Pienten Helsinki
What to do or where to go with children? What kid-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki this week? Little Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and highlights family-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.
The article's cover image is from Roihuvuori's Japanese-style garden, where cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom in the coming days. The beauty of cherry blossoms is also promised in other city parks and of course in Roihuvuori's Cherry Blossom Park.
* Commercial cooperation with Play Café play park café.
Play Café play park café in operation this week:
- Wednesday 10.5. play park Viikkari (at the main entrance on the Ilmolanraitti side) 10am-5pm.
- Thursday 11.5. Espoo Hiirisuon resident park 10am-3pm.
- Friday 12.5. Etupelto play park 11am-3pm.
- Saturday 13.5. Kruunuvuorenranta sports park play area 10am-4pm.
Exhibition tips for children
Museum tips for children can be found in Little Helsinki's museum theme article!
Espoo: Touching - Espoo Art School graduation exhibitions and basic group exhibitions at Ainoa shopping center in Tapiola April 6-May 14, 2023. Free admission.
MONDAY 8.5.2023
Events and activity tips
Secrets of Helsinki article reveals small and big secrets of Helsinki!
Albertin Living Room, a family meeting place open to all at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Mondays 9:30am-2pm (International Mondays).
Dance and play workshops for toddlers and their parents at cultural center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) in the Maissi room on Monday 10am (ages 1-3) and 11am (ages 3-5). The Dance and Play workshop inspires and guides Helsinki families to create and experience dance art together. You can participate in the workshop instruction whenever it suits you, at all times or just some. Choose a time that suits you and arrive on time. No pre-registration needed, places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Space for 12 first arrivals. Free admission.
Art Clinic: Welcome Spring! Plan and build wonderful spring celebrations together. Paint festive bunting and lanterns that can also be hung to decorate home celebrations. There will also be eating with the celebrations, so some beautiful treats are in store. Art Clinic for ages 3-5 at Annnatalo (Annankatu 30) on Mondays 10am and 12:30pm. Younger family members, babies and toddlers can also participate and experience the art clinic atmosphere. Free admission.
Kallio Blooms event May 6-14, 2023.
Play park activities on Monday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at play park Loru on Monday:
10:30-11am Loru's Lompsis – movement for ages 1+
1:00-1:30pm Kukkuluuruu – baby time for under 1 year
3:00-3:30pm Kukkuluuruu – baby time for under 1 year
Other play parks inform about their programs in Helsinki City's event calendar and play parks' own Facebook pages.
From January 9 to June 4, 2023, the following play parks are open: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Dragon Park, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari, and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that play park Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only school-age afternoon activities are arranged in replacement spaces.
Play parks inform about their programs in Helsinki City's event calendar and play parks' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and presentation of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Little Helsinki.
Library events on Monday
Helmet library events for children for Monday can be found on Helmet's event page.
TUESDAY 9.5.2023
Europe Day
Events and activity tips
Haltiala farm's sheep farm is open until moving to outdoor pasture on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-12pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-1pm.
Europe Day is celebrated at Oodi all day!
Jussi's Forest Tales: A Narrative Forest Walk in Matokallion Forest on Tuesday at 9:15am and 10:30am. The forest story walk is suitable for ages 3+, or children who can manage a small forest walk. The location is Matokallion Forest next to Helsinki Language High School in Itäkeskus. Meeting place on the forest side of the language high school at the intersection of Kajaaninlinnantie and Ratasmyllynkuja. Free admission.
Neuvolaparkki at Kamppi family center on Tuesdays 9:30am-1pm.
Spring's last time! MLL Myllypuro and Metropolia HyMy-kylä family café at Myllypuro Metropolia premises (next to the metro station) on Tuesday 9am-11am. Each time also varying programs for families. Free admission.
Kallio Blooms at the Kindergarten Museum Tuesday to Thursday 12pm-7pm. Themed guided tours and workshops for families already in the mornings, pre-registration requested. Free admission to the Kindergarten Museum during the festival week.
Art for Toddlers Workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Cultural Center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays 1:30pm-3:30pm. Workshops suit 1.5-3 year old children together with their own adult. No pre-registration, free admission. You can come to the workshops for the full time or just for a moment at a time.
Kallio Blooms event May 6-14, 2023.
Play park activities on Tuesday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at play park Loru on Tuesday:
11-11:30am Stroller exercise, Oodi courtyard
3-3:30pm Loru's Songs – music time for all ages, Oodi 3rd floor
Other play parks inform about their programs in Helsinki City's event calendar and play parks' own Facebook pages.
From January 9 to June 4, 2023, the following play parks are open: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Dragon Park, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari, and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that play park Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only school-age afternoon activities are arranged in replacement spaces.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and presentation of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Little Helsinki.
Library events on Tuesday
Helmet library events for children on Tuesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
WEDNESDAY 10.5.2023
Dream Sports Day
Events and activity tips
Albertin Living Room, a family meeting place open to all at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Wednesdays 9:30am-3pm.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Wednesdays 12pm-4pm. Small admission fee.
Kallio Blooms at the Kindergarten Museum Tuesday to Thursday 12pm-7pm. Themed guided tours and workshops for families already in the mornings, pre-registration requested. Free admission to the Kindergarten Museum during the festival week.
Espoo: Gymnastics Carnival for families at Tapiola School's large gymnasium on Wednesday 5pm-6:30pm. Free admission.
Kallio Blooms event May 6-14, 2023.
Play park activities on Wednesday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at play park Loru on Wednesday:
11am-1pm Loru Creates – making Mother's Day cards
2-3:30pm Loru Creates – making Mother's Day cards
Other play parks inform about their programs in Helsinki City's event calendar and play parks' own Facebook pages.
From January 9 to June 4, 2023, the following play parks are open: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Dragon Park, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari, and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that play park Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only school-age afternoon activities are arranged in replacement spaces.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and presentation of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Little Helsinki.
Library events on Wednesday
Helmet library events for children on Wednesday can be found on Helmet's event page.
THURSDAY 11.5.2023
Events and activity tips
Haltiala farm's sheep farm opens to the public on April 13, 2023. The sheep farm is open until moving to outdoor pasture on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-12pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-1pm.
Albertin Living Room, a family meeting place open to all at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Thursdays 9:30am-3pm.
Art for Toddlers Workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Cultural Center Caisa (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays 10am-12pm. Workshops suit 1.5-3 year old children together with their own adult. No pre-registration, free admission. You can come to the workshops for the full time or just for a moment at a time.
Kallio Blooms at the Kindergarten Museum Tuesday to Thursday 12pm-7pm. Themed guided tours and workshops for families already in the mornings, pre-registration requested. Free admission to the Kindergarten Museum during the festival week.
Kallio Blooms event May 6-14, 2023.
Porvoo: Spring Markets at Porvoo Town Square on Thursday and Friday.
Play park activities on Thursday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at play park Loru on Thursday:
11-11:30am Moving with Baby - brisk movement and dance
3-3:30pm Loru's Games – fun and play for ages 1+
Other play parks inform about their programs in Helsinki City's event calendar and play parks' own Facebook pages.
From January 9 to June 4, 2023, the following play parks are open: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Dragon Park, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari, and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that play park Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only school-age afternoon activities are arranged in replacement spaces.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and presentation of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Little Helsinki.
Library events on Thursday
Helmet library events for children on Thursday can be found on Helmet's event page.
FRIDAY 12.5.2023
Finnish Culture Day, also called J. V. Snellman Day
Events and activity tips
Secrets of Helsinki article reveals small and big secrets of Helsinki!
Hakaniemi Market Hall Opening Celebrations Friday and Saturday at the hall. Also features Skidit and Skidimarket on the hall's 2nd floor.
Albertin Living Room, a family meeting place open to all at Albertinkatu 33, is open on Fridays 9:30am-3pm.
Kallio Blooms event May 6-14, 2023.
Porvoo: Spring Markets at Porvoo Town Square on Thursday and Friday.
What to do today? Check the tips for boring days at Little Helsinki!
Play park activities on Friday
Central Library Oodi (Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 3rd floor north end) at play park Loru on Friday:
11-11:30am Loru's Waves – narrative play time for ages 2+
1:30-2pm Loru's Warmth - baby time for under 1 year
3-3:30pm Loru's Warmth - baby time for under 1 year
From January 9 to June 4, 2023, the following play parks are open: Arabia, Brahe, Etupelto, Ida, Isonneva, Iso-Antti, Kankarepuisto, Kannelmäki, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Kotinummi, Lampi, Dragon Park, Loru, Maunula, Myllynsiipi, Orava, Piika, Roihuvuori, Seppä, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Viikkari, and Vähätupa.
Note! The city's list contains incorrect information that play park Rutshollari would be open, but this is not the case as the building is being demolished and only school-age afternoon activities are arranged in replacement spaces.
Play parks inform about their programs in Helsinki City's event calendar and play parks' own Facebook pages.
Tips for Helsinki's best play areas and presentation of Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Little Helsinki.
Library events on Friday
Helmet library events for children on Friday can be found on Helmet's event page.
SATURDAY 13.5.2023
Events and activity tips
Hakaniemi Market Hall Opening Celebrations Friday and Saturday at the hall. Also features Skidit and Skidimarket on the hall's 2nd floor.
Hyvinkää: Cows, Pancakes and Lobelia – cow pasture release at Uumoksen teaching farm on Saturday 9:30am-1pm. Cow pasture release takes place around 10:15am. Free admission.
Skate School at Kontula skate hall on Saturday 10am-12pm. Suitable for all ages, smallest with their own adult. Course fee 20 €.
Flea market! MLL Konala Children's Clothing Flea Market at Vähätupa play park on Saturday 10am-1pm.
Sounding Yard – a whole family event at Ebeneser Hall and the Kindergarten Museum Saturday 10am-2pm.
The Kallio Blooms festival week culminates in the Sounding Yard event held in the Ebeneser Hall courtyard and inside. Featured are concerts performed by children and youth, introduction to music and group singing. The Ebeneser Hall courtyard will also host pk Ebenesserin's waffle café and flea market, plus the program includes a self-guided architecture tour of Ebeneser Hall and the Vinksin Vonksin art workshop in the Kindergarten Museum spaces. The Kindergarten Museum is open throughout the event. Free admission.
Espoo: Wire Art Workshop at Children's Cultural Center Aurora on Saturday 10am-2pm. Free admission.
Seedlings and Butterfly Products Sales Day at Perho Business School's Malmi campus (Vanha Helsingintie 13) on Saturday 10am-3pm. Also programs for children. Free admission.
Tapuli Spring Fun in the Tapulinkaupunki area on Saturday 10am-4pm. Free admission.
Yliaston Day around Yliasto on Saturday 11am-7pm. Free admission.
Open House & Puuskafest at Snellman College in Jollakset on Saturday 11am-7pm. Free admission.
Pikkis Celebrates at Pikku Huopalahti Park on Saturday 1:30pm-4pm. Free admission.
Kino Helios: Mother's Day Eve Free Films at Malmitalo Small Hall on Saturday. Free admission.
- Bamse and the Thunder Bell (S) on Saturday 1pm
- Onneli, Anneli and the Sleepy Bell (S) on Saturday 3pm.
For babies and parents: Baby Circus Workshop: Vekkulit Kekkulit! at Dance Theater Hurjaruuthin premises at Cable Factory on Saturday 1:15pm. Tickets 8 €.
Children's Inclusive Dance Class at Annantalo (Annankatu 30) dance classroom on Saturday 2pm. DanceAbility Finland ry's dance classes for all kinds of children offer children and their close adults time together, the joy of movement, and the opportunity to meet new people. Classes are open to all children and their close adults regardless of disability or non-disability. Teaching lasts an hour. One adult can participate in the class with multiple children, for example with siblings. The space is accessible. Pre-registration and inquiries: [email protected]. Free admission.
Choir Singing on Flora Day at Kumtähti Field (Arabianranta/Toukola) on Saturday 3pm. Free admission.
Kallio Blooms event May 6-14, 2023.
Secrets of Helsinki article reveals small and big secrets of Helsinki!
Finland wins Eurovision around 2:00am, watch Yle TV 1 and Yle Areena!
Library events on Saturday
Helmet library events for children on Saturday can be found on the library's event page.
SUNDAY 14.5.2023
Mother's Day
Events and activity tips
Secrets of Helsinki article reveals small and big secrets of Helsinki!
Helmet library events for children on Sunday can be found on the library's event page.
Swimming Stadium opens its summer season at 9am! Admission fee applies.
Vantaa: Mother's Day at Håkansböle Manor on Sunday 10am-4pm. Free admission, some programs require pre-registration.
Mother's Day Event at Pakila Vedon Maja (Pakilantie 124) on Sunday 11am-1:30pm.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open on Sundays 12pm-4pm. Small admission fee.
Mother's Day Kite Flying at Kustaanmiekka (Suomenlinna) on Sunday from 12:30pm onwards. Free admission (excluding Suomenlinna ferry fee).
Vantaa: Train to China - Concert and Mother's Day Flower Buffet at Cultural Center Martinukset on Sunday 2pm. Partially paid.
Kallio Blooms event May 6-14, 2023.
Also remember:
Little Finland - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!
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