Where to go this week? Helsinki Day weekend 12.-13.6.2021

What to do with children during the summery Helsinki Day weekend? Small Helsinki has compiled the best summer weekend tips and ideas for what to do in the city celebrating its birthday. Happy 471st birthday Helsinki!

More event tips can be found in Where to go this week? Summer 2021 article

Highlights for Helsinki Day 12.6.2021

Helsinki City Rescue Department's Helsinki Day celebration parade travels around the city and the beautiful parade can be seen in your own neighborhood. The route goes through nearly all city districts and winds through suburbs and single-family home areas all the way to the city center. The parade is also broadcast live on Youtube, so you can enjoy the parade atmosphere even from a cottage. The rescue department's celebration parade includes 33 different fire and rescue vehicles.

Helsinki Hopping outdoor board game can be played in the Teurastamo yard. The surprising game painted on asphalt will remain playable after Helsinki Day throughout the summer.

Carnival path. Carnival windows located in the downtown area open up the world of samba costumes. You can enjoy the samba carnival atmosphere until 27.6.2021.

Shapes of Helsinki - city orienteering could be quite fun with children too!

Drawn city is a participatory art event that encouraged all Helsinki children and young people to get involved!

Helsinki Day at Malmitalo includes big soap bubbles among other things.

Bake a Helsinki Day pie! Rhubarb pie is the official Helsinki Day delicacy. An easy recipe can be found here!

Rikhardinkatu Library Summer Yard

The lovely summer yard at Rikhardinkatu Library opens on Helsinki Day 12.6.2021.
Other summer yards around the city can be found here.

Helsinki Biennial 12.6.–26.9.2021

Helsinki Biennial begins on 12.6.2021 on Vallisaari, right next to Suomenlinna. Ferry connections to Vallisaari depart from Market Square, Hakaniemi, or Kruunuvuorenranta. Helsinki Biennial is an international contemporary art event held every two years, bringing high-quality contemporary art to maritime Helsinki. The first biennial runs from 12.6.–26.9.2021. The exhibition area is large, so it's worth visiting the exhibition with children on multiple trips. Vallisaari is also a great place to explore with children otherwise. Entrance to the exhibition is free, but the ferry ride is paid. Events are also held elsewhere in the city, and at Market Square and Lyyperinlaituri you can find the Helsinki Biennial pavilion.

Excursion to Helsinki's nearby islands

Helsinki's archipelago routes lead to summer archipelago destinations.

Mustasaari Summer Island

Mustasaari activity center, located in Seurasaarenselä, is open after a year's break and a trip to this lovely summer island is definitely worth making. Read more from Small Helsinki's A Hot Day on Mustasaari article. Entrance to the island is free, ferry service from Taivallahti beach is paid.

Steam Train Ukko-Pekka

You can ride the steam train Ukko-Pekka on Saturday and Sunday. Paid.

4H Farm Animal Days

Animal Day at Skatan 4H farm in Vuosaari on Saturday 12.6.2021 at 11-14. More information and registration available on the Greater Helsinki 4H website. Participation in the animal day is paid. Sealife experience pool will also visit Skatan farm on Saturday.

Animal Day at Glimsin 4H farm in Espoo on Saturday 12.6.2021 at 11-14. More information and registration available on the Greater Helsinki 4H website. Participation in the animal day is paid.

Animal Day at Katrineberg 4H farm in Vantaa on Saturday 12.6.2021 at 11-14. More information and registration available on the Greater Helsinki 4H website. Participation in the animal day is paid.