{"id":41254,"date":"2026-03-16T15:17:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T15:17:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/41254\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T15:17:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T15:17:38","slug":"29-things-to-do-in-helsinki-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/41254\/","title":{"rendered":"29 things to do in Helsinki with kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finland is pretty close to paradise for kids \u2013 long summer days with plenty to keep you exploring outside, or snowy fun in winter. Even school days here are shorter than usual across Europe. And there are Moomins. While the capital might not have reindeer and Santa<\/a>, there\u2019s plenty to do in Helsinki with kids as well.<\/p>\n

\"Statue<\/p>\n

contains affiliate links*<\/a><\/p>\n

We visited Helsinki in May, with flowers blooming on Suomenlinna<\/a>\u00a0and the sun finally setting around 11pm. Travelling from Tallinn<\/a>, we only had a few days but even with a goal of seeing as many attractions in Helsinki in two days as possible, we had dozens left on the wishlist.<\/p>\n

So whether you\u2019re planning to visit Helsinki in winter, are looking for free things to do in Helsinki or looking beyond the city centre, here are my top things to do in Helsinki with kids.<\/p>\n

Suomenlinna<\/p>\n

The sea fortress on Suomelinna island is a highlight of any Helsinki city break \u2013 the Suomenlinna ferry whisks you the 15 minutes across the bay, and it\u2019s free to explore the island itself. Or there are guided tours, plus various museums to explore.<\/p>\n

If you visit in summer, don\u2019t miss Submarine Vesikko and the chance to clamber around inside a submarine.<\/p>\n

Read more about our day on the island and why it\u2019s great to visit Suomenlinna with kids<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Part<\/a><\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

\"My<\/a><\/p>\n

Suomenlinna toy museum<\/p>\n

EDIT: Currently closed with plans to find a new location for the collection Even if you\u2019re not tempted by a military fortress or maritime museums, the little toy museum<\/a> on the island is very fun, right from the huge bear at the entrance to displays of toys and games dating back decades.<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t take long to explore, but younger kids will love it.<\/p>\n

Try a cruise<\/p>\n

With over 300 islands in the archipelago of Helsinki, the city of Helsinki isn\u2019t the only place to do your sightseeing \u2013 exploring the bay is one of the best ways to understand life in the Finnish capital, even if you can\u2019t visit them all.<\/p>\n

The 90-minute archipelago cruise<\/a>\u00a0is a great introduction, with guided commentary as you go and views of some of Helsinki\u2019s main sights.<\/p>\n

Want to venture further? You can even get a ferry to Tallinn from Helsinki <\/a>\u2013 here\u2019s why the Estonian capital<\/a> should be on your list<\/p>\n

Or a canal tour<\/p>\n

Or combine the open waters with a cruise down Helsinki\u2019s Degero canal<\/a> for another view of the city, passing the zoo and Suomenlinna along the way.<\/p>\n

You can also see the fleet of icebreakers and discover more about Helsinki\u2019s history with the recorded commentary.<\/p>\n

Hop-on hop-off bus<\/p>\n

Explore on dry land with the hop-on hop-off bus<\/a> which covers some of Helsinki\u2019s highlights in a 90-minute loop \u2013 or you can hop on and off along the way, with the ticket valid for 24 hours (a 48-hour option is also available).<\/p>\n

The bus route runs to the cruise port, if you\u2019re only spending a day in the city as part of a Baltic cruise, but only runs during the summer months, from May to September.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

Take the tram<\/p>\n

Tram line 3 loops through the city in a helpful circular route, so you can get a look at Helsinki without wearing out your feet \u2013 and have the fun of riding on a tram.<\/p>\n

If you have a Helsinki Card, travel is free \u2013 and children aged under 7 also travel free. Or there\u2019s also a Helsinki tram tour<\/a> with a guide if you\u2019d like to see more of the city by tram.<\/p>\n

Read my review of the Helsinki Card<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Helsinki tram museum<\/p>\n

Tram fans will also love the chance to board one of Helsinki\u2019s old trams, stamping tickets the old-fashioned way, hopping into the driver\u2019s seat and discovering what powered them before electricity.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s set in Korjaamo Culture Factory<\/a> in T\u00f6\u00f6l\u00f6 and entry is free.<\/p>\n

Helsinki zoo<\/p>\n

On the island of Korkeasaari, the 22-hectare zoo<\/a> \u2013 first opened in the 19th century \u2013 has 150 different animal species, including the big cats in Cat Valley, and plants from around the world.<\/p>\n

Open year-round, you can travel by ferry over the summer or reach it by bus outside those times. The animals are also used to the Finnish winter, so you\u2019ll spot them year-round too.<\/p>\n

Sea Life Helsinki Aquarium<\/p>\n

Perfect for chilly weather, the aquarium<\/a>\u00a0transports you to a series of undersea worlds, from the tropics to the rainforest, past sharks, seahorses and rays through an ocean tunnel.<\/p>\n

In all, you\u2019ll find 100 species, and over 1500 sea creatures, while you can get hands on in some touch tanks as well as enjoying the talks and feeding time.<\/p>\n

Temporarily closed for refurbishment but due to reopen in early 2026<\/p>\n

\"View<\/a><\/p>\n

Swim in the sea (pool)<\/p>\n

Set right alongside the harbour front, the Allas sea pools<\/a> feel a world away from the bustle of the market square nearby. Two, including a kids\u2019 pool, are heated and there\u2019s one filled with the bracing waters of the Baltic \u2013 filtered but as chilly as you might expect.<\/p>\n

Even littler ones will enjoy splashing in the warm pools though, and there\u2019s a cafe\/bar on the steps above. Best for sunny days though!<\/p>\n

National Museum of Finland<\/p>\n

EDIT: CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATION AND DUE TO REOPEN IN 2027 Far from the dull and dusty displays of most traditional museums, there\u2019s plenty for kids to get hands on with at the National Museum of Finland<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wave at the statue of the bear outside then try everything from VR goggles to listening to different music, setting yourself up as the future Finnish president, seeing how people have changed over the decades in the country and tracing its history back to Finland\u2019s origins.<\/p>\n

Seurasaari open air museum<\/p>\n

Set on its own island outside the city centre \u2013 bus 24 will take you across the white bridge from the mainland \u2013 you can step back in time at the open air museum<\/a>. With houses from the 18th and 19th century, the 87 buildings brought from across Finland aim to bring Finnish traditions to life.<\/p>\n

There are also guides demonstrating some of the country\u2019s crafts \u2013 including troll making! \u2013 and you might get to see folk dancing. The island is open year-round, but the buildings are closed during the winter months.<\/p>\n

You can also get tickets for Seurasaari open air museum<\/a> which include a sightseeing tour, transport, entry to the museum and guided tour<\/p>\n

Kiasma art museum<\/p>\n

Helsinki is home to a string of art and design museums and galleries to tempt older kids, but if you\u2019re visiting with primary and preschool aged children, the place to visit is Kiasma<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Family activities include colour play workshops for babies and toddlers, as well as a Monster Route trail through the museum with questions to answer and colouring, aimed at ages 5-8.<\/p>\n

The contemporary art museum has only temporary exhibitions, not all of which are suitable for kids, so it\u2019s worth checking the information on the website before you visit.<\/p>\n

Helsinki city museum<\/p>\n

Made up from five buildings from different eras in Helsinki\u2019s past, the museum<\/a> tells the tale of life over the years in the city.<\/p>\n

And in the Sederholm House, the oldest in Helsinki, you can find the Children\u2019s Town<\/a> part of the City museum with play corners, displays of everyday items and toys from the past (including plenty that those growing up in the 80s and 90s will recognise) plus the chance to steer an 18th century style ship.<\/p>\n

No entry charge, it\u2019s also ideal if you\u2019re looking for free things to do in Helsinki.<\/p>\n

\"Statue<\/a><\/p>\n

The Finnish Museum of Natural History<\/p>\n

Helsinki is home to Finland\u2019s Natural History Museum<\/a> with displays to take you from some of Earth\u2019s earliest creatures, through the history of evolution \u2013 including, naturally, dinosaurs. <\/p>\n

There are also audio guides, and free entry during some times.<\/p>\n

Heureka science centre<\/p>\n

More hands-on fun for kids at this science centre<\/a> in Vantaa, outside the city centre, including a planetarium plus plenty of interactive science and technology exhibits.<\/p>\n

Even the restaurant is science themed\u00a0 \u2013 would you eat black burgers, blue puddings and insects? Admission includes all the shows and exhibitions.<\/p>\n

Theatre Museum<\/p>\n

With a puppet theatre, as well as stages with dressing rooms and experimentation stands, visitors of all ages are encouraged to let their imaginations flourish and play around with the various exhibits at the Theatre Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also the chance to be a sound and light designer or director, if you don\u2019t fancy being centre stage.<\/p>\n

Kajsaniemi botanic gardens<\/p>\n

Part of the university grounds, the lovely botanic gardens<\/a> sit by the water with a great sensory trail for kids to try out in summer and deliciously tropical greenhouses (helpfully with cloakrooms) to wander around in colder winter weather.<\/p>\n

The outdoor garden is free year-round, as are children aged under 7.<\/p>\n

Hit the beach<\/p>\n

With so much water around the city, there\u2019s also a choice of beaches \u2013 the golden sands of Hietaniemi (also known as Hietaranta) are some of the most popular, but you could also head to swimming beaches on Pihlajasaari island and Mustasaari island (also home to a nature trail and farm animals) during the summer months.<\/p>\n

If you fancy a beach walk in winter, Uunisaari is set at the end of a pontoon bridge.<\/p>\n

Visit a park<\/p>\n

There\u2019s green space galore across the city, and some of Helsinki\u2019s parks also have playgrounds and play areas. Kaivopuisto, not far from the Design District, is a great one if you\u2019re looking for room to run around.<\/p>\n

Or check out this list of the best parks in Helsinki<\/a> for more places to get outdoors with kids.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

Discover an indoor playground<\/p>\n

During the dark winter months, skip the chilly outdoor swings and head to one of Helsinki\u2019s indoor playgrounds.<\/p>\n

Leikkiluola<\/a> in\u00a0Hakaniemi\u00a0is one of the most popular, with a separate area for younger kids in the underground play area, a trampoline area, ball pool, slides and more.<\/p>\n

Explore Linnanm\u00e4ki Amusement Park<\/p>\n

More than your average amusement park,\u00a0Linnanm\u00e4ki raises money for Finnish child welfare. <\/p>\n

Home to the Sea Life Centre, there are also rides (which you can filter by your child\u2019s height<\/a> to see what\u2019s suitable) as well as more play areas and games.<\/p>\n

Adrenaline thrills in the Superpark<\/p>\n

With sites in Vantaa and Espoo<\/a>, the Superpark a fantastic option for older kids who love being active, with skate ramps, trampolines, mini golf, climbing walls and more.<\/p>\n

Ice skate in winter<\/p>\n

Skating rinks mushroom for winter so you\u2019ll never be short of somewhere to test your skating skills \u2013 Kallio open air rink is not too tricky to reach from the centre and popular with skates to rent, and hot chocolate for afterwards.<\/p>\n

Or right in the centre, the Ice Park<\/a>\u00a0is next to the railway station and you can even book skating lessons if the Finns\u2019 skills put yours to shame.<\/p>\n

See the ice breakers<\/p>\n

The fleet of half a dozen heavy-duty ice-breaking ships is moored by Katajanokka island \u2013 not all will always be on show (although ice breaking duties tend to take place in the early hours) but it makes for an interesting sight on a walk.<\/p>\n

\"Collage<\/p>\n

The SkyWheel Helsinki<\/p>\n

Discover the city from above on the SkyWheel<\/a>, Helsinki\u2019s observation wheel next to Allas Sea Pools and not far from the market square.<\/p>\n

Open year-round, you can gaze out across the sea to some of the islands or look over towards Helsinki\u2019s most imposing architecture.<\/p>\n

Flying Cinema Helsinki<\/p>\n

A rather different view of Helsinki with this 10-minute 4D introduction to the city\u2019s highlights, as if you\u2019re flying over them. <\/p>\n

For age five and up, there are some scary moments in the Flying Cinema<\/a> which mean more sensitive younger ones might be upset, but older ones are likely to enjoy it.<\/p>\n

As well as the 3D cinema, expect rushing wind and water too.<\/p>\n

Visit a wooden town<\/p>\n

The wooden town of Porvoo is around an hour from Helsinki \u2013 and while it\u2019s not in the city itself, it still deserves its place on any list of\u00a0fun things to do in Helsinki.<\/p>\n

Wander along cobbled streets and imagine living in one of the historic houses made of wood (plus it\u2019s great for souvenirs or a chilled out break people-watching in a cafe)<\/p>\n

Have tea with a Moomin<\/p>\n

You could easily come up with a Moomin-themed trip around Finland if you\u2019re a fan; the Moomin museum in Tampere is around two hours outside the city,\u00a0while S\u00f6dersk\u00e4r\u00a0lighthouse is thought to have inspired some of the stories \u2013 in summer, there are ferry trips out to the island.<\/p>\n

But for a taste of Moomin life, check out the themed cafes around the city. There are several in Helsinki<\/a>, including in the Stockmann department store as well as other city locations. Not the cheapest drink and snack, so best for true fans!<\/p>\n

*first published 2018, updated 2025*<\/p>\n

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN HELSINKI WITH KIDS<\/p>\n

\"My<\/a><\/p>\n

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links \u2013 any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All opinions on the best things to do in Helsinki with kids and the prices in the Moomin cafe are my own.<\/p>\n

Images copyright MummyTravels<\/p>\n

LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER<\/a><\/p>\n