Where to go in November? Tips for week 45.

Updated November 7, 2017

What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Little Helsinki’s weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The target audience of the website is children under school age.

Little Helsinki’s Where to Go activity tips offer something for everyone this week as well, and especially Saturday, November 11, 2017 has a long and varied list of activities. Many libraries have themed days, and the week also includes several library evening events for children. Also included for the first time is an activity tip for parents, as the Baby in the Box exhibition opens on Thursday at the University of Helsinki’s Science Corner and the University Museum.

During the weekend, you can admire animals and much more at the ELMA fair. This week also celebrates the Swedish Week event week, and Swedish-language children’s events are held throughout the capital region. Explore the Swedish Week program on the event’s own website.

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. The information will not be used for commercial purposes. Big thanks to those who have already been in touch!

Tip: The library's websites currently have a survey open about the library's children's internet pages. You can share your opinion and make suggestions by November 15, 2017. Link to the survey on Helmet's website.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2017

Events:

Story time at Puistola Library at 10 a.m.

Story time at Östra Centrum Library at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m.

Malmi Mondays is a craft session for children and families at Malmi Library from 5-7 p.m.

Story massage at Puistola Library at 6 p.m.

At Annantalo Art Clinic, this week’s theme is “Bring a Beautiful Flying Thing!” - butterflies, which will be created with mixed media. The Art Clinic is designed for children ages 3-6 in home care. Admission is free. There are two Monday clinic groups at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Read more about Annantalo’s Art Clinic.

[caption id=“attachment_84” align=“aligncenter” width=“960”] On Monday at the Art Clinic at Annantalo, butterflies are admired and crafted.[/caption]

Tip: When was the last time you visited Helsinki City Museum’s Children’s City? This wonderful place in the heart of Helsinki is also open on Mondays, unlike many museums. Little Helsinki’s strong recommendation!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

Events: Story time at Malmi Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Viikki Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Herttoniemi Library at 9:45 a.m. Story time at Kannelmäki Library at 10 a.m. Story time at North Haaga Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Töölö Library in the activity room at 10:15 a.m.

FOR BABIES: Rhyme time at Tapulikaupunki Library at 10:30 a.m.

Art Clinic at Vuotalo on Tuesday at 10 a.m. This week’s theme is Captured Dreams - building your own Dream Catcher. The Art Clinic is designed for children ages 3-6 in home care. Admission is free. Read more about the Art Clinic on Vuotalo’s website.

Family Ball Games at Pallomylly Indoor Hall at Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running, or practicing walking. Family ball games on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Free admission for morning ball games; evening ball games cost adults Pallomylly’s single ticket (€3.50).

FOR BABIES and parents: Baby Cinema at Korjaamo Kino on Tuesday at 10 a.m. and a Night Feeding film. Tickets €7.50. Read more on Korjaamo Cinema’s website.

Puppet Theater Sampo presents the interactive performance Goldilocks and the Three Bears at 10 a.m. Tickets €11. Read more on Sampo’s website.

Toddler Tuesday event takes over Jumbo shopping center in Vantaa this time for the last time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Read more on Toddler Tuesday’s Facebook page.

Tip: Going to a movie for the first time with a little one? The beloved Onneli and Anneli and the Mysterious Stranger is showing at Tennis Palace at 12:40 p.m. Perfect for a first cinema experience!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Events: Story time at Arabianranta Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Kontula Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time for ages 3-6 at Rikhardinkatu Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Tapanila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Käpylä Library at 10 a.m. Story time at Lauttasaari Library at 10 a.m. Story time for ages 1-3 at Rikhardinkatu Library at 10:30 a.m. Story time at Oulunkylä Library at 5 p.m. Evening Story and Story Massage at Malmi Library at 6 p.m.

Toddlers’ Rhyme Circle at Oulunkylä Library at 10 a.m.

Story time in Swedish at Bocksbacka Library at 10:15 a.m.

Mauka and Väykä’s Journey performance is shown at Vuosaari Library at 10 a.m. A performance suitable for children over 3 - an interactive adventure where children can participate. Free admission. (information from the library’s brochure, not on the website)

Puppet Theater Sampo presents the interactive performance Goldilocks and the Three Bears at 10 a.m. Tickets €11. Read more on Sampo’s website.

FOR BABIES and parents: Baby Cinema at Töölö Library at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Read more about Baby Cinema at Töölö Library on the library’s website.

Tip: In November, you can travel by train, visit the airport, ride the tram, and guess when the metro goes to Espoo. Read spotting tips for the city’s hustle and bustle on Little Helsinki’s website.

[caption id=“attachment_742” align=“aligncenter” width=“1000”] Have you already traveled by train in the Ring Rail Line tunnels?[/caption]

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

Events:

Story time at Suutarila Library at 9:30 a.m. Story time at Laajasalo Library at 9:45 a.m. Story time at Jakomäki Library at 10 a.m.

Book Café at Vallila Library (topic: children’s book Lilli’s Wild Adventures) at 5 p.m.

Family Ball Games at Pallomylly Indoor Hall at Myllypuro Sports Park. In family ball games, all children under 9 move on soft artificial turf with their own adult. Free play, stunts, running, or practicing walking. Family ball games on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. Free admission for children; adults pay Pallomylly’s single ticket (€3.50).

The beloved fairy tale classic The Happy Prince is presented as a puppet theater interpretation at the National Theater in the Great Stage lobby on Thursday at 10 a.m. Performances also later in November and December. Tickets €15. The performance is designed for ages 2-7. Read more on the National Theater’s website.

Puppet Theater Sampo presents the interactive performance Goldilocks and the Three Bears at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets €11. Read more on Sampo’s website. X

FOR PARENTS: The University of Helsinki Museum’s Baby in the Box exhibition illuminates the fascinating history of maternity packages. The exhibition opens on November 9 at 2:00 p.m. at the University of Helsinki’s Science Corner and is also on display at the University of Helsinki Museum. Read more on the university’s website.

Tip for Vantaa: At Tikkurila Library in Vantaa, the Singing Together with Children event on Thursday at 10 a.m. You can bring your own instrument or borrow one from the library. Read more about this fun singing moment here.

FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS: Tip for Vantaa: The music session “I Have Light in My Toes” at Taidetalo Pessi is a special moment for babies and toddlers, and older siblings are also welcome. Music sessions start on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Explore Taidetalo Pessi’s program!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

Story hour at Roihuvuori Library at 9:45 a.m. Finnish-Russian story time at Vuosaari Library at 10 a.m.

FOR BABIES: Babies’ Rhyme Time at South Haaga Library at 10 a.m.

The beloved fairy tale classic The Happy Prince is presented as a puppet theater interpretation at the National Theater in the Great Stage lobby on Friday at 10 a.m. Performances also later in November and December. Tickets €15. The performance is designed for ages 2-7. Read more on the National Theater’s website.

ELMA fair event at Messukeskus from Friday to Sunday. Read more on Messukeskus’s website. At the same time, Pet Fairs, Outlet Expo, and Handicraft Fairs are also held. Tickets €18/€10; children under 7 free.

Martinmas Light Procession for the whole family in the evening twilight with the glow of lanterns at Kruunuvuorenranta on Friday starting at 6 p.m. Read more about the procession and program on the event’s Facebook page.

Tip: Have you seen the Ateneum Art Museum’s Treasures of the Ancallis Gallery? The Fighting Ducks and Bathing Duck await you as part of the Finnish Art Story exhibition. Museum admission fee. Read more about the Ancallis Gallery exhibition on Ateneum’s website.

[caption id=“attachment_1273” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”] You can also take peaceful naps in a stroller on the Ateneum’s staircases ;).[/caption]

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2017

Events:

Cleaning Day throughout Helsinki and Finland. Read more about Cleaning Day.

Story time at Vuosaari Library children’s section at 10:30 a.m. Story time at Munkkiniemi Library at 11 a.m.

Toddler Session at Roihuvuori Library at 10:30 a.m. FOR BABIES: Babies’ Rhyme Circle at Oulunkylä Library at 11 a.m.

Detective Adventure at Roihuvuori Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also FOR BABIES: Children’s Saturday at Oulunkylä Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children’s Lego Saturday at Library 10 from 12-2 p.m.

Sports Fun at Maunula Sports Hall on Saturdays from 9-10:30 a.m. Read more on Helsinki Moves website and Little Helsinki’s children’s sports article.

Opening of the “Journey Through Time” Exhibition and celebration of renovation completion at the Kindergarten Museum on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program includes workshops, puppet theater performances, crafts (bring your own bucket), free exploration of the exhibition, and play. Read more about the day’s program on the museum’s website. Free admission. The event is part of the Together Without Age Limits campaign.

Children Celebrate Finland, Finland’s 100-year celebration for children - a Swedish-language children’s party at Malmitalo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for children ages 4-12 in all languages. Read more on Malmitalo’s website. Free admission.

The beloved fairy tale classic The Happy Prince is presented as a puppet theater interpretation at the National Theater in the Great Stage lobby on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Performances also later in November and December. Tickets €15. The performance is designed for ages 2-7. Read more on the National Theater’s website.

The City Theater’s program brings back the beloved Elves as Cobblers performance, which is designed for the family’s littlest members. Saturday’s performance starts at 11 a.m. Tickets €11. Read more on the City Theater’s website. Performances in November and December, also on weekdays.

Mud Rascals perform on Saturday at the Siltamäki-Suutarila Society village festival at Suutarila Service Center at 10:30 a.m. The concert is organized by Suutarila Library in cooperation with the Siltamäki-Suutarila Society. Read more on Suutarila Library’s website. Free admission.

Children's Magic Day, a Swedish Martha children's event on Saturday from 12-3 p.m. Registration is required for the event. Read more on the event's Facebook page.

Story Saturday at the Nordic Library features the theme darkness. The story begins at 1 p.m. Read more on the Nordic Library's website.

[caption id=“attachment_950” align=“aligncenter” width=“960”] It’s worth visiting the Nordic Library’s wonderful children’s section during Story Saturday.[/caption]

Pomppulintu Castle Count's Album Release Concert at Music Theater Kapsäkki on Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets €10. The performance is suitable for children 2 and older. Read more on Kapsäkki's website.

The family Christmas Eve Festival is held in Annala Manor's courtyard and waterfront park on Saturday from 3-6 p.m. The program includes, for example, dance performances, seasonal treats, pony rides, and ending with the Christmas witch lighting a bonfire. Read more about the afternoon program on the event's Facebook page.

Tip for Espoo: Plant Print Card Workshop is Pikku-Aurora’s Saturday program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also explore other wonderful programs at the children’s cultural center Pikku-Aurora!

Tip for Askola: Peikkori Hill Bird Garden & Farm Animals in Askola holds an open house day to honor the alpacas that have moved to the farm. Come say hello to Fuja and Fara from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. More information on the farm’s Facebook page.

P.S. Rumor has it that downtown Stockmann’s Christmas story window opens on Saturday and puppies from the Group Haul are invited to the scene ;)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2017

Events:

Family sports event Sports Fun takes over Sunday mornings at Liikuntamylly in Myllypuro from 9-10:45 a.m. Free fun exercise and varied sports trials. Free admission for children; adults pay €3.50. Also read Little Helsinki’s article about sports events - the article also has more information about Sports Fun.

Technology Land - Father’s Day Event at the Technology Museum at Vanhankaupunginkoski from 12-3 p.m. Guided workshops and free activities. Free admission. Read more about the event on the museum’s website.

Children’s Etnosoi! at Malmitalo on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. You can explore the wonderful music journey’s full program on the event’s website. The program is suitable for the whole family and admission is free. X

Tip for Espoo: Toy Museum Horseshoe holds Father’s Day at Löylymäki from 12-4 p.m. The Miniature Train Club, which built the museum’s small train track, visits the Toy Museum and runs trains from different decades and tells about model building at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Children and adults enjoy the Toy Museum; Little Helsinki recommends it! Museum admission (€12; children under 18 free; Museum Card venue).

[caption id=“attachment_1979” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”] Toy Museum Horseshoe’s Löylymäki train track.[/caption]

Tip for Espoo: Espoo Cultural Center presents Ti-Ti Bear’s Christmas Elves in the Log Forest at 3 p.m. Tickets €25. Read more on Espoo Cultural Center’s website.

Remember also these:

ELMA fair event at Messukeskus from Friday to Sunday. Read more on Messukeskus's website. At the same time, Pet Fairs, Outlet Expo, and Handicraft Fairs are also held. Tickets €18/€10; children under 7 free.

Fallkulla Farm is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.

The Annantalo café hosts Minka Heino’s Peak. Pop Exhibition of children’s book illustrations. The exhibition also features a story cottage, where children can stay and relax, look and pause. The exhibition is open until November 12, 2017. Read more about the exhibition on Annantalo’s website. Free admission.

Annantalo has the Dream Fabrics Exhibition on display until mid-December, which you can enjoy during the building’s open hours for free. Read more on Annantalo’s website and see the photos here. Free admission.

[caption id=“attachment_1876” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”] Dream Fabrics Exhibition at Annantalo.[/caption]