Autumn Break Tips for the Greater Helsinki Area 2018

Autumn Break Week in the Greater Helsinki Area

Take your autumn break to a neighboring city! Small Helsinki's autumn break tips within an hour's travel from Helsinki lead to playgrounds, nature hikes, adventures, and cultural experiences.

Small Helsinki’s activity tips for the autumn break are compiled with small children and their families as well as elementary school-aged children in mind.

Also read Small Helsinki’s autumn break tips for Helsinki as well as Where this week article for week 42.

REQUEST: #smallhelsinki can be found on Instagram among other places, and behind the hashtag you’ll find experiences and tips from other families for activities with children. Feel free to use the #smallhelsinki hashtag ;)

ESPOO

Nature Center Haltia in Nuuksio is a good family destination. During autumn break week, the nature center offers special holiday programming. The week's program can be found on Haltia's website. There is an admission fee to the nature center, but free excursions are also organized.

[caption id=“attachment_5803” align=“aligncenter” width=“1024”] Nature Center Haltia in Nuuksio showcases Finnish nature.[/caption]

Nuuksio National Park has established trails for all ages and fitness levels. An autumn forest hike in spectacular fall colors and picnic meals is an experience for the whole family.

Nature House Villa Elfvik has easily accessible nature trails for the whole family in its surroundings. Hiking is also possible with strollers. Read more about Villa Elfvik and the nature trails in the area on the nature house’s website.

Glims Farm Museum in Espoo is open during autumn break week Tuesday to Friday 10–16 and Sundays 11–16 (closed Monday and Saturday). The museum offers workshops during the week. Read more about Glims’ program on the museum’s website. Museum admission fee applies.

Horseshoe Toy Museum in Espoo also offers autumn break activities. More detailed information can be found on the museum’s website.

WeeGee exhibition center has more to see: Kamu (Espoo City Museum), Emma (Espoo Museum of Modern Art), and the Finnish Clock Museum. All museums are accessible with a single ticket. Tickets 12 €, under 18s free.

Children’s Culture Center Pikku-Aurora offers the “Maahisten mailla” (Tales of the Soil) nature workshop for holiday visitors Monday to Friday 10–13. Free admission. Read more on Pikku-Aurora’s website. Puistopiilo (Park Hideaway), run by Pikku-Aurora, can also still be found in Träskända park!

Sello Cinema (Leppävaara) shows autumn break films for children Tuesday at 9:15 and 11:00. Films are free, no reservation needed. Read more on Sello Cinema’s website.

Espoo libraries also organize activities for holiday visitors during autumn break week. Espoo library events for the week can be found here.

Shopping center Iso Omena’s service center offers programs for holiday visitors. The Raxu Taskunen performance entertains viewers of all ages; specific performance times can be found on Iso Omena service center’s Facebook event. Additionally, Iso Omena Library organizes various small-scale events on the children’s floor throughout the week, from gaming tournaments to face painting.

Tip: Shopping center Iso Omena has an excellent family restroom and a large climbing structure for children next to it.

Angry Birds Parks at Oittaa and Leppävaara Sports Park work well with both younger and older holiday visitors. Next to Leppävaara’s AB park is a large sports park with, for example, scooter ramps and Leppävaara swimming hall.

Espoo swimming pools are also available during autumn break.

Public skating sessions at Espoo ice rinks during autumn break week are announced on Metro Areena’s Facebook page.

KIRKKONUMMI

Porkkala Peninsula and Linloo island (connected to mainland by a bridge) outdoor areas are excellent excursion destinations in Kirkkonummi in good weather.

Rehndahl Farm in Kirkkonummi offers rural atmosphere and many types of activities as well as farm animals. The property also has a fenced playground, pirate ship, obstacle course for hobby horses, and a summer café. Rehndahl farm is open year-round. From September to April the farm is open Saturday and Sunday 10–14. Winter season admission 5€, under 2s free. Family tickets also available.

VANTAA

Aviation Museum offers autumn break programming. The program includes "Wings of Imagination – Flying in Stories and Tales." Museum admission fee applies. Read more on the Aviation Museum's own website.

Tip for Vantaa: Family Glow Disco at Culture Factory Vernissa (Tikkurila) 13–16. Read more on the event’s Facebook page.

Science Center Heureka in Tikkurila is a great destination for crisp autumn days in Vantaa. Admission 22 € / 15 €, under 6s free.

Flamingo Spa Water Park offers southern warmth during cool autumn weather.

Small Helsinki’s Bongaillaan (Spotting) article also has a tip for Vantaa.

KERAVA

Keravan Kimppa! – Children's Culture Week 10.10–21.10.2018. Read more about the week's program on Kerava City's culture website.

Just across the border in Tuusula, right next to Kerava, is an excellent stop for children: Koiramäki Willow Farm offers experiences for little ones, meals from a charming café, and willow crafts to take home. A place worth experiencing!

LAHTI

Launee Family Park in Lahti is an excellent excursion destination about an hour's travel from Helsinki. You can also visit Launee by train: VR's local trains allow travel with strollers at no cost.

It’s worth noting that Launee park is not just a basic playground but much more. There’s plenty to do for all ages: a play area for toddlers, a playground for play-aged children, a traffic city, scooter and skateboard ramps, a paddling area in summer, a mini-golf course (paid), and much more. Restrooms available on weekends when staff are present. A new Castle play area was completed at Launee park in late summer.

[caption id=“attachment_1738” align=“aligncenter” width=“1334”] Launee Family Park in summer 2017.[/caption]

SIPOO

Sipoonkorpi National Park offers many opportunities for mushroom picking or admiring fall colors. With small hikers, it's worth heading to, for example, the Ponun perinnepostia (Pounu's Heritage Post) trail, which is designed to be easily accessible for small children. Small Helsinki's background team recommends small hikers pack good snacks in their backpack and head to a bonfire and shelter area to enjoy the snacks and explore the nearby area, then return via the same route – since the full trail eventually runs partially along a road and presents unnecessary challenges for small hikers.

[caption id=“attachment_5801” align=“aligncenter” width=“683”] The Ponun perinnepostia trail in Sipoonkorpi National Park has varied nature and much to see.[/caption]

Talma Active Park is open during autumn break week weekdays 12–19, weekends 10–18. Read more on Talma’s own website. Admission fee applies.

PORVOO

Moomin Park in Porvoo is a nice destination for younger holiday visitors.

Porvoo’s autumn break programming has been compiled on Visit Porvoo’s website.

LOVIISA (and Kotka)

Onni and Anni Playground can be found in Laivassilta waterfront area and in Loviisa's downtown area.

Strömfors Mill Area is an excellent stop during a Loviisa trip.

Kotka is a bit longer than an hour away, but Kotka’s many parks are worth experiencing sometime!

[caption id=“attachment_54” align=“aligncenter” width=“1023”] Onni and Anni Playground in summer 2017.[/caption]

ASKOLA

Peikkorinen Bird Farm and Farm is open during autumn break week Thursday to Sunday 11–16. Read more on Peikkorinen's Facebook page.

ALSO REMEMBER

Uusimaa Recreation Area Association's outdoor areas

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