Pienten Helsinki
Summer turns to autumn
What child-friendly activities are available in Helsinki? Where to go with young children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Small Helsinki's weekly series looks for activity tips and highlights child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website targets preschool-aged children and families with young children.The transition from August to September and the end of summer bring more activities to everyday life, and for example library story hours and MLL family cafes are starting to open up all around the city. This week celebrates the opening of a new park and museum, many neighborhood celebrations are held, toddler cinema shows, and circus tricks can be practiced. The final days of Park Hide-and-Seek are also here - you still have a few more days to find hiding spots. The Small Helsinki “Where this week” article suggests everything happening in the city for families with preschool-aged children.
New at Small Helsinki: In the latest installment of the Helsinki Islands series, adventures take place on Lamb Island and Kuusiluoto and from the Children’s Goods Flea Markets article you can find a growing list of flea market events in the capital region. From the Small Helsinki Facebook page you can find a document compiling Helsinki neighborhood Facebook groups aimed at families.
[caption id=“attachment_4789” align=“aligncenter” width=“2000”]
The Park Hide-and-Seek design was created by Helsinki-based visual designer Lotta Maija Paaananen.[/caption]
WISH: Feedback, compliments, comments and wishes: tell us what you think of Small Helsinki! Or feel free to get in touch: share your wishes, opinions, tips or even suggest collaboration! mari (a) pientenhelsinki.fi Article cover photo from the courtyard of Katrinebergi Manor.
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »| Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY 27.8.2018
At the libraries:
Story time at Puistola Library at 10 a.m.At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular schedules with extended opening hours for playgrounds. Now is a great time to share wishes and ideas for programs at the playgrounds - tell the playground instructors your wishes or send an email!Family cafes:
MLL family cafe at Itäkatu Family Center Mondays 9:30-11:30 a.m.The list of MLL family cafes maintained by Small Helsinki is being updated and all information is gratefully received!
Other events:
Helsinki City Museum and Children's City open at 9 a.m. during summer season. Great playground for early risers! Read more from the museum's website. Children's City also features illustrator Jenni Isotoff's narrative art exhibition from 29.5.–31.8. Dream Mäykkynen & Helsinki.Other museums open on Mondays include Päivälehti Museum and during the summer season also National Museum and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo.
Tip: Five-euro weeknight hours in August at Korkeasaari. Visit the zoo affordably and search for Park Hide-and-Seek spots. On weeknights you can enter the zoo for five euros 4-7 p.m. Read more from Korkeasaari’s website.
TUESDAY 28.8.2018
At the libraries:
At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular schedules with extended opening hours for playgrounds. Now is a great time to share wishes and ideas for programs at the playgrounds - tell the playground instructors your wishes or send an email!Family cafes:
Tip for Espoo: International family cafe at Sello Library Tuesdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.The list of MLL family cafes maintained by Small Helsinki is being updated and all information is gratefully received!
Other events:
The Oak's Tale - puppet theater performance at Helsinki City's Winter Garden courtyard (indoors if it rains) Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The performance is recommended for ages 3-9 and runs about 20 minutes. The performance is produced by puppet theater Sytkyt. Free admission.Taskari, a dance version of music class at Annantalo A•Stage Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. Taskari is aimed at 0-5 year old children accompanied by an adult. Free admission, no advance registration required. More information from Annantalo’s website.
To summer theater: Taivallahti Summer Theater’s stage presents Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance Tuesday at 6 p.m. Tickets €16. Read more: from Taivallahti Summer Theater’s website.
To the exhibition! Nature Photo of the Year 2017 exhibition at Malmitalo 28.8.-22.9.2018.
Tip: Five-euro weeknight hours in August at Korkeasaari. Visit the zoo affordably and search for Park Hide-and-Seek spots. On weeknights you can enter the zoo for five euros 4-7 p.m. Read more from Korkeasaari’s website.
WEDNESDAY 29.8.2018
At the libraries:
Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Tapiola Library at 9:30 a.m.At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular schedules with extended opening hours for playgrounds. Now is a great time to share wishes and ideas for programs at the playgrounds - tell the playground instructors your wishes or send an email!Family cafes:
MLL Myllypuro family cafe at Myllykylä Village Hall (Ryynimyllynkatu 1) Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. The list of MLL family cafes maintained by Small Helsinki is being updated and all information is gratefully received!Other events:
Children's Daycare Museum is open Wednesday 12-6 p.m.You can climb the National Museum’s tower on summer Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. A ticket to the tower tour costs €5 and can be purchased from the ticket office on Wednesdays (no advance sales). Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Free admission to Cable Factory museums on the last Wednesday of the month 5-8 p.m. More information from the event’s Facebook page.
Sähköttäjänpuisto park celebration in Pasila (Vislauskuja 9, Pasila) Wednesday 5-9 p.m. The opening of the new park and playground is celebrated grandly with programming for all tastes. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Kulosaaripäivä day is celebrated in Eugen Schauman Park Wednesday 5:30-8 p.m. For children there are at least stick horse races, running races and alpacas and giant rabbits to admire. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
To summer theater: Taivallahti Summer Theater’s stage presents Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance Wednesday at 6 p.m. Tickets €16. Read more: from Taivallahti Summer Theater’s website. X
Tip for Espoo: Manor Museum Glimä’s 4H farm animal visits continue Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 p.m. Read more from the manor museum’s website. Free admission. Last week!
Tip: Five-euro weeknight hours in August at Korkeasaari. Visit the zoo affordably and search for Park Hide-and-Seek spots. On weeknights you can enter the zoo for five euros 4-7 p.m. Read more from Korkeasaari’s website.
THURSDAY 30.8.2018
At the libraries:
Story time at Pasila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Paloheinä Library at 9:30 a.m. Toddler time at Paloheinä Library at 10:30 a.m.At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular schedules with extended opening hours for playgrounds. Now is a great time to share wishes and ideas for programs at the playgrounds - tell the playground instructors your wishes or send an email!Family cafes:
MLL family cafe in Kruunuhaka at Kruna House (Meritullinkatu 6) Thursdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. MLL family cafe in Töölö at Ruusulankatu (Ruusulankatu 10, side building) Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tip for Espoo: MLL Leppävaara family cafe at Sello Library's Children's Space Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.The list of MLL family cafes maintained by Small Helsinki is being updated and all information is gratefully received!
Other events:
RööperiFest 2018 in Punavuori around Fredrikintori Thursday starting at 4 p.m. The event's full program can be found here.Arboin & Maininki craft club at Torikortteli’s central park Thursday 5-7 p.m. In a children’s and child-friendly fabric craft workshop, color is applied to fabric surface in a slightly different way than usual! Read more from the event’s Facebook page. While you’re there, you should also look for Torikorttelit’s own Park Hide-and-Seek, time is running out in just a few days! ;)
Laspalais’ opening new art museum Amos Rex celebrates its opening Thursday starting at 11 a.m. and promises little exhibition visitors an unforgettable museum experience. Small Helsinki got a sneak peek at what the new museum looks like through a child’s eyes, you can find the latest installment of the museum buddy and me series here.
Tip for Järvenpää: Mr. Heinämäki’s Lato Orchestra at Family Center Maahianen courtyard Thursday at 10 a.m. Admission to the concert is free. More information from Järvenpää city’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Manor Museum Glimä’s 4H farm animal visits continue Thursdays 3:30-4:30 p.m. Read more from the manor museum’s website. Free admission. Last week!
Tip: Five-euro weeknight hours in August at Korkeasaari. Visit the zoo affordably and search for Park Hide-and-Seek spots. On weeknights you can enter the zoo for five euros 4-7 p.m. Read more from Korkeasaari’s website.
FRIDAY 31.8.2018
At the libraries:
Toddler time at South Haaga Library at 10 a.m.At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers have returned to regular schedules with extended opening hours for playgrounds. Now is a great time to share wishes and ideas for programs at the playgrounds - tell the playground instructors your wishes or send an email!Family cafes:
MLL family cafe at Itäkatu Family Center Fridays 9:30-11:30 a.m.The list of MLL family cafes maintained by Small Helsinki is being updated and all information is gratefully received!
Other events:
Naperocinema at Annantalo Fridays at 10 a.m. Age recommendation: 0-3 years with an adult, older children also welcome. Admission to the films is free. This week's theme is friends and family. More information from Annantalo's website.Tip for Vantaa: Katrinebergi end-of-summer celebration Friday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The last pasture visits of summer and meeting summer animals before departure for winter break. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
[caption id=“attachment_518” align=“aligncenter” width=“1024”]
Katrinebergi Manor in Vantaa and its courtyard with farm animals is a wonderful place![/caption]
Tip: Five-euro weeknight hours in August at Korkeasaari. Visit the zoo affordably and search for Park Hide-and-Seek spots. On weeknights you can enter the zoo for five euros 4-7 p.m. Read more from Korkeasaari’s website.
SATURDAY 1.9.2018
Other events:
Stones Fascinate - lounge space invites Annantalo visitors to spend time on their own at the glass end of the 2nd floor. In Anna-Kaisa Koski's exhibition you can read books, laze on pillows or examine the stones and their companions in the space. What is nature really and what just looks like it? Read more from Annantalo's website.Taito Sports Center’s Playday Saturdays and Sundays for preschoolers: 1-3 year-olds 10-11 a.m. and 3-6 year-olds 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Tickets €10/child. More information from Taito Sports Center’s website.
Kontufest and family Tanssiteatteri Hurjaruuthi circus workshop 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Kontula activity center Luupi. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Meilahti day Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Koskela village celebration is held Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Programming also for the little ones. Read more from the event’s website.
Pihlajamäki neighborhood celebrations have plenty for everyone, children’s program includes a special Children’s Park 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Read more and see the full day’s program from the event’s Facebook page.
Kalasatama resident celebration for all city residents Saturday 12-3 p.m. Programming for all ages! Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Treats and fun at Dream Cafe in Vuotalo Saturday 12-3 p.m. More information from Vuotalo’s website.
Lauttasaari Days street festival you can dance at least to Moomins, find treasures at the flea market and get to know local organizations Saturday 12-5 p.m. Read more about the festival program from the eventn Facebook page.
DanceAbility dance class at Annantalo 2-3 p.m. The class is suitable for all 3-12 year-olds with their own adult, regardless of disability or ability. Read more about DanceAbility classes from Annantalo’s website. Free admission.
ToP Naperoclub at Munkkiniemi Joint School’s hall Saturday 2:30-4 p.m. The event open to all promises at least action, games, obstacle courses and ball games. More information from the event’s Facebook page.
Luminous Karkelot and children’s disco at cultural arena Gloria Saturday 3-5:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free, coat check fee €2.50. Read more from Mun stadi website.
Abracadabra magic show at Malmitalo Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets €10. Read from Malmitalo’s website.
Helsinki Festival 17.8-2.9.2018. The complete program for the festival is available on the event’s website.
Tip for Vantaa: Good Friend opening party at children’s cultural center Pessi Saturday 11 a.m.-1 p.m. More information from Pessi’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: LEGODBUILDING at Children’s Cultural Center Pikkurorora Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Finnish Toy Museum Horseshoe comes to Aurora and the 60-year-old Lego brick celebrates Lego brick birthdays! Includes collaborative building, Lego-themed quizzes and Lego treasure hunt. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: The Badger’s Forest story time at Nature House Villa Elfvik Saturday at 11 a.m. Read more from Elfvik’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Oittaa family day is celebrated Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. On the first Saturday of each month, Finnish Outdoor Association hosts a Family Day at Oittaa. Read more about the day’s activities from the event’s Facebook page.
SUNDAY 2.9.2018
Other events:
Taito Sports Center's Playday Saturdays and Sundays for preschoolers: 1-3 year-olds 10-11 a.m. and 3-6 year-olds 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Tickets €10/child. More information from Taito Sports Center's website.To summer theater: Tomppeli at Tervasaari Summer Theater Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets €14, under 2 years free, family ticket packages also available. Read more about the performance from the theater’s own website.
In Swedish: Children’s Sundays at Kino Engel. Children’s film screenings at Kino Engel in Swedish. Tickets €10.50. Read more and see the program from Kino Engel’s website.
Housing Paths in Tyynenmeri is a family event at Jätkäsaari Sunday 2-4 p.m. Read more from the event’s Facebook page. The event is part of the City Living Jätkäsaari exhibitions.
Helsinki Festival: Children’s movies at Orion Sunday at 2 p.m. Real classics on the big screen. Tickets €6.50, under 12 years €3. More information from the Festival’s website.
Tip for Vantaa: MLL Aviapoliksen children’s goods flea market at Superpark Vantaa parking lot Sunday 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. More information from the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Knight’s Market at Espoo Steiner kindergarten Mesimarja Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. More information from the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Villa Elfvik Wetland Alive nature walk is an active nature walk for the whole family, traveled at the children’s pace. Bring small snacks for the walk and dress for the weather. Walk through Elfvik’s scenery Sunday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free admission, no advance registration required. More information from Villa Elfvik’s website.
To nature! Tip for Kirkkonummi: Family Meiko adventure day Sunday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Read more about the nature walk and more detailed information from the event’s Facebook page.
Also remember these:
Helsinki Festival 17.8-2.9.2018. The complete program for the festival is available on the event's website.[caption id=“attachment_4789” align=“aligncenter” width=“2000”] The Park Hide-and-Seek design was created by Helsinki-based visual designer Lotta Maija Paaananen.[/caption]
To the exhibition! Nature Photo of the Year 2017 exhibition at Malmitalo 28.8.-22.9.2018.
Stones Fascinate - lounge space invites Annantalo visitors to spend time on their own at the glass end of the 2nd floor. In Anna-Kaisa Koski’s exhibition you can read books, laze on pillows or examine the stones and their companions in the space. What is nature really and what just looks like it? Read more from Annantalo’s website.
Loota is also a whole family’s immersive comic exhibition at Annantalo Art Gallery. The exhibition features many comic pages from the Kiste series in both Finnish and German. The book’s world continues as a three-dimensional and playable space in the room. You can visit the exhibition during Annantalo’s opening hours 4.8.-2.9.2018. The event is organized by the Comic Center and is part of the 2018 Helsinki Comic Festival program. Free workshops related to the exhibition are held on 8/6 at 12-4 p.m. and 8/23 at 4-7 p.m. More information from Annantalo’s website.
On Espa stage you can see almost daily concerts and performances during summer. Read more and see the summer concert program from Helsinki Cultural Services website.
Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City open at 9 a.m. from 4.6.2018 during summer season. Great playground for early risers! Read more from the museum’s website. Children’s City also features illustrator Jenni Isotoff’s narrative art exhibition from 29.5.–31.8. Dream Mäykkynen & Helsinki.
Linnanmäki amusement park is open daily until August and Lincci’s stage features programming almost daily. Check summer opening hours on the amusement park’s website.
Current museum tips from Small Helsinki’s museum news.
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