Pienten Helsinki
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 ideas and tips on child-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
The article's cover photo is from in front of the Music House, where there is a small Instrument Park open to everyone.
Exhibition Tips With Children
- Museum tips with children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
- The Natural History Museum's "Celebrations in the Forest" exhibition celebrates the museum's centennial history and is great for visiting with children.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
Events and Activity Ideas
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
- Kolibrí Festival September 16–30, 2023.
- Dance and play workshops at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) in the Maissi space on Mondays. Toddlers (1–3 years) dance with their own adult at 9:15 a.m. and children in the play-age group (3–5 years) at 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 instruction whenever it suits you—for all sessions or just some of them. Choose a time that works for you and arrive on time. No advance registration required; spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Up to 12 people can attend. Free admission.
- Albert's Living Room is open on Mondays from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. (International Monday).
- The Wonderful Painter performance at Mustakivi playground on Monday at 10:15 a.m. Free admission. For more information, check the Wonderful_Painter_Performance Instagram account.
- Family Hubbub offers young children and their parents a space to move together independently and free of charge. Family Hubbub sessions are held on Mondays at:
- Family Hubbub at Tapanila Primary School (Veljestenpiha 2) on Mondays from 5–6:30 p.m. from October 2–December 11, 2023 (not during week 42).
- International Grand Markets at Senate Square, September 21 – October 1, 2023.
Activities at Playgrounds on Monday
- Playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular schedules. The indoor spaces of playgrounds are open to families on weekdays, mostly from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; afternoons are reserved for school-age children. For more detailed information, check the playgrounds' and family centers' own websites. Playgrounds share their programs in Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Monday:
- 10:30–11:00 Loru on the Move – movement session for children over 2 years old
- 1:00–1:30 p.m. Cuckoo-Roo – baby session for children under 1 year old
- 3:00–3:30 p.m. Cuckoo-Roo – baby session for children under 1 year old
- You can find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips through this link.
Library Events on Monday
- Helmet Library children's events for Monday can be found on Helmet's event page.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
Events and Activity Ideas
- Kolibrí Festival September 16–30, 2023.
- MLL Myllypuro and Metropolia's HyMy Village Family Café at Metropolia premises in Myllypuro (next to the metro station) on Tuesdays from 9–11 a.m. There's also a rotating program for families at each session. Free admission.
- Health Clinic Park on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. in the lower lobby of Kamppi Family Center. Free admission.
- The Wonderful Painter performance at Orava playground (Herttoniemi) on Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. Free admission. For more information, check the Wonderful_Painter_Performance Instagram account.
- Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays from 12–7 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. The workshops are suitable for children 1.5–3 years old with their own adult. No advance registration required, free admission. You can attend the workshops for the whole session or just for a short time at each visit.
- Albert's Living Room's evening café is open on Tuesdays from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
- Family Hubbub offers young children and their parents a space to move together independently and free of charge. Family Hubbub sessions are held on Tuesdays at:
- Ballmill Indoor Hall at Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9) on Tuesdays from 9:30–11:30 a.m. and from 4–6 p.m. from September 5–December 12, 2023 (not during weeks 41 and 42).
- Käpylä Primary School (Mäkelänkatu 89) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30 p.m. from September 5–December 12, 2023 (not during week 42).
- Sakarinmäki Primary School (Knutersintie 924) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30 p.m. from September 5–November 28, 2023 (not during week 42).
- Vuosaari Meridalen Primary School (Jaluspolku 3) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30 p.m. (not during week 42).
- International Grand Markets at Senate Square, September 21 – October 1, 2023.
Activities at Playgrounds on Tuesday
- Playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular schedules. The indoor spaces of playgrounds are open to families on weekdays, mostly from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; afternoons are reserved for school-age children. For more detailed information, check the playgrounds' and family centers' own websites. Playgrounds share their programs in Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Tuesday:
- 11:00–11:30 a.m. Stroller Exercises, Oodi Courtyard
- 3:00–3:30 p.m. Loru's Songs – singing session for all ages
- You can find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips through this link.
Library Events on Tuesday
- Helmet Library children's events for Tuesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
Events and Activity Ideas
- Kolibrí Festival September 16–30, 2023.
- Albert's Living Room is open on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Wednesday Frolics at Ankkuri Community House in Herttoniemenranta on Wednesday from 10–11 a.m. Free admission.
- Art Clinic: Afternoon Tea and Nighttime Animals. Art Clinic at Annantalo for ages 3–5 (Annankatu 30) on Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The family's younger children, babies and toddlers, can also participate in experiencing the Art Clinic atmosphere. NOTE! Advance registration is required for Annantalo's Art Clinic this fall! Free admission.
- Vantaa: Happiness is Being exhibition and play space are open at Pessi Children's Culture Center from Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission.
- Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday from 12–7 p.m. Small admission fee.
- Family Hubbub offers young children and their parents a space to move together independently and free of charge. Family Hubbub sessions are held on Wednesdays at:
- Kurkimäki Courtyard House (Karpalokuja 7) on Wednesdays from 9:30–11 a.m. from September 6–November 29, 2023 (not during week 42).
- Kannelmäki Primary School (Runonlaulajantie 40) on Wednesdays from 5–6 p.m. from September 6–December 13, 2023 (not during weeks 42 and 49).
- International Grand Markets at Senate Square, September 21 – October 1, 2023.
Activities at Playgrounds on Wednesday
- Playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular schedules. The indoor spaces of playgrounds are open to families on weekdays, mostly from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; afternoons are reserved for school-age children. For more detailed information, check the playgrounds' and family centers' own websites. Playgrounds share their programs in Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Wednesday:
- 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Loru Creates – crafting for all ages
- 2–3:30 p.m. Loru Creates – crafting for all ages
- You can find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips through this link.
Library Events on Wednesday
- Helmet Library children's events for Wednesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
Pienten Suomi - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
Events and Activity Ideas
- Kolibrí Festival September 16–30, 2023.
- Albert's 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.–12 p.m. The workshops are suitable for children 1.5–3 years old with their own adult. No advance registration required, free admission. You can attend the workshops for the whole session or just for a short time at each visit.
- Vantaa: Happiness is Being exhibition and play space are open at Pessi Children's Culture Center from Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission.
- Helsinki City Orchestra: Carrot on the Loose concert at the Music House on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Tickets €4–€21.
- Family Hubbub offers young children and their parents a space to move together independently and free of charge. Family Hubbub sessions are held on Thursdays at:
- Tali Sports Park Soccer Hall (Purotie 8) on Thursdays from 9:30–11 a.m. from September 21–December 14, 2023 (not during week 42).
- Kamppi Sports Center (Malminkatu 3) on Thursdays from 5–6:30 p.m. from September 7–December 14, 2023 (not during week 42).
- Malminkartano Primary School (Puustellintie 6) on Thursdays from 5–6:30 p.m. from September 7–December 14, 2023 (not during weeks 42 and 44).
- Pukinmäki Arc Primary School (Kenttäkuja 12) on Thursdays from 5–6:30 p.m. from September 7–December 14, 2023 (not during week 42).
- Porolahti Primary School (Roihuvuorentie 2) on Thursdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m. from September 7–December 14, 2023 (not during week 42).
- Reflektor light, sound and video art festival in Vantaa's Martinlaakso from Thursday to Sunday from 6–10 p.m. Free admission.
- International Grand Markets at Senate Square, September 21 – October 1, 2023.
Activities at Playgrounds on Thursday
- Playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular schedules. The indoor spaces of playgrounds are open to families on weekdays, mostly from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; afternoons are reserved for school-age children. For more detailed information, check the playgrounds' and family centers' own websites. Playgrounds share their programs in Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Thursday:
- 11:00–11:30 a.m. Move With Your Baby
- 3:00–3:30 p.m. Loru on the Move – movement session for children over 1 year old
- You can find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips through this link.
Library Events on Thursday
- Helmet Library children's events for Thursday can be found on Helmet's event page.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023
Baby's Day
Events and Activity Ideas
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
- Kolibrí Festival September 16–30, 2023.
- Baby's Day programming is being held at playgrounds, libraries, and cultural centers, among other places.
- Baby's Day programming at Vuotalo on Friday at 10 a.m.
- Espoo: Baby's Day Pikkuriikis Hide-and-Seek Sensory Space at Aurora Children's Culture Center on Friday from 12–3 p.m.
- Baby's Day main event at the Music House on Friday from 12–4:30 p.m. Free admission.
- Espoo: Espoo Cultural Centers' Children's Weekend from Friday to Sunday! LOTS of programming for various ages throughout Espoo.
- Albert's Living Room is open on Fridays from 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
- MLL Pasila Family Café on Fridays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Tripla Shopping Center's Fokus Space.
- Vantaa: Happiness is Being exhibition and play space are open at Pessi Children's Culture Center from Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission.
- Researchers' Night at the Observatory on Friday from 5–8 p.m. Free admission.
- Reflektor light, sound and video art festival in Vantaa's Martinlaakso from Thursday to Sunday from 6–10 p.m. Free admission.
- International Grand Markets at Senate Square, September 21 – October 1, 2023.
Activities at Playgrounds on Friday
- Playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular schedules. The indoor spaces of playgrounds are open to families on weekdays, mostly from 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; afternoons are reserved for school-age children. For more detailed information, check the playgrounds' and family centers' own websites. Playgrounds share their programs in Helsinki's event calendar and on the playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Friday:
- 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. In Loru's Warmth - baby session for children under 1 year old
- 3:00–3:30 p.m. In Loru's Warmth - baby session for children under 1 year old
- You can find all of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips through this link.
Library Events on Friday
- Environmental Adventure at Oodi from Friday to Sunday.
- Helmet Library children's events for Friday can be found on Helmet's event page.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
Events and Activity Ideas
Commercial partnership
Pii Poo's LEGO Building Event at Helsinki's Messukeskus on Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets at the door: €16 per person (wristband valid for 2 days), €48 per family (2 adults + all children in the family, wristband valid for 2 days). Children under 3 free of charge.
More affordable advance tickets are on sale until Friday, September 29 at 11:30 p.m.
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- On Finnish Museum Association's 100th Anniversary Celebration Day, Saturday features "Behind the Museum Scenes" themed programming at various museums.
- Free Activities for Children in Helsinki article offers tips on free opportunities in Helsinki!
- Helmet Library children's events for Saturday can be found on Helmet's event page.
- Environmental Adventure at Oodi from Friday to Sunday.
- Espoo: Espoo Cultural Centers' Children's Weekend from Friday to Sunday! LOTS of programming for various ages throughout Espoo.
- Espoo: Children's Bird Watching Walk to Espoo's Laajalaht on Saturday from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Meeting at 10 a.m. at Villa Elfvik Nature House (Elfvikintie 4).
- Vantaa: TottaTarua - children's book festival at Pointi Library on Saturday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission.
- Espoo: Little Wonderful World - miniature model exhibition at Otahalli on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets €10 / €5.
- Making Art Stuff: The Choreographic Machine art workshops for ages 6–10 with your own adult at Annantalo on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. NOTE! Advance registration is required for Annantalo's art workshops this fall! Free admission.
- Kolibrí Festival September 16–30, 2023.
- Kolibrí Children's Festival Family Day at Malmitalo on Saturday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission.
- Children's Saturday at the Comic Center (Herttoniemenranta) from 12–3 p.m. Free admission.
- Ella & Helmi stage show (+ meet & greet on Saturday) at Forum Shopping Center on Saturday and
Sunday at 2 p.m.
- International Grand Markets at Senate Square, September 21 – October 1, 2023.
- Reflektor light, sound and video art festival in Vantaa's Martinlaakso from Thursday to Sunday from 6–10 p.m. Free admission.
- Secrets of Helsinki article reveals little and big secrets about Helsinki!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2023
Events and Activity Ideas
Commercial partnership
Pii Poo's LEGO Building Event at Helsinki's Messukeskus on Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets at the door: €16 per person (wristband valid for 2 days), €48 per family (2 adults + all children in the family, wristband valid for 2 days). Children under 3 free of charge.
More affordable advance tickets are on sale until Friday, September 29 at 11:30 p.m.
- What should we do today? Check out tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
- Helmet Library children's events for Sunday can be found on Helmet's event page.
- Sport Hubbub at Liikuntamylly (Jauhokuja 3) in Myllypuro on Sunday from 9–10:45 a.m.
Sport Hubbub offers children under 9 and their families a chance to move in many ways and have fun. You can arrive whenever you like; there's plenty of room for strollers in the lobby, and it's good to bring your own lock for the locker. Admission fee for adults €3.50, others €2, free for children under 9.
- Helsinki Herring Markets at Market Square, October 1–7. Free admission.
- Environmental Adventure at Oodi from Friday to Sunday.
- Family Hustle at Tapuli Sports Center on Sunday from 9–11 a.m. Admission fee €5 per family.
- Winter Garden celebrates its 130th birthday on Sunday, and in honor of the celebration, the garden will be open from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The program includes musical performances. Free admission.
- Espoo: Espoo Cultural Centers' Children's Weekend from Friday to Sunday! LOTS of programming for various ages throughout Espoo.
- MLL Haaga's 100th Birthday Celebration at Isonneva Playground on Sunday from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission.
- Espoo: Little Wonderful World - miniature model exhibition at Otahalli on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets €10 / €5.
- Espoo: Badger's Forest Story Time at Villa Elfvik on Sunday at 11 a.m. Free admission.
- Ella & Helmi stage show (+ meet & greet on Saturday) at Forum Shopping Center on Saturday and
Sunday at 2 p.m.
- International Grand Markets at Senate Square, September 21 – October 1, 2023.
- Reflektor light, sound and video art festival in Vantaa's Martinlaakso from Thursday to Sunday from 6–10 p.m. Free admission.
- Secrets of Helsinki article reveals little and big secrets about Helsinki!
Also remember:
Pienten Suomi - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
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