My Museum Friend and I - at the museum with a three-year-old part 1

Have you already visited grandma's house? Or played shop by the edge of Senate Square?

The Helsinki City Museum’s Children’s City is better known to us as a play museum. And that’s exactly what it is – here you’re allowed to play!

[caption id=“attachment_252” align=“aligncenter” width=“852”] At Children’s City, you’re allowed to play.[/caption]

Children’s City is deservedly praised – it’s a unique and wonderful place where every detail has been thoughtfully designed from the perspective of little visitors. Various games invite you to explore Helsinki’s history, and the environment appeals to both small and large minds, and is perfectly sized for children. This destination suits even very small toddlers or older children, as the activities here adapt well to individual skill levels. The museum staff’s friendly attitude toward children is truly commendable.

[caption id=“attachment_32” align=“aligncenter” width=“959”] The Helsinki City Museum’s Children’s City is located on the southern edge of Senate Square.[/caption]

Since Children's City is housed in one of Helsinki's oldest buildings, the blue stone mansion Sederholm House on the edge of Senate Square, navigating with strollers here is somewhat challenging. You can bring them along if necessary, but it's easier and more comfortable to move around with, for example, a baby carrier. In other areas of the museum, strollers work better. Outside by the main entrance there's a covered stroller parking area and the lobby has plenty of lockable storage compartments.

Children’s City has a children’s restroom (including a child-sized potty!) and a baby care room. On the first floor you’ll also find a room with tables, high chairs, a microwave, and drawing supplies, so beneath the glittering crystal chandeliers there’s a perfect place to eat your packed lunch and take a breather. The baby care room and potty can also be found in the museum lobby near the accessible restroom, and this area is accessible with strollers.

[caption id=“attachment_33” align=“aligncenter” width=“1024”] On the lower level of Children’s City you can rest and eat your own packed lunch.[/caption]

Overall, the museum has a fresh feel and the exhibitions are beautifully presented. Special praise goes to the museum’s lobby living room area, where you can relax, charge your phone, change children’s outdoor clothes at your own pace, or wait with a sleeping child while others explore the museum. This space could be called Helsinki’s living room – it’s such an inviting and open space for everyone. The museum also has a pleasant interior courtyard with swings.

The City Museum’s main exhibition is also worth exploring, as there’s plenty to see for the little ones too.

The City Museum also actively organizes various events and remembers to include children in event programming. Considering all these aspects, it’s no wonder that the Helsinki City Museum was Museum of the Year 2017.

Aleksanterinkatu 16
Open:
Monday to Friday 11am–7pm
Saturday and Sunday 11am–5pm
Always free admission
 

[caption id=“attachment_449” align=“aligncenter” width=“625”] At Children’s City.[/caption]

 

Are you wondering if it's okay to take children to a museum? Share your thoughts or post your own tips about museums with children in the comments section or on Pienten Helsinki's Facebook page.