• Things to do with kids in Helsinki – 8 ideas for all seasons

    Play and movement 

    Published 2025-03-30

    When was the last time you went on an outing without letting the weather decide the plan? In Helsinki, there’s something to do all year round – offering energy, adventure and new discoveries, without needing to invent everything yourself. Here are eight ideas that suit kids of all ages and make your day a little easier.

    1. Explore outdoor playgrounds and activity parks

    Whether it’s frosty or sunny – outdoor play is always a good idea. Helsinki has many accessible and diverse play areas where kids can run wild, even in their rain gear. The giant slide in Eiranpuisto, the nature trails of Lammassaari, and Lauttasaari’s activity park offer plenty to explore for adventurers big and small. Don’t forget snacks and dry socks!

    2. Dive into museums – through a child’s eyes

    Museums aren’t just for adults. Exhibits aimed at children – like the Children’s Museum, LUOMUS (Natural History Museum) and the Museum of Technology – open doors to curiosity and hands-on discovery. Kids are encouraged to touch, try and build – and sometimes even bounce with excitement. Rotating exhibitions make sure boredom never stands a chance.

    3. Go on a library adventure – more than just books

    Libraries in Helsinki are like secret fairy-tale lands. Oodi, Herttoniemi Library or the story room at Entresse offer story times, digital workshops and kid-level reading. Many libraries also have play areas and baby music groups. And yes – it’s totally okay to run around here.

    4. Take a nature trip – surprisingly close by

    You don’t have to travel far for fun things to do with kids in Helsinki. Nature is right around the corner – for example in Central Park, Seurasaari or Lammassaari. You can build a fort, count rocks or watch the birds. In winter, bring a sled or snow slider – in spring, maybe a magnifying glass and a bug guide.

    Child holding a stack of books in the library – quiet curiosity and learning
    Mother and daughter watching a performance from the audience – shared cultural experience

    5. Craft workshops – creative hands-on fun

    Doing things with your hands inspires many children – especially when there’s no need to clean up afterwards. In Helsinki, many cultural centers and libraries offer free or low-cost workshops. Paint, glue or build something completely your own. You don’t need to be a mini Michelangelo – curiosity is more than enough.

    6. Child-friendly events – spark joy in everyday life

    What’s more fun than a surprise program in the middle of the week? Kids’ festivals, outdoor exercise sessions, storytelling adventures and small concert series bring variety to daily life. Check the city’s event calendar to see what’s on offer today. Many events are free and suitable for all ages.

    7. Water fun at swimming halls – a splash out of the ordinary

    Swimming isn’t just for summer! Indoor pools with children’s areas and water slides are a great way to burn off energy – and relax at the same time. Mäkelänrinne and Itäkeskus swimming halls are great for water-loving kids of all ages. Splash play is movement in disguise – and laughter echoes in the water.

    8. Leo’s – indoor adventure without the risk of bad weather

    When the rain drums on the window or the frost bites your cheeks, head to an indoor adventure park! Leo’s is a movement-focused play world for kids, where ball pits, volcano slides, trampolines and climbing mazes invite you to jump right in.

    There are three Leo’s parks in Helsinki:
    – Leo’s Helsinki Roihupelto
    – Leo’s Helsinki Tripla
    – Leo’s Helsinki Outlet

    Parents can relax at Leo’s Bistro – and maybe even drink their coffee while it’s still warm. Move through play and play through movement – and book your playtime easily in advance!

    Book a playtime

    Inspiraatiota löytyy läheltä

    Sisäleikkipuistot Helsingissä  tarjoaa niin paljon tekemistä, ettei tylsää hetkeä tarvitse pelätä. Kaupunki on täynnä mahdollisuuksia – sisällä ja ulkona, pienille ja isoille, rauhallisesti ja täysillä. Vaihtelua arkeen saa jo pienillä valinnoilla, ja yhteiset seikkailut jäävät lapsille mieleen pitkäksi aikaa.

    Tervetuloa Leo’siin – tohinalla touhuamaan! Pompi, liu’u ja kiipeä sydämesi kyllyydestä. Varaa leikkiaika ja hyppää mukaan sisäseikkailuun!