Where to go in week 48

Updated 30.11.2017

What activities suitable for children can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki’s weekly series searches for 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 their families.

In the Where to go tips, November turns into December and CHRISTMAS themed events are becoming more and more abundant. The first Christmas route takes you into a festive atmosphere on Sunday in Vuosaari, St. Thomas’s Market takes over Senate Square, and the Fortification Hill route in Suomenlinna offers adventures. The giant soap bubble group Ruffle Army’s amazing soap bubble shows can be seen on Friday and Saturday in Esplanade Park. Read the tips for the week and explore Helsinki! Also see tips for Independence Day and Finland 100 events.

Also remember Little Helsinki’s upcoming events list. Christmas season events have now been added to the list. Also Little Helsinki’s Christmas markets list is being updated, check out tips for the most festive Christmas markets or nearby school Christmas events.

[caption id=“attachment_2157” align=“aligncenter” width=“1136”] Little Helsinki also lists Christmas season markets and fairs. Photo from Malmgård, Loviisa, where Christmas markets are held 9.-10.12.2017.[/caption]

Do you know about children’s and family services in your neighborhood and, for example, the schedules of parent-child groups? Help Little Helsinki create a comprehensive listing of family services in different neighborhoods of Helsinki. Read more about the challenge and help make Helsinki an even more child-friendly city. Information will not be used for commercial purposes. Thank you very much to those who have already been in touch!

MONDAY 27.11.2017

Events:

Story time at Puistola Library at 10 a.m.

Toddler session at Maunula Library story room at 9:30 a.m.

FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Kontula Library at 10 a.m. FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Maunula Library story room at 10:30 a.m.

Art clinic at Malmitalo, this week’s theme is graphic design. The art clinic is designed for 3-6 year-olds in home care. Entry is free. The art clinic starts at 10 a.m. and can accommodate 20 children. Read more from Malmitalo’s website.

Movie tip: Heinähattu, Vilttitossu and the Rubens Brothers had its premiere on Friday 24.11.2017. The film is suitable for all ages and works excellently as a first film experience. Read more from the production company’s website and watch the film trailer.

TUESDAY 28.11.2017

Events: Story time at Malmi Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Viiki Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Herttoniemi Library at 9:45 a.m. Story time at Kannelmäki Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Northern Haaga Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Töölö Library club room at 10:15 a.m.

CHRISTMAS: Christmas crafts at Laajasalo Library 2–4 p.m. CHRISTMAS: Christmas card workshop at Kannelmäki Library 2–7 p.m.

Story massage at Töölö Library at 6 p.m. Reading dog at Töölö Library at 6 p.m.

Family ball play at Pallomill’s indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. During family ball play, all children under 9 move with their own adult on a soft artificial turf. Free play, tricks, running or even walking practice. Family ball play on Tuesdays 9:30–11:30 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. Morning ball play is free for everyone, afternoon ball play costs adults Pallomill’s admission fee (3.50 €).

CHRISTMAS: The eagerly awaited Elves as Shoemakers performance returns to City Theater’s repertoire, aimed at the smallest family members. Tuesday’s performance starts at 10 a.m. Tickets 10 €. Read more from City Theater’s website. Performances from November through December, also on weekdays.

Tip to Espoo: FOR BABIES: The VauvaVau performance can be seen at Sellosaali on Tuesday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 p.m. Read more from Sellosaali’s website.

TIP: Theater with children? Little Helsinki’s theater tips have been updated!

WEDNESDAY 29.11.2017

Events:

Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Kontula Library at 9:30 a.m. In Swedish: Story hour in Swedish at Degerö Library at 9:45 a.m. Story time at Oulunkylä Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Lauttasaari Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Käpylä Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Pukinmäki Library at 10:15 a.m.

Song session led by Terttu Paiia at Tapioli city library at 10 a.m. Read more from the library’s website.

Christmas songs at Herttoniemi Library at 6 p.m.

FOR BABIES and parents: BabyKino at Töölö Library at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Read more about BabyKino from the library’s website.

Heinähattu, Vilttitossu and the Rubens Brothers at Cinema Helios at Malmitalo on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tickets 6 €. The film is suitable for all ages and works well as a first film experience.

TIP: Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday 12–6 p.m. Read more about the Kindergarten Museum from its own website.

THURSDAY 30.11.2017

Events:

Story time at Laajasalo Library at 9:45 a.m. Story time at Vallila Library at 6 p.m.

Mauka and Väykä’s Journey performance can be seen at Maunulatalon Metsäpuro hall at 10 a.m. A performance suitable for children over 3 years old, an interactive adventure where children can participate. You can reserve a place in advance at lauri.seutu(at)hel.fi. Free entry.

City Festival Orchestra at Pasila Library on Thursday at 5 p.m.

Family ball play at Pallomill’s indoor hall at Myllypuro sports park. During family ball play, all children under 9 move with their own adult on a soft artificial turf. Free play, tricks, running or even walking practice. Family ball play on Thursdays 4–5 p.m. Free for children, adults pay Pallomill’s admission fee (3.50 €).

Muksukino films take over Myllypuro media library and Mylläri community hall on Thursdays at 10 a.m. This week’s film is Moomin World. Read more about Muksukino from the library’s website.

City Theater’s eagerly awaited Elves as Shoemakers performance returns to the repertoire, aimed at the smallest family members. Thursday’s performance starts at 10 a.m. Tickets 10 €. Read more from City Theater’s website. Performances from November through December, also on weekdays.

Puppet theater concert Christmas Comes a-Caroling at Puppet Theater Sampo on Thursday at 6 p.m. Suitable for all ages. Tickets 11 €. Read more from the puppet theater’s website.

Tip to Espoo: Sointi Jazz Orchestra and singer Aili Ikonen’s Jörö Jukka concert at Espoo Cultural Center (Tapiola) at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets for the morning concert start at 6.50 € and for the evening concert at 13 €. Read more about the concert from the cultural center’s website.

Tip to Vantaa: In Vantaa at Tikkurila Library Singing Together with Children event on Thursday at 10 a.m. You can also bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Read more about this fun sing-along moment from the library’s website.

Tip to Vantaa: CHRISTMAS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS: Taidetalo Pessi’s Little Elves Christmas party at 9:30–11 a.m., with crafts and singing. Explore Taidetalo Pessi’s program.

TIP: Want to move with children? In Helsinki you can ice skate on artificial ice and attend public skating hours at ice halls, cross-country ski at ski halls, and play at local sports facilities. Read Little Helsinki’s tips for low-threshold sports activities with children!

FRIDAY 1.12.2017

Story hour at Roihuvuori Library at 9:45 a.m.

Toddler session at Malmi Library at 10 a.m.

FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at South Haaga Library at 10 a.m. FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Malmi Library at 11 a.m.

Annantalo’s Naperokino continues, offering little ones (0-3 years) their own cinema. Short films can be watched on Fridays throughout the fall at 10 a.m.–12 p.m. This time the theme is adventure, trips, and journeys. Read more about Naperokino from Annantalo’s website.

Annantalo’s Christmas calendar opens its first window on Friday and you can follow the calendar until Christmas Eve. Every day a window opens in the park’s small house, revealing surprises created by Annantalo’s students. Read more about the Christmas calendar from Annantalo’s website.

Puppet theater concert Christmas Comes a-Caroling at Puppet Theater Sampo on Friday at 10 a.m. Suitable for all ages. Tickets 11 €. Read more from the puppet theater’s website.

Forest Festivals at the Workers’ Education Association Study Center on Friday and Saturday 1–2.12.2017. Diverse programs for all ages, including children. Read more from the Workers’ Education Association’s website.

Giant soap bubble group Ruffle Army conjures multi-meter bubbles in Esplanade Park on Friday 1.12. at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.

SATURDAY 2.12.2017

Events:

Story time at Vuosaari Library at 10:30 a.m. Story time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11 a.m.

Sports games at Maunula sports hall on Saturdays 9–10:30 a.m. Read more from Helsinki Sports website and Little Helsinki’s children’s sports article.

CHRISTMAS: The Fortress Elf Route opens in Suomenlinna. You can explore the self-guided route until Candlemas. Also remember the paid Fortress Elf Karl’s Tours.

CHRISTMAS: St. Thomas’s Market opens at Senate Square and, as in previous years, visitors can enjoy a beautiful old carousel ride for free. This year the square also features a performance stage with diverse entertainment for the whole family. St. Thomas’s Market continues until 22.12.2017. Read more from the market’s website.

CHRISTMAS: Model railroad exhibition at VR headquarters on Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tickets 4 €, children 2, family ticket 8 €. Read more from the Model Railroad Club’s website.

CHRISTMAS: Ornamo Design Christmas - at the concurrent market at Cable Factory on Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., art workshops for children are also held at Merikaapeli Hall’s balcony, where little ones can build imaginative cities with blocks. Workshops operate on a drop-in basis and are free. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.

Beloved fairy tale classic The Happy Prince can be seen as a puppet theater interpretation at National Theater in the large stage lobby on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Performances also in December. Tickets 15 €. The performance is aimed at 2-7 year-olds. Read more from the National Theater’s website.

Megamuskari at Annantalo on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Muskari is suitable for 0-7 year-olds. Tickets starting from 10 € (adult and child). Read more about Megamuskari from Annantalo’s website.

CHRISTMAS: Christmas at Ehrensvärd Museum in Suomenlinna 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Christmas program and attractions for the whole family at museum admission price (2 €/ 5 €/ Museum Card location). Read more from the event’s Facebook page.

City Festival Orchestra at Arabia Center (Arabia Library atrium) at 12 p.m.

CHRISTMAS: Loviisa’s Christmas puppet theater performance at Helsinki City Museum on Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The performance is suitable for children over 4 years old. Free admission. Read more from the city museum’s website.

All Finland Signs - event at the steps of the Cathedral at 1 p.m. Our Country song in sign language. Read more from the Finnish Deaf Association’s website.

Giant soap bubble group Ruffle Army conjures multi-meter bubbles in Esplanade Park on Saturday 2.12. at 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.

CHRISTMAS: Christmas crafts at Tapiola Library 1–3 p.m.

Heinähattu, Vilttitossu and the Rubens Brothers at Cinema Helios at Malmitalo on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets 6 €. The film is suitable for all ages and works well as a first film experience.

Fireworks at Kamppi shopping center on Saturday at 6 p.m. Good viewing spots can be found around Narinkkatori.

Tip to Espoo: Children’s cultural center Pikku-Aurora has this week a Festive Mood Tuning workshop on Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Read more about Saturday’s program from Pikku-Aurora’s website. Also explore Pikku-Aurora’s other children’s events. X

Also in Swedish: CHRISTMAS: Tip to Vantaa: Festive Family Day at Entresse Library 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Read more about the day’s program from the library’s website.

Also in Swedish: CHRISTMAS: Tip to Porvoo: Old Porvoo Christmas opening on Saturday at 3 p.m. Read more from Porvoo city’s website.

[caption id=“attachment_2153” align=“aligncenter” width=“1136”] Charming Old Porvoo invites you.[/caption]

SUNDAY 3.12.2017

Events:

[caption id=“attachment_2151” align=“aligncenter” width=“1136”] Atmosphere from St. Thomas’s Market.[/caption]

CHRISTMAS: Model railroad exhibition at VR headquarters on Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tickets 4 €, children 2, family ticket 8 €. Read more from the Model Railroad Club’s website.

CHRISTMAS: Vuosaari Christmas Route takes over the Uutela area and Kampela café surroundings on Sunday 12–5 p.m. Read more about the Christmas route and other Christmas family events on Little Helsinki’s My Helsinki article. Vuosaari Christmas Route’s Facebook event.

CHRISTMAS: Loviisa’s Christmas puppet theater performance at Helsinki City Museum on Sunday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The performance is suitable for children over 4 years old. Free admission. Read more from the city museum’s website.

Free public skating at Kaisaniemi Park’s Helsinki Ice Challenge arena on Sunday 3.12. 2–6 p.m. Read more from Helsinki Sports Facebook page.

Tip to Espoo: Children’s Independence Day Concert at Sellosaali at 3 p.m. Tickets 6 €/10 €/15 €. Read more from Sellosaali’s website.

Also remember these:

Annantalo's Christmas calendar opens its first window on Friday 1.12.2017 and you can follow the calendar until Christmas Eve. Every day a window opens in the park's small house, revealing surprises created by Annantalo's students. Read more about the Christmas calendar from Annantalo's website.

The Fortress Elf Route opens in Suomenlinna on 2.12.2017. You can explore the self-guided route until Candlemas (7.1.2018). Also remember the paid Fortress Elf Karl’s Tours.

St. Thomas’s Market opens at Senate Square on 2.12. and, as in previous years, visitors can enjoy a beautiful old carousel ride for free. This year the square also features a performance stage with diverse entertainment for the whole family. St. Thomas’s Market continues until 22.12.2017. Read more from the market’s website.

Children’s art exhibition at Kaarta shopping center 20–29.11.2017. The event is part of the Art Friends project. Read more from the Art Friends Facebook page.

Library 10 opens its first children’s own art exhibition. 8-year-old Leo Pesonen has the honor of being the first artist whose creation fills the library’s exhibition space. Leo Pesonen’s exhibition is on display from 13.11–3.12.2017 and can be admired during library hours. The children’s own art exhibition activity is apparently a unique concept in Finland and anyone can have their exhibition. More information about the event and Library 10’s exhibition activities.

FOR PARENTS: The University of Helsinki Museum’s Baby in the Box exhibition illuminates the fascinating history of maternity packages. The exhibition is on display at the University of Helsinki’s Science Corner and the University Museum. Read more from the university’s website.

Annantalo hosts Dream Threads exhibition until mid-December and you can explore it during the building’s opening hours for free. Read more from Annantalo’s website and view the images here. Free admission.

[caption id=“attachment_1876” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”] Dream Threads exhibition at Annantalo.[/caption]