall's own guide. All babies under one year old with their parents are welcome. Babies get their own play time. Tickets €14 / €8 / Museum Card.
Museums open Mondays include Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex (admission fee), Tram Museum. During winter break week, Haltia Nature Center in Espoo (admission fee) is also open on Monday. Newspaper Museum, however, is closed February 17-19 for renovations.
Find more winter break activity tips in Little Helsinki's winter break article.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Tuesday can be found in Helmet's event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Playground events
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar in addition to playgrounds' own communication channels. You can browse Tuesday's events here.
Note: Some playgrounds are closed during winter break week.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City is open for families February 17-21 daily 9am-3pm. At Traffic City you can drive pedal cars under adult supervision, eat packed lunches indoors, and use a small playground. Free admission.
Espoo: Winter break movies at Sellosali on Tuesday, February 18, 2020. Movies are free.
Espoo: Sottapyttyrumba craft workshops at Children's Culture Center Pikku-Aurora in Espoo Monday to Friday 10am-1pm.
Espoo: Winter break movies at Espoo Culture Center (Tapiola) Tuesday and Wednesday. Free admission.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public during winter break week Monday to Sunday 10am-3pm. Free admission.
Winter break movies at Malmitalo and Vuotalo. Free admission.
Winter Jams at Music Hall - music for children and those on break Monday to Sunday 17-23.2.2020. Tuesday's program can be found on Music Hall's website. Events are free.
Theatre Cat's winter break adventures with a "Guided by Emotion" theme at Theatre Museum Tuesday to Friday 18-21.2.2020, 11am-2pm. You can come at your own pace, but no later than 1:30pm. Museum admission €10/€5, under 3 free.
Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops at Culture Center Caisa Tuesday 1:30pm-3:30pm. Workshops suit 1.5-3-year-olds with a guardian. You can drop in for a moment or stay longer. No pre-registration, free admission. More info on Caisa's website.
Find more winter break activity tips in Little Helsinki's winter break article.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Wednesday can be found in Helmet's event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Tip for babies and parents: BabyKino at Kallio Library. Movies with your baby Wednesdays at 12pm and 2:30pm. BabyKino's own Facebook group can be found here, where the week's movie and upcoming program votes are posted. More info also on BabyKino's Facebook page.
Playground events
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar in addition to playgrounds' own communication channels. You can browse Wednesday's events here.
Note: Some playgrounds are closed during winter break week.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City is open for families February 17-21 daily 9am-3pm. At Traffic City you can drive pedal cars under adult supervision, eat packed lunches indoors, and use a small playground. Free admission.
Albert's Living Room is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Wednesdays 9:30am-3pm. Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
Espoo: Sottapyttyrumba craft workshops at Children's Culture Center Pikku-Aurora in Espoo Monday to Friday 10am-1pm.
Espoo: Winter break movies at Espoo Culture Center (Tapiola) Tuesday and Wednesday. Free admission.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public during winter break week Monday to Sunday 10am-3pm. Free admission.
Winter break movie at Malmitalo. Free admission.
Winter Jams at Music Hall - music for children and those on break Monday to Sunday 17-23.2.2020. Wednesday's program can be found on Music Hall's website. Events are free.
Theatre Cat's winter break adventures with a "Guided by Emotion" theme at Theatre Museum Tuesday to Friday 18-21.2.2020, 11am-2pm. You can come at your own pace, but no later than 1:30pm. Museum admission €10/€5, under 3 free.
Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open Wednesdays 12pm-4pm. Admission €2, under 15 free. More info on the museum's website.
New opening hours! Kindergarten Museum is open Wednesdays 12pm-7pm. Small admission fee.
Aalto University Junior science workshops at Oodi Wednesday to Friday 19-21.2.2020, 12pm-4pm.
Kerava: Kimppa! - children's culture weeks in Kerava 13.2-23.2.2020.
Tuija Rantalainen and Guard Dog Veikko at Kerava City Library's Pentinkulma room Wednesday at 1pm. Free admission. The room holds 150 people on a first-come, first-served basis.
Helsinki Skaters event at Paloheinä ice hall Wednesday 3:30pm-6:30pm. Program includes skaters' performances, obstacle course, recreational skating, skating lessons, competitions, and free skating. Free admission, bring your own skates and helmet.
Ice Disco at Käpylä ice rink Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Family-friendly event. Free admission.
Kino Helios: Rye Hat, Rug Hat and a Rowdy Schoolboy (S) movie at Malmitalo Wednesday at 6pm. Tickets €7. More info on Malmitalo's website.
Find more winter break activity tips in Little Helsinki's winter break article.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Thursday can be found in Helmet's event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Playground events
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar in addition to playgrounds' own communication channels. You can browse Thursday's events here.
Note: Some playgrounds are closed during winter break week.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City is open for families February 17-21 daily 9am-3pm. At Traffic City you can drive pedal cars under adult supervision, eat packed lunches indoors, and use a small playground. Free admission.
Albert's Living Room is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Thursdays 9:30am-3pm.
Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops at Culture Center Caisa Thursday 10am-12pm. Workshops suit 1.5-3-year-olds with a guardian. You can drop in for a moment or stay longer. No pre-registration, free admission. More info on Caisa's website.
Espoo: Viksu and Viiksi's winter break disco at Espoo Culture Center's Louhisali Thursday 10am-12pm. Adults allowed with children. Free admission.
Espoo: Sottapyttyrumba craft workshops at Children's Culture Center Pikku-Aurora in Espoo Monday to Friday 10am-1pm.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public during winter break week Monday to Sunday 10am-3pm. Free admission.
Winter break movie at Malmitalo. Free admission.
Winter Jams at Music Hall - music for children and those on break Monday to Sunday 17-23.2.2020. Thursday's program can be found on Music Hall's website. Events are free.
Theatre Cat's winter break adventures with a "Guided by Emotion" theme at Theatre Museum Tuesday to Friday 18-21.2.2020, 11am-2pm. You can come at your own pace, but no later than 1:30pm. Museum admission €10/€5, under 3 free.
Aalto University Junior science workshops at Oodi Wednesday to Friday 19-21.2.2020, 12pm-4pm.
Ice Carousel skating event and Giggling Kakka's children's disco at Kontula ice rink Thursday, Feb 20, 2pm-5pm. The event has equipment for all sizes, but bring your own skates, helmets, and sticks if you have them. Free admission.
Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway at Ainoa shopping center 2nd floor Thursday 4pm-7pm. Voluntary admission fee. More info on Alpine Railways Enthusiasts' website.
Architecture story time for 3-6-year-olds at Architecture Museum Thursday at 5pm. Free admission.
Family Fun at Porolahti Primary School Thursdays at 5pm. Free admission. More info on the event's Facebook page.
Find more winter break activity tips in Little Helsinki's winter break article.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Friday can be found in Helmet's event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Playground events
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar in addition to playgrounds' own communication channels. You can browse Friday's events here.
Note: Some playgrounds are closed during winter break week.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City is open for families February 17-21 daily 9am-3pm. At Traffic City you can drive pedal cars under adult supervision, eat packed lunches indoors, and use a small playground. Free admission.
Albert's Living Room is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Fridays 9:30am-3pm.
Race Horse Company: Chevalier – Stick Horse Circus performance at Stoa Friday at 10am. The performance is recommended for ages 4+. Tickets €6.
Espoo: Sottapyttyrumba craft workshops at Children's Culture Center Pikku-Aurora in Espoo Monday to Friday 10am-1pm.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public during winter break week Monday to Sunday 10am-3pm. Free admission.
Naperokuino at Annantalo Friday at 10am. Age recommendation: 0-3 years with an adult, older children also welcome. Movies are free.
Friday Kids at Alppila Church Fridays 10am-12pm. Full fall program on the event's Facebook page.
Winter Jams at Music Hall - music for children and those on break Monday to Sunday 17-23.2.2020. Friday's program can be found on Music Hall's website. Events are free.
Theatre Cat's winter break adventures with a "Guided by Emotion" theme at Theatre Museum Tuesday to Friday 18-21.2.2020, 11am-2pm. You can come at your own pace, but no later than 1:30pm. Museum admission €10/€5, under 3 free.
Aalto University Junior science workshops at Oodi Wednesday to Friday 19-21.2.2020, 12pm-4pm.
Lohja: Ice Carousel Festival in Lohja 21-22.2.2020.
Find more winter break activity tips in Little Helsinki's winter break article.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Saturday can be found in Helmet's event calendar.
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events and activity tips
Skateboard school for toddlers through seniors at Kontula skateboard hall, Luuppi Skate, Saturday 10am-12pm. Course fee. For more info, sign-ups, and course times, see Helride's website.
FULL! Frozen obstacle courses for 2-8-year-olds at Circus Helsinki's spaces in Suvilaht Saturday starting at 10am depending on participant age. Price €11/child. Requires pre-registration.
Museum tip! Tram Museum next to Töölö tram halls takes you on a journey through Helsinki's history daily 11am-5pm. On display are trams from different decades and other tram-related materials. Free admission.
Espoo: Saturday Workshop: Fuzzy Ears at Children's Culture Center Aurora Saturday 10am-2pm. Free admission. Read more on Aurora's website.
Lahti: Tenava-Finlandia and Angry Birds Go Snow event at Lahti sports center Saturday 10am-2pm. More info on the event's Facebook page.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public during winter break week Monday to Sunday 10am-3pm.
Espoo: Nokkala Winter Fun at Nokkala lighthouse Saturday 11am-4pm. Free admission.
Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway at Ainoa shopping center 2nd floor Saturday 11am-5pm. Voluntary admission fee. More info on Alpine Railways Enthusiasts' website.
Lohja: Ice Carousel Festival in Lohja 21-22.2.2020.
Winter Jams at Music Hall - music for children and those on break Monday to Sunday 17-23.2.2020. Saturday's program can be found on Music Hall's website. Events are free.
Winter Garden and its garden carp are waiting for winter break picnickers. The garden is open Saturday and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Free admission.
Culture Mill family day: Shrove Tuesday Celebration at Culture Mill (Myllypuro) Saturday 1pm-3pm. Free admission, but requires pre-registration.
Art Hall's family day Saturday 1pm-5pm. Museum admission, free for under 18s.
Kids Disco at Music Hall Saturday 2pm-4pm. Free admission.
Kino Helios: Rye Hat, Rug Hat and a Rowdy Schoolboy (S) movie at Malmitalo Saturday at 3pm. Tickets €7. More info on Malmitalo's website.
Kerava: Kimppa! - children's culture weeks in Kerava 13.2-23.2.2020.
Tuomo Rannankari children's concert at Kerava City Library's Pentinkulma room Saturday at 3pm. Free admission. The room holds 150 people on a first-come, first-served basis.
Oodi for Poetry: Jonkkis Konkkis - music moment for families at Oodi's Maija room Saturday at 4pm.
Find more winter break activity tips in Little Helsinki's winter break article.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2020
Shrove Sunday
Events and activity tips
Central Library Oodi events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public during winter break week Monday to Sunday 10am-3pm.
Vantaa: Backaksen Shrove Sunday Celebration Sunday 10am-3pm.
Winter Jams at Music Hall - music for children and those on break Monday to Sunday 17-23.2.2020. Sunday's program can be found on Music Hall's website. Events are free.
Espoo: Winter games for the whole family at Villa Elfvik Sunday, February 23, 2020, 11am-1pm.
Annala Shrove Celebration at Annala manor's surroundings Sunday 11am-2pm.
Shrove Sunday Celebration in Viik at Latokartanontor and Viik Church Sunday 11am-2pm.
Tuusula: Shrove Celebration at Air Defense Museum in Hyrylä Sunday 11am-5pm. Free museum admission on event day.
Haltiala traditional Shrove Celebration at Haltiala farm Sunday 11am-6pm.
Shrove Sunday circus performance event at Stoa square Sunday 12pm-3pm. Free admission.
Espoo: Winter Celebration at Vermo racetrack Sunday 12pm-3pm.
Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open Sundays 12pm-4pm. Admission €2, under 15 free. More info on the museum's website.
Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway at Ainoa shopping center 2nd floor Sunday 12pm-4pm. Voluntary admission fee. More info on Alpine Railways Enthusiasts' website.
Oodi for Poetry: Kokko Flew - music moment for families at Oodi's Maija room Sunday at 4pm.
Find more winter break activity tips in Little Helsinki's winter break article.
Also remember
Exhibition: Magical Forest - photos of Helsinki Central Park from Maunula to Pitkäkoski at Maunula House 9.2.2020 – 5.3.2020. Free admission.
Exhibition: Object as Painting Background exhibition at Annantalo's second floor glass wall 6.2.2020 - 8.3.2020 during Annantalo's opening hours.
Exhibition: Everyone at Home - exhibition about everyday life and family diversity at Annantalo's art gallery 6.2.2020 - 14.5.2020 during Annantalo's opening hours.
Find more winter break activity tips in Little Helsinki's winter break article.
Places in Helsinki article is a lifesaver for boring days with kids!
Little Helsinki as an app on your phone!
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