Super week of events

Updated 19.5.2018

What suitable activities for children can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with small children during the weekend? What to come up with on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki’s weekly series seeks activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The target audience of the website is children under school age and families with children.

Pienten Helsinki’s Where to go this week articles are published by Mondays at the latest and suggest what’s happening in the city for families with children. The 20th Where to go this week article of 2018 is a review of a truly super week of children’s events: the May week is packed with events and activities to an unprecedented extent! District events, festivals, summer openings, concerts and park events are available for every taste and schedule for the weekend. Also remember Circo festival’s offerings for children, Kallio blooms week events and Museum Week’s offerings in museums throughout Finland. In Espoo, Villa Elfvik hosts Children’s Bird Week 14.-20.5.2018.

What’s new at Pienten Helsinki: My museum buddy and I explore Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden marveling at giant water lilies, giraffes, fountains and poisonous plants. Read what Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden has to offer the little ones!

Would you like to do (commercial) cooperation with Pienten Helsinki or do you have a project or job where I could be helpful? I’m happy to receive all ideas. Feel free to get in touch ([email protected]) and let’s talk about new opportunities! Read more about this idea here.

WISH: Criticism, praise, comments and wishes: tell us what you think of Pienten Helsinki!

The article’s cover image is from Roihuvuoren Japanese-style garden on Mother’s Day, where cherry trees are beginning to bloom. Pienten Helsinki recommends a trip to Roihuvuore’s cherry blossom garden or Japanese garden in the upcoming week, as the cherry blossoms are expected to be at their best mid-week.

Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »| Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »

MONDAY 14.5.2018

Library events:

Story time at Puistola library at 10 a.m.

Toddler session at Maunula library at 9.30 a.m. For babies: Baby chants at Maunula library at 10.30 a.m.

Stories belong to everyone exhibition at Kontula library 14.5.-8.6.2018. Read more from the library’s website.

MLL family cafes on Monday:

South-Haaga family cafe Mondays 9.30-11.30 a.m., location Leikkipuisto Isonneva Itäkatu family center's Mondays 9.30-11.30 a.m. at Itäkatu family center. Jätkäsaari's Terho club Mondays 5-7 p.m., location Good Hope Chapel in Jätkäsaari. Pakila family cafe Mondays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., location Maunula House. Munkkivuori family cafe Mondays 9.30-11.30 a.m., location Leikkipuisto Ulvila. Siltamäki Mondays 9.30-11.30 a.m., location Leikkipuisto Jalopeura. Suomenlinna family cafe Mondays at 9.30 a.m., location Suomenlinna Church crypt. Tapanila Mondays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., location Fallkullan farm. Tapaninvainio Mondays 10-11.30 a.m., location Leikkipuisto Tervapääsky. Töyrynummi Tuesdays 9.30 a.m.-12 p.m., location Leikkipuisto Kesanto. Vuosaari evening family cafe Mondays 5.30-7 p.m., location Perhetalo Kajuutta. All MLL family cafes operating in Helsinki are listed on Pienten Helsinki's website.

Other events:

Art clinic for 3-6 year-olds at Malmitalo on Monday at 10 a.m. This week's theme is Spread the picnic blankets! – picnic blanket making. Art clinic activities can be attended weekly or occasionally, but it's important to arrive on time. Read more about this great Art Clinic activity on Malmitalo's website.

Kaartin military band performs at Leikkipuisto Puuskakulma in Jollaksi on Monday at 10.15 a.m. More information on the event’s fb page.

Kallio Blooms at Ebeneser House (Kindergarten Museum, Helsinginkatu 3-5) Monday 12–6 p.m. Read the day’s exact program on the Kallio Blooms festival website. Free admission to the museum.

Cultivation working parties invite you to cultivate at Kanneltalo on Mondays 5-7.30 p.m. and later in May at Antinniitty community garden. The working party is open to everyone as a weekly event where gardening work can be practiced by children with their own adult. Read more on Kanneltalo’s website.

TIP: Helsinki City Museum, Children’s City and Newspaper Museum are exceptions among other museums: they are also open on Mondays!

TUESDAY 15.5.2018

Library events:

Story session at Kallio library at 9.30 a.m. Story session at Malmi library at 9.30 a.m. Story session at Kannelmäki library at 9.30 a.m. Story session at Töölö library's club room at 10.15 a.m.

Children’s singing evening at Oulunkylä library 6-7 p.m.

For babies and toddlers: Library tip for Vantaa: Touch path - explore, play, feel at Tikkurila library’s story room on Tuesday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Touch path is a multi-sensory experience space for 0-3 year-olds with their own adult. There’s a guide on hand to provide tips for exploring the path. More information on the library’s website.

Library tip for Espoo: International family cafe at Sello library Tuesdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

MLL family cafes on Tuesday:

Myllypuro family cafe Tuesdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., location Myllykylä village hall (Ryynimyllynkatu 1). Puistola family cafe Tuesdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., location Leikkipuisto Tapuli. Tammisalo family cafe Tuesdays on odd weeks 10 a.m.-12 p.m., location Tammisalo Church. Töyrynummi family cafe Tuesdays 9.30 a.m.-12 p.m., location Leikkipuisto Kesanto. North Haaga evening family cafe Tuesdays on even weeks 5-7 p.m., location Leikkipuisto Laurinniitty. Roihuvuori family cafe Tuesdays on even weeks 10 a.m.-12 p.m., location Leikkipuisto Roihuvuori. All MLL family cafes operating in Helsinki are listed on Pienten Helsinki's website.

Other events:

Kallio Blooms at Ebeneser House (Kindergarten Museum, Helsinginkatu 3-5) Tuesday 12–6 p.m. Read the day's exact program on the Kallio Blooms festival website. Free admission to the museum.

Tip for Vantaa: Vantaa day is celebrated on Tuesday 15.5.2018. Kyllin feasts invites you to Vantaa City Museum on Tuesday 2-6 p.m. Program for the whole family, read more on the event’s fb page.

TIP: Did you know that the Natural History Museum opens in the winter season (also in May) Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.

WEDNESDAY 16.5.2018

Library events:

Story session at Kontula library at 9.30 a.m. Story session at Arabianranta library at 9.30 a.m. Story session at Oulunkylä library at 10 a.m. Story session at Pukinmäki library at 10.15 a.m.

Singing session led by Terttu Paija at Tapulinkaupunki library at 10 a.m. Russian-language children’s club at Malmi library Wednesdays 10-11.30 a.m.

Babies’ and toddlers’ rhyme session at Tapanila library at 10 a.m. For babies and parents: BabyKino at Kallio library. Film screenings with a baby Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. BabyKino’s own group on Facebook can be found here, where for example this week’s film is published and votes are held for upcoming programs. For babies: Baby rhyme session at Kannelmäki library at 1.30 p.m.

Herttoniemi choirs’ spring concert at Herttoniemi library on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Read more on the library’s website.

MLL family cafes on Wednesday:

Herttoniemi family cafe Wednesdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m., location Asukastalo Ankkuri. Jätkäsaari family club Wednesdays 9.30 a.m.-12 p.m., location Good Hope Chapel in Jätkäsaari. Konala family cafe Wednesdays 9-10.30 a.m., location Konala School's club room, (Riihipellonkuja 2, C staircase). Laajasalo family cafe Wednesdays 4.30-6.30 p.m., location Leikkipuisto Kiiltotähti. Lauttasaari family cafe Wednesdays 9.30-11.30 a.m., location Nuorisotalo Apaja. Malmi family cafe Wednesdays 9.30-11.30 a.m., location Leikkipuisto Filpus.' Oulunkylä family cafe Wednesdays 10-11.30 a.m., location Leikkipuisto Mäkitorppa (Mäkitorpantie 42-44). Pakila family cafe Wednesdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., location Pakila youth center. Pihlajamäki family cafe Wednesdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., location Leikkipuisto Maasälpä. Pukinmäki evening family cafe Wednesdays 5.30-7 p.m., location Leikkipuisto Unikko. Ruoholahti father-child club Wednesdays 5-7 p.m., location Leikkipuisto Ruoholahti. All MLL family cafes operating in Helsinki are listed on Pienten Helsinki's website.

Other events:

Kallio Blooms at Ebeneser House (Kindergarten Museum, Helsinginkatu 3-5) Wednesday 12–6 p.m. Read the day's exact program on the Kallio Blooms festival website. Free admission to the museum.

Tip for Kirkkonummi: Open doors at Suomen Sokeri Wednesday 3-6 p.m. Lots to do for the whole family. More information on the event’s fb page.

TIP: Changing tables on the map! Pienten Helsinki’s Baby’s Helsinki seriesThe latest article lists working baby changing rooms throughout the greater Helsinki area.

THURSDAY 17.5.2018

Library events:

Story session at Suutarila library at 9.30 a.m. Story session at Tapulinkaupunki library at 9.30 a.m. Evening story session at Vallila library at 6 p.m.

Dance into the forest workshop at Jakomäki library at 9.30 a.m. The workshop is suitable for children over 4 years old. Read more on the library’s website. X Kakarakino at Kallio library at 10 a.m.

For babies: Baby rhyme session at Puistola library at 10 a.m. For babies: Baby rhyme session at Roihuvuori library at 10 a.m.

MLL family cafes on Thursday:

Jätkäsaari Generations corner family club Thursdays 5-7 p.m., location Länsisatamankatu 34 A. Kruununhaka family cafe Thursdays 9.30-11.30 a.m. at Kruna square (Meritullinkatu 6). Laajasalo family cafe Thursdays 9.30-11.30 a.m. at Leikkipuisto Kiiltotähti. Pihlajisto family cafe Thursdays 10-11.45 a.m. at Leikkipuisto Salpausselä. North Haaga family cafe Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Leikkipuisto Laurinniitty. Pukinmäki Busy Thursdays 10-11.30 a.m. at Pukinmäki youth center (Säterintie 2, 2nd floor). Tapulinkaupunki family cafe Thursdays 9.30-11.30 a.m. at Leikkipuisto Nurka (Nurkkatie 2). Töölö family cafe Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Perhetoimintakeskus Ruusulla (Ruusulankatu 10, side building). Vesala family cafe Thursdays 9.30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Vesala Youth Center (Tuukkalankuja 4).

Other events:

Maunula day at Leikkipuisto Maunula Thursday 4-7 p.m. Read more on the event's fb page.

TIP: Linnanmäki is also open on weekdays and with good weather a trip to the amusement park on a weekday works well with young children. We visited the amusement park with children in the afternoon last week, when there were no queues for the rides, very few people in the park but still plenty to marvel at and try, and nice performances. Two children under five had fun at the free rides (for example, Munajuna is no longer there, but we had plenty of fun), climbed at the play area and enjoyed the hustle and bustle gladly. Pienten Helsinki recommends having fun before the summer crowds!

FRIDAY 18.5.2018

Library events:

Toddler session at Malmi library at 10 a.m. Story yoga at Arabianranta library at 10 a.m.

For babies: Baby rhyme session at Malmi library at 11 a.m.

Library tip for Vantaa: At Tikkurila library in Vantaa Sing together with children session on Friday at 10 a.m. You can also bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Read more about this fun sing-along time on the library’s website.

MLL family cafes on Friday:

Itäkatu family center's family cafe Fridays 9.30-11.30 a.m. at Itäkatu family center. Kannelmäki family cafe Fridays 9.30-11.30 a.m., location Leikkipuisto Kannelmäki. Käpylä family cafe Fridays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., location Koskela Youth Center. Lassila family cafe Fridays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., location Settlement resident lounge (Eliel Saarinen tie 15) Malmi family cafe Fridays 9.30 a.m.-12 p.m., location Leikkipuisto Traktori. Munkkiniemi family cafe Fridays 9-11.30 a.m., location Leikkipuisto Munkki. Pasila family cafe Fridays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., location Leikkipuisto Sanna. Viikki family cafe Fridays 10-11.30 a.m., location Leikkipuisto Viikkari.

Other events:

KurkiJams at Kurkimäki playground Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The newly renamed event continues a long tradition and offers children a city festival at the playground. Mimmit will be seen on stage at 10.30 a.m. See the full event program on the fb page. Free admission. Within walking distance of Myllypuro metro station and from Kehä 1 you can also reach the playground nearby.

Mobile animal park at Leikkipuisto Ulvila in Munkkivuori Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Read more on the event's fb page.

Marimekko summer exhibitions at Esplanade park Friday at 11.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Read more on the event's fb page.

Guard parade tradition continues again on Fridays. The guard parade procession departs at 12:30 p.m. from Helsinki Senate Square, marching through Market Square to the main guard, and from there back to Esplanade to Barracks Square. After the guard parade, an entertaining MIL-Espa concert at 2 p.m. is held at the Esplanade stage. On Friday 18.5., the music for the guard parade is provided by the Kaartin band and the Defense Forces military band. The Esplanade stage features the Kaartin Combo. More information on the event's fb page.

Helsinki City Running Day run and wellness events at Töölö Sports Hall. Minimarathon is part of the event.

TIP for Espoo: Tapiola summer opening celebrations on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, the program includes miniTapiola traffic park opening and performances by Maltti and Valtti at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. See the full day program and schedule on Tapiola Center’s website.

TIP: Helsinki’s places are child-friendly gems of Helsinki, lots of quiet knowledge and a start to Helsinki’s place directory.

[caption id=“attachment_4268” align=“aligncenter” width=“1024”] On Saturday, Hanami festival is celebrated at Roihuvuori cherry blossom garden.[/caption]

SATURDAY 19.5.2018

Restaurant Day

Library events:

Story yoga at Kannelmäki library at 10.30 a.m. Los tres cerros - stories in Spanish at Kallio library at 10.30 a.m. Story session at Munkkiniemi library at 11 a.m.

Library tip for Espoo: Miniworlds Family day at Ison Omenan library on Saturday 10.30 a.m.-3 p.m. Read more on the library’s website.

MLL family cafes on Saturday:

Konala family cafe Saturdays 10.30 a.m.-12 p.m., location Konala School's club room (Riihipellonkuja 2, C staircase) All MLL family cafes operating in Helsinki are listed on Pienten Helsinki's website.

Other events:

Minimarathon is run as usual at Eläintarha sports field Saturday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Read more from the event's own website. Entry fee. Note. Helsinki City Running day may be visible in traffic throughout the city.

Water transport day celebrates the opening of the boating season on Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Go and enjoy Helsinki’s maritime character and archipelago. Read more about the day’s program and water transport day offers on the city’s website. The event is partially paid.

Lauttasaari Beach Workday 2018 Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. More information on the event’s fb page.

Konepaja district flea market Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Read more on the event’s fb page.

North Haaga day at North Haaga playground Saturday 10.30 a.m.-1.30 p.m. More information (coming soon) on the event’s fb page.

Fascinating insects! workshop at the Natural History Museum Saturday 10.30 a.m.-3.30 p.m. You can join the non-stop workshop at your own pace and stay as long as you like. Museum entry fee. Read more on the Natural History Museum’s website.

Malmi day around Malmitalo Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. More information on Malmitalo’s website.

Design District Market at Diana Park Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Own program for children too. Read more on the event’s fb page.

Water heroes at Mäkelänrinne swimming pool Saturday 12-3 p.m. Swimming pool entry fee. More information about the day’s event on Sports Halls’ website.

Children’s Architecture Festivals at Kaapelitehtaan Merikaapelihalli on Saturday and Sunday 12-4 p.m. Children’s and youth architecture school Arkki organizes an open building event for all ages: there are workshops at different scales with a variety of materials for children of all ages. The entire weekend non-stop program features such all-time favorite LEGO® workshop! Plus Strawbees®, Pop-up, Sketch Up and bubble painting workshops. The exhibition also features the works of Arkki’s 600 students in the Metropolis exhibition. The festivals have free admission. Read more on the event’s fb page.

Slaughterhouse summer opening is celebrated with summer carnival at the Slaughterhouse yard area Saturday 12-5 p.m. More information about the day’s program on the event’s fb page.

Arabian Street Festival 2018 Saturday 12-6 p.m. Lots of programs for children and the whole family. Read more about the children’s program here, you can get to know the full program offering and schedule on the festival’s own website. Lunch and snacks are available at festivals for the little ones, for example at Café Floora.

Kallio Blooms Picnic at Dallapén Park Saturday 12-6 p.m. See the detailed program and schedule on the event’s fb page.

Roihuvuori Hanami 2018 – Helsinki’s XI Cherry Blossom Festival takes over Roihuvuori cherry blossom garden Saturday 12-6 p.m. This volunteer-run event has grown larger each year into a celebration of Japanese culture. Pack a picnic and head out with the children. While you’re at it, you should also stop by Roihuvuori’s Japanese garden. Free admission. Read more about the Cherry Blossom Festival on the event’s fb page.

Carnaval Festival Season VannetansiPicknic at Kannelmäki playground Saturday 1-4 p.m. Read about what this is all about on the event's fb page.

Pikkis celebrates at Pikku Huopalahti Saturday 1–6 p.m. Lots of fun programs for children at Viiripuisto park and surroundings: for example, Mimi and Kuku, bouncy castle and dancing. Read more about the children's program on Pikkis celebrates website. In connection with the Pikkis celebrates event, a fishing event is also organized.

Kannelmäki gymnasts’ spring performances have the theme of space adventure. Performances at Kanneltalo Saturday at 1.30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets €10/€5. Read more on Kanneltalo’s website.

Fly, fly ladybug puppet theater performance at Puppet Theater Sampo Saturday at 3 p.m. The performance is suitable for many ages and also very good for the family’s youngest first theater experience. Tickets €12. Read more on Sampo’s website.

Technology Museum’s night of ghosts is celebrated Saturday 5-10 p.m. The program is suitable for all ages according to your own courage, but ghost tours are recommended for those over 6 years old. Read more on the museum’s website. Free admission to the event.

TIP for Espoo: Tapiola summer opening is celebrated on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, the program includes at least pony rides, giant bubbles, bouncy castle, ball pool and test driving at miniTapiola traffic city for children. See the full day program and schedule on Tapiola Center’s website.

Tip for Espoo: Children’s Culture Center Pikku-Aurora’s Dream Saturday has Fairy tale fun on Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Read more on Pikku-Aurora’s website.

TIP for Porvoo: Bosgård’s grazing season opening cattle run to summer pasture at 11 a.m. It’s worth arriving early for this event. Read more on the event’s fb page.

TIP for Sipoo: Organic farm spring day at Ahlberg garden in Sipoo Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More details on the event’s fb page.

TIP for Vantaa: Aviation Museum Children’s day Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The program includes at least cockpit demonstrations, airport operators, simulators, airport tours, laser shooting, workshops and raffles. Entry fee €10, under 18s free, museum card venue. Read more on the museum’s own website.

TIP for Vantaa: Kirkkonkylä spring event at Helsinki parish village on Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Program for children too. More information on the event’s fb page.

TIP for Vantaa: KYTKE festival at Kannisto General’s Park Saturday 2–5 p.m. Free admission to the whole family fun park concert event. Read more about the program and see the schedule on the festival’s fb page.

WISH: Criticism, praise, comments and wishes: tell us what you think of Pienten Helsinki!

SUNDAY 20.5.2018

Other events:

MLL Konala spring flea market at Leikkipuisto Vähtuvassa Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Read more on the event's fb page.

Salmon fishing for children and young people at Aurinkolahti canal Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Rods, bait and guidance can be obtained at the site. More information on the event’s fb page.

Church get-together Sunday at Malmi Church. A whole family event with activities for all ages. Read more on the event’s fb page.

Steiner Daycare Pella's spring hustle in Käpylä Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. More information on the event's fb page. At the same time also Olympiakylä yard flea market 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Children's Seurasaari day Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Seurasaari. Read more about the day's program on Seurasaari Foundation's website.

Children’s Architecture Festivals at Kaapelitehtaan Merikaapelihalli on Saturday and Sunday 12-4 p.m. Children’s and youth architecture school Arkki organizes an open building event for all ages: there are workshops at different scales with a variety of materials for children of all ages. The entire weekend non-stop program features such all-time favorite LEGO® workshop! Plus Strawbees®, Pop-up, Sketch Up and bubble painting workshops. The exhibition also features the works of Arkki’s 600 students in the Metropolis exhibition. The festivals have free admission. Read more on the event’s fb page.

Kallio Blooms Picnic at Dallapén Park Saturday 12-6 p.m. See the detailed program and schedule on the event’s fb page.

Children’s island adventure as part of Open House Helsinki Sunday on Hara island. The adventure is suitable for 4-10 year-olds with their own adult. Connection boat from Ullanlinnan pier departs at 1 p.m. and the adventure lasts two hours. Boat fare €5, island adventure is free. Read more on Open House Helsinki’s website.

Sampo Sundays! club features Mikko Perkoila and Vinkulelu Orchestra performing the music story Princess and the Gate of Wisdom on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets €12. More information from Puppet Theater Sampo’s website.

TIP: Linnanmäki amusement park has opened the 2018 summer season. See April-May detailed opening hours on the amusement park’s own website and Circus Carnival programs.

TIP: Haltiala farm is open year-round and for example cattle also outdoor during cold months. At Haltiala it’s worth visiting at least to see the cattle, after Easter you can also admire young lambs in the pasture, play at an excellent playground and walk in beautiful scenery. Near Haltiala there is also Niskala arboretum. The restaurant Wanha Pehtoori operating in connection with the farm also serves