What to do or where to go with children? What kid-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and suggests family-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
The article's cover image is from Skidimarket at Hakaniemi Market Hall, which opens its doors again this Friday!
What's happening right now
- Want to go ice skating? Find public skating times in Helsinki and the metro area in Pienten Helsinki's theme article.
- Museum tips for visiting with children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's theme article!
- Did you know you can borrow museum tickets from the library?
From Viiki Library you can borrow admission tickets to the Natural History Museum: family tickets (2 adults, 4 children) or individual tickets. The loan period is 7 days. Admission tickets cannot be reserved in advance.
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024
Events and activity tips
- Bravo! Festival March 15–24, 2024.
- In the Shadow of Play spring exhibition at Malmitalo from March 18–April 7, 2024. Free admission.
- Free admission to Korkeasaari Zoo on Monday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Dance and Play workshops for toddlers and their parents at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) in the Maissi space on Mondays at 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
The Dance and Play workshop inspires and guides Helsinki parents and children to create and experience dance art together. You can participate in the workshop whenever it suits you, at all sessions or just some. Choose a time that works for you and arrive on time. No advance registration; places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 12 to arrive can participate. Free admission.
- Albertin Living Room is open on Mondays from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. (International Monday).
- Family Fun Activities provide a space for preschool-age children and their parents to move around together independently and free of charge. Family Fun Activities are held on Mondays at:
- Family Fun Activities at Tapanil Elementary School (Veljestenpiha 2) on Mondays from 5–6:30 p.m. from January 8–April 22, 2024.
- Tuusula: Ski Week in Tuusula March 18–24, 2024
Playgrounds on Monday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays, mostly from 9 a.m.–noon; afternoons are reserved for school-age children. For more details, visit individual playgrounds' websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- At Loru Playground on Monday:
10:30–11 a.m. Loru's games – activity session for over 1-year-olds
1–1:30 p.m. Kukkuluuruu – baby session for under 1-year-olds
3–3:30 p.m. Kukkuluuruu – baby session for under 1-year-olds
- Family centers have activities:
- Family Center Neighbor (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) – weekly program available on the center's Facebook page.
- Family Center Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) – weekly program available on the center's Facebook page.
- MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0–12. Learn more on the center's website!
- Find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips via this link.
Library events on Monday
- Helmet library events for children on Monday can be found on Helmet's event page.
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024
Minna Canth Day
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Events and activity tips
- Bravo! Festival March 15–24, 2024.
- In the Shadow of Play spring exhibition at Malmitalo from March 18–April 7, 2024. Free admission.
- Metropolia HyMy Village Family Coffee at Metropolia Myllypuro premises (next to the metro station) on Tuesdays from 9–11 a.m. Each session also features varying programs for families. Free admission.
- Healthcare Clinic Park on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in Kamppi Family Center's lower hall. Free admission.
- Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays from noon–7 p.m. Small admission fee.
- Art for Toddlers workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. Workshops are suitable for children aged 1.5–3 years old together with their own adult. No advance registration, free admission. You can attend for the full time or just drop in for a while.
- Albertin Living Room's evening hangout on Tuesdays from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
- MLL Myllypuro Dads' Meetup at Myllynsiiveri playground on Tuesdays from 6–7:30 p.m. Free admission, no advance registration required.
- Family Fun Activities provide a space for preschool-age children and their parents to move around together independently and free of charge. Family Fun Activities are held on Tuesdays at:
- Pallomill Indoor Hall at Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9) on Tuesdays from 9:30–11:30 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. from January 9–April 23, 2024.- Käpylä Elementary School (Mäkelänkatu 89) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30 p.m. from January 9–April 23, 2024
(NOT during weeks 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14).
- Sakarinmäki Elementary School (Knutersintie 924) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30 p.m. from January 9–April 23, 2024.
- In Vuosaari at Merilahti Elementary School (Jaluspolku 3) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30 p.m. from January 9–April 23, 2024.
- Tuusula: Ski Week in Tuusula March 18–24, 2024
Playgrounds on Tuesday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays, mostly from 9 a.m.–noon; afternoons are reserved for school-age children. For more details, visit individual playgrounds' websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- At Loru Playground on Tuesday:
11 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Stroller exercise, Oodi courtyard
3–3:30 p.m. Loru's warmth – baby session for under 1-year-olds - MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0–12. Learn more on the center's website!
- Find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips via this link.
Library events on Tuesday
- Helmet library events for children on Tuesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024
Events and activity tips
- Bravo! Festival March 15–24, 2024.
- In the Shadow of Play spring exhibition at Malmitalo from March 18–April 7, 2024. Free admission.
- MLL Laajasalo Family Coffee at Café Hieka on Wednesdays from 9–10:30 a.m.
- MLL Lauttasaari Family Coffee at Apaja Youth Center from 9:30–11:30 a.m.
- Albertin Living Room is open on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Napero Cinema at Annantalo on Wednesday from 10 a.m.–noon.
- Fire Museum at the Erottaja rescue station is open on Wednesdays from noon–4 p.m. Small admission fee.
- Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday from noon–7 p.m. Small admission fee.
- Family Fun Activities provide a space for preschool-age children and their parents to move around together independently and free of charge. Family Fun Activities are held on Wednesdays at:
- Kurkimäki Community House (Karpalokuja 7) on Wednesdays from 9:30–11 a.m. from January 10–April 24, 2024.
- Kannelmäki Elementary School (Runonlaulajantie 40) on Wednesdays from 5–6 p.m. from January 10–April 24, 2024.
- Tuusula: Ski Week in Tuusula March 18–24, 2024
Playgrounds on Wednesday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays, mostly from 9 a.m.–noon; afternoons are reserved for school-age children. For more details, visit individual playgrounds' websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- At Loru Playground on Wednesday:
10:30 a.m.–noon Loru creates – crafts for all ages
1:30–3:30 p.m. Loru creates – crafts for all ages - MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0–12. Learn more on the center's website!
- Find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips via this link.
Library events on Wednesday
- Helmet library events for children on Wednesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
Pienten Suomi – over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024
Events and activity tips
- Bravo! Festival March 15–24, 2024.
- In the Shadow of Play spring exhibition at Malmitalo from March 18–April 7, 2024. Free admission.
- Albertin Living Room is open on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Art for Toddlers workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays from 10 a.m.–noon. Workshops are suitable for children aged 1.5–3 years old together with their own adult. No advance registration, free admission. You can attend for the full time or just drop in for a while.
- University of Helsinki Observatory at Tähtitorninmäki is open on Thursdays from noon–8 p.m. Museum admission fee applies.
- Pups and Tips Workshop at Central Library Oodi on Thursday at 5 p.m. Free admission.
- Family Fun Activities provide a space for preschool-age children and their parents to move around together independently and free of charge. Family Fun Activities are held on Thursdays at:
- Tali Sports Park football hall (Purotie 8) on Thursdays from 9:30–11 a.m. from January 11–April 25, 2024.
- Kamppi Sports Center (Malminkatu 3) on Thursdays from 5–6:30 p.m. from January 11–April 25, 2024.
- Malminkartano Elementary School (Puustellintie 6) on Thursdays from 5–6:30 p.m. from January 11–April 25, 2024.
- Porolahti Elementary School (Roihuvuorentie 2) on Thursdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m. from January 11–April 25, 2024.
- Pukinmäenkaarela Elementary School mirror room (Kenttäkuja 12) on Thursdays from 5–6:30 p.m. from January 11–April 25, 2024.
- Tuusula: Ski Week in Tuusula March 18–24, 2024
Playgrounds on Thursday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays, mostly from 9 a.m.–noon; afternoons are reserved for school-age children. For more details, visit individual playgrounds' websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- At Loru Playground on Thursday:
11 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Loru's warmth – baby session for under 1-year-olds
2:30–3:15 p.m. Loru's games – activity session for over 1-year-olds - Family centers have activities
- Family Center Neighbor (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) – weekly program available on the center's Facebook page.
- Family Center Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) – weekly program available on the center's Facebook page. - MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0–12. Learn more on the center's website!
- Find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips via this link.
Library events on Thursday
- Helmet library events for children on Thursday can be found on Helmet's event page.
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024
Events and activity tips
- Bravo! Festival March 15–24, 2024.
- In the Shadow of Play spring exhibition at Malmitalo from March 18–April 7, 2024. Free admission.
- Skidimarket opens its doors again at Hakaniemi Market Hall, 2nd floor! The event is part of Hakiksen Surina event.
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days on Pienten Helsinki!
- Vantaa: Little Art Mornings: Forest Story Time at Children's Cultural Center Pessi (Tikkurila) on Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Free admission.
- Albertin Living Room is open on Fridays from 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
- MLL Pasila Family Coffee at Tripla shopping center Focus space on Fridays from 10 a.m.–noon.
- University of Helsinki Observatory at Tähtitorninmäki is open on Friday from noon–4 p.m. Museum admission fee applies.
- Tuusula: Ski Week in Tuusula March 18–24, 2024
Playgrounds on Friday
- Playgrounds: Playground indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays, mostly from 9 a.m.–noon; afternoons are reserved for school-age children. For more details, visit individual playgrounds' websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in Helsinki's city event calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- At Loru Playground on Friday:
10:30–11 a.m. Loru's songs – song session for all ages
1–1:30 p.m. Loru's songs – song session for all ages
3–3:30 p.m. Loru's magic – session with varying theme containing play, movement, and stories for over 2-year-olds - Family centers have activities
- Family Center Neighbor (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) – weekly program available on the center's Facebook page.
- Family Center Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) – weekly program available on the center's Facebook page. - MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0–12. Learn more on the center's website!
- Find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips via this link.
Library events on Friday
- Helmet library events for children on Friday can be found on Helmet's event page.
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024
Events and activity tips
- Helmet library events for children on Saturday can be found on Helmet's event page.
- Bravo! Festival March 15–24, 2024.
- In the Shadow of Play spring exhibition at Malmitalo from March 18–April 7, 2024. Free admission.
- Sports Fun at Maunula Sports Hall on Saturday from 9–10:30 a.m. Sports Fun offers children under 9 and their families an opportunity to move around in various ways and have fun. You can arrive on your own schedule. Admission fee for adults 3.50 €, others 2 €, free for children under 9.
- Virvo Varvo Easter event at Maunula House on Saturday from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission, bring your own branch!
- Skidimarket opens its doors again at Hakaniemi Market Hall, 2nd floor! The event is part of Hakiksen Surina event.
- Want to go ice skating? Find public skating times in Helsinki and the metro area in Pienten Helsinki's article.
- Opera and Ballet Open House Day on Saturday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission.
- Children's Medicine Day at Heureka on Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Science center admission fee applies.
- In Swedish! Do I Dare? – Dramatized Concert for children aged 0–7 at Theatre Museum in Kaapelitehdas on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Tickets 15 € / 5 €.
- Willow Switch Workshop at Tapanil Village Hall on Saturday from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission, bring your own branches!
- Northwest Helsinki Music School Open House at Lassila on Saturday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission.
- University of Helsinki Observatory at Tähtitorninmäki is open on Saturday from noon–4 p.m. Museum admission fee applies.
- At Vapaakaupunki's Living Room in Redi, grass is sprouted on Saturday from 1–3 p.m. Free admission.
- Music Story Time with Kiki's Messenger Service at Central Library Oodi on Saturday at 2 p.m. Free admission.
- Looking for the Lost Cross – Children's Concert at Myllypuro Church on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets 5 € – 20 €.
- Espoo: Aurora's Spring Pranks at Children's Cultural Center Aurora on Saturday from 2–5 p.m. Partially paid.
- Tuusula: Ski Week in Tuusula March 18–24, 2024
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2024
Palm Sunday, willow switches and candy...
Events and activity tips
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days on Pienten Helsinki!
- In the Shadow of Play spring exhibition at Malmitalo from March 18–April 7, 2024. Free admission.
- Bravo! Festival March 15–24, 2024.
- Family Fun at Tapuli Sports Center's gymnastics space on Sundays from 9–11 a.m. Tickets 5 €/family (payment in cash, card, or MobilePay on site).
- Sports Fun at Sports Mill (Jauhokuja 3) in Myllypuro on Sunday from 9–10:45 a.m.
Sports Fun offers children under 9 and their families an opportunity to move around in various ways and have fun. You can arrive on your own schedule; stroller space is available in the lobby and you should pack your own lock for lockers. Admission fee for adults 3.50 €, others 2 €, free for children under 9.
- Fire Museum at the Erottaja rescue station is open on Sundays from noon–4 p.m. Small admission fee.
- Kerava: Sinka Children's Sunday at Sinka Art and Museum Center in Kerava on Sunday from noon–4 p.m. Museum admission fee applies.
- The Little Mermaid Ice Show at Helsinki Ice Hall on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tickets 16 € / 24 €.
- In Swedish! Do I Dare? – Dramatized Concert for children aged 0–7 at Theatre Museum in Luckan (Yrjönkatu 27) on Sunday at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets 15 € / 5 €.
- Tuusula: Ski Week in Tuusula March 18–24, 2024
Remember also:
Pienten Suomi – over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!

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