Where to go this week: Summer in Helsinki 2021

Published 1.6.2021

What to do and where to go in summer 2021 in Helsinki with children?
In summer 2021, Helsinki offers plenty of things to do and experience. Small Helsinki compiles events and tips for a different summer 2021. Regular "Where to go this week" articles are not being published, but summer tips are gathered under this article throughout the summer. The article is updated weekly.

SUMMER 2021

To the library with children

Libraries and library services return to almost normal starting from 1.6.2021. Additional information and library-specific exceptions can be found on Helmet pages.

Museums with children

Museums are open with special arrangements and you can visit museums with children again. It's worth familiarizing yourself with special instructions for visits on the museums' websites, and many museums require advance reservations. In Pieni Helsinki's My Museum Friend and I article series, we take a look at a few child-friendly museums.

Päivälehti Museum features an exhibition Celebrating Reading! Donald Duck magazine in Finland 70 years aimed at children. Free admission.

Swimming places with children

Tips from Small Helsinki for child-friendly beaches can be found in the Swimming? article. The Swimming places for hot days article compiles tips for open-air pools and other swimming places that often stay free of blue-green algae.

Playgrounds and play areas

More information about Helsinki's playgrounds in summer, open playgrounds, and summer food service menus can be found here. Summer food service opens at operating playgrounds on 7.6.2021 at 12 o'clock.

Tips for the best play areas and introduction to Helsinki's newest play areas can be found in Small Helsinki.

Children's Traffic City

Children's Traffic City summer season begins on 7.6.2021 at 12 o'clock. More information and instructions at the traffic city's website.

Small Finland

Small Finland is the little sister of Small Helsinki, offering tips for things to do and experiences all over Finland. It also includes many tips for nearby areas and day trips, as well as a large list of the best play areas all around Finland!

Helsinki archipelago routes

Helsinki's sea areas have several different island destinations that can be reached by public transportation boats during the summer season. Small Helsinki compiled Helsinki archipelago routes and island hopping on one page and suggests what kind of experiences can be had on islands accessible by sea from Helsinki.

Mustasaari is accessed by archipelago ferry.

Adventuring in nature

Alongside Small Helsinki's few day trip articles, there's a strong recommendation for nature tips on Luontohetki blog and Mira's excellent hiking tips. Also from Small Helsinki's Helsinki places article you can find, for example, tips for park outings.

Haraka Island off Kaivopuisto is also open in summer 2021. Free admission, a small fee is charged for the shuttle boat journey.

On the Espoo side, a nature destination worth recommending is Villa Elfvik. The area around Elfvik has easy-to-walk nature paths, bird towers, and goats grazing in the coastal landscape.

ALSO REMEMBER:
Small Helsinki's Summer in Helsinki series!

Children's trails

Children's trails can be found starting from 1.7.2021 in the terrain of Lauttasaari, Mustikkamaa, Paloheinä, and Luuki. Maps and instructions can be found on Helsinki Orienteering Club's website.

Animals in the city

From Small Helsinki's Animals in the city article you can find the best tips on where in Helsinki and neighboring cities to find sheep, chickens, cows, and other farm animals. Also check out Small Finland's farm animal parks on the tips map!

Korkeasaari

Korkeasaari Zoo is open in summer 2021. A visit requires advance reservation. Admission fee

Lintsi

Linnanmäki amusement park opens for summer season on 4.6.2021. Admission to the amusement park area and some rides for the little ones is free.

Events in Helsinki in summer 2021

Princess Rose children's own summer theater at the Winter Garden courtyard of the City of Helsinki in summer 2021. Bring your own blankets, rain gear, and picnic. Free admission.
More information: Puppet Theater Sytkyt. The performance can also be watched virtually.
Live performances at the Winter Garden courtyard in summer 2021:
~~15.-17.6.2021 at 10 and 13 o'clock~~
29.6.2021 at 11 and 13 o'clock
3.8.2021 at 11 and 13 o'clock
10.8.2021 at 11 and 13 o'clock

Mini adventure and Proto adventure design workshops at Itäkeskus Library and its surroundings on Tuesday 3.8.2021. Mini adventure workshop 3-6-year-old children with a parent at 11:00-12:00, Proto adventure workshop at 1:00 p.m. is aimed at 7-12-year-old children but younger children can participate with their own adult. The workshops are led by the creators of the Picnic People book, designer Mari Savio and graphic designer Joonas Luotonen, with junior instructors. Pre-registration to [email protected].

Children's Traffic City summer season continues until Sunday 8.8.2021.

Helsinki Biennial visual arts event on Vallisaari 12.6.–26.9.2021. Free admission, ferry trip is charged.

Annantalo's summer events and registration instructions can be found in the hall's event calendar. The program includes music classes, family sports, and gardening workdays.

Espoo: Summer x City: Summer Courtyard!
Aurora courtyard offers summer greenery and art experiences throughout the summer on 7.6.-21.8.2021. Mostly free admission. The summer program can be found on Aurora's website.
Small Helsinki strongly recommends exploring Aurora's program offerings and adventuring in the beautiful Träskanda manor park located nearby!

Family architecture safari around the National Museum on Wednesdays until 4.8.2021 at 12:45. Museum admission fee (under 18-year-olds visit the museum free of charge). Pre-registration possible.

Espoo: Leevi the Flying Squirrel nature path tours on Wednesdays from 7.7.-4.8.2021 at Haltia Nature Center. Free admission.

National costume airing and picnic at Seurasaari open-air museum on Thursday 5.8.2021 11-17. Seurasaari Open-Air Museum and Seurasaari Foundation welcome everyone dressed in national costumes and costume-inspired clothing to a picnic in the garden of the Iisalmi parsonage from 3-5 p.m.

Kaivopuisto Air Show 2021 is held off Helsinki on Friday evening 6.8.2021. The ground display is open on Friday and also on Saturday 7.8. The event is free and open to all.
Good viewing spots for the air show have previously been the shores of Kaivopuisto, as well as the shores of Lauttasaari, Hernesaari, and Kruunuvuorenranta.

Finnish Defence Forces Guard Parade procession on summer Fridays ~~2.7.~~, ~~16.7~~, ~~30.7~~., ~~6.8~~. and 20.8.2021. The 2021 summer guard parades start at Senate Square at 12:20, where entertainment music, formation marches, and military postures are performed. The parade then continues to the beat of marching music around Havis Amanda to Esplanade and in front of Helsinki's main guard. From the main guard, the parade continues around Esplanade park via Kasarminkatu to Kasarmintori, where the parade ends. After the parade, the band performs at the MIL-Espa concert on the Espa stage at 2:00 p.m. More information can be found on the Finnish Defence Forces website.

Steam locomotive Ukko-Pekka rides are available from Helsinki Friday to Sunday 6.-8.8.2021. The steam train can also be seen in Helsinki at multiple stations! Train travel is charged (proceeds go to train maintenance).

Children's Ethno-Espa event on Espa stage on Saturday 7.8.2021. On stage Isa & Pauanne at 2 p.m. and Mimmit at 4 p.m. Free admission.

Espoo: Oittaa Adventuring Families event at Oittaa outdoor area on Saturday 7.8.2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The theme is hunting for Odelma Squirrel's lost provisions, a fun search-find game outdoors. Free admission.

Virtual event! Children's Festival virtually on Saturday 7.8.2021 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Herttoniemi Allotment Garden summer markets on Sunday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Children's island adventure on Haraka Island on Sundays from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. (exact dates behind the link). The excursion explores archipelago nature through immersion and adventure. Adventures are aimed at 4-10-year-old children with adults. Free admission, ferry trip (from Kaivopuisto ferry dock next to Cafe Ursula) to Haraka is charged.

Summer cafes in Helsinki article takes you exploring, including to the wonderful Kumpula school vegetable garden!

Sunflowers and peas can be picked again soon from Haltiala fields! The start of picking is usually announced on the city's website. Information is also updated to this article.

Helsinki City Museum's Children's City opens again on 1.7.2021 at 11:00 a.m. after a long break. Also read: Helsinki City Museum through Small Helsinki's eyes

Vantaa: Håkansböle Manor Assi mobile adventure game playable throughout the summer at your own pace.

Past events

Suomenlinna adventure tour in search of King Gustav III's treasure 12.6.-7.8.2021. Charged.

Jazz-Espa offers live music in Espa park daily from 26.-31.7.2021. Free admission.

Skate containers at Eläintarha skate park and Kontulan Kelkkapuisto from 7.6.-30.7.2021 Equipment rentals available for a deposit. Skate schools on Tuesday and Thursday from 12-2 p.m. Free admission.

Järvenpää: Mimmit: Musapatti I—II concert at Järvenpää Hall on Wednesday at 12 and 2 p.m. Tickets 10-20 €. The concert is part of the "Our Festival" program.

Vantaa: Mimi and Kuku on Vantaa Summer Stage on Saturday at 11 a.m. Free admission.

Sea Life summer tour and mobile experience pool at Haltiala farm animal facility on Wednesday 21.7.2021.

Espoo: Pony King races 24.-25.7.2021 at Vermo Arena. Free admission.

Park carousel folk music festival at Alppipuisto on Saturday 24.7.2021. Free admission.

Seurasaari Terrifying Hiisi drama tour at Seurasaari Open-Air Museum on 17.7., 18.7., 24.7., and 25.7. at 12 and 3 p.m. Children's own theatrical tour works well for 5-9-year-old children with guardians. The tour is included in the museum's admission fee. Pre-registration possible.

Children's Day at Villa Salmela (Karelians' summer cottage) in Jolla on Saturday from 3-6 p.m. Café in beautiful archipelago scenery open 12-7 p.m.

Little Italy Festival in Suvilaht from Friday to Sunday 23.-25.7.2021. Program for children too, including Mutaveijarit on Radio Helsinki stage on Sunday 25.7.2021 at 4 p.m. Free admission.

Music For Kids: MegaMusicPlaySchool on Espa stage 12.7.2021 at 3 p.m. Free admission.

Music For Kids: Mimi and Kuku on Espa stage (in English) on Monday 12.7.2021 at 2 p.m. Free admission.

Great Painting Event on Saturday 10.7.2021 around Finland. For example, in Vantaa, the Aviation Museum hosts its own themed event for children.

Stoa Summer Circus Workshops for 3-6-year-olds with your own adult on Thursdays at 3:15 p.m. on 24.6, 1.7., 8.7.2021. Free admission.

Kirkkonummi: Farm Shop Summer Days with program and activities for all ages Friday to Sunday 9.-11.7.2021. This annual traditional event was such a fun experience that Small Helsinki dares to recommend it. The place is nice otherwise too!