Pienten Helsinki
What kid-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and suggests child-friendly events in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website is aimed at families with pre-school-age children.
Embark on a cultural trip that lasts the whole spring and read Little Helsinki's and Helsinki's cultural centers' collaborative articles: Culture around the city and Highlights from cultural centers' programs. #culturaltrip
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New in Little Helsinki: Theater with children and Children's secondhand markets in the capital area articles have been updated!
Article cover image: Coming very soon, a new Family City Trail that takes you on an adventure to Kruunuvuorenranta and a mysterious lake!
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020
Events at libraries
Story time sessions and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Monday can be found at Helmet-event calendar.
Central Library Oodi's events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own communication channels. You can browse Monday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Lounge is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Mondays 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
MLL's Dad Cafe at Iso-Antinleikkipuisto playground Mondays at 10 a.m.
Espoo: Minimenopelit toddler theater performance Monday at 10 a.m. Tickets 12 € (adult + child). Ticket reservations: lelumuseo[a]hevosenkenka.fi or 050-5900137
Puppet theater music class at Sampo's foyer gallery Monday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Paid (8€/time or 80€/whole season).
Art Clinic for 3-6-year-olds at Annantalo Monday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You can participate in the Art Clinic weekly or just occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No advance registration required. Read more about Art Clinic activities on Annantalo's website.
Museums open on Mondays include Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex (admission fee), Tram Museum, and Päivälehti Museum.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020
Events at libraries
Story time sessions and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi's events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own communication channels. You can browse Tuesday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Vantaa: Everyone Sings in Their Own Way! concert at Culture Factory Vernissa Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. Loiskis trio welcomes Hannele Huovi and Soili Perkiö as guests. Tickets 6 €.
Family ball games at Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move on a soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running, or even learning to walk. Family ball games Tuesdays 9:30–11:30 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. Morning ball games have free admission for everyone, afternoon games cost adults Pallomylly's entry fee (3.50 €). Really easy and low-threshold exercise for the family's little ones!
Espoo: Generation to Generation - music session for grandparents and grandchildren at Espoo Cultural Center's foyer hall Tuesday at 10 a.m. Free admission.
Kindergarten Museum is open Tuesdays 12–7 p.m. Small admission fee.
Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops at Caisa Cultural Center Tuesdays 1:30–3:30 p.m. The workshops are suitable for 1.5–3-year-old children with a guardian. You can drop in or stay longer. No advance registration required, free admission.
Children's concert: Maltti & Valtti and the Helsinki Police Band on a great treasure hunt
at Savoy Theater Tuesday at 6 p.m. Tickets 13 €.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020
Events at libraries
Story time sessions and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi's events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Tip for babies and parents: BabyKino at Kallio Library. You can go to movies with your baby on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. BabyKino's own group on Facebook can be found here, where the week's movie is published and voting takes place for upcoming programs, for example. More information is also available on BabyKino's Facebook page.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own communication channels. You can browse Wednesday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Lounge is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears performance at Puppet Theater Sampo Wednesday at 10 a.m. Tickets 12 €. Performance suitable for all ages.
Fallkullan farm animals is open Wednesdays 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open Wednesdays 12–4 p.m. Admission fee 2 €, under 15-year-olds free. More information on the museum's website.
Kindergarten Museum is open Wednesdays 12–7 p.m. Small admission fee.
Premiere: Collegium & KATVE [blind spot]: A Bird Called Agata a contemporary dance and baroque music performance for children at Kanneltalo Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tickets 6 €.
Kino Helios: Dog Days (K7) film at Malmitalo Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tickets 7 €. More information on Malmitalo's website.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020
Events at libraries
Story time sessions and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi's events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own communication channels. You can browse Thursday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Lounge is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Thursdays 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops at Caisa Cultural Center Thursdays 10 a.m.–12 p.m. The workshops are suitable for 1.5–3-year-old children with a guardian. You can drop in or stay longer. No advance registration required, free admission.
Visual art adventure for children and adults at Kannelmäki Youth Center's Art Studio Thursday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission to the North Helsinki Art School's art course. The recommended age for children is 3–6 years and you can participate for just one session or multiple sessions.
Espoo: Toddler Thursday at Ainoa shopping center Thursday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Fallkullan farm animals is open Thursdays 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission.
Snow Queen Days at Winter Garden Thursday to Sunday, March 5-8, 2020. Snow Queen Days are organized by the Finnish Orchid Society. Free admission. Find more detailed opening hours from the link.
Family ball games at Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move on a soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running, or even learning to walk. Family ball games Thursdays 4–5 p.m. Free admission for children, adults pay Pallomylly's entry fee (3.50 €). Really easy and low-threshold exercise for the family's little ones!
Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway on the 2nd floor of Ainoa shopping center Thursday 4–7 p.m. Voluntary admission. More information on the Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' website.
Family Fun Night at Porolahti Elementary School Thursdays at 5 p.m. Free admission. More information on the event's Facebook page.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020
Events at libraries
Story time sessions and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi's events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events at playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar in addition to the playgrounds' own communication channels. You can browse Friday's events here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Lounge is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Fridays 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Napero Cinema special screening at Annantalo's celebration hall Friday at 10 a.m. Age recommendation: 0–3 years with an adult, older children also welcome. Movies have free admission.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears performance at Puppet Theater Sampo Friday at 10 a.m. Tickets 12 €. Performance suitable for all ages.
Friday with Children at Alppila Church Fridays 10 a.m.–12 p.m. The full program for the season can be found on the event's Facebook page.
Fallkullan farm animals is open Fridays 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission.
Snow Queen Days at Winter Garden Thursday to Sunday, March 5-8, 2020. Snow Queen Days are organized by the Finnish Orchid Society. Free admission. Find more detailed opening hours from the link.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2020
Children's Theater Day
Events at libraries
Story time sessions and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Saturday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Central Library Oodi's events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Events and activity tips
Family Fun Time at Maunula Sports Hall Saturday mornings 9–10:30 a.m. Entry fee for adults 3.50 €, children under 9 play for free. You can arrive whenever you want, and there's plenty of room for strollers in the hall. Remember to bring your own lock for the locker. Read more in Little Helsinki's Helsinki Moving Tips article.
Skating school from toddlers to seniors at Kontula Skateboard Hall, also known as Luuppi Skate, Saturday 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Course fee. More information, registrations, and course times on Helride's website.
Whole Family Fun Day at Sirius Steiner Kindergarten (Ruskeasuo) Saturday 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Instrument Rally: Sound Instrument Presentation Event at Pop & Jazz Conservatory Saturday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission.
Vantaa: Forest Troll Family Day at Bisan Cabin Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Aimed at 5–7-year-olds, but children of all ages and their families are warmly welcome.
Espoo: Megamuskari at Children's Culture Center Aurora Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets from 5 €.
Espoo: Family Day at Oittaa Outdoor Area Saturday 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Oittaa also recently got a small sledding hill renovated on Friday and a short children's skiing trail for skiing.
In Swedish: The Children's Festival - fun and culture for all children at Arbis in Etu-Töölö Saturday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
North Helsinki Music Institute's instrument presentation at Malmitalo Saturday 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission.
Loviisa: Whole Family Winter Event at Strömfors Mill 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission.
Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway on the 2nd floor of Ainoa shopping center Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Voluntary admission. More information on the Alpine Railway Enthusiasts' website.
Snow Queen Days at Winter Garden Thursday to Sunday, March 5-8, 2020. Snow Queen Days are organized by the Finnish Orchid Society. Free admission. Find more detailed opening hours from the link.
Vantaa: Group Hau's Sampa and Vainu meet-up at Myyrmanni shopping center Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Collegium & KATVE [blind spot]: A Bird Called Agata a contemporary dance and baroque music performance for children at Kanneltalo Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets 6 €.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears performance at Puppet Theater Sampo Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets 12 €. Performance suitable for all ages.
ToPo Toddler Club at Munkkiniemi Combined School Saturday 2:30–4 p.m. In the event open to everyone, there will be activities, games, obstacle courses, and ball games.
Espoo: Children's Voices Heard Concert at Espoo Cultural Center (Tapiola) Saturday at 4 p.m. 8 €/ 15 €.
Helsinki Places article is a lifesaver on boring days with kids!
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2020
Events and activity tips
Central Library Oodi's events can be found in Oodi's own calendar.
Family Fun Time at Liikuntamylly in Myllypuro Sunday mornings 9–10:45 a.m. Entry fee for adults 3.50 €, children under 9 play for free. You can arrive whenever you want, and there's plenty of room for strollers in the hall. Remember to bring your own lock for the locker. Read more in Little Helsinki's Helsinki Moving Tips article.
March Carnival at Arabianhelmi Kindergarten (Arabianranta) Sunday 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Children's Theater Festival at Laajasalo VPK's premises Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Tickets 2 €. Festival performances are recommended for ages 3 and up.
Fallkullan farm animals is open Sundays 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission.
March Carnival at Puotila Manor Sunday 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Snow Queen Days at Winter Garden Thursday to Sunday, March 5-8, 2020. Snow Queen Days are organized by the Finnish Orchid Society. Free admission. Find more detailed opening hours from the link.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open Sundays 12–4 p.m. Admission fee 2 €, under 15-year-olds free. More information on the museum's website.
Sunday Meeting: Crocheted Coral Reef - a whole family crochet workshop at Annantalo Sunday 1–3 p.m. Free admission, workshop suitable for all ages.
Children's clothing exchange event at Kumpula Village Hall Sunday 1–3 p.m.
Tavastia Children's Concerts: Eino and Aapeli + TT at Tavastia Club Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets 14€–18 €.
Espoo: Mimmit: Musapatti Concert at Espoo Cultural Center (Tapiola) Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets from 12 €.
Evening story time session at Central Library Oodi Sunday at 5 p.m.
Also remember
Exhibition: Forest of the Elves - photos from Helsinki's Central Park at Maunula Hall from February 9 to March 5, 2020. Free admission.
Exhibition: Object as a Painting Base exhibition in Annantalo's second floor glass end from February 6 to March 8, 2020, during Annantalo's opening hours.
Exhibition: Everyone at Home - exhibition about the diversity of everyday life and families at Annantalo's art gallery from February 6 to May 14, 2020, during Annantalo's opening hours.
Go ice skating at least at several of the city's ice rinks. There is a small entry fee to the ice rinks. Read more about entry fees and opening times on the City of Helsinki's website.
Laajasalo Sports Park (free) and Jätkäsaari next to Verkkokauppa.com has a new ice rink, where there are no reserved times, only stick times separately. Also at Ice Park at Rautatientori and Tapiola Ice Garden (free admission to the Ice Garden, as it is to all Espoo ice rinks) you can skate.
Current ice conditions can be found at ulkoliikunta.fi service (change the activity to skating).
Helsinki Places article is a lifesaver on boring days with kids!
Little Helsinki as an app on your phone!
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