What to do or where to go with children? What child-friendly activities are available in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for tips and suggests child-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

The article cover image is from the Winter Garden, where summer continues. Entry to the Winter Garden is free.
Winter Garden opening hours:
– Monday to Thursday 10am–4pm
– Friday closed
– Saturday and Sunday 10am–4pm

Exhibition tips for families with children

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2023

Events and tips

  • Dance and play workshops at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) in the Maissi space on Mondays. Toddlers (1-3 years) dance with their own adult at 9:15 am and children aged 3-5 at 10:15 am.
    The Dance and Play workshop inspires and guides Helsinki parents and children to create and experience dance art together. You can participate in the workshop instruction whenever it suits you, at all sessions or just some. Choose a time that works for you and arrive on time. No pre-registration required; spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Room for 12 first arrivals. Free entry.
  • Family Fun Sessions provide children under school age and their parents with a space where they can move together freely and free of charge. Family Fun Sessions on Mondays:

    - Family Fun Sessions at Tapanila Primary School (Veljestenpiha 2) on Mondays from 5–6:30pm from October 2–December 11, 2023 (no week 42).

What happens in playgrounds on Monday

  • Playgrounds and family centers are mostly open again as normal. Playgrounds' indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mostly from 9am–12pm; afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. For more detailed information, see playgrounds' and family centers' own websites. Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Loru Playground on Monday:
    - 10:30–11:00 Loru moves – movement session for over 2-year-olds
    - 1:00–1:30pm Kukkuluuruu – baby session for under 1-year-olds
    - 3:00–3:30pm Kukkuluuruu – baby session for under 1-year-olds

What happens in libraries on Monday

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2023

Aleksis Kivi Day

Events and tips

  • Clinic Park on Tuesdays from 9:30am–1:00pm in the lower hall of Kamppi Family Center. Free entry.
  • Art for Toddlers Workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays from 1:30–3:30pm. The workshops are suitable for 1.5–3-year-old children together with their own adult. No pre-registration required, free entry. You can attend the workshops for the full time or just for a while.
  • Family Fun Sessions provide children under school age and their parents with a space where they can move together freely and free of charge. Family Fun Sessions on Tuesdays:

    - Pallomylly indoor hall at Myllypuro Sports Park (Pikajuoksijankuja 9) on Tuesdays from 9:30–11:30am and from 4–6pm from September 5–December 12, 2023 (no weeks 41 and 42).

    - Käpylä Primary School (Mäkelänkatu 89) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30pm from September 5–December 12, 2023 (no week 42).

    - Sakarinmäki Primary School (Knutersintie 924) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30pm from September 5–November 28, 2023 (no week 42).

    - Merilahti Primary School in Vuosaari (Jaluspolku 3) on Tuesdays from 5–6:30pm (no week 42).

What happens in playgrounds on Tuesday

  • Playgrounds and family centers are mostly open again as normal. Playgrounds' indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mostly from 9am–12pm; afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. For more detailed information, see playgrounds' and family centers' own websites. Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Loru Playground on Tuesday:
    - 11:00–11:30 Stroller aerobics, Oodi courtyard
    - 3:00–3:30pm Loru's songs – sing-along for all ages

What happens in libraries on Tuesday

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023

Girls' Day

Events and tips

  • Naperokino: Nature and Animals at Annantalo on Wednesday from 10am–12pm. Free entry.
  • Orchestra Concert at the Helsinki Conservatory concert hall on Wednesday at 6:30pm. Free entry.
  • Family Fun Sessions provide children under school age and their parents with a space where they can move together freely and free of charge. Family Fun Sessions on Wednesdays:

    - Kurkimäki block house (Karpalokuja 7) on Wednesdays from 9:30–11am from September 6–November 29, 2023 (no week 42).

    - Kannelmäki Primary School (Runonlaulajantie 40) on Wednesdays from 5–6pm from September 6–December 13, 2023 (no weeks 42 and 49).

What happens in playgrounds on Wednesday

  • Playgrounds and family centers are mostly open again as normal. Playgrounds' indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mostly from 9am–12pm; afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. For more detailed information, see playgrounds' and family centers' own websites. Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.

What happens in libraries on Wednesday

Pienten Suomi - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Events and tips

  • Art for Toddlers Workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Center (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays from 10am–12pm. The workshops are suitable for 1.5–3-year-old children together with their own adult. No pre-registration required, free entry. You can attend the workshops for the full time or just for a while.
  • Vantaa: Happiness is Being exhibition and play space are open at Children's Culture Center Pessi from Wednesday to Friday from 10am–4pm. Free entry. Closed temporarily due to water damage.
  • Family Fun Sessions provide children under school age and their parents with a space where they can move together freely and free of charge. Family Fun Sessions on Thursdays:

    - Tali Sports Park football hall (Purotie 8) on Thursdays from 9:30–11am from September 21–December 14, 2023 (no week 42).

    - Kamppi Sports Center (Malminkatu 3) on Thursdays from 5–6:30pm from September 7–December 14, 2023 (no week 42).

    - Malminkartano Primary School (Puustellintie 6) on Thursdays from 5–6:30pm from September 7–December 14, 2023 (no weeks 42 and 44).

    - Pukinmäenkaari Primary School (Kenttäkuja 12) on Thursdays from 5–6:30pm from September 7–December 14, 2023 (no week 42). Cancelled for the fall season!

    - Porolahti Primary School (Roihuvuorentie 2) on Thursdays from 5:30–6:30pm from September 7–December 14, 2023 (no week 42).

What happens in playgrounds on Thursday

  • Playgrounds and family centers are mostly open again as normal. Playgrounds' indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mostly from 9am–12pm; afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. For more detailed information, see playgrounds' and family centers' own websites. Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.

What happens in libraries on Thursday

FRIDAY 13.10.2023

Events and tips

What happens in playgrounds on Friday

  • Playgrounds and family centers are mostly open again as normal. Playgrounds' indoor spaces are open to families on weekdays mostly from 9am–12pm; afternoons are reserved for schoolchildren. For more detailed information, see playgrounds' and family centers' own websites. Playgrounds announce their programs on the City of Helsinki's event calendar and on playgrounds' own Facebook pages.
  • Loru Playground on Friday:
    - 11am–12pm Loru finds – treasure hunt for over 2-year-olds
    - 1–1:30pm Loru's warmth - baby session for under 1-year-olds
    - 3–3:30pm Loru's warmth - baby session for under 1-year-olds

What happens in libraries on Friday

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023

Events and tips

  • The National Museum is open for the last weekend before its three-year renovation. Programs for children are also available. Museum entrance fee applies.
  • Creepy Plants Drama Guided Tour at the Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden on Saturday at 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm. Tickets: €5 / 5–12-year-olds (+ entrance fee). An adult can participate in the child's adventure using the greenhouse entrance fee. Spaces can be reserved in advance.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2023

Events and tips

  • Sports Fun at Sports Mill (Jauhokuja 3) in Myllypuro on Sunday from 9–10:45am.
    Sports Fun offers children under 9 years old and their families a chance to move in many ways and have fun together. You can arrive according to your own schedule; there's space for strollers in the foyer and you should bring your own lock for the changing room. Entrance fee for adults €3.50, others €2, free for children under 9.
  • The National Museum is open for the last weekend before its three-year renovation. Programs for children are also available. Museum entrance fee applies.
  • Fall Break Family Day at Children's Traffic Town on Sunday from 10am–4pm. Family days are for all ages, open days where children can pedal cars with their own adult's guidance! Pedal cars and instructions for safe driving are available. Free entry.
  • Creepy Plants Drama Guided Tour at the Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden on Sunday at 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm. Tickets: €5 / 5–12-year-olds (+ entrance fee). An adult can participate in the child's adventure using the greenhouse entrance fee. Spaces can be reserved in advance.

Remember also:

Pienten Suomi - over 700 reasons to travel in Finland with children!

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