Pienten Helsinki
What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki? Where to go with little children on the weekend? 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 on the website is preschool-age 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 for the week. It also includes highlights from Little Helsinki's new articles and news. The future of the page is still open, but we'll continue with this concept through the spring.
New in Little Helsinki: Sponsor Little Helsinki!
Little Helsinki's most popular, weekly Where to go this week article series is looking for sponsors! More information behind the link.
NEW: City trails for families
Over the coming months, Little Helsinki will publish a new type of city tourism concept when hospitality management student Heidi Säynätkari creates city trails for families in some of Helsinki's neighborhoods as her thesis. Interviews are being sought for this work. Would you be willing to participate in a short interview about family tourism and help Heidi complete her work? Read Heidi's message and more information about the thesis and city trails in Finnish and English. www.pientenhelsinki.fi/kaupunkipolut
Important citizen initiative! Little Helsinki is exceptionally highlighting an important citizen initiative on behalf of all small daycare children. Please sign the citizen initiative for more precise definition of early childhood education ratios. Read more here.Feel free to share the link as well!
Article cover image from the Japanese-style garden in Roihuvuori, where the pale pink flowering cherry tree is at its best right now. Roihuvuori's cherry blossom park is also worth experiencing. Little Helsinki recommends it!
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »|
Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY 6.5.2019
Events in libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Monday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events in playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar. Monday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Albert's Lounge is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Monday 9:30-15. Read more from Helsinki Mission's website.
MLL Dad Cafe at Iso-Anta playground in Itäkeskus on Mondays 10-12. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Art Clinic for 3-6 year olds at Malmitalo on Monday at 10. This week at the art clinic, silhouettes of the city are created. You can participate in the art clinic weekly or occasionally, but you should arrive on time. No pre-registration needed. Read more about the Art Clinic activity from Malmitalo's website.
Puppet theater music class at Sampo's atrium gallery on Monday at 10 and 11. Paid (€8/session or €80/ whole season). Read more from Puppet Theater Sampo's website.
For babies: Baby Monday at Art Hall 13-15. The event introduces the Young 2019 exhibition under the guidance of art educators Liini Laes and Iisa Juva. All babies under one year old with their parents are welcome to Baby Monday. A special color play session for babies. Tickets €12 / €8 /Museum card. More information from Art Hall's website.
Culture Cleans the Environment – Spring Workday around Finlandia House on Monday 14-16. The event also includes program and refreshments for participants. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Junior Ciné – Children's and youth film festival 6.-10-5-2019.
More information and detailed schedule from the film festival's website.
Museums open on Mondays include Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Amos Rex and Newspaper Museum.
Find tips on exhibitions and more link recommendations at the end of the article under Remember These Too!
TUESDAY 7.5.2019
Events in libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Tuesday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events in playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar. Tuesday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Espoo: Junior Ciné – Children's and youth film festival 6.-10-5-2019. More information and detailed schedule from the film festival's website.
Check out the Newspaper Museum's Pekka Bushy Tail new exhibition! The exhibition is open Tuesday 11-17.
WEDNESDAY 8.5.2019
Events in libraries
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 Kallio Library. You can go to movies with your baby on Wednesdays at 12 and 14:30. BabyKino's own Facebook group can be found here, where, for example, the week's film is published and you can vote on upcoming programs. More information can also be found on BabyKino's Facebook page.
Events in playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar. Monday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
News from Annantalo:
A community garden is being established at Annantalo courtyard in 2019 – Helsinki's funniest community garden. Courtyard activities start on Wednesday 8.5 and the opening at 9–12 includes some small-scale programming, gardening and painting of garden boxes – mainly for children and young people. Free admission, advance registrations to [email protected]. Garden work parties continue on Wednesdays throughout the summer and early fall until 20.9.2019. The community garden is truly everyone in Helsinki's own garden, where anyone can enjoy and benefit from its care and produce. At Annantalo courtyard and the A•stage located there family-friendly activities are organized mainly for children, young people and families from May to mid-September.
Fly Fly Little Ladybug - puppet theater performance at Malmitalo on Wednesday at 10. Tickets €12. More information from Malmitalo's website.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public on Wednesday 10-18. Free admission.
Helsinki Fire Department's Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Wednesdays 12-16. Admission €2, under 15 free. Read more from Helsinki's city website.
Kindergarten Museum has playtime on Wednesdays 12-18. Museum admission €4, under 16 free, Museum card accepted.
Espoo: Junior Ciné – Children's and youth film festival 6.-10-5-2019.
More information and detailed schedule from the film festival's website.
THURSDAY 9.5.2019
Events in libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Thursday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events in playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar. Thursday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Also for parents: Let's Talk Positively! event at Oodi Central Library on Thursday 9-11 (Children's activity room, 3rd floor). More information from the event's Facebook page.
Albert's Lounge is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. Open Thursday 9:30-15. Read more from Helsinki Mission's website.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public on Thursday 10-18. Free admission.
Espoo: Do It Together Festival at Sello shopping center and its surroundings on Thursday 14-20. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Junior Ciné – Children's and youth film festival 6.-10-5-2019.
More information and detailed schedule from the film festival's website.
FRIDAY 10.5.2019
Events in libraries
Story times and children's events at Helmet libraries in the capital region for Friday can be found in the Helmet event calendar.
Events in playgrounds
Playground events can now also be found in Helsinki's city event calendar. Friday's events can be browsed here.
Events and activity tips
Also for parents: Let's Talk Positively! event at Oodi Central Library on Friday 9-11 (Children's activity room, 3rd floor). More information from the event's Facebook page.
New! Albert's Lounge is a meeting place open to families with children and seniors in Kamppi. NOW ALSO open on Fridays 9:30-15. Read more from Helsinki Mission's website.
Naperokino at Annantalo on Fridays at 10. Age recommendation: 0–3 years with an adult, older children also welcome. Free admission to the movies. More information from Annantalo's website.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public on Friday 10-18. Free admission.
Dream Sports Day at Lapinlahden Lähde on Friday 15-20. Read more from the event's Facebook page.
Vantaa: Children's and Youth Olympics at Myyrmäki Hall on Friday 15-20. Free admission. Read more from the organizer's website.
Espoo: Photo orienteering for families at Mankaa School field on Friday 16-19. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Kallio Blooms 2019 all around Kallio's corners 10.-19.5.2019. More information from the event's website.
Espoo: Junior Ciné – Children's and youth film festival 6.-10-5-2019.
More information and detailed schedule from the film festival's website.
SATURDAY 11.5.2019
Events in libraries
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
Play Day 2019
Play Day events are organized around the capital region, find more information from Play Day's website.
Vantaa: Children's and Youth Olympics at Myyrmäki Hall on Saturday 9-18. Free admission. Read more from the organizer's website.
Tatu and Patu Family Day at Kontulan Library on Saturday 10-12. More information from the library's website.
Open doors at Kallio Music School on Saturday 10-14. More detailed information from the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Little Aurora's Saturday Workshop featuring neighborhood authors and Robo Open day on Saturday 10-14. Read more from Aurora's website.
Exciting children's event HUPS at Esport Arena on Saturday 10-15. Free admission. More information from the event's website.
Home Garden VERSOO Garden Markets at Konepaja Bruno on Saturday and Sunday 10-15. Free admission. Read more from the event's Facebook page.
Kallio Blooms: Puppet Theater Little Wanderer presents: The Black Hen Pro Children's Literature brings puppet theater Little Wanderer to the Children's Museum in the Ebeneser building, 3rd floor on Saturday at 11. Admission €5. Limited number of tickets available, reserve your seat at [email protected]. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Flea market! POP UP flea market in the activity room at Suolakivenkatu 18 (Herttoniemenranta) on Saturday 11-14. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Dream Family Sports Day at Hanika on Saturday 11-14. A marked trail (approx. 1km) starts from Hanikan activity center where there are fun tasks along the way for the whole family. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Mother's Day event for families at Megahertz on Saturday 11-15. Featuring performances by Jokeri Pokeri Box. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Family art and design carnival at Sinebrychoff Art Museum on Saturday 12-14. Museum admission, under 18 free. More information from the museum's website.
Accessible Play Day at Oodi on Saturday 13-16.
DanceAbility dance class at Annantalo 14-15. The class is suitable for all 3-12 year olds with their own adult, regardless of disability or non-disability. Read more about DanceAbility classes from Annantalo's website. Free admission.
Meklun Street Party on Mechelinkatu between Perhonkatu and Kaartin on Saturday from 14. Program for the whole family. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Kallio Blooms 2019 all around Kallio's corners 10.-19.5.2019. More information from the event's website.
Kallio Go! - City orienteering 10.-19.5.2019. Read more about the self-guided route from the event's Facebook page.
Espoo: Satu Sopanen and Tutti Orchestra: Humping Pumping, King Jumping at Pakkasmäki's open-air stage in Espoonlahti on Saturday at 15. Tickets €6/€7. Read more from Espoo's culture department website.
Vantaa: Riitta and Ti-Ti Teddy: Full Speed! Concert at Martinus cultural center on Saturday at 15. Tickets €18.50. More information from the organizer's website.
Spring children's clothing and supplies flea markets in the capital region are listed behind one link.
SUNDAY 12.5.2019
Mother's Day
Events and activity tips
Swimming Stadium opens on Mother's Day at 9. To honor Mother's Day, the newly opened Swimming Stadium will have the Helsinki Festival Orchestra playing 9-10:30 am and the first 50 eager swimmers get a towel. Outdoor pool admission fee. Read more from Helsinki's city website.
At the Give Mom a Garden event mothers get free admission to Kumpula Botanical Garden on Sunday. More information from the garden's website.
Fallkulla farm is open to the public on Sunday 10-15. Free admission.
Flea market! Aleksis Kivi Street Sunday Flea Market from 11!
Mother's Day event at Pakila Upper School field on Sunday 11-13:30. More information from the event's Facebook page.
Vantaa: Mother's Day event at South Vantaa Riding School on Sunday at 12. Program for the whole family. Read more from the event's Facebook page.
Helsinki Fire Department's Fire Museum at Erottaja fire station is open on Sundays 12-16. Admission €2, under 15 free. Read more from Helsinki's city website.
Kite club's traditional Mother's Day kite flying on Sunday at Kustaanmiekka's valley in Suomenlinna. The kite club welcomes everyone to watch the beautiful kites and fly their own. Kite flying starts around 12:30 and ends by 17 at the latest.
The event is weather dependent. Free admission. Read more from the event's Facebook page.
At Annantalo's Sunday meetings you can hear what craftsmanship was like before and what it is today? Sunday meetings on Sunday at 13. More information from Annantalo's website.
Kallio Blooms 2019 all around Kallio's corners 10.-19.5.2019. More information from the event's website.
Remember These Too
Kallio Blooms 2019 all around Kallio's corners 10.-19.5.2019. More information from the event's website.
Espoo: Junior Ciné – Children's and youth film festival 6.-10-5-2019.
More information and detailed schedule from the film festival's website.
Linnanmäki has opened its gates again for the 2019 season. Opening carnival continues until 12.5.2019. The amusement park has free admission and little adventurers can enjoy free rides. Linnanmäki also has lots of programming during the opening carnival.
Northern Helsinki Art School students' spring exhibition at Malmitalo 25.4-11.5.2019. More information from Malmitalo's website.
In Espoo: Toy Museum Horseshoe new Game for Play special exhibition. Museum admission fee.
Exhibition: Check out the Newspaper Museum's Pekka Bushy Tail new exhibition!
Exhibition: Future Laboratory at Annantalo 1.3.-31.12.2019. The exhibition is open during Annantalo's opening hours. Read more from Annantalo's website.
Children's art festival Spring Kutitus in Espoo 17.3.-4.5.2019.
Sipoo and Porvoo: Children's Literature Festival Sana / Children's Literature Festival Ord in Sipoo and Porvoo 5.5.-11.5.2019.
Helsinki Places article is a lifesaver on boring days with children!
Little Helsinki as an app on your phone!
Little Helsinki now also works as a PWA app. You can install Little Helsinki on your Android or iPhone phone by simply opening the page in Chrome or Safari browser and selecting the share icon Add to Home Screen. A PWA app differs from a traditional app in that you don't need to install it separately from the App Store or similar. Practically speaking, the content is exactly the same as in the browser, but the page loads faster.
Little Helsinki does not require registration to work now, nor ever will.
Follow Little Helsinki:
Little Helsinki on Facebook!
Little Helsinki on Instagram!
Little Helsinki on Twitter!
