Rainy Day Joys

What to do with children in Helsinki on a rainy day?

Published 3.8.2017, updated 18.6.2022

When you've jumped in puddles so much that your boots are soaked through, you might be looking for something else to do on a rainy day. On the Little Helsinki list, rainy day joys include low-threshold activity ideas and places where you can easily pop in with the kids without big plans. The article also includes ideas for things to do at home.

Please note, however, that for example sports activities and library story times start only in August-September, so you should make use of this tip during the autumn rains.

ON A RAINY DAY in Helsinki you can:

Drop by the library! In addition to local libraries, great children's sections can be found at least at Oodi Central Library, Herttoniemi Library, Jätkäsaari Family Library and Vuosaari Library. On the Espoo side, the new Lippulaiva Library and libraries at Sello and Iso Omenta have wonderful children's sections!
Visit the Nordic Library on Kaisaniemenkatu (Check opening hours, closed in July!).
Go on a train ride or a tram tour! Take the ring railway all the way around by train (you can stop at the airport to spot planes - see tips here!) or hop on a tram to explore the city!
Go to a museum with children!
Visit Annantalo, Oodi Central Library or Albert's Living Room (Check opening hours! The place closes in July).
Wonder at the Tennis Palace's glass floor and movie characters in the Tennis Palace corridors.
Watch a good movie on the home sofa or at a cinema.
Adventure in the city's Winter Garden and eat your snacks under the palm trees.
Say hello to the carp on the 4th floor of Stockmann in the city center.
Play in the playgrounds' indoor spaces and explore what family centers offer (open only on weekdays and some playgrounds close in summer!).
Go on a shopping trip to the Old Market Hall or Hakaniemi Hall.
Explore at leisure the animals living indoors at Korkeasaari Zoo.
Splash around in a swimming pool (many swimming pools close in summer).

Also remember these tips:

Event tips for the day can be found here.
Little Helsinki's Places in Helsinki article tells you everything about Helsinki from children's perspective.
Summer in Helsinki series and Little Finland travel tips!