Pienten Helsinki
What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with children on weekends or summer vacation? What can you do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and highlights family-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. In addition to events, summer activity tips include suggestions for spending vacation days. The target audience of the website is families with preschool-aged children.
Where to go this week -article continues to be published with a slightly changed concept. The article lists the highlights of the week's events and the most interesting activity tips of the week. It also includes features from Little Helsinki articles and news. The future of the page is open, but we'll continue with this concept until the end of July.
Coming soon to Little Helsinki: A major playground story will be published soon!
#littlehelsinki
Have you had an adventure in an interesting place? It would be great if you would use the hashtag #littlehelsinki when sharing photos so that your pictures can be a joy and inspiration to other adventurers. As a thank you, I promise to offer hot juice together when autumn arrives at a classic Helsinki event in our neighborhood 😉
Urban paths for families
Over the coming months, Little Helsinki will publish a new type of city tourism concept, as hospitality student Heidi Säynätkari creates urban paths for families in several Helsinki neighborhoods as part of her thesis. The publication of family urban paths has been delayed due to server issues and the paths will be published as soon as possible!
Article cover image:From Children's festivals at Hesperian Park a few years ago. Children's festivals will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Note! The Where to go this summer week article is exceptionally one and a half weeks long, with tips for children's events from July 29 to August 7, 2019!
MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019
Events at libraries
Story hours and children's events at the capital region's Helmet libraries for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Final week! NOTE CHANGE! Monday's playground meal will be vegetable soup due to a broken freezer (not the previously announced chicken stew).
Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until early August. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Monday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City summer. See the detailed summer program on the Traffic City website.
Fallkulla farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Espoo: Aurora Summer Yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday, June 3 - August 1, 2019 at Aurora Children's Cultural Center. More information at Aurora's website.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpö at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Mimmit performs on Lintsä's stage Monday at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Admission to the concert and amusement park area is free. More information at Linnanmäki's website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
Museums open on Mondays include the National Museum (summer season), the Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex, the Newspaper Museum, and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo (summer season).
TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2019
Events at libraries
Story hours and children's events at the capital region's Helmet libraries for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Final week! Tuesday's playground meal is cheese and vegetable bean stew (L, G, K). Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until early August. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Tuesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City summer. See the detailed summer program on the Traffic City website.
Fallkulla farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Tom Thumb's adventures with wild geese - puppet theater performance at the City of Helsinki's winter garden courtyard (indoors in rain) Tuesday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., free admission. The performance is recommended for children aged 2-9 and lasts about 20 minutes. More information at the Winter Garden's website.
Espoo: Aurora Summer Yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday, June 3 - August 1, 2019 at Aurora Children's Cultural Center. More information at Aurora's website.
Mustasaari beach at Seurasaarensela is open Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Come early, it gets crowded on hot days! Read more about a summer day at Mustasaari on Little Helsinki.
Kerava: Family Tuesdays in July at Sinkka Art and Museum Center in Kerava on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission for children, museum ticket price for adults (€6 / €4). More information at Sinkka's website.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpö at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Los Piratos performs at Lintsä at Rollen's room Tuesday at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. Admission to the performance and amusement park area is free. More information at Linnanmäki's website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
Vantaa: Free farm visits at Katrineberg Manor's farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. More information at the City of Vantaa website.
City dances at Annantalo's A.stage on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Read more at Annantalo's website.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2019
Events at libraries
Story hours and children's events at the capital region's Helmet libraries for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Final week! Wednesday's playground meal is fish soup (L, G, N, S, K). Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until early August. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Wednesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Mustasaari beach at Seurasaarensela is open Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Come early, it gets crowded on hot days! Read more about a summer day at Mustasaari on Little Helsinki.
A community garden has been established at Annantalo yard in 2019 - Helsinki's most fun one and Wednesdays feature open garden work parties from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Children's Traffic City summer. See the detailed summer program on the Traffic City website.
Fallkulla farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Espoo: The secret of the red deer - children's nature hike around Haltia on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Free admission, no advance registration. Read more at Haltia Nature Center's website.
Espoo: Aurora Summer Yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday, June 3 - August 1, 2019 at Aurora Children's Cultural Center. More information at Aurora's website.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpö at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Los Piratos performs at Lintsä at Rollen's room on Tuesday at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. Admission to the performance and amusement park area is free. More information at Linnanmäki's website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
Espoo: Glimsa Manor Museum's 4H farm tours on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Read more at the manor museum's website. Admission to Glimsa is free during farm tours.
Climb the National Museum's tower on summer Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the tower tour costs €5 and can be purchased at the ticket counter on Wednesdays (no advance sales). More information at the museum's website.
Free admission to Kaapelitehdas museums Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Read more at the event's Facebook page.
Vantaa: Children's own Mill Evening at the mill on Helsingin pitäjä village church at Wednesday 6:30 p.m. The evening features Jytäjyrsijät. Free admission. More information at the Vantaa Society's website.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2019
Events at libraries
Story hours and children's events at the capital region's Helmet libraries for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Final week! Thursday's playground meal is vegetable soup (L, G, K). Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until early August. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Thursday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
City Festival Pointti around Citizens' Square Thursday to Saturday, August 1-3, 2019. Admission to the event is free.
Thursday's program for families includes:
- Pikku Kakkonen's Adventure Machine on the main stage at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
- Pikku Kakkonen's Veera's story time on the side stage at 10 a.m.
- Playground lunch at Pop up Loru at 11:30 a.m. (vegetable soup meal, bring your own dishes!)
- Social media tent: Discover the Pikku Kakkonen world from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Try different sports at Makasiini Park from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- For babies: Baby circus at playground Loru at 10:30 a.m.
And much more from TV!
The full program can be found at Yle's website.
More information about Pikku Kakkonen's program at the event's Facebook page.
Children's Traffic City summer. See the detailed summer program on the Traffic City website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
Espoo: Aurora Summer Yard self-service craft workshop Monday to Friday, June 3 - August 1, 2019 at Aurora Children's Cultural Center. More information at Aurora's website.
Fallkulla farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Mustasaari beach at Seurasaarensela is open Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Come early, it gets crowded on hot days! Read more about a summer day at Mustasaari on Little Helsinki.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpö at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Espoo: Glimsa Manor Museum's 4H farm tours continue on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Read more at the manor museum's website. Admission to Glimsa is free during farm tours.
A.stage Summer Music Thursday at 4 p.m. No advance registration required for music class and admission is free. A.stage is located behind Annantalo and summer music is sung outdoors under a canopy, so dress according to the weather. More information at Annantalo's website.
Hämeenlinna: Hippalot children's art festival in Hämeenlinna, August 1-4, 2019. The complete program can be found at the festival's website.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2019
Events at libraries
Story hours and children's events at the capital region's Helmet libraries for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
The last meal of summer! Friday's playground meal is Italian stew (M, S, K). Helsinki offers all children and young people under 16 a free lunch at playgrounds on weekdays at 12 o'clock until early August. You need to bring your own plate, utensils, and drink.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Friday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
City Festival Pointti around Citizens' Square Thursday to Saturday, August 1-3, 2019. Admission to the event is free.
Friday's program for families includes:
- Pikku Kakkonen's orchestra on the main stage at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
- Backpack Heppu with the Daycare app on the main stage at 10 a.m.
- Social media tent: Discover Pikku Kakkonen's new app from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Try different sports at Makasiini Park from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Story yoga at playground Loru at 11 a.m.
- For babies: Baby circus at playground Loru at 10:30 a.m.
- Playground lunch at Pop up Loru at 11:30 a.m. (Italian stew meal, bring your own dishes!)
And much more from TV!
The full program can be found at Yle's website.
More information about Pikku Kakkonen's program at the event's Facebook page.
Children's Traffic City summer. See the detailed summer program on the Traffic City website.
Fallkulla farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Mustasaari beach at Seurasaarensela is open Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Come early, it gets crowded on hot days! Read more about a summer day at Mustasaari on Little Helsinki.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpö at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Children's day at Villa Salmela, the Finnish summer house in Jolla, Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Read more at the event's Facebook page.
Vantaa: Free farm visits at Katrineberg Manor's farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. More information at the City of Vantaa website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
Hämeenlinna: Hippalot children's art festival in Hämeenlinna, August 1-4, 2019. The complete program can be found at the festival's website.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2019
Events at libraries
Story hours and children's events are closed on summer Saturdays.
Events and activity tips
City Festival Pointti around Citizens' Square Thursday to Saturday, August 1-3, 2019. Admission to the event is free.
Saturday's program for families includes:
- BOO-club: Babblarna on the main stage at 9:15 a.m. More information at the event's Facebook page.
- Social media tent: Predict the weather yourself: The meteorologist provides the facts, you predict, Like in Strömsö - jewelry craft workshop: Strömsö's Jimi guides you in making jewelry, Kuin Strömsössä - craft workshop
- Try different sports at Makasiini Park from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Makasiini Park: Acuut's Move like a child gym class at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
And much more from TV!
The full program can be found at Yle's website.
Fallkulla farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Children's festivals at Hesperianharju Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the event is free. The full day's program can be found at the festival's own website.
Board the heritage tram from the corner of Market Square, by the Havis Amanda statue, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets €6, children under 2 travel free on lap seats. Read more at the heritage tram's website.
Mustasaari beach at Seurasaarensela is open Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Come early, it gets crowded on hot days! Read more about a summer day at Mustasaari on Little Helsinki.
Haltia farm is practically always open and the animals spend summer on pastures. Stop by to say hello to the farm animals and play at the Haltia playground.
Espoo: Stories from the badger's forest at Villa Elfviki at 11 a.m. Read more at Elfviki's website.
Espoo: Oittaa Family Day on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This time the program includes sand sculptures and fishing. Read more at the event's Facebook page.
Vantaa: Whole family art workshop at Artist Studio Gjutars on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year's workshops include felting, painting with special brushes, making jewelry, and drawing under the guidance of Vantaa Artists' Association artists. Workshops €10/family. More information at the Vantaa Artists' Association website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
Children's Kallio Block Party at playground Linja on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. More details at the event's Facebook page.
Hämeenlinna: Hippalot children's art festival in Hämeenlinna, August 1-4, 2019. The complete program can be found at the festival's website.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019
Events and activity tips
Fallkulla farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Haltia farm is practically always open and the animals spend summer on pastures. Stop by to say hello to the farm animals and play at the Haltia playground.
Children's Traffic City summer is open on summer Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See the detailed program at the Traffic City website. Free admission.
Mustasaari beach at Seurasaarensela is open Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Come early, it gets crowded on hot days! Read more about a summer day at Mustasaari on Little Helsinki.
Espoo: Adventures in the forest in Villa Elfviki's scenery on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike follows the children's pace. Bring light snacks and dress according to the weather. The Fairy School hike is also suitable for those traveling with strollers. More information at Elfviki's website
Flea market! Aleksis Kivi Street Sunday flea market starts at 11 a.m.!
Flea market! Summer flea market at Stansviken around the restaurant on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Children's island adventure on Hara Island at Kaivopuisto pier on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The island adventure is aimed at 4-10 year olds. Connection boat to Hara Island departs from Ullinlinna pier at Kaivopuisto (Ehrenströmintie 3) and the round-trip boat ticket costs €5 for adults, €2 for children and seniors (card payment only). Admission to Hara Island and the island adventure is free. More information about the island adventure can be found at the event's Facebook page.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
Lutsis and Lätsis present: Blue-green algae adventure at Mustasaari boathouse on Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Voluntary admission, ticket proceeds are donated to Baltic Sea conservation + Mustasaari ferry fee. More information at the event's Facebook page.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Porvoo: Stick horse races 2019 at the field next to Kungsbacka farm on Sunday starting at 4 p.m. Small entry fee for riders. More information and advance registration instructions at the event's Facebook page.
Hämeenlinna: Hippalot children's art festival in Hämeenlinna, August 1-4, 2019. The complete program can be found at the festival's website.
Note! From here on, this exceptionally lists week 32 events Monday to Wednesday, August 5-7, 2019!
MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2019
Events at libraries
Story hours and children's events at the capital region's Helmet libraries for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Summer playground lunches have ended for the 2019 season.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Monday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City summer continues with special family days. Traffic City is open Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information at the Traffic City website.
Fallkulla farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpö at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
Museums open on Mondays include the National Museum (summer season), the Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex, the Newspaper Museum, and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo (summer season).
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2019
Events at libraries
Story hours and children's events at the capital region's Helmet libraries for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Summer playground lunches have ended for the 2019 season.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Tuesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Children's Traffic City summer continues with special family days. Traffic City is open Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information at the Traffic City website.
Fallkulla farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Mustasaari beach at Seurasaarensela is open Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Come early, it gets crowded on hot days! Read more about a summer day at Mustasaari on Little Helsinki.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpö at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
Vantaa: Free farm visits at Katrineberg Manor's farm are held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. More information at the City of Vantaa website.
City dances at Annantalo's A.stage on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Read more at Annantalo's website.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2019
Events at libraries
Story hours and children's events at the capital region's Helmet libraries for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Summer playground lunches have ended for the 2019 season.
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Wednesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Mustasaari beach at Seurasaarensela is open Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Come early, it gets crowded on hot days! Read more about a summer day at Mustasaari on Little Helsinki.
A community garden has been established at Annantalo yard in 2019 - Helsinki's most fun one and Wednesdays feature open garden work parties from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fallkulla farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer. Free admission.
Pop-up Heureka science show at Musiikkitalo's Päälämpö at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and admission is free. More information and show times at Musiikkitalo's website.
Free summer concerts at Musiikkitalo throughout the summer, more information at Musiikkitalo's website.
Summer theater with children? Find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theater here.
Espoo: Glimsa Manor Museum's 4H farm tours on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Read more at the manor museum's website. Admission to Glimsa is free during farm tours.
Climb the National Museum's tower on summer Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the tower tour costs €5 and can be purchased at the ticket counter on Wednesdays (no advance sales). More information at the museum's website.
Jerobeam Salakyttä Team's big bounce show at Swimming Stadium on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tickets €5, children under 3 free.
