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Theatres around the capital region offer experiences for even the youngest children. Performances suitable for preschoolers can be seen this spring on several stages.

The cover image of the article is from the Children's City at the Helsinki City Museum, where you can create your own puppet theatre performance. At the Theatre Museum in Kaapelitehdas, you can also get on stage instead of sitting in the audience.

At the Children's City at the Helsinki City Museum.

Helsinki City Theatre

The Little Mermaid is a visually stunning classic performance shown on the City Theatre's main stage. However, the performance is recommended for school-aged children, though younger ones have also enjoyed it here (note the duration of 2 hours 25 minutes including intermission). The performance premiered on 29.8.2019. Tickets €31-88.

Tahvo and Bella is a wonderful story about friendship. The performance is shown in the City Theatre's small stage lounge and is suitable for three-year-olds and older theatre enthusiasts. The performance premiered on 20.3.2019. Duration 35 minutes. Tickets €10.

National Theatre


The Secret Garden is a puppet theatre version of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic tale for the family's youngest in the National Theatre's large stage lounge. The tale is interpreted by puppet master Juha Laukkanen. The performance premiered in January 2020. Duration approximately 30 minutes. Tickets €15.

Koiramäki's Finnish History is a look at Finnish history told through Mauri Kunnas's dog characters. The performance is shown on the National Theatre's small stage and premiered on 7.3.2019. The performance is especially recommended for school-aged children and all Koiramäki fans. Tickets €20 / €38.

Finnish National Opera and Ballet

All performances suitable for children at the National Opera and Ballet can be found behind the link by selecting "With Children".

Tip: You can familiarize yourself with the opera and ballet performances and atmosphere comfortably on your home sofa through the Stage24 service.

Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth

Boy and Raven is a movement-based performance that has drawn inspiration from Akseli Gallen-Kallela's beloved painting. In this experiential performance, children also get to take on the role of an artist. The performance is recommended for all children over 3 years old. Premiere 14.3.2020. Tickets €18 / €14.

RUUTIA! International Dance Festival for Children and Young People in Kaapelitehdas 21.-25.4.2020.

Other children's theatre creators in the capital region

Theatre Tuike in Helsinki's Tapanila. The programme includes children's theatre performances and theatre birthday parties.

Puppet Theatre Sampo has several performances suitable for children every week. Also guest performances, for example in Helsinki's cultural centres. In the Puppet Theatre Sampo's premises at Erottaja, there is also Sampo's fairy-tale café.

Puppet Theatre Sytkytin has puppet theatre performances aimed at children, mostly performed as guest performances.

Musical Theatre Kapsäkki also has children's theatre in its programme.

At Aleksanteri Theatre, child-friendly guest performances are occasionally shown.

Swedish-language children's theatre performances are offered at least in Helsinki by Svenska teatern and Unga teatern in Espoo.

Many children's theatres throughout Finland produce guest performances for the stages of Helsinki's cultural centres. More information about upcoming performances can be found on the cultural centres' websites and in the article Children's Culture Around the City about cultural centres in general.

ESPOO: Theatre Hevosenkenkä offers children's theatre performances for 2-12 year olds. The programme also includes baby theatre.

VANTAA: Dance Theatre Raatikko is a dance theatre specializing in children's productions. In spring 2020, Raatikko's own stage programme includes Stories from Moomin Valley and interactive Pim and Pom.

VANTAA: Theatre Vantaa also has performances suitable for young children in its programme.