Pienten Helsinki
November activities for children
Updated 1.11.2017What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on the weekend? What can you do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki’s weekly series searches for activity ideas and tips for child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website targets children under school age.
The transition from October to November brings Halloween-themed events for families with children. Additionally, art clinics at Annantalo and Vuotalo, Opera children’s art sessions, rhyme time sessions for babies, sports events and library story times welcome small and larger adventurers during November’s grey days. Little Helsinki’s “Where to go” activity tips offer something for every taste this week too. Remember to also visit an unfamiliar playground – check out the tips here!
Do you know about children’s and family services in your neighborhood and, for example, the schedules of family clubs? Help Little Helsinki create a comprehensive list 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. Big thanks to everyone who has already been in touch!
Tip: Library websites currently have an open survey about library children's internet pages. You can share your opinion and make suggestions until 15.11.2017. Link to the survey on Helmet's website.
MONDAY 30.10.2017
Events:Story time at Puistola library at 10:00.
Toddler session in Maunula library’s story room at 9:30. Story massage at Vuosaari library’s children’s department at 10:00.
FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Kontula library at 10:00. FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time in Maunula library’s story room at 10:30.
At Annantalo’s art clinic this week’s theme is Taking Flight!, which will be performed through dance. The art clinic is aimed at 3-6-year-olds in home care. Admission is free. There are two Monday clinic groups, at 10:00 and at 12:30. Read more about Annantalo’s art clinic.
Puppet theatre Sampo’s Three Little Pigs performance at Vuotalo at 10:00. Tickets 9 €/11 €. Read more from Vuotalo’s website.
Opera Children’s Art Sessions begin and take 5-6-year-olds into the fascinating world of opera and ballet through playing instruments, dancing and crafting. The sessions introduce the main stage’s programme through hands-on activities. The art form in children’s art sessions varies monthly. The session starts at 14:00 and lasts 90 minutes. Tickets 10€ (an adult ticket must also be purchased). This week’s theme is drama. Read more about Children’s Art Sessions from the Opera’s website.
Tip: Want to move with children? Read tips about sports activities from Little Helsinki’s website.
[caption id=“attachment_1827” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”]
Children enjoy themselves at Kivikon nearby sports field too.[/caption]
TUESDAY 31.10.2017
Events: Story time at Malmi library at 9:30. Story time at Viiki library at 9:30. Story time at Herttoniemi library at 9:45. Story time at Kannelmäki library at 10:00. Story time at North Haaga library at 10:00. Story time in Töölö library's club room at 10:15.Astraterra - family adventure role-playing game at Töölö library at 16:00-20:00. Story massage at Vuosaari library’s children’s department at 18:00. Halloween: Children’s Halloween at Vallila library at 17:00-19:00. Reading dog at Töölö library at 18:00.
Art clinic is now also available at Vuotalo on Tuesday at 10:00. This week’s theme is animal masks made from plaster. The art clinic is aimed at 3-6-year-olds in home care. Admission to the clinic is free. Read more about the art clinic from Vuotalo’s website.
Family ball games at Pallomill sports hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 years old move in the company of their own adult on soft artificial turf. Free play, stunts, running or learning to walk. Family ball games on Tuesdays at 9:30-11:30 and at 16:00-18:00. Free admission for morning ball games, afternoon ball games cost adults Pallomill’s entrance fee (3.50 €).
Opera Children’s Art Sessions begin and take 5-6-year-olds into the fascinating world of opera and ballet through playing instruments, dancing and crafting. The sessions introduce the main stage’s programme through hands-on activities. The art form in children’s art sessions varies monthly. The session starts at 14:00 and lasts 90 minutes. Tickets 10€ (an adult ticket must also be purchased). This week’s theme is drama. Read more about Children’s Art Sessions from the Opera’s website.
Toddler Tuesday event takes over Forum shopping center at 10:00-14:00. Read more from Toddler Tuesday’s Facebook page.
Halloween: Riehulin Halloween event at 15:00-20:00 at Itis shopping center.
Tip: Explore Helsinki! The city has many interesting places where you can adventure with children. Check out Little Helsinki’s series of trip tips for ideas about places worth visiting.
[caption id=“attachment_1595” align=“aligncenter” width=“2000”]
Kruunuvuorenlampi is an interesting trip destination.[/caption]
WEDNESDAY 1.11.2017
Events:Story time at Jätkäsaari library at 9:30. Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30. Story time at Kontula library at 9:30. Story time at Käpylä library at 10:00. Story time at Lauttasaari library at 10:00. Story time at Oulunkylä library at 10:00. Story time at Maunula library at 10:00. Story time at Pukinmäki library at 10:15.
Singing session led by Terttu Paija at Tapulinkaupunki library at 10:00. Read more from the library’s website.
Mauka and Väykä’s Journey performance at Malmi library at 10:00. Performance suitable for children over 3 years old - an interactive adventure in which children can participate. Free admission.
Tatu and Patu at Work performance at Music Theatre Kapsäkki on Wednesday at 9:30. Tickets 13 €/22.50 €. Performance suitable for children over 3 years old. Read more from Kapsäkki's website.
FOR BABIES and parents: BabyKino at Töölö library at 12:00 and 14:30. Read more about BabyKino at Töölö library (temporarily relocated) from the library’s website.
FOR BABIES and parents: Baby Cinema at Korjaamo Cinema and Night Feeding film on Wednesday at 10:00. Tickets 7.50 €. Read more from Korjaamo cinema’s website.
Culture Evening at Viikki Norss on Wednesday at 17:00-19:00. Programme for the whole family, the evening culminates in a performance by Pukinmäki Circus School. Tickets 8 €, family ticket 25 €. Children under 3 free. Read more from the event's Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Mimmit 10 Years Anniversary Concert at Espoo Cultural Centre's Louhisali on Wednesday at 9:30 and 11:00. The concert features favorites from over the years plus new friendship-themed songs. Tickets 6.50 €. Read more from Espoo Cultural Centre's website.THURSDAY 2.11.2017
Events:Story time at Tapulinkaupunki library at 9:00. Story time at Paloheinä library at 9:30. Story time at Laajasalo library at 9:45. Story time at Vallila library at 18:00. Sagostund in Swedish at Drumso Library at 9:30.
Story massage at Maunula library at 9:30. Story yoga at Maunula library at 10:15.
Great Neppis Competition at Puistola library at 13:00-19:30. Read more from the library’s website.
Muksukino films take over Myllypuro media library and community center Mylläri’s hall on Thursdays at 10:00. This week’s film is Professor Balthazar. Read more about Muksukino from the library’s website.
Family ball games at Pallomill sports hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 years old move in the company of their own adult on soft artificial turf. Free play, stunts, running or learning to walk. Family ball games on Thursdays at 16:00-17:00. Free admission for children, adults pay Pallomill’s entrance fee (3.50 €).
[caption id=“attachment_1944” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”]
Little ones enjoy themselves at family ball games too.[/caption]
HALLOWEEN: Vuosaari Halloween at Sports Hall at 17:00-20:00. Programme for the whole family. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Vantaa: At Tikkurila library in Vantaa, Singing Together with Children event on Thursday at 10:00. You can bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Read more about this fun singing session from here.
FRIDAY 3.11.2017
Story hour at Roihuvuori library at 9:45. Finnish-Russian story time at Vuosaari library at 10:00.Toddler session at Malmi library at 10:00. FOR BABIES: Baby rhyme time at Malmi library at 11:00.
Pokémon Day at Tapulinkaupunki library at 13:00-15:00.
Annantalo’s Naperokino continues and offers little ones (0-3 years) their own cinema. Short films can be watched on Fridays throughout the fall at 10:00-12:00. This time the theme is creativity and the arts. Read more about Naperokino from Annantalo’s website.
GoExpo Winter trade show at the Expo Centre from Friday to Sunday. There’s also children’s programme. Read more from the Expo Centre’s website. The GameExpo 2017 event is also held at the same time. Tickets 18 €/10 €, children under 7 free.
Helsinki Police Orchestra’s Teddy Bears Club performs at Alppila Church on 3.11. at 13:30. Admission to the concert is free. More information from the event’s Facebook page.
HALLOWEEN: Helsinki Traffic Safety Association’s Shine Evening held on Friday at 17:00-19:00 at Children’s Traffic Town. Present are fire, police and concrete trucks, guide dog puppies, opportunity to practice fire extinguishing and ride go-karts. Teddy Bears Club performs at 17:00 and Wizard Pelle PeeKoo at 17:45 and 18:15. Read more from the event’s Facebook page. Free admission.
HALLOWEEN: Night of Scares at Maunula House at 16:00-22:00. The programme features scares for all ages, including a film, disco, concert and costume party. Read more about the evening from Maunula House’s website.
FOR BABIES: Finnish National Opera and Ballet’s babies’ art sessions visit Espoo Cultural Centre’s Louhisali. Sessions are held on Friday at 11:00, 12:00 and 13:30 (full). Advance registration is required. Read more from Espoo Cultural Centre’s website.
[caption id=“attachment_1943” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”]
At a babies’ art session.[/caption]
SATURDAY 4.11.2017
Events:Sports Fun at Maunula Sports Hall on Saturdays at 9:00-10:30. Read more from Helsinki Moves website and Little Helsinki’s children’s sports article.
GoExpo Winter trade show at the Expo Centre from Friday to Sunday. There’s also children’s programme. Read more from the Expo Centre’s website. The GameExpo 2017 event is also held at the same time. Tickets 18 €/10 €, children under 7 free.
Rescue Ship All Souls’ Day Parade departs from the end of Hernesaari towards Eiranranta at 12:00 and gives a flag salute at the maritime monument in Eiranranta. After the parade, the ships are open to the public at the South Harbour at approximately 13:00-14:30. More information from the Rescue Society’s website.
HALLOWEEN: Korkeasaari’s Halloween event features themed programme. Read more about the spooky programme on the zoo’s website. Korkeasaari entrance fee (12 €/6 €, children under 4 free), two for the price of one in Halloween costume.
HALLOWEEN: Scares for Little Ones event takes over Cultural Centre Stoa on All Souls’ Day at 12:00-15:00 as traditionally. The programme includes concerts, disco and workshops plus glitter tattoos and balloons. The event is suitable for all ages and strollers can access it. Due to crowding, it’s good to bring a baby carrier for the little ones, for example. Little Helsinki recommends! Read more about the event from Stoa’s website.
HALLOWEEN: Theatre Museum at Kaapeli Factory celebrates Theatre Cat’s Ghost Party on All Souls’ Day at 12:00-16:00. All children are invited! Museum entrance fee (8 €/5 €, children under 3 free, Museum Card venue). Read more from the Theatre Museum’s website.
HALLOWEEN: Halloween Party at Arabianranta Bokvilla’s Villa on Saturday at 13:00-17:00. Music, face painting, story sessions and much more for the whole family. Read more from the event’s Facebook page.
HALLOWEEN: Viapori Kekriä is celebrated on All Souls’ Day in Suomenlinna at 14:00-22:00. Programme for both adults and children. Check the link to see which island events are especially suitable for children. More information from the event’s own website.
HALLOWEEN: Teurastamo Area Halloween Saturdays starting at 14:00 with Teurastamo Market sales event. Also at Kirjaverstaalla (Book Workshop) there’s Halloween crafting for children, led by Jenni and Reka from Etana publisher. Jädelino ice cream shop hosts a Halloween-themed drawing competition for children and serves Halloween ice cream. Read more about Teurastamo’s Facebook event.
Tip: Autumn days are excellent reasons to go and spot cranes, work machines, police boats and submarines! Read spotting tips from Little Helsinki’s website.
[caption id=“attachment_748” align=“aligncenter” width=“720”]
Suomenlinna’s dry dock is currently preparing for winter. Worth going to see![/caption]
SUNDAY 5.11.2017
Events:Wonderful family sports event Sports Fun takes over Sunday mornings at Liikuntamylly in Myllypuro at 9:00-10:45. Free enjoyable sports and diverse sports trials. Free admission for children, adults 3.50 € (Liikuntamylly entrance fee). Bring your own lock (for locker) and indoor sports clothes. Strollers can be left in Liikuntamylly’s lobby. More information about the event from Helsinki City’s website. Also read Little Helsinki’s article about sports events. This is absolutely great fun to do together as a family and is the best activity according to children.
GoExpo Winter trade show at the Expo Centre from Friday to Sunday. There’s also children’s programme. Read more from the Expo Centre’s website. The GameExpo 2017 event is also held at the same time. Tickets 18 €/10 €, children under 7 free.
HALLOWEEN: Korkeasaari’s Halloween event features themed programme. Read more about the spooky programme on the zoo’s website. Korkeasaari entrance fee (12 €/6 €, children under 4 free), two for the price of one in Halloween costume.
Swedish-language theatre performance Who Will Comfort Knyttet? is shown at Annantalo on Sunday at 12:00 and 14:00. Admission is free (tickets reserved in advance through Luckani). More information from Annantalo’s website.
Wonderful children’s music by Mud Adventurers is performed at Pakila Youth Centre on Sunday at 15:00 and 17:00. Tickets 7 € (advance sale information on the event page). Read more about the concerts from the event’s Facebook page. The event is organized by MLL Pakila Association.
[caption id=“attachment_79” align=“aligncenter” width=“960”]
Mud Adventurers and a little admirer.[/caption]
Tip for Espoo: Badger’s Forest Story Time at 11:00 at Villa Elfvik Nature House. Story time is suitable for children over 3 years old. Read more from the nature house’s website.
Remember these too:
GoExpo Winter trade show at the Expo Centre from Friday to Sunday. There's also children's programme. Read more from the Expo Centre's website. The GameExpo 2017 event is also held at the same time. Tickets 18 €/10 €, children under 7 free.Fallkulla Farm is open Monday to Friday at 10:00-18:00 and on Sundays at 10:00-15:00. Free admission.
Annantalo café has Minka Heino On the Surface. Pop exhibition with illustrations from an art-forisk book. The exhibition also features a story cabin where children can hang out, rest, look and pause. The exhibition runs until 12.11.2017. Read more about the exhibition from Annantalo’s website. Free admission.
Annantalo features the Dream Fabrics exhibition running until mid-December and can be viewed during the building’s opening hours free of charge. Read more from Annantalo’s website and peek at the pictures from here. Free admission.
[caption id=“attachment_1876” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”]
Dream Fabrics exhibition at Annantalo.[/caption]
