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 tips and recommends child-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
Article cover image: In Malminkartano's apple orchard (address Kartanonkaari 29, entrance is in the middle of the hedges on the park's street-side) the apple trees are now in full bloom.
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What's happening right now
- In Malminkartano's apple orchard (address Kartanonkaari 29, entrance is in the middle of the hedges on the park's street-side) the apple trees are now in full bloom.
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- Did you know that at Children's Traffic City outside operating hours (weekdays 8am-4pm) you can ride around independently, even on your own scooter? The area gates are open and the traffic lights are functioning. And it's free! :)
- Art in the city center! Kim Simonsson's Moss Giants can be found at Lasipalatsi Square and the Bio Rex terrace until October. Impressive, thought-provoking, and delightful for children too.
- Curious Skiddy Game Media Museum and Archive at Merkkiin May 8–October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- Kirsi Kunnas: Poem Lounge - interactive exhibition of poems and stories in Annantalo gallery May 10–August 24, 2024. Open during Annantalo's opening hours. The exhibition is part of Kirsi Kunnas's 100th anniversary celebrations.
- Last week! Espoo: Good to Be - Play Space and Exhibition at Children's Culture Center Aurora. Exhibition open: April 30–May 29, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat May 4, 11, 18, and 25, 10am–2pm and in connection with events. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Experience Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Culture Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5–June 30, 2024. Open Wed–Fri 10am–4pm and at Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
- Last week! Skidimarket is open at Hakaniemi Market Hall, 2nd floor throughout May!
- Museum tips for children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's themed article!
- You can also borrow a museum ticket from the library!
From Viikki Library you can borrow admission tickets to the Natural History Museum: a family ticket (2 adults, 4 children) or a single ticket. The loan period is 7 days. Tickets cannot be reserved in advance.
MONDAY, MAY 27, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- In Malminkartano's apple orchard (address Kartanonkaari 29, entrance is in the middle of the hedges on the park's street-side) the apple trees are now in full bloom.
- Kumpula Outdoor Pool opens its gates to summer on Monday at 6:30am. Small admission fee.
- The Swimming Stadium is already open, as is Leppävaara Outdoor Pool!
- Last week! Skidimarket is open at Hakaniemi Market Hall, 2nd floor throughout May!
- Dance and Play Workshops for toddlers and their parents at Culture Center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) in the Maissi space on Mondays at 9:15am and 10:15am.
The Dance and Play workshop inspires and guides Helsinki parents and children to experience and explore 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 needed; places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Space for 12 people. Free admission.
- Albertin Lounge is open on Mondays 9:30am–2pm (International Monday).
- Linnanmäki Amusement Park turns 74 on Monday! The Poppis ride will offer free rides all day. The amusement park area has free admission.
- For parents: Discussion event on early childhood education culture at Oodi's Maija Hall on Monday at 5pm. Free admission.
What's happening in playgrounds on Monday
- Playgrounds: Playgrounds' indoor spaces are open for families on weekdays mainly 9am-12pm; afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. For more detailed information, check the individual playgrounds' websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Monday:
10:30–11:15am Loru Games - play or movement for over 1-year-olds, Oodi 3rd floor event space
1–1:30pm Kukkuluuruu Baby Time for under 1-year-olds, Oodi 3rd floor event space
3–3:30pm Kukkuluuruu Baby Time for under 1-year-olds, Oodi 3rd floor event space
- What's happening at family centers:
- Family Center Naapuri (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page.
- Family Center Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page.
- MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0–12. Read more on the center's website!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
What's happening in libraries on Monday
- Helmet Library children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, day-specific event linking is no longer possible.)
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Summer Music School at Annantalo's back courtyard on the A stage on Tuesday at 9:30am and 10:40am. Free admission.
- Clinic Café on Tuesdays 9:30am–1:00pm at Kamppi Family Center's lower lobby. Free admission.
- Free Tuesday at the Architecture Museum and Design Museum on Tuesday 11am–8pm.
- Kruunuhaka High School Music Classes Sound! at Espan Lava on Tuesday 12–4pm. Free admission.
- Kindergarten Museum is open on Tuesdays 12–7pm. Small admission fee.
- Art for Toddlers Workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Culture Center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays 1:30–3:30pm. Workshops suit 1.5–3-year-old children with their own adult. No advance registration needed; free admission. You can come for the entire time or just drop in.
- Spring Buzz at Pasila Maistraatintori on Tuesday 5–7pm. Free admission.
What's happening in playgrounds on Tuesday
- Playgrounds: Playgrounds' indoor spaces are open for families on weekdays mainly 9am-12pm; afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. For more detailed information, check the individual playgrounds' websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Tuesday:
11am–11:30am Loru Songs for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor - MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0–12. Read more on the center's website!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
What's happening in libraries on Tuesday
- Helmet Library children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, day-specific event linking is no longer possible.)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Skidimarket at Hakaniemi Market Hall, 2nd floor is urgently looking for staff!
- Albertin Lounge is open on Wednesdays 9:30am–3pm.
- Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Experience Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Culture Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5–June 30, 2024. Open Wed–Fri 10am–4pm and at Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
- Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Wednesdays 12–4pm. Small admission fee.
- Kindergarten Museum is open on Wednesday 12–7pm. Small admission fee.
- Sibelius High School Band Marathon at Espan Lava on Wednesday starting at 2pm. Free admission.
What's happening in playgrounds on Wednesday
- Playgrounds: Playgrounds' indoor spaces are open for families on weekdays mainly 9am-12pm; afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. For more detailed information, check the individual playgrounds' websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Wednesday:
10:30am–12pm Loru Creates – crafts for all ages on Oodi 3rd floor
1:30–3pm Loru Creates – crafts for all ages on Oodi 3rd floor
2pm and 2:45pm Story Time with Helsinki Mission, Oodi 3rd floor - MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0–12. Read more on the center's website!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
What's happening in libraries on Wednesday
- Helmet Library children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, day-specific event linking is no longer possible.)
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- What should we do today? Check out the tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
- Albertin Lounge is open on Thursdays 9:30am–3pm.
- Art for Toddlers Workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Culture Center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays 10am–12pm. Workshops suit 1.5–3-year-old children with their own adult. No advance registration needed; free admission. You can come for the entire time or just drop in.
- Good to Herttoniemenranta Event at Community Center Ankkuri on Thursday 10am–2pm. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Experience Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Culture Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5–June 30, 2024. Open Wed–Fri 10am–4pm and at Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
- Helsinki University Observatory on Observatory Hill is open on Thursday 12–8pm. Museum admission fee.
- Opening! Women & Children - Fountain Sculpture will be inaugurated in front of Kiasma on Thursday at 5pm. The new fountain sculpture will be opened by President Tarja Halonen. Free admission.
What's happening in playgrounds on Thursday
- Playgrounds: Playgrounds' indoor spaces are open for families on weekdays mainly 9am-12pm; afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. For more detailed information, check the individual playgrounds' websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Thursday:
11am–11:30am Loru Warmth - baby time for under 1-year-olds, Oodi 3rd floor.
2:30–3:15pm Loru Games - play or movement for over 1-year-olds, Oodi 3rd floor. - What's happening at family centers
- Family Center Naapuri (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page.
- Family Center Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page. - MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0–12. Read more on the center's website!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
What's happening in libraries on Thursday
- Helmet Library children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, day-specific event linking is no longer possible.)
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- What should we do today? Check out the tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
- Albertin Lounge is open on Fridays 9:30am–3pm.
- MLL Pasila Family Café at Tripla Shopping Center Fokus Space on Fridays 10am–12pm.
- Vantaa: Tuntupolku - Experience Space for Babies and Toddlers at Children's Culture Center Pessi (Tikkurila) April 5–June 30, 2024. Open Wed–Fri 10am–4pm and at Pessi's evening and weekend events. Free admission.
- Rakuunasoittokunta Honor Guard Procession departs from Senate Square at 12:30pm, marching through Market Square to the main guard and back along North Esplanade to Senate Square. The band performs at Senate Square starting at 12pm. The honor guard ceremony begins at 12:30pm.
- MIL-Espa: Rakuunasoittokunta at Espan Lava on Friday at 2pm. Free admission.
- Helsinki University Observatory at Observatory Hill is open on Friday 12–4pm. Museum admission fee.
What's happening in playgrounds on Friday
- Playgrounds: Playgrounds' indoor spaces are open for families on weekdays mainly 9am-12pm; afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. For more detailed information, check the individual playgrounds' websites. Playgrounds announce their programs in the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on their own Facebook pages.
- Loru Playground on Friday:
10:30–11am Loru Songs for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor
1–1:30pm Loru Warmth - baby time for under 1-year-olds, Oodi 3rd floor
3–3:30pm Loru Enchanted - Games, movement, or stories with varying themes for over 2-year-olds, Oodi 3rd floor - What's happening at family centers
- Family Center Naapuri (Kivikonkaari 11, Kivikko) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page.
- Family Center Sahrami (Kangasalantie 11, Vallila) weekly program can be found on the center's Facebook page. - MLL's Family Center Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children ages 0–12. Read more on the center's website!
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
What's happening in libraries on Friday
- Helmet Library children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, day-specific event linking is no longer possible.)
SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024
School graduation ceremonies. Congratulations to all those finishing school and enjoy the wonderful summer vacation to everyone on break!
Events and
activity tips
- Summer in Helsinki! Pienten Helsinki has lots of summer tips for visiting Helsinki with children.
The article series will be updated in the coming days with several summer articles.
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- Helmet Library children's events can be found on Helmet's event page.
(Due to Helmet website updates, day-specific event linking is no longer possible.) - Curious Skiddy Game Media Museum and Archive at Merkkiin May 8–October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Håkansbölen Summer Exhibitions are open at Håkansbölen Manor on Saturdays and Sundays 11am–4pm. Free admission.
- Summer Opening at Töölö Square on Saturday at 12pm. Free admission.
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2024
Events and
activity tips
- Summer in Helsinki! Pienten Helsinki has lots of summer tips for visiting Helsinki with children.
The article series will be updated in the coming days with several summer articles.
- All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found behind this link.
- Curious Skiddy Game Media Museum and Archive at Merkkiin May 8–October 27, 2024. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Louhela Jam in Vantaa at Jokiuoma Park on Sunday. Free admission.
- Espoo: Fairy School in the Villa Elfvik setting on Sunday 10:30am–12:30pm. Free admission.
- Vantaa: Håkansbölen Summer Exhibitions are open at Håkansbölen Manor on Saturdays and Sundays 11am–4pm. Free admission.
- Children's Island Adventure on Hara Island on Sunday 12–2pm. Free admission to the adventure; small ferry fee to the island.
- Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Sundays 12–4pm. Small admission fee.
- What should we do today? Check out the tips for boring days from Pienten Helsinki!
- Secret Helsinki Article reveals small and big secrets from Helsinki!
Also remember:
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
