What kid-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 suggests child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. During the summer months, the tips include both events and ideas for spending vacation days. The target audience of the site is families with pre-school age children.

Where to go this week -article continues to be published with a slightly modified concept. The article lists the highlights of the week's events and the most interesting activity tips of the week. Also included are picks from Little Helsinki articles and news. The future of the site is open, but we will continue with this concept until the end of July.

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

#littlehelsinki
Have you explored an interesting place? It would be wonderful if you could use the hashtag #littlehelsinki when sharing photos, so the pictures would be a joy and inspiration for other explorers. As a thank you, I promise to offer hot juice together in one of Helsinki's classic events we celebrate in our neighborhood this autumn 😉

Urban walks for families
In the coming months, Little Helsinki will launch a new type of city tourism concept, as hospitality student Heidi Säynätkari creates family-friendly urban walks to several districts of Helsinki as her final project. The publication of family urban walks has been delayed due to server issues, and the paths will be published as soon as possible!

Article cover image: Late summer flowers are now blooming in the Kaisaniemi outdoor garden, and numerous butterflies also marvel at the flowers.

MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2019

Things happening at libraries

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

Things happening at playgrounds

Summer meals at playgrounds have ended for summer 2019. 

Playground events can also now be found in the City of Helsinki event calendar. You can browse Monday events here.

Events and activity tips

Children's Traffic Town summer continues with special family days. Traffic Town is open on Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Traffic Town website.

Fallkulla farm animals is open daily during the summer season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.

Pop-up Heureka science show at Music Centre's Päälämpö on Monday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and has free admission. For more information and show times, visit the Music Centre website.

Free summer concerts at the Music Centre throughout the summer. For more information, visit the Music Centre website.

Summer theatre with children? You can find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theatre here.

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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2019

Things happening at libraries

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

Things happening at playgrounds

Summer meals at playgrounds have ended for summer 2019. 

Playground events can also now be found in the City of Helsinki event calendar. You can browse Tuesday events here.

Events and activity tips

Children's Traffic Town summer continues with special family days. Traffic Town is open on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Traffic Town website.

Fallkulla farm animals is open daily during the summer season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.

Mustasaari on Seurasaarensela is open from Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Be there early, hot days can be crowded! Read more about Little Helsinki's summer day at Mustasaari.

Pop-up Heureka science show at Music Centre's Päälämpö on Tuesday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and has free admission. For more information and show times, visit the Music Centre website.

Free summer concerts at the Music Centre throughout the summer. For more information, visit the Music Centre website.

Summer theatre with children? You can find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theatre here.

Vantaa: Free farm visits at Katrinebergin Manor's farm yard are held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the City of Vantaa website.

City dances on A.lava stage at Annantalo on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Read more on the Annantalo website.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2019

Things happening at libraries

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

Things happening at playgrounds

Summer meals at playgrounds have ended for summer 2019. 

Playground events can also now be found in the City of Helsinki event calendar. You can browse Wednesday events here.

Events and activity tips

Mustasaari on Seurasaarensela is open from Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Be there early, hot days can be crowded! Read more about Little Helsinki's summer day at Mustasaari.

Annantalo sets up Helsinki's funniest community garden in 2019 and Wednesdays feature free gardening work parties from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fallkulla farm animals is open daily during the summer season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.

Pop-up Heureka science show at Music Centre's Päälämpö on Wednesday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and has free admission. For more information and show times, visit the Music Centre website.

Free summer concerts at the Music Centre throughout the summer. For more information, visit the Music Centre website.

Kindergarten Museum has returned from summer break and is open again on Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Small admission fee.

Summer theatre with children? You can find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theatre here.

Espoo: Manor Museum Glims 4H farm visits on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Read more on the manor museum website. Admission to Glims is free during the farm visits.

You can climb the National Museum tower on summer Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The ticket for the tower tour costs €5 and can be purchased at the ticket office on Wednesdays (no advance sales). For more information, visit the museum website.

Jerobeam Salakyttä Team's big clown jump show at the Swimming Stadium on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tickets €5, children under 3 are free. Tickets and more information on the event's Facebook page.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2019

The school year begins for Finnish-speaking schools and preschools in Helsinki!

Things happening at libraries

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

Things happening at playgrounds

Summer meals at playgrounds have ended for summer 2019. 

Playground events can also now be found in the City of Helsinki event calendar. You can browse Thursday events here.

Events and activity tips

Dinner Under Finland's Sky invites everyone to eat outside and bring along friends, neighbors, godparents, cousins and grandparents. Organize an unforgettable dinner even in a park or yard! Read more about the initiative on the event website.

Summer theatre with children? You can find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theatre here.

Fallkulla farm animals is open daily during the summer season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.

Mustasaari on Seurasaarensela is open from Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Be there early, hot days can be crowded! Read more about Little Helsinki's summer day at Mustasaari.

Pop-up Heureka science show at Music Centre's Päälämpö on Thursday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and has free admission. For more information and show times, visit the Music Centre website.

Free summer concerts at the Music Centre throughout the summer. For more information, visit the Music Centre website.

Espoo: Manor Museum Glims 4H farm visits continue on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Read more on the manor museum website. Admission to Glims is free during the farm visits.

A.lava Summer Music on Thursday at 4 p.m. No pre-registration is required for summer music and admission is free. A.lava is located behind Annantalo and summer music is sung outside under a canopy, so dress according to the weather. For more information, visit the Annantalo website.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2019

Things happening at libraries

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

Things happening at playgrounds

Summer meals at playgrounds have ended for summer 2019. 

Playground events can also now be found in the City of Helsinki event calendar. You can browse Friday events here.

Events and activity tips

Fallkulla farm animals is open daily during the summer season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.

Sipoo: Cargo ship Christina arrives for the last time this summer at a location accessible without boat transportation. For unique ice cream purchases in Sipoo, visit Kitö Island (with bridge access from mainland) on Friday at 10:45 a.m. Read more on the cargo ship Christina website.

Mustasaari on Seurasaarensela is open from Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Be there early, hot days can be crowded! Read more about Little Helsinki's summer day at Mustasaari.

Pop-up Heureka science show at Music Centre's Päälämpö on Friday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The science show is suitable for all ages and has free admission. For more information and show times, visit the Music Centre website.

Guard parade departs at 12:30 p.m. from Senate Square, marching through Market Square to the main guard post, and then back along the Esplanade to Barracks Square. This Friday, NO concert will be held on the Esplanade stage after the parade. The Friday's guard parade is performed by the Finnish Defence Forces conscript band. For more information, visit the Finnish Defence Forces website.

Free summer concerts at the Music Centre throughout the summer. For more information, visit the Music Centre website.

Vantaa: Free farm visits at Katrinebergin Manor's farm yard are held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the City of Vantaa website.

Summer theatre with children? You can find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theatre here.

Tuusula's Night of the Arts is celebrated on Friday.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2019

Things happening at libraries

Helmet libraries have summer hours.

Story times and children's events are closed on summer Saturdays.

Events and activity tips

Fallkulla farm animals is open daily during the summer season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.

Toukan Children's Book Festival at Annantalo on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and on the A.lava stage you'll also hear the wonderful Windy Hats and Millipedes band at 11 a.m. For more information, visit the organizer's website.

Secure Your School Route 2019 event at Children's Traffic Town from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more details, see the event's Facebook page. Free admission.

Jamkids day at central library Oodi for ages 0-6 on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Read more on the library website.

Mustasaari on Seurasaarensela is open from Tuesday to Sunday until August 11, 2019. Be there early, the platform may get crowded! Read more about Little Helsinki's summer day at Mustasaari.

Jump aboard the museum tram from the corner of Market Square, near the Havis Amanda statue, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets €6, children under 2 travel free on laps. Read more on the museum tram website.

Herttoniemenranta Day on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more details, see the event's Facebook page.

Vantaa: Helsingin Rural Medieval Days are celebrated in Vantaa at Helsinki's village church on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Programming for all ages. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.

Haltia Farm is practically always open and animals spend the summer on outdoor pastures. Stop by to say hello to the farm animals and play at the Haltia playground.

Ethnic Espa Children's Saturdays on the Espa stage on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. Free admission. For more information, visit the Espa website.

Summer theatre with children? You can find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theatre here.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11, 2019

Events and activity tips

Fallkulla farm animals is open daily during the summer season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.

Haltia Farm is practically always open and animals spend the summer on outdoor pastures. Stop by to say hello to the farm animals and play at the Haltia playground.

Children's Traffic Town last family Sunday of summer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check the detailed program on the Traffic Town website. Free admission.

Mustasaari last day of summer! Be there early, the platform may get crowded! Read more about Little Helsinki's summer day at Mustasaari.

Hyvinkää: Railway Museum Day 2019 at the Finnish Railway Museum in Hyvinkää on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets €15/€5, children under 7 are free. It's also possible to travel to the event by heritage train from Helsinki. For more information, visit the museum website.

Espoo: Lude or Creepy-Crawly Safari at Villa Elfvik on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The safari moves at the children's pace. Bring small snacks and dress according to the weather. The Fairy School safari is also suitable for those traveling with strollers. For more information, visit the Elfvik website

Flea market! Aleksis Kivi Street Sunday Flea Market starting at 11 a.m.!

Summer theatre with children? You can find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theatre here.

Nature walk: Haraka Island's butterflies and insects on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Small ferry fee. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.

Free summer concerts at the Music Centre throughout the summer. For more information, visit the Music Centre website.

Harbor Festivities at Jätkäsaari on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Children's Harbor Festivities from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Check the detailed program on the event's Facebook page.

Also remember

All of Helsinki's summer tips and day trip ideas in one place.

Amazing: Finland's highest bungee jump at Kaivopuisto at Café Ursula's beach until August 11, 2019.

Summer sheep in Helsinki's islands: Vartiosari, Kuusiluoto, and Mustasaari (sheep on neighboring Hevossaari island, which has a bridge connection) have arrived for the summer.

Animals in the City article brings together the best tips for the best places in Helsinki and the surrounding area to see farm animals.

The Mystery of the Hidden Ship adventure tour at Suomenlinna June 11 - August 3, 2019, as well as August 10, 2019, and August 17, 2019. Paid event.

Children's sea adventure - Cannon Sloop Diana family sailing June 26 - August 31, 2019. For more information, visit the event website. Paid event.

Summer theatre with children? You can find Little Helsinki's tips for summer theatre here.

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

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

In Espoo: Toy Museum Horseshoe embarks on a journey with the Board Game Play special exhibition. Museum admission fee applies.

Exhibition: Peek what it looks like at Newspaper Museum's Pekka Töpöhäntä exhibition!

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

Little Helsinki as an app on your phone!

Little Helsinki now also works as a PWA app. You can install Little Helsinki on your Android or iPhone by simply opening the site in Chrome or Safari browser and selecting share button Add to home screen ("add to home screen"). The PWA app differs from a traditional app in that it does not need to be separately installed from the App Store or similar. Practically the content is exactly the same as in the browser, but the site loads faster.
Little Helsinki does not require registration to function now, nor will it ever.

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