Pienten Helsinki
Highlights of the week's children's events
What child-friendly activities are available in Helsinki? Where to go with young children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki's weekly series searches 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.
Where to go this week continues to be published with a slightly revised concept. The article lists the week's event highlights and the most interesting activity tips. It also includes highlights from Pienten Helsinki's news and new articles, plus a new "Have you ever visited" place that changes weekly. The future of the page is still open, but we'll continue with this concept for the spring.
Cover photo from Chinese New Year celebrations from a few years ago.
Are you already following Pienten Helsinki on Facebook? The page offers lots of current event tips, discussions, and other highlights related to family life in Helsinki. You'll also find a dedicated group for the city's baby families on FB, Vauvan Helsinki.
Pienten Helsinki's New Year "Kids in Restaurants" challenge has been published!
Pienten Helsinki challenges all families looking for a lunch spot or searching for a truly child-friendly restaurant to share their best tips with others facing the same challenges. The goal is to create a comprehensive list of cafes and restaurants that have proven to be genuinely good or at least functional with children, accessible through one link and making life easier for many other families.
This week's "Have you ever visited" place is The Nordic Library on Kaisaniemenkatu. The library's children's section and book collection are unmatched. The Nordic Library is open Tuesday through Saturday. It's definitely worth stopping by!
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »|
Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground events
Playground activities are now also available in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can browse Monday events here.
Events and activity tips
Albertin Living Room is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Monday 9:30 AM-3 PM. This place is coming soon in its own article on Pienten Helsinki, as the PH team fell in love with it! Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Art Clinic for ages 3-6 at Annantalo Monday at 10 AM and 12:30 PM. This week at the Art Clinic, Pate from the Post comes to everyone. You can participate in the Art Clinic weekly or just occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No advance registration required. Read more about Art Clinic activities on Annantalo's website.
MLL Dad Cafe at the Iso-Antinnen playground in Itäkeskus Mondays 10 AM-12 PM. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Puppet Theater Music Class at Sampo's aula gallery Monday at 10 AM and 11 AM. Paid (€8/session or €80/entire fall). Read more on Puppet Theater Sampo's website.
Chinese New Year celebrations take place at Kansalaistori and Oodi, as the Year of the Pig begins. Festivities at Oodi Monday 4-8 PM. The evening culminates in fireworks at Töölönlahti at 8:10 PM. The full program can be found on the event website.
Museums open on Mondays include Helsinki City Museum and Children's City as well as Päivälehti Museum.
Current trail and skating rink conditions can be found on the ulkoliikunta.fi service.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground events
Playground activities are now also available in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can browse Tuesday events here.
Events and activity tips
Family ball play at Pallomylly's indoor hall in Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball play, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running, or even learning to walk. Family ball play Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 AM and 4-6 PM. Morning ball play has free admission for everyone; afternoon ball play costs adults a Pallomylly entry fee (€3.50). Read more in Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki on the move article.
For babies and parents: Baby Cinema at Finnkino theaters on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Current trail and skating rink conditions can be found on the ulkoliikunta.fi service.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Tip for babies and parents: BabyKino at Kallion Library. You can take your baby to movies Wednesdays at 12 PM and 2:30 PM. BabyKino's own Facebook group can be found here, where, for example, the week's film is published and you vote on upcoming programs. More information is also available on BabyKino's Facebook page.
Playground events
Playground activities are now also available in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can browse Wednesday events here.
Events and activity tips
Mll Goes Oodi - Dad Cafe at the central library Oodi Wednesday 9:30-11:30 AM. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Mauka and Väykä's Good Day performance from Little Kakkos at Music Theater Kapsäkki Wednesday at 10:30 AM. Tickets €12/€20. Tickets and more information on Kapsäkki's website.
Albertin Living Room is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Wednesdays 9:30 AM-3 PM. This place is coming soon in its own article on Pienten Helsinki, as the PH team fell in love with it! Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Helsinki Fire Department Museum at the Erottaja fire station is open Wednesdays 12-4 PM. Admission €2, children under 15 free. Read more on the City of Helsinki website.
Kindergarten Museum is open 12-6 PM. Small admission fee.
Wednesday relaxed gallery workshop - paper surprises at Vuotalo gallery at 4 PM. Read more about this suitable-for-all-ages workshop on Vuotalo's website.
Current trail and skating rink conditions can be found on the ulkoliikunta.fi service.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground events
Playground activities are now also available in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can browse Thursday events here.
Events and activity tips
Albertin Living Room is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Thursday 9:30 AM-3 PM. This place is coming soon in its own article on Pienten Helsinki, as the PH team fell in love with it! Read more on the Helsinki Mission website.
Art Clinic for ages 3-6 at Kanneltalo Thursday at 10 AM. This week at the Art Clinic, a nice bag is made. You can participate in the Art Clinic weekly or just occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No advance registration required. Read more about Art Clinic activities on Kanneltalo's website.
Fox in a Skirt - Picture Book Concert for the very youngest and a bit older at Puppet Theater Sampo Thursday at 10 AM. Tickets €12. More information on Sampo's website.
Toddlers' Drop-in Workshops at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 AM-1 PM until February 16, 2019. The drop-in workshop is aimed at 1-4-year-olds and the adults accompanying them. You can participate in the workshops with museum admission and join at your own pace. Read more on Kiasma's website.
Vantaa: Vauvan Vinkkeli Exhibition Open House at Children's Culture Center Toteemi in Myyrmäki Thursday 11 AM-2 PM. Read more on Toteemi's Facebook page.
Bank Museum Open House at Aleksanterinkatu 36 B on the first Thursday of the month 3-5 PM. Free admission to the museum. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Family ball play at Pallomylly's indoor hall in Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball play, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running, or even learning to walk. Family ball play Thursdays 4-5 PM. Afternoon ball play costs adults a Pallomylly entry fee (€3.50). Read more in Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki on the move article.
Fathers and Children's Sports Group at Puotila Elementary School gym Thursdays 5-6 PM. Organized by MLL Uusimaa. Free admission. Read more on MLL father activities Facebook page.
Current trail and skating rink conditions can be found on the ulkoliikunta.fi service.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground events
Playground activities are now also available in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. You can browse Friday events here.
Events and activity tips
Napero Cinema at Annantalo Fridays at 10 AM. Age recommendation: 0–3 years with an adult, older children also welcome. Movies are free to attend. More information on Annantalo's website.
Fox in a Skirt - Picture Book Concert for the very youngest and a bit older at Puppet Theater Sampo Friday at 10 AM. Tickets €12. More information on Sampo's website.
Toddlers' Drop-in Workshops at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 AM-1 PM until February 16, 2019. The drop-in workshop is aimed at 1-4-year-olds and the adults accompanying them. You can participate in the workshops with museum admission and join at your own pace. Read more on Kiasma's website.
Current trail and skating rink conditions can be found on the ulkoliikunta.fi service.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2019
Library events
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Saturday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events and activity tips
Mauka and Väykä's Good Day performance from Little Kakkos at Music Theater Kapsäkki Saturday at 10 AM and 12 PM. Tickets €12/€20. Tickets and more information on Kapsäkki's website.
Toddlers' Drop-in Workshops at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 AM-1 PM until February 16, 2019. The drop-in workshop is aimed at 1-4-year-olds and the adults accompanying them. You can participate in the workshops with museum admission and join at your own pace. Read more on Kiasma's website.
Nordic Winter Day 2019 at the Swedish-language Workers' Institute Arbiks in Etu-Töölö Saturday 10 AM-3 PM. More information and the day's program on the event's Facebook page.
In Espoo: Pikku-Aurora's Dream Saturday visits Winter Yard this week 10 AM-2 PM. Read more on Aurora's website.
In Espoo: Tapiola Winter Fun at Tapiola Center Saturday 10 AM-4 PM. Lots of programs for the whole family. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
In Espoo: Finland's Largest Miniature Railway can be seen at Heikintori in Tapiola Saturday 10 AM-4 PM. Read more on the Alppirautatiet Association's website.
MLL's Family Floorball at Pukinmäenkaari Elementary School gym Saturday 10:30 AM-12 PM. Free family floorball is aimed at fathers and mothers as well as about 3-6-year-old children. Participation does not require advance registration. More information on the event's Facebook page.
In Espoo: Mr. Heinämäki and the Singing Barn School at Ruskatalolla Saturday at 11 AM. Tickets from €5. More information on Espoo Cultural Services website.
Children's Museum Card Club: Museum Adventure at the Finnish Museum of Natural History Saturday 11 AM-1 PM. Adventure with museum admission or Museum Card. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Euro Day at Laajasalo Church 11 AM-3 PM. Lots to do for the little ones benefiting United Purpose. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Fox in a Skirt - Picture Book Concert for the very youngest and a bit older at Puppet Theater Sampo Saturday at 12 PM. Tickets €12. More information on Sampo's website.
Museum of Technology's Birthday Saturday 12-3 PM. The family day event is free for everyone. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Stuffed Animal Gala Night at the Museum of Technology February 9-10, 2019. Read more about the stuffed animals' pajama ball on the event's Facebook page.
Children's Saturdays at Oodi Saturday 12-3 PM. The first Children's Saturday theme is Harry Potter. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
At Uutelan cottage cottage guardians and prepared fires Saturday 12-3 PM.
In Espoo: Friendly Skating at Tapiola Ice Park Saturday 5-8 PM. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Pienten Helsinki's articles are available in Finnish, Swedish, and English on the My Helsinki travel website. The latest article takes you to Helsinki of Experiences!
Helsinki Spots article is a lifesaver on boring days with kids!
Current trail and skating rink conditions can be found on the ulkoliikunta.fi service.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2019
Events and activity tips
Sports Fun at Sports Mill in Myllypuro Sunday mornings 9-10:45 AM. Entry fee for adults €3.50, children under 9 play for free. You can arrive at your own pace; there's plenty of room for strollers in the lobby and you should bring your own lock for the locker room. Read more in Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki on the move article.
Exercise tip for Espoo: Sunday's stick-free public skating at Metro Arena Sundays 9 AM-12 PM. Read more on the City of Espoo website. The same page also lists other public skating times at Espoo city ice halls. Free admission. Also Tapiola Ice Garden is open (small admission fee)!
In Vantaa: Korson Myräkkä - Winter Challenge at Lumo Sunday 9:30 AM-2 PM. The family event has lots of programs and activities for all ages. Read more on the event website.
Winter Fun at Arabian playground Sunday 10 AM-1 PM. The event features a fire truck, Annala ponies, treats for sale, and other activities for the whole family. Organized by PK Arabian Parents' Association.
In Espoo: Mr. Heinämäki and the Singing Barn School at Saunalahti School Sunday at 11 AM. Tickets from €5. More information on Espoo Cultural Services website.
In Espoo: Walk in a Winter Forest is a family-friendly nature walk where you move at the children's pace. Walk in the Elfvik landscape Sunday 11 AM-12:30 PM. Free admission, no advance registration required. More information on Villa Elfvik's website.
At Uutelan cottage cottage guardians and prepared fires Sunday 12-3 PM.
Helsinki Fire Department Museum at the Erottaja fire station is open Sundays 12-4 PM. Admission €2, children under 15 free. Read more on the City of Helsinki website.
Dream Journey of Unaja and Untamo - Musical Play at Malmitalo Sunday at 3 PM. Tickets €6. Tickets and more information on Malmitalo's website.
In Espoo: Mr. Heinämäki and the Singing Barn School at Karatalo Sunday at 4 PM. Tickets from €5. More information on Espoo Cultural Services website.
Current trail and skating rink conditions can be found on the ulkoliikunta.fi service.
Remember also
Pienten Helsinki's articles are available in Finnish, Swedish, and English on the My Helsinki travel website. The latest article takes you to Helsinki of Experiences!
Helsinki Spots article is a lifesaver on boring days with kids!
"Let's Visit the Neighbor" Exhibition at Malmitalo January 24 - February 16, 2019. The exhibition is based on the children's book of the same name by Riina Katajavuori and Salla Savolainen. Read more on Malmitalo's website. Free admission.
Janusz Grabianski's Fairy Tale Illustrations from well-known fairy tales including Thumbling's Travels with Wild Geese at Kanneltalo January 15 - February 8, 2019. The exhibition is open during Kanneltalo's regular hours. Free admission. More information on Kanneltalo's website.
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