A Winter Guide to Helsinki (and Beyond) With Kids
Helsinki isn’t just designed around the cold climate; it is also one of the most kid-friendly cities in the world. So, there is no shortage of ways to entertain kids when the temperatures drop. Here is a list of my favourite things to do with my kids in the winter:
🖼 Museums That Kids Actually Enjoy
EMMA Museum in Espoo
Design Museum — Moomin Exhibition
Perfect for little Moomin fans (so… all of them). It is one of those exhibitions that is enjoyable for both adults and kids. There is a really fun play area and plenty of interaction.
Amos Rex
Go underground for the exhibitions, then pop back up to run around the mounds upstairs. It is the perfect indoor/outdoor activity.
Ateneum
They renovated this museum in recent years and have made it so kid friendly. There is a drawing section, interactive technology and even free art lessons on Saturdays most of the year.
EMMA (Espoo Museum of Modern Art)
I love modern art and EMMA has some of the best I have seen. They also have treasure hands and quizzes to keep the kids entertained.
📚 Libraries With Great Kids’ Areas
Oodi’s indoor play area
I think Helsinki might be home to some of the best libraries in the whole world and they are catered to kids, so there is no stress about having to be totally silent. They are pretty much the communal living rooms of the city.
Oodi – This place is the mothership of all Libraries. it has a huge play area for kids, occasional events, video games, craft areas, a cafe and best of all, it is warm!
Rikhardinkatu Library – This is a great place to visit if you love architecture. It is in the center of the city and has a dedicated area for kids.
Töölö Library – This library is like stepping back into the 70s. There is a kid’s area downstairs and you can rent sleds for the nearby hills.
Kallio Library – This is one of my favourite buildings in the whole city. The top floor is where you will find plenty of entertainment and books for kids.
🛝 Playgrounds & Parks
As the Finns say “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes” - so kids play outside all year round, as long as they have the right clothes on. Here are some of our favourites:
Computer Park, Ruoholahti
A favourite for climbing and running wild.
Climbing Park outside Oodi
An easy add-on to a library visit and right in the centre of the city.
Lastenlehdon Leikkipuisto, Kamppi
Central, fun, and has several playgrounds all catering to different age groups.
Hike in Central Park
Trees! Silence! And occasion squirrel and house sightings. All the benefits of a forest but it is super close to the city.
Nuuksio National Park
A short car or bus ride from Helsinki is one of Finland’s most beautiful national parks. Pack hot chocolates and sausages so you can have a picnic in one of the huts with communal grills.
🍕 Eating & Drinking With Kids
Via Tribunali
Via Tribunali – Neapolitan pizza heaven, with kids sized pizzas and paper & crayons to keep them entertained.
Cafe Regatta – Part indoor, part outdoor cafe in a traditional cabin on the sea. The mint flavoured hot chocolate is chef’s kiss.
Haiku Sushi – Sushi buffet kids love and the price changes depending on how old your kid is.
John Scott’s – Cozy interiors + comfort food + board games = everyone wins.
Ravintola Manala – They have a dedicated kid’s menu and lots of Finnish classics like Finnish salmon soup on the menu.
✨ Seasonal Winter Activities
Christmas Market @ Senate Square.
Christmas Market at Senate Square
Lights, treats, and guaranteed holiday feelings. Try the traditional rice porridge with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and go for a ride on the free carousel.
Stockmann Christmas Window
The theme changes every winter and it is always a must-see for kids (and me).
Lux Light Festival (early January)
Art, light installations, and a good reason to stay out past bedtime. It location changes every year.
Reindeer Feeding in Nuuksio
Yes, actual reindeer, and it is as magical as it sounds!
Ice Skating at Save Pond Hockey Rink
Personally, I can’t stay upright on the ice, but my kids love it and thankfully my husband can ice skate. You can hire skates or bring your own.
Snow Sledding by Töölön Kirkko
BYO sled and enjoy a perfect little hill.
Let me know in the comments what your favourite winter activties are in the city.
