What kid-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with children on weekends or during summer vacation? What to do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. During the summer months, the activity tips include event suggestions as well as ideas for spending vacation days. The website targets families with preschool-aged children.

Where to go this week -article continues to appear with a slightly changed concept. The article lists highlights of the week's events and the week's most interesting activity tips. It also includes selections from Little Helsinki articles and news. The future of the page is open, but we will continue with this concept until the end of August.

Coming soon to Little Helsinki: A big playground article will be published soon!

#littlehelsinki
Did you visit an interesting place? It would be great if you would use the hashtag #littlehelsinki when sharing your photos. Your photos would bring joy and inspiration to other adventurers. As thanks, I promise to offer hot drinks at one of Helsinki's classic autumn events in our neighborhood when autumn comes 😉

Family city routes
Over the coming months, Little Helsinki will launch a new urban tourism concept as restaurateur student Heidi Säynätkari creates city routes for families to several districts of Helsinki as her final project. The publication of Family City Routes has been delayed due to server issues and the routes will be published as soon as possible!

Cover image: Architects of Air: Arboria art experience at Citizen's Square until 25.8.2019. A disorienting experience that works with children but may not suit the most sensitive. Stroller parking next to the entrance; the work is traversed without shoes. Free admission. More information and opening hours available on the event website.

Architects of Air: Arboria art experience at Citizen's Square

MONDAY 19.8.2019

Things happening at libraries

Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Things happening at playgrounds

Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar. Monday's events can be browsed here.

Events and activity tips

Albertin Lounge, an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi, is open Mondays 9:30-15. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.

MLL's Dad Cafe at Iso-Antinki playground on Mondays at 10. More information on the event's Facebook page.

Fallkullan farm animals is open daily during the summer season 10-15. Free admission.

Helsinki Festival: Architects of Air: Arboria art experience at Citizen's Square until 25.8.2019. A disorienting experience that works with children but may not suit the most sensitive. Stroller parking next to the entrance; the work is traversed without shoes. Free admission. More information and opening hours available on the event website.

Free summer concerts at the Music Centre throughout the summer. More information on the Music Centre website.

Summer theater with children? Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.

Museums open on Mondays include the National Museum (summer season), Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex, Päivälehti Museum, and Haltia Nature Centre in Espoo (summer season).

TUESDAY 20.8.2019

Things happening at libraries

Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Things happening at playgrounds

Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar. Tuesday's events can be browsed here.

Events and activity tips

Fallkullan farm animals is open daily during the summer season 10-15. Free admission.

Helsinki Festival: Architects of Air: Arboria art experience at Citizen's Square until 25.8.2019. A disorienting experience that works with children but may not suit the most sensitive. Stroller parking next to the entrance; the work is traversed without shoes. Free admission. More information and opening hours available on the event website.

Free summer concerts at the Music Centre throughout the summer. More information on the Music Centre website.

Open studio for toddlers workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) on Tuesday at Cultural Centre Caisa at 14. The workshops are suitable for 1.5–3-year-old children with a caregiver. You can attend the workshops for the full duration or just pop in for a bit. No advance registration, free admission. More information on Caisa's website.

Summer theater with children? Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.

Vantaa: Free pasture visits at Katrinebergin Estate farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays 17–18. More information on the City of Vantaa website.

City dances at Annantalo's A.lava on Tuesday at 17.30. Read more on Annantalo's website.

WEDNESDAY 21.8.2019

Things happening at libraries

Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Things happening at playgrounds

Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar. Wednesday's events can be browsed here.

Events and activity tips

Albertin Lounge, an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi, is open Wednesdays 9:30-15. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.

Annantalo courtyard hosts Helsinki's funniest community garden in 2019 and on Wednesdays the program includes open garden work sessions 10-14.

Fallkullan farm animals is open daily during the summer season 10-15. Free admission.

Helsinki Festival: Architects of Air: Arboria art experience at Citizen's Square until 25.8.2019. A disorienting experience that works with children but may not suit the most sensitive. Stroller parking next to the entrance; the work is traversed without shoes. Free admission. More information and opening hours available on the event website.

Free summer concerts at the Music Centre throughout the summer. More information on the Music Centre website.

Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open Wednesdays 12-16. Admission 2 €, under 15s free. More information on the museum website.

Kindergarten Museum has returned from summer break and is open again Wednesdays 12-18. Small admission fee.

Summer theater with children? Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.

Espoo: Manor Museum Glimsin 4H farm pasture visits on Wednesdays 15.30-16.30. Read more on the manor museum website. Glimsin has free admission during pasture visits.

You can climb the National Museum tower on summer Wednesdays 16-18. Tower tour tickets cost 5 € and can be purchased at the ticket office on Wednesdays (no advance sales). More information on the museum website.

Little Helsinki recommends!
Harvest festival at Kumpula school garden on Wednesday 16-20. A wonderful secret garden hidden behind the spruce hedges invites you to explore and enjoy the atmosphere of a garden celebration. Free admission. More information on the event's Facebook page.

THURSDAY 22.8.2019

Things happening at libraries

Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Things happening at playgrounds

Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar. Thursday's events can be browsed here.

Events and activity tips

MLL family coffee at Krunun Mesta (Meritullinkatu 6) on Thursdays 9.30-11.30. More information on the family coffee Facebook group.

Albertin Lounge, an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi, is open Thursdays 9:30-15. Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.

Open studio for toddlers workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) on Thursday at Cultural Centre Caisa at 10. The workshops are suitable for 1.5–3-year-old children with a caregiver. You can attend the workshops for the full duration or just pop in for a bit. No advance registration, free admission. More information on Caisa's website.

Fallkullan farm animals is open daily during the summer season 10-15. Free admission.

Helsinki Festival: Architects of Air: Arboria art experience at Citizen's Square until 25.8.2019. A disorienting experience that works with children but may not suit the most sensitive. Stroller parking next to the entrance; the work is traversed without shoes. Free admission. More information and opening hours available on the event website.

Free summer concerts at the Music Centre throughout the summer. More information on the Music Centre website.

PomppuWorld at Haltialan farm Thursday to Sunday. Open Thursday 10-20. Tickets 12 € (2-17 years), 1-2-year-olds 6 €. More information on the event website.

Espoo: Manor Museum Glimsin 4H farm pasture visits continue on Thursdays 15.30-16.30. Read more on the manor museum website. Glimsin has free admission during pasture visits.

A.lava Summer Music on Thursday at 16. No advance registration needed for the music session and admission is free. A.lava is located behind Annantalo and summer music is sung outdoors under a canopy, so dress for the weather. More information on Annantalo's website.

Rööperifest at Fredrikintori on Thursday 16-22. Programming and activities for all ages. More information on the event's Facebook page.

Autumn season opening at Sanna playground (Länsi-Pasila) on Thursday 17-19. More information on Sanna's Facebook page.

Helsinki Festival: Atlas, a family show combining contemporary circus, animation and architecture premieres at Stoa on Thursday at 18. Tickets 14.50 €/10 €. Read more on Stoa's website.

Summer theater with children? Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.

FRIDAY 23.8.2019

Things happening at libraries

Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Things happening at playgrounds

Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar. Friday's events can be browsed here.

Events and activity tips

Albertin Lounge is exceptionally closed on Friday.

Naper Cinema at Annantalo on Fridays at 10. Age recommendation: 0–3 years with adult supervision; older children also welcome. Movies are free. More information on Annantalo's website.

Fallkullan farm animals is open daily during the summer season 10-15. Free admission.

Helsinki Festival: Architects of Air: Arboria art experience at Citizen's Square until 25.8.2019. A disorienting experience that works with children but may not suit the most sensitive. Stroller parking next to the entrance; the work is traversed without shoes. Free admission. More information and opening hours available on the event website.

PomppuWorld at Haltialan farm Thursday to Sunday. Open Friday 10-20. Tickets 12 € (2-17 years), 1-2-year-olds 6 €. More information on the event website.

The Carnival of the Animals - dramatized concert at the Music Centre on Friday at 14. The concert is free. More information on the Music Centre website.

MIL-Espa concert at 14 at Espa stage. This week you'll hear the Guards Music Corps Reserve Unit. More information on the Finnish Defence Forces website.

Vantaa: Free pasture visits at Katrinebergin Estate farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays 17–18. More information on the City of Vantaa website.

Summer theater with children? Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.

SATURDAY 24.8.2019

Things happening at libraries

Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Saturday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.

Events and activity tips

Espoo: Saturday workshop: Story trail outdoors in the Children's Cultural Centre Aurora courtyard on Saturday 10-14. The story trail leads to tiny animals' homes, where we get to peek at what a rabbit baby's favorite pastime is and who lives next to the cats. The dramatized story trail suits children of all ages from toddlers to early school-age children. More information on Aurora's website.

Fallkullan farm animals is open daily during the summer season 10-15. Free admission.

Ride the museum tram from Kauppatori corner, next to the Havis Amanda statue 10-17. Tickets 6 €, children under 2 travel free on an adult's lap. Read more on the museum tram website.

PomppuWorld at Haltialan farm Thursday to Sunday. Open Saturday 10-20. Tickets 12 € (2-17 years), 1-2-year-olds 6 €. More information on the event website.

Haltialan farm animals are practically always open and spend summer on pasture. Drop by to say hello to the farm animals and play at Haltialan playground.

Finnish Border Guard patrol boat Turva can be visited on Saturday 11-14. Boarding at Katajanokanlaituri 4. Free admission. Read more on the Border Guard website.

Herttoniemi Block Party 2019 at Asentaja Park on Saturday 12-22. Programming for all ages. Free admission. More information on the event's Facebook page.

Helsinki Festival: Architects of Air: Arboria art experience at Citizen's Square until 25.8.2019. A disorienting experience that works with children but may not suit the most sensitive. Stroller parking next to the entrance; the work is traversed without shoes. Free admission. More information and opening hours available on the event website.

Kids Run Helsinki Park at Meripuisto (Kaivopuisto) on Saturday at 15.30. Entry is paid. More information on the event website.

Summer theater with children? Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.

Helsinki Festival: Atlas, a family show combining contemporary circus, animation and architecture at Stoa on Saturday at 14. Tickets 14.50 €/10 €. Read more on Stoa's website.

Elojuhlat at Villa Salmen (Jollas) on Saturday 18-21. The program also includes eagle watching at 20 if fire conditions permit. Free admission. More information on the event's Facebook page.

Loviisa: Old Buildings of Loviisa event 24.-25.8.2019. More information on the event website.
Also remember Little Helsinki's tips for a day trip to Eastern Uusimaa.

SUNDAY 25.8.2019

Events and activity tips

Fallkullan farm animals is open daily during the summer season 10-15. Free admission.

Haltialan farm animals are practically always open and spend summer on pasture. Drop by to say hello to the farm animals and play at Haltialan playground.

Herttoniemi Village Festival 2019 at Herttoniemi sports park on Sunday 10-14.30. The program includes children's running races (born 2009-2015), Kengurumeininki band, flea market, music and a fire engine. More information on the event's Facebook page.

Helsinki Festival: Architects of Air: Arboria art experience at Citizen's Square until 25.8.2019. A disorienting experience that works with children but may not suit the most sensitive. Stroller parking next to the entrance; the work is traversed without shoes. Free admission. More information and opening hours available on the event website.

PomppuWorld at Haltialan farm Thursday to Sunday. Open Sunday 10-20. Tickets 12 € (2-17 years), 1-2-year-olds 6 €. More information on the event website. The Count of Pomppucastle will also perform on Sunday.

Loviisa: Old Buildings of Loviisa event 24.-25.8.2019. More information on the event website.
Also remember Little Helsinki's tips for a day trip to Eastern Uusimaa.

Helsinki Festival: Villa's family day and Giggly Gakkiainen take over the Villa tent on Sunday from 11. Tickets 17.50 €, family ticket 54 €. More information on the Festival website.

Flea market! Aleksis Kivi Street Sunday flea market starting at 11!

Malminkartano Elojuhlat at Piikkapuisto on Sunday 11-15. More information on the event's Facebook page.

Children's island adventure on Hara island off Kaivopuisto on Sunday 12-14. The island adventure is aimed at 4-10-year-olds. The ferry to Hara Island departs from Kaivopuisto's Ullanlinna dock (Ehrenströmintie 3) and return tickets cost 5 € for adults, 2 € for children and seniors (card payment only). Access to Hara Island and the island adventure is free. More information on the event's Facebook page.

Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open Sundays 12-16. Admission 2 €, under 15s free. More information on the museum website.

Summer theater with children? Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.

Helsinki Festival: Atlas, a family show combining contemporary circus, animation and architecture at Stoa on Sunday at 14. Tickets 14.50 €/10 €. Read more on Stoa's website.

Free summer concerts at the Music Centre throughout the summer. More information on the Music Centre website.

Also remember

Animals in the city article rounds up the best tips for places in Helsinki and the surrounding area to see farm animals.

Summer sheep in Helsinki's islands: The sheep on Vartiosaari and Kuusiluoto have arrived for their summer stay.

Children's sea adventure - Cannon Sloop Diana family sailing 26.6.-31.8.2019. More information on the event website. Paid event.

Summer theater with children? Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater can be found here.

Espa stage's full summer program can be found on the stage's own website.

Linnanmäki is open daily during the summer season. The amusement park area has free admission and there are free rides for little daredevils.

In Espoo: Toy Museum Horseshoe sets out on a journey through the Board Game Play special exhibition. Museum admission fee applies.

Exhibition: Take a peek at what Pekka Töpöhäntä looks like at Päivälehti Museum's exhibition!

Helsinki Places article is a lifesaver for boring days with children!

Little Helsinki as an app on your phone!

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