Pienten Helsinki
Things to do in November's grey weather
What family-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to take young children on weekends? What to do on rainy days? Pienten Helsinki's weekly column searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website targets pre-school children and families with young children.Where to go this week? In November we celebrate all father figures, peek at Christmas’s first story window, dance at the children’s Etno soi event, go to a mini-opera, enjoy light parades and bonfire parties, take stuffed animals on overnight visits, and celebrate Swedish Week. For parents there’s a city-wide parent evening and digital parent therapy sessions. Pienten Helsinki’s Where to go this week column offers tips on what’s happening in the city for families with pre-school children.
CHALLENGE: Hey, where are you? Pienten Helsinki challenges everyone wondering about empty playgrounds, missing friends, and wanting more active playground life to post pictures with the hashtag #heywhereareeyou. The campaign aims to start a conversation about why playgrounds lack children, find solutions, and also draw attention to the loneliness of young children’s parents. Pictures, discussions, concrete actions, opinions - everything moves the cause forward using #heywhereareeyou. If you’d like to take concrete action, get in touch! For example, Helsinki could organize larger playdate gatherings on weekends—the space is already available. The campaign is hoped to spread throughout Finland, not just Helsinki, and you’re welcome to share the challenge!
CREATE IDEAS: City-wide parent evening is held on 6.11. from 5-8 p.m. The evening will introduce participatory budgeting launching in Helsinki in November and brainstorm suggestions for developing Helsinki for children, youth, and families. Read more and register at the Helsinki oppii website.
New at Pienten Helsinki: Christmas is coming again, so the first tips for Christmas events and bazaars are now published! Pienten Helsinki’s Christmas in Helsinki articles.
Website updates: Pienten Helsinki and site advertising. We’re looking for ways to fund the website’s maintenance costs and are testing relevant advertising on the site for the first time. If you’re interested in advertising space, feel free to contact me for more information (mari at pientenhelsinki.fi).
Article cover image: Helsinki city center photographed from Pyysaari. Light pink sunsets have been a saving grace for grey days
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »| Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2018
At the libraries:
Sesame's Journey - Story Circle at Kontula library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Puistola library at 10 a.m.At the playgrounds:
Playgrounds, please tip Pienten Helsinki directly about special event days!Parent cafés:
MLL parent café at Itäkatu family center on the first floor on Mondays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.Tip for Espoo: Parent café at Tapiola library on Mondays from 2-4 p.m.
Pienten Helsinki’s maintained list of MLL parent cafés in Helsinki is still waiting for an update.
Other events:
Swedish Week November 5-11, 2018.Smart as HEL event at the Science Corner November 5-16, 2018.
Puppet Theater Musicale in Sampo Hall Gallery on Monday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Paid (€8/session or €80/entire season). Read more at Puppet Theater Sampo’s website.
Art Counseling for 3-6 year-olds at Annantalo on Monday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This week’s art counseling focuses on music from images. Art counseling can be attended weekly or occasionally, but you need to arrive on time. No advance registration required. Read more about Art Counseling at Annantalo’s website.
Mini-Opera Cinderella at the Opera House’s gallery lounge on Monday at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. (full). Tickets €10. Read more at the Opera’s website.
Museums open on Mondays include Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City, Päivälehti Museum, and Amos Rex.
Tip for babies and parents in Vantaa: Baby Museum Monday at Vantaa City Museum on Monday at 10 a.m. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018
Swedish DayAt the libraries:
In Swedish: Story Hour at Maunula Library at 9:15 a.m. and 10 a.m. Story time led by Jussi Ollila at Itäkeskus library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Kallio library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Malmi library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Herttoniemi library at 9:45 a.m. Story time at North Haaga library at 10 a.m. Story time at Kannelmäki library at 10 a.m. Story time at Töölö library at 10:15 a.m. Story time led by Jussi Ollila at Vuosaari library at 10:30 a.m. Swedish Day story hour at Berghäll library at 5 p.m.At the playgrounds:
Playgrounds, please tip Pienten Helsinki directly about special event days!Parent cafés:
Parent group at Itäkatu family center on the first floor on Tuesdays from 1:30-3 p.m.Tip for Espoo: International parent café at Sello library on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Pienten Helsinki’s maintained list of MLL parent cafés in Helsinki is still waiting for an update.
Other events:
Swedish Week November 5-11, 2018.Smart as HEL event at the Science Corner November 5-16, 2018.
Family ball games at Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move with their own adult on a soft artificial grass. Free play, acrobatics, running, or even learning to walk. Family ball games on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Morning games are free for everyone, afternoon games cost adults a Pallomylly session fee (€3.50). Read more in Pienten Helsinki’s Helsinki on the move tips.
Art for Toddlers - Open Studio for Toddlers workshop for 1.5-3 year-olds (with their own adult) at cultural center Caisa on Tuesday from 10-11:30 a.m. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Father’s Day card workshop at Sampo’s fairy-tale café on Tuesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Mini-Opera Cinderella at the Opera House’s gallery lounge on Tuesday at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets €10. Read more at the Opera’s website.
For parents: City-wide parent evening is held on 6.11. from 5-8 p.m. The evening will introduce participatory budgeting launching in Helsinki in November and brainstorm suggestions for developing Helsinki for children, youth, and families. Read more and register at the Helsinki oppii website.
Tip for Espoo: Story trip to Moomin Valley at Children’s Culture Center Pikki-Aurora on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Tickets €4. Information and ticket reservations at Pikku-Aurora’s website.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018
At the libraries:
Roihuvuori Library's 60th birthday, programming (also for children) all day Wednesday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. More detailed information about the day's program can be found at the library's website. Roihuvuori library has a wonderful children's section! Story time at Arabianranta library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Tapanila library at 9:30 a.m. Circus Lounge workshop at Kontula library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Rikhardinkatu library for older children at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Lauttasaari library at 10 a.m. Story hour at Oulunkylä library at 10 a.m. Singing circle led by Terttu Paikka at Tapulikaupunki library at 10 a.m. Story time at Rikhardinkatu library for toddlers at 10:30 a.m. For babies and parents in Espoo: BabyKino at Ison Omenen library at 10:30 a.m. Read more about BabyKino at the library's website. For babies and parents: BabyKino at Kallio library. Movies with babies are available on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. BabyKino's own group on Facebook can be found here, where, for example, the week's movie is posted and the upcoming program is voted on. For parents in Espoo: The whole family reads, tips for reading with children at Sello library Wednesday at 6 p.m.At the playgrounds:
Playgrounds, please tip Pienten Helsinki directly about special event days!Parent cafés:
Pienten Helsinki's maintained list of MLL parent cafés in Helsinki is still waiting for an update...Other events:
Swedish Week November 5-11, 2018.Smart as HEL event at the Science Corner November 5-16, 2018.
Kindergarten Museum is open Wednesday from 12-6 p.m. Small admission fee.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018
At the libraries:
Story time at Pasila library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Tapulikaupunki library at 9:30 a.m. Circus Lounge workshop at Kontula library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Jakomäki library at 10 a.m. Story Safari - puppet theater performance at Tapulikaupunki library at 6 p.m.At the playgrounds:
Playgrounds, please tip Pienten Helsinki directly about special event days!Parent cafés:
MLL parent café in Kruunuhaka at Krunan mesta (Meritullinkatu 6) on Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. MLL parent café at Kurkimäki apartment building (Musikantti's door) on Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Almost every week the parent group has a music and movement session for everyone by Hupsansaa ry at 10 a.m. MLL parent café in Töölö at Ruusulahti (Ruusulankatu 10, side building) on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tip for Espoo: MLL Leppävaara parent café at Sello library Children's Area on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.Pienten Helsinki’s maintained list of MLL parent cafés in Helsinki is still waiting for an update…
Other events:
Swedish Week November 5-11, 2018.Smart as HEL event at the Science Corner November 5-16, 2018.
Family ball games at Pallomylly indoor hall in Myllypuro sports park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move with their own adult on a soft artificial grass. Free play, acrobatics, running, or even learning to walk. Family ball games on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. Afternoon games cost adults a Pallomylly session fee (€3.50). Read more in Pienten Helsinki’s Helsinki on the move tips.
Fathers and children sports group in Puotila elementary school gym on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Organized by MLL Uusimaa. Free admission. Read more at MLL Uusimaa region’s website.
For parents: Digital parents therapy evening at the Science Corner Thursday from 5-6:30 p.m. Read more at the event’s website.
For parents: East language fairs about language choices at Itäkeskus elementary school on Thursday from 5-7:30 p.m. More information at the event’s Facebook page. The event is part of the Helsinki Education Week program.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018
At the libraries:
Toddler time at South Haaga library at 10 a.m.Tip for Vantaa: Let’s sing together with children at Tikkurila library at 10 a.m.
At the playgrounds:
Playgrounds, please tip Pienten Helsinki directly about special event days!Parent cafés:
MLL parent café at Itäkatu family center on Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.Pienten Helsinki’s maintained list of MLL parent cafés in Helsinki is still waiting for an update…
Other events:
Swedish Week November 5-11, 2018.Smart as HEL event at the Science Corner November 5-16, 2018.
Colorful Days workshop at Stoa on Friday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The workshop is open to everyone. Read more at Stoa’s website.
Naperokino at Annantalo on Fridays at 10 a.m. Age recommendation: 0-3 years with an adult, older children also welcome. Movies are free admission. This week’s theme is cooperation. More information at Annantalo’s website.
Martinmas light parade at Kruunuvuorenranta and Stansviki manor park on Friday from 6-9 p.m. In this family event, a torch-lit procession watches a play about the legend of St. Martin. Along the way, torch songs are sung. Bring your own torch. Departure from the intersection of Gunillantie and Koirasaarentie at 6 p.m. towards restaurant Stansviki. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Auto 2018 Fair at Helsinki Exhibition Center from Friday to Sunday, November 9-11, 2018.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2018
At the libraries:Stuffed animals’ pajama party at Malminkartano library and other programs for children on Saturday. Bring your own stuffed animal for a sleepover, more detailed program and schedule at the library’s website. Toddler time at Roihuvuori library at 10:30 a.m. Superheroes children’s Saturday at Oulunkylä library from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Programming also for babies. Story time at Munkkiniemi library at 11 a.m. Craft Saturday at Arabianranta library from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. In Swedish: Rimjam - Ghost Dance and Troll Tails at Malmi library at 2 p.m.
Tip for Espoo: Reading Buddies – fathers’ and children’s multilingual reading park at Sello library from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Other events:
Swedish Week November 5-11, 2018.Smart as HEL event at the Science Corner November 5-16, 2018.
Sports fun continues Saturday mornings from 9-10:30 a.m. at Maunula sports hall. Admission €3.50 for adults, children under 9 play free. You can arrive on your own schedule. Read more at Pienten Helsinki’s Helsinki on the move tips.
Children’s theater: Linnatheater’s “Mr. Hakkarainen’s Seven Miracles” performance at the Helsinki French-Finnish school on Saturday at 10 a.m. Tickets €13, children under 2 free. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
The construction site of shopping center Herts (Herttoniemi) is accessible on Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to marvel at. On site are excavators, dump trucks, truck cranes, and reach stackers that the family’s little ones can admire both from outside and from the cab. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Saturday game world for children at Kanneltalo on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The gaming event is suitable for the whole family. Read more about the day’s program at Kanneltalo’s website.
Stockmann’s fairy tale window openings at the corner of Keskuskatu and Aleksi (downtown Stockmann) on Saturday at 12 p.m. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Dream gingerbread house workshops at the Hotel and Restaurant Museum on Saturday from 12-3 p.m. The museum is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and there is free admission to the exhibition on workshop day. Read more at the Hotel and Restaurant Museum’s website.
Barn firar - Swedish-language family event at Malmitalo from 12-4 p.m. More detailed information at Malmitalo’s website.
Meeting point café at Annantalo on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Read more at Annantalo’s website.
DanceAbility dance class at Annantalo from 2-3 p.m. The class is suitable for all 3-12 year-olds with their own adult, regardless of ability or disability. Read more about DanceAbility classes at Annantalo’s website. Free admission.
Kekri celebration at Annala and Arabianranta on Saturday from 3-7 p.m. The evening culminates with the burning of an effigy. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Auto 2018 Fair at Helsinki Exhibition Center from Friday to Sunday, November 9-11, 2018.
Tip for Espoo: Tapiola Ice Garden season starts on Saturday at 10 a.m. More information at Espoo liikkuu’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Pikku-Aurora Saturday workshop with the theme of morning dawn on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Plus Svensa veskan programming. Read more at Aurora’s website.
Tip for Sipoo: Storytelling picnic - Story picnic at Söderkulla library on Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Vantaa: Kukkuu art festival for babies and toddlers November 10-20, 2018.
Tip for Vantaa: “I Wish I Lived in the Moon” performance at Lumo Hall on Saturday at 3 p.m. The performance celebrates the 100th anniversary celebrations of Marjatta Kurenniemi, known for her Onneli and Anneli books. Tickets €5/€7. More information and ticket reservations at the event’s Facebook page.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2018
Father's Day[caption id=“attachment_5914” align=“aligncenter” width=“633”]
Pienten Helsinki wishes a happy Father’s Day![/caption]
Other events:
Swedish Week November 5-11, 2018.Smart as HEL event at the Science Corner November 5-16, 2018.
Sports fun continues at Sports Mill in Myllypuro on Sunday mornings from 9-10:45 a.m. Admission €3.50 for adults, children under 9 play free. You can arrive on your own schedule, there’s space for strollers in the hall and you should pack your own lock for the locker room. Read more at Pienten Helsinki’s Helsinki on the move tips.
Father animal speeding at the Natural History Museum on Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. In celebration of the museum’s 340-year anniversary, there is free admission for everyone at the Natural History Museum on Father’s Day, November 11, 2018 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Read more at the Natural History Museum’s website.
Sea Life fathers and those who like fathers can visit free with a paying companion on Father’s Day Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. More details at Sea Life’s website.
Little Papa’s Orchestra performs at the Auto 2018 Fair at Helsinki Exhibition Center’s Auto Stage on Father’s Day at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Read more at Little Papa’s Facebook page. Fair admission fee applies.
Father’s Day public skating at Salmisaari ice hall on Sunday from 12-1:30 p.m. The event is organized by Helsinki Ice Tigers. More information at the team’s Facebook page.
Father’s Day at the Museum of Technology on Sunday from 12-4 p.m. There is free admission to the Museum of Technology on Father’s Day. Read more at the event’s Facebook page.
Father’s Day table tennis/Father’s Day Table Tennis at Ruskeasuo sports hall on Sunday from 12:30-4:30 p.m. The event is suitable for the whole family and for both beginners and experienced players. More information at the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s Etno soi! on Sunday at Malmitalo on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. Read more about the day’s program at the event’s Facebook page.
In Swedish: Sundays for children at Kino Engel at 1 p.m. Children’s movie screenings at Kino Engel in Swedish. Tickets €10.50. Read more and see the program at Kino Engel’s website.
Movie night with dad at Clarion Hotel Helsinki on Sunday from 3:30-6 p.m. The movie is Risto Räppää and the Treasure of Seville. Advance registration is recommended. Read more at the event’s Facebook page. Movie admission is free.
Auto 2018 Fair at Helsinki Exhibition Center from Friday to Sunday, November 9-11, 2018.
Tip for Espoo: Father’s Day at Löylymäki at Toy Museum Horseshoe on Sunday from 12-4 p.m. More information about the program at the museum’s website. Museum admission fee applies.
Tip for Espoo: Fathers get free admission to Haltia Nature Center on Sunday with a Father’s Day card. Read more at Haltia’s website.
Tip for Vantaa: Kukkuu art festival for babies and toddlers November 10-20, 2018.
Also remember these:
Swedish Week November 5-11, 2018.Smart as HEL event at the Science Corner November 5-16, 2018.
Kukkuu art festival for babies and toddlers in Vantaa November 10-20, 2018.
Kalasatama’s Vapaakaupunki shopping center REDI invites you to hang out, play, eat your own snacks, or just relax. Vapaakaupunki is located on the 2nd floor of the shopping center. Read more at Vapaakaupunki’s Facebook page.
To the exhibition! Valontaivuttajat - Light Art Exhibition at Cultural Center Stoa Gallery November 1-December 1, 2018. Open during Stoa’s operating hours. Read more at Stoa’s website.
To the exhibition! Rosamaría Bolomn Joy is a child’s right. Rights for everyone! paper sculpture exhibition is on display at Annantalo art gallery November 4, 2018-December 16, 2018. Read more at Annantalo’s website.
Helsinki places article is a lifesaver for boring days! Kalasatama’s Vapaakaupunki shopping center REDI invites you to hang out, play, eat your own snacks, or just relax. Vapaakaupunki is located on the 2nd floor of the shopping center. Read more at Vapaakaupunki’s Facebook page.
Skidilä, a new child-friendly café at Annantalo invites you to visit and spend, for example, a delicious bun break!
Also remember: Nordic Library on Kaisaniemenkatu.
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