Pienten Helsinki
Activity tips for children
What child-friendly activities are available in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on the weekend? What to do on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki's weekly series seeks activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website's target audience is pre-school children and families with children.
Where to go this week -article continues with a slightly modified concept. The article lists the highlights of the week's events and the most interesting activity tips of the week. It also includes highlights from Pienten Helsinki's new articles, news, and a new weekly changing "Have you ever visited" place. The future of the page is still open, but this concept will continue through spring.
Activity tips for exhibitions and more link suggestions can be found at the end of the article!
New in Pienten Helsinki: Spring children's equipment flea markets, list of upcoming spring events, and Going to the theatre with children articles have been updated!
Are you following Pienten Helsinki on Facebook? The page has lots of current event tips, discussions, and other highlights related to family life in Helsinki. Facebook also has its own group for baby families in the city, Baby Helsinki.
Pienten Helsinki can also be found on Instagram with the hashtag #pientenhelsinki, where you'll find many pictures of Helsinki with children.
NEW: Families' Helsinki group on Facebook is a place for discussion about Helsinki for families with children: daycare spots, hobbies, getting around, everyday tips and ideas. Things that families encounter in everyday life. The group is a place to celebrate but also to raise awareness of issues in family matters. The group is also a place to share news and announcements related to family life. You can join the group here.
This week's "Have you ever visited" place is Haltiala farm on the border between Helsinki and Vantaa. Haltiala is a farm owned by the City of Helsinki that is practically always open. In March, you can see cows grazing outside, sheep spending the winter months indoors, and small lambs can be seen in the barn again around Easter. In summer, Haltiala's farmyard enclosures are also home to pigs, chickens, and geese. Haltiala is also a paradise for small machine enthusiasts: you can see tractors and other farm machinery up close in the yard. Haltiala's playground is small but very diverse farm-themed outdoor play area. The farm also has a charming café called Wanha Pehtoori. There are many nice outdoor recreation areas nearby, including Niskala arboretum. The article's cover image shows Haltiala farm in March 2019.
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »|
Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY 4.3.2019
Library events
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground activities
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Monday events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Albertin olohuone is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open on Monday 9:30-15. A dedicated article about this place is coming to Pienten Helsinki soon, as the PH team fell in love with it! Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
MLL Dad Cafe - Father's Café at playground Iso-Antti in Itäkeskus on Mondays 10-12. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Taideneuvola (Art Counseling) for 3-6-year-olds in Annantalo on Monday at 10 and 12:30. This week in the art counseling workshop, they peek into life in an apartment building guided by children's book author and illustrator Sanna Mander. You can participate in Taideneuvola weekly or occasionally, but you should arrive on time. No advance registration required. Read more about Taideneuvola activities on Annantalo's website.
Puppet theatre musicale at Sampo gallery on Monday at 10 and 11. Fee €8/session or €80/whole season. Read more on Nukketeatteri Sampo's website.
In Espoo: Tapiola bus terminal opening on Monday starting at 11. More information on HSL's website.
Taideneuvola - Strange Creatures art workshop for children with a parent at African Care facilities in Meri-Rastila on Monday at 12:30. Art counseling for 3-6-year-olds, no advance registration required. Read more on Vuotalo's website.
Museums open on Mondays include Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex, and Päivälehti Newspaper Museum.
TUESDAY 5.3.2019
Shrove Tuesday
Library events
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground activities
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Monday events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Family ball play at Pallomylly indoor hall at 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 learning to walk. Family ball play on Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 and 16-18. Morning ball play is free for everyone, evening ball play costs 3.50 € per visit for adults. Read more in Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki on the move activity tips.
Winter fun at playground Ruoholahti on Tuesday 16-18. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Shrove Tuesday festivities at Tapanila Sports Centre grounds on Tuesday 16-19. More information on the organizer's website.
Family Shrove Tuesday celebration at Vartiokylä Church on Tuesday 17-18:30. More details on the event's Facebook page.
Shrove Tuesday festivities at playground Rudolf in Laajasalo on Tuesday 17-19. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Shrove Tuesday festivities at playground Etupelto on Tuesday 17:30-19:30. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
WEDNESDAY 6.3.2019
Library events
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Wednesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Tip for babies and parents: BabyKino at Kallio library. Movies with baby on Wednesdays at 12 and 14:30. BabyKino has its own Facebook group here, where the week's film is announced and voting takes place for upcoming programs. More information can also be found on the BabyKino Facebook page.
Playground activities
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Monday events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
MLL Goes Oodi Father's Café at central library Oodi on Wednesday 9:30-11:30. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Albertin olohuone is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open on Wednesday 9:30-15. A dedicated article about this place is coming to Pienten Helsinki soon, as the PH team fell in love with it! Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public on Wednesday 10-18. Free admission.
Helsinki Fire Department Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Wednesday 12-16. Admission €2, under 15s free. Read more on City of Helsinki's website.
Kindergarten Museum is open for play every Wednesday 12-18. Museum admission €4, under 16s free.
Wednesday relaxed gallery workshop where you can make a tiny terrarium at Vuotalo gallery at 16. Read more about this all-ages workshop on Vuotalo's website.
THURSDAY 7.3.2019
Library events
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground activities
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Monday events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Albertin olohuone is an open meeting place for families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open on Thursday 9:30-15. A dedicated article about this place is coming to Pienten Helsinki soon, as the PH team fell in love with it! Read more on Helsinki Mission's website.
Visual art adventure - Art course for children and adults at Kannelmäki youth center's Värkkäämö on Thursday 10-13. On this family visual art adventure, children paint, sculpt, and build together with their parents. Read more on Kanneltalo's website.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public on Thursday 10-18. Free admission.
Hey, let's play! event at Narinkkatori on Thursday 14-18. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Bank Museum open doors at Aleksanterinkatu 36 B on the first Thursday of the month 15-17. Free admission to the museum. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Family ball play at Pallomylly indoor hall at 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 learning to walk. Family ball play on Thursdays 16-17. Evening ball play costs 3.50 € per visit for adults. Read more in Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki on the move activity tips.
Fathers and children's sports group at Puotila elementary school gym on Thursday 17-18. Organized by MLL Uusimaa. Free admission. Read more on MLL father activities Facebook page.
Helsinki City Orchestra: Once upon a time, Peter and the Wolf concert at Musiikkitalo on Thursday 18:30. The concert is recommended for five-year-olds and older. Tickets €9-17.50. Tickets and more information on Musiikkitalo's website.
The concert can also be watched online: http://helsinginkaupunginorkesteri.fi/hko-screen and it will also be shown as a live broadcast on Malmitalo's small hall screen.
FRIDAY 8.3.2019
Library events
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Playground activities
Playground events can now also be found in the City of Helsinki's event calendar. Monday events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Naperokino at Annantalo on Friday at 10. Age recommendation: 0-3 years old with an adult, older children also welcome. Free admission to the movies. More information on Annantalo's website.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public on Friday 10-18. Free admission.
SATURDAY 9.3.2019
Library events
Story hours and children's events at Helmet libraries in the metropolitan area for Saturday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events and activity tips
Movement fun at Maunula on Saturday mornings 9-10:30 at Maunula sports hall. Entry fee €3.50 for adults, children under 9 have fun for free. Come at your own pace. Read more in Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki on the move activity tips.
Roihuvuori book fair at Roihuvuori library and Porolahti elementary school on Saturday starting at 9:30. See the complete fair program on the event's Facebook page.
In Espoo: Espoo: Little Aurora Saturday workshop with fun activities 10-14. Read more on Aurora's website.
In Vantaa: Forest fairies' family day for 5-7-year-old children with their families at Bisan cabin on Saturday 10-14. More information on Vantaa trails website.
In Espoo: Tapiola bus theatre opening party on Saturday 10-15. The stage will feature Hevisaurus and lots of programs for children. Read more on Tapiola Centre website.
Shhh... secret invitation: Will we see you at Oodi on Saturday 9.3.2019 at 12? Read more about the secret from the link. If the link doesn't open, you can also request the secret invitation by email to mari (a) pientenhelsinki.fi.
Saturday for children at Oodi 12-15. This time we dive into the world of poetry, rhymes, and word art. The program includes lots of activities for children of all ages.
In Espoo: Dancing to the rhythm of Funny Poop at shopping mall Iso Omena at 12 and 14. Free admission.
Flea market! Spring flea market by Kodin kestot ry at Malmitalo on Saturday 12-14:30. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
ToPos Naperclub at Munkkiniemi joint school hall on Saturday 14:30-16. The all-ages event promises activity, games, obstacle courses, and ball games. More information on the event's Facebook page.
SUNDAY 10.3.2019
Events and activity tips
Movement fun at Liikuntamylly in Myllypuro on Sunday mornings 9-10:45. Entry fee €3.50 for adults, children under 9 have fun for free. Come at your own pace, strollers can be left in the hall and you should bring your own lock for the locker room. Read more in Pienten Helsinki's Helsinki on the move activity tips.
Espoo: Sunday mailless public skating at Metro Arena on Sundays 9-12. Read more on Espoo City website. The same website also lists other Espoo city public ice skating times. Free admission. Tapiola ice garden is also open (small admission fee)!
Also a flea market! MLL Haaga whole family Spring Magic event and children's clothing flea market at Laurinniitty playground on Sunday 10-13. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Flea market! MLL Oulunkylä children's clothing and equipment flea market at Oulunkylä elementary school on Sunday 10-12. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
March celebration at daycare Arabianhelmessa in Arabianranta 10-13. Read more on the event's Facebook page.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public on Sunday 10-15. Free admission.
Helsinki Fire Department Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Sunday 12-16. Admission €2, under 15s free. Read more on City of Helsinki's website.
Annantalo Sunday meetings where crafts related to nature trips are made on Sunday 13-15:30. No advance registration, suitable for the whole family. Read more on Annantalo's website.
Sampo's Sundays feature folk songs interpreted in a new way by Freija. The concert starts at 15. Tickets €12. More information on Nukketeatteri Sampo's website.
Remember also
Pienten Helsinki articles are available in Finnish, Swedish, and English on the **My Helsinki travel website. The latest article takes you to Experience Helsinki with children!
Helsinki places article is a lifesaver for boring days with children!
Current trail and ice rink freezing status can be found on the ulkoliikunta.fi service.
Exhibition: Dream Mäykkynen goes on an adventure again at Helsinki City Museum. The exhibition is on display at Children's City 18.2.-17.3.2019.
Exhibition: Nature trip installation welcomes all children and adults who love forests. The installation is on display on the 2nd floor glass end of Annantalo 6.2.-31.3.2019.
Exhibition: Future Laboratory at Annantalo 1.3.-31.12.2019. The exhibition is open according to Annantalo's opening hours. Read more on Annantalo's website.
Exhibition: Rosamaría Bolomin Joy is a child's right - rights for all! exhibition at Kulttuurikeskus Caisa 7.-28.3.2019. More information on Caisa's website.
Note! Toy Museum Horseshoe is closed 4.3.-25.3.2019 for exhibition changeover. The new Board Game Fun special exhibition will open on 26.3.2019 at 11.
In Espoo: Finland's largest miniature railway can be admired in Tapiola at Heikintori in February-March. More information on Alpine Railways Association website.
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