Pienten Helsinki
Early August activity ideas
What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki? Where to go with small children on weekends? What to do on a rainy day? Pienten Helsinki's weekly series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly places in Helsinki and the surrounding area. The website targets preschool-aged children and families with young children.During the second week of August there’s plenty happening: for example, Dinner Under Finland’s Sky, Harbor Festivities, pogo stick jumping, and Etno-Espa concerts (Pikku Papu!). This coming week marks the end of summer at the Traffic City and Mustasaari island’s summer season ends this coming Sunday. Some park hideaways have also been extended and you can still find hideaways throughout the city. The “Where to go this week” article lists this week’s events as well as children’s culture centers and other cultural institutions, whose autumn programs are worth exploring now.
Pienten Helsinki’s “Where to go this week” article is published weekly, at the latest on Mondays, and suggests what’s happening in the city for families with preschool-aged children.
Current paddling pool tip: Early in the week you can swim, weather permitting, at least in the Linja playground, Maunula, and Haruspuisto parks. At Myllynsiipe, showers are available weather permitting well into August and September, and you can splash around at Pirkko’s Pool until August 12, 2018.
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Article header image: At the Tennis Palace, on top of the HAM Helsinki roof, Villu Jaanisool’s Seagull sculpture watches city pedestrians. Pienten Helsinki challenges everyone to an August #spottingasculpture adventure to find the numerous animal statues in Helsinki! Tips for spotting can be found on HAM’s website.
Tuesday »| Wednesday »| Thursday »| Friday »| Saturday »| Sunday »
MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2018
At the libraries:
Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found on the Helmet library portal.Libraries are open during summer months, even without organized programs. Read for example what libraries offer for small children and book tips for summer activities with children.
At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers return to weekday routines this week. Now is the perfect time to suggest ideas and programs for playgrounds - tell your ideas to the playground staff or send an email! The playground swimming season has officially ended, but at least Linja, Haruspuisto, and Maunula playgrounds said you can still swim early in the week before school starts. Playground meals have ended for the summer.Other events:
Etno-Espa at Espa's stage August 6-15, 2018. A new folk music event brings a diverse lineup of performers to Espa's stage. More information on Etno-Espa on the event's website.Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City open at 9 am during the summer season. An excellent play place for early risers! Read more on the museum’s website. Children’s City also features a narrative art exhibition by illustrator Jenni Isotoff May 29 – August 31, Dream Mäykkynen & Helsinki.
Other museums open on Mondays are the Newspaper Museum and during the summer season also the National Museum and Haltia Nature Center in Espoo.
Children’s Traffic City holds its final open family day on Monday 10 am-3 pm, where all ages practice in the traffic city under adult guidance. Free admission.
Loota is also a whole-family experiential comic exhibition at Annantalo’s art gallery. The exhibition features plenty of comic pages from the Kiste series in both Finnish and German. The book’s world continues in the space as three-dimensional and playable. You can visit the exhibition during Annantalo’s opening hours August 4 - September 2, 2018. The event is organized by the Comic Center and is part of the 2018 Helsinki Comic Festivals program. A public workshop related to the exhibition on Monday, August 6, noon-4 pm. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Children’s culture for fall: Annantalo, a multidisciplinary children’s and youth arts center, offers many kinds of art courses, music classes, and children’s events. Browse the fall program now and register!
TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018
At the libraries:
Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found on the Helmet library portal.Libraries are open during summer months, even without organized programs. Read for example what libraries offer for small children and book tips for summer activities with children.
At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers return to weekday routines this week. Now is the perfect time to suggest ideas and programs for playgrounds and family centers - tell your ideas to the playground staff or send an email! The playground swimming season has officially ended, but at least Linja, Haruspuisto, and Maunula playgrounds said you can still swim early in the week before school starts. Playground meals have ended for the summer.Other events:
Etno-Espa at Espa's stage August 6-15, 2018. A new folk music event brings a diverse lineup of performers to Espa's stage. More information on Etno-Espa on the event's website.Annantalo summer music classes invite you to sing, play, move, and recite together with music teacher Tuuli Paasola at Annantalo’s A•stage on Tuesday at 10:00 am. The music class is designed for 0-7 year-old children and their guardians, but suits everyone from babies to grandparents. Free admission, no advance registration required. More information on Annantalo’s website.
The Oak’s Tale puppet theater show at Helsinki city’s Winter Garden courtyard (indoors if rainy) on Tuesday at 11 am and 1 pm. The show is recommended for ages 3-9 and lasts about 20 minutes. The show is produced by puppet theater Sytkyt. Free admission.
Summer theater: Taivallahden summer theater’s stage presents Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Tuesday at 6 pm. Tickets €16. Read more: on Taivallahden summer theater’s website.
Tip: Going to movies with children! PuluBoin and Poni’s movie premiered Friday! Other all-ages movies now in theaters include Maija the Bee and the Honey Games and Supermarsu.
Children’s culture for fall: Registration for fall courses at the Workers’ Institute begins in stages on Monday, August 13, 2018 at 11 am. The fall course offerings include music classes for babies and toddlers, art courses and color experiences for small children, family cooking classes and much more throughout Helsinki. Explore the offerings in the Ilmonet service; more information on the Workers’ Institute website.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2018
At the libraries:
Reading dogs Börje and Bruno visit Tapanila library on Wednesday 2-4 pm. The program includes free fan time with petting and dog fun. You can also try reading to the dog.Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found on the Helmet library portal.
Libraries are open during summer months, even without organized programs. Read for example what libraries offer for small children and book tips for summer activities with children.
At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers return to weekday routines this week. Now is the perfect time to suggest ideas and programs for playgrounds - tell your ideas to the playground staff or send an email! The playground swimming season has officially ended, but at least Linja, Haruspuisto, and Maunula playgrounds said you can still swim early in the week before school starts. Playground meals have ended for the summer.Other events:
Etno-Espa at Espa's stage August 6-15, 2018. A new folk music event brings a diverse lineup of performers to Espa's stage. More information on Etno-Espa on the event's website.Summer theater: Puotila Manor’s courtyard theater stage features the cat Viiru and old man Pesonen when the play Viiru Moves is shown at Puotila Summer Theater on Wednesday at 1 pm. Tickets €12. Read more on Puotila Summer Theater’s website. Final week!
You can climb to the National Museum’s tower on summer Wednesdays at 4:30 pm. A ticket for the tower tour costs €5 and can be purchased at the ticket office on Wednesdays (no advance sales). Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
A•stage open stage Wednesdays 5-7 pm. The event is open to the public and performers. You can go on stage to perform or watch others perform. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Pogo stick show at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday at 6 pm. Tickets €5, free for children under 3. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Olympic Stadium and Kumpula ticket offices. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Tip for Espoo: Talomuseo Glims 4H farmyard pasture visits continue on Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the museum’s website. Free admission.
Children’s culture for fall: Helsinki city’s cultural centers offer concerts, themed days, films and much more for children and families. It’s worth exploring the fall program now, as some performances and spots should be booked soon! You can find the cultural centers’ page here.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018
At the libraries:
Library tip: Take the metro to Espoo and visit Iso Omena library's cool interior! The metro takes you directly from Helsinki to the large library and an excellent children's department, which also has space to play. Two elevators up from the metro station directly to the library!Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found on the Helmet library portal.
Libraries are open during summer months, even without organized programs. Read for example what libraries offer for small children and book tips for summer activities with children.
At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers return to weekday routines this week. Now is the perfect time to suggest ideas and programs for playgrounds - tell your ideas to the playground staff or send an email! The playground swimming season has officially ended, but at least Linja, Haruspuisto, and Maunula playgrounds said you can still swim early in the week before school starts. Playground meals have ended for the summer.Other events:
Etno-Espa at Espa's stage August 6-15, 2018. A new folk music event brings a diverse lineup of performers to Espa's stage. More information on Etno-Espa on the event's website.Summer theater: Puotila Manor’s courtyard theater stage features the cat Viiru and old man Pesonen when the play Viiru Moves is shown at Puotila Summer Theater on Thursday at 6 pm. Tickets €12. Read more on Puotila Summer Theater’s website. Final week!
Dinner Under Finland’s Sky event allows anyone to organize a celebration and invite friends or complete strangers to dine on Thursday at a dock, beach, street corner, or park. How about organizing dinner for neighborhood kids or an open invitation to families and many new friends in the area? Invite friends or strangers to dinner, organize your own event, or arrange Pienten Helsinki nyyttärit in the summer Helsinki - only the sky is the limit for ideas! Read more on the event organizer’s website.
[caption id=“attachment_4748” align=“aligncenter” width=“2048”]
Dinner Under Finland’s Sky filled Espa on Helsinki Day. On Thursday, Dinner Under Finland’s Sky is being held and everyone is invited![/caption]
Tip for Espoo: Talomuseo Glims 4H farmyard pasture visits continue on Thursdays 3:30-4:30 pm. Read more on the museum’s website. Free admission.
Children’s culture for fall: At Sellosaali in Espoo’s Leppävaara, many family performances are held. The fall program has been published and tickets for events are on sale now. Browse Sellosaali’s offerings on Sellosaali’s website.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018
At the libraries:
FOR BABIES: Babies' rhyme time at South Haaga library on Friday at 10 am.Book tips for summer vacation days for children can be found on the Helmet library portal.
Libraries are open during summer months, even without organized programs. Read for example what libraries offer for small children and book tips for summer activities with children.
At the playgrounds:
All playgrounds and family centers return to weekday routines this week. Now is the perfect time to suggest ideas and programs for playgrounds - tell your ideas to the playground staff or send an email! The playground swimming season has officially ended, but at least Linja, Haruspuisto, and Maunula playgrounds said you can still swim early in the week before school starts. Playground meals have ended for the summer.Other events:
Etno-Espa at Espa's stage August 6-15, 2018. A new folk music event brings a diverse lineup of performers to Espa's stage. More information on Etno-Espa on the event's website.Summer's final Guard Parade departs at 12:30 pm from Helsinki's Senate Square, marching through Market Square to the main guardhouse, then back along the Esplanade to Kasarmitori. After the Guard Parade, an entertaining MIL-Espa concert at 2 pm will be held at Espa's stage. On Friday, the Imperial Band will provide music for the Guard Parade. More information on the event's Facebook page.
Princess and the Gate of Wisdom theater show at Annala villa on Friday at 5:30 pm. The show is especially designed for those who have turned 3 years old. Before the show, all guests receive coffee and juice. Tickets €10, family ticket for four €30. More information on the event's Facebook page.Summer theater: Puotila Manor's courtyard theater stage features the cat Viiru and old man Pesonen when the play Viiru Moves is shown at Puotila Summer Theater on Friday at 6 pm. Tickets €12. Read more on Puotila Summer Theater's website. Final week!
Summer theater: Taivallahden summer theater's stage presents Tiina and Sinikka Nopola's Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Friday at 6 pm. Tickets €16. Read more: on Taivallahden summer theater's website.
Floors Festival at Kamppi shopping center on Friday and Saturday. Programs for children as well. Detailed program information on the shopping center's website.
Tip for Tuusula: Tuusula's Night of Arts event has plenty of programs for children starting at 5:30 pm. Read more on the event's website.
Children's sports for fall: Registration for Helsinki city children's sports courses begins in mid-August. Check out the fall sports offerings for preschoolers well in advance on here.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2018
Other events:
Skill Sports Center's Action Days Saturdays and Sundays for preschoolers: 1-3 year-olds 10-11 am and 3-6 year-olds 11 am-noon. Tickets €10/child. More information on Taitoliikuntakeskus's website.Safe School Route event at Children’s Traffic City on Saturday 10 am-4 pm. More information on the event organizer’s website.
Children’s sea adventure – family sailing on Saturdays at 12:30 pm. Tickets €25 (adult), €12 (child). More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Summer theater: Puotila Manor’s courtyard theater stage features the cat Viiru and old man Pesonen when the play Viiru Moves is shown at Puotila Summer Theater on Saturday at 1 pm and 3 pm. Tickets €12. Read more on Puotila Summer Theater’s website. Final week!
Summer theater: Taivallahden summer theater’s stage presents Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Saturday at 2 pm. Tickets €16. Read more: on Taivallahden summer theater’s website.
Etno-Espa at Espa’s stage August 6-15, 2018. A new folk music event brings a diverse lineup of performers to Espa’s stage. More information on Etno-Espa on the event’s website. Saturday features Children’s Day and Espa’s stage will feature a quartet of Pikku Papu’s orchestra at 2 pm and Trio Sahrami at 3 pm.
Floors Festival at Kamppi shopping center on Friday and Saturday. Programs for children as well. Detailed program information on the shopping center’s website.
Tip: Finland’s highest bungee jumping can be marveled at on Kaivopuisto beach until August 12, 2018.
Tip for Espoo: Traditional landscape work days at Laajalahti nature reserve on Saturday 10 am-2 pm. Register by August 9, 2018! Suitable tasks are available for the whole family and lunch is provided to volunteers at the nature house Café Elfvik. Read more on the nature house’s website.
Tip for Vantaa: Seututla’s August celebration at Königstedt school on Saturday 11 am-3 pm. Includes at least circus and Kangaroo fun. More information on the event’s own website.
Tip for Vantaa: Helsinki medieval day at Helsinki village church area on Saturday 11 am-4 pm. Lots of programs for all ages. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s culture for fall: Children’s culture center Pikku-Aurora in Espoo’s Järvenperä offers countless programs for small children. Explore the fall program now and mark interesting events in your calendar. Read more on Pikku-Aurora’s website. Pikku-Aurora also administers Espoo’s only park hideaway!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 12, 2018
Other events:
Mustasaari island's summer ends August 12, 2018. Read more about Mustasaari here.Pirkko’s Pool swimming season ends August 12, 2018.
Skill Sports Center’s Action Days Saturdays and Sundays for preschoolers: 1-3 year-olds 10-11 am and 3-6 year-olds 11 am-noon. Tickets €10/child. More information on Taitoliikuntakeskus’s website.
Play & Train activity event at Kasinoranta in Lauttasaari on Sunday 10 am-1 pm. At this recreational event for the whole family, try out activities with your children. More information on the event’s Facebook page.
Children’s island adventure on Hara island off Kaivopuisto on Sunday at 1 pm. The island adventure is designed for 4-10 year-olds. A shuttle boat runs to Hara island from the Ullanlinnan dock at Kaivopuisto (Ehrenströmintie 3) and a round-trip ticket costs €5 for adults, €2 for children and seniors (card payment only). Admission to Hara island and the island adventure is free. More information about the island adventure can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
Flow festival’s family day allows children to experience the festival fun with an adult who has purchased a Sunday ticket from 1-5 pm. Read more about the program and instructions for family day visitors on the festival’s website. Admission fee applies.
Harbor Festivities take over Jätkäsaari on Sunday 3-8 pm. The whole-family event has programs and activities especially for children 4-6 pm. The exact event location is at Länsisatamankatu 18. More information about the event on the organizer’s website.
Summer theater: Puotila Manor’s courtyard theater stage features the cat Viiru and old man Pesonen when the play Viiru Moves is shown at Puotila Summer Theater on Saturday at 1 pm and 3 pm. Tickets €12. Read more on Puotila Summer Theater’s website. Final day!
Summer theater: Taivallahden summer theater’s stage presents Tiina and Sinikka Nopola’s Risto Räppääjä and Freezer Elvi play. Performance on Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets €16. Read more: on Taivallahden summer theater’s website.
Tip for Espoo: Villa Elfvik’s Bug Hunt or Treasure Hunt? nature walk is a whole-family interactive nature walk where you travel at the children’s pace. Bring small snacks for the walk and dress according to the weather. The walk in Elfvik’s landscapes is Sunday 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Free admission, no advance registration required. More information on Villa Elfvik’s website.
Tip for Hyvinkää: Railway Museum Day at the Finnish Railway Museum in Hyvinkää on Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Event wristband prices for Railway Museum Day: adults €15, children (7-17 year-olds) €5, under 7-year-olds free, family ticket €30 (2 adults and the family’s children under 18). More information and detailed program on the museum’s website.
Children’s culture for fall: At the National Opera and National Ballet, there are various art sessions for babies and children. Art sessions for babies especially tend to sell out quickly. Tickets for art sessions traditionally become available in August, so keep an eye on this page.
Remember also these:
World conquest through park hideaways has been extended and there are still many hideaways to find!
Dinner Under Finland’s Sky event allows anyone to organize a celebration and invite friends or complete strangers to dine on Thursday, August 9, 2018. How about organizing dinner for neighborhood kids or an open invitation to families and many new friends in the area? Invite friends or strangers to dinner, organize your own event, or arrange Pienten Helsinki dinners in summer Helsinki - only the sky is the limit for ideas! Read more on the event organizer’s website.
Loota is also a whole-family experiential comic exhibition at Annantalo’s art gallery. The exhibition features plenty of comic pages from the Kiste series in both Finnish and German. The book’s world continues in the space as three-dimensional and playable. You can visit the exhibition during Annantalo’s opening hours August 4 - September 2, 2018. The event is organized by the Comic Center and is part of the 2018 Helsinki Comic Festivals program. Public workshops related to the exhibition are held August 6, noon-4 pm and August 23, 4-7 pm. More information on Annantalo’s website.
Mustasaari island’s summer regular ferry service began on June 5, 2018 and you can take trips to the island from Taivallahti beach through August. Read more about Mustasaari here. Mustasaari’s summer ends August 12, 2018.
At Espa’s stage you can see almost daily concerts and performances throughout the summer. Read more and see the summer concert program on Helsinki’s cultural services website.
Fallkulla farm is open throughout the summer daily May 26 - August 26, 10 am-3 pm. Read more on the farm’s website. Also Milky Way playground in Helsinki, Talomuseo Glims in Espoo, and Katrinebergs Manor in Vantaa have farm animals as summer guests!
Helsinki City Museum and Children’s City open at 9 am starting June 4, 2018. An excellent play place for early risers! Read more on the museum’s website. Children’s City also features a narrative art exhibition by illustrator Jenni Isotoff May 29 – August 31, Dream Mäykkynen & Helsinki. At Children’s City, there is traditionally a small self-directed paper craft activity for families every day during the summer. Starting June 1, paper cat chains and other decorations featuring Helsinki animals are made. More information on the city museum’s website.
Linnanmäki amusement park is open daily and Lintsi stage features programs almost daily. Check the more detailed opening hours for June on the amusement park’s website.
Current museum tips can be found in Pienten Helsinki’s museum news article.
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