Activities with children
Activities and hobbies
You can participate in a wide range of activities in Helsinki. The city and numerous organisations, for example, also offer a variety of opportunities for children below school age to be active, play, be crafty and enjoy culture. It would be beneficial for toddlers if a parent also participated in the activity. A meaningful shared activity or hobby brings joy to both the adult and the child.
A child below school age does not have to have a regular hobby; the most important thing is to spend time together. The options are numerous, and instructor-led activities usually also provide the opportunity to get to know other families. Below is a list of examples of activities intended for children below school age which the children may participate in together with a parent.
Exercise classes for children and young people take place after school premises or at sports facilities near schools. Most of these classes are free of charge.
- EasySport exercise is available for children aged 6 to 13 (in Finnish)
The city also has many child-friendly sites, where you can spend the whole day for an entrance fee.
- Helsinki for Kids map (2016)
Helsinki is home to a number of sports clubs which specialise in various sports. Some of them also organise activities for children below school age.
International Cultural Center Caisa and its partners also organise language and culture courses courses for children below school age. The objective of language and culture courses is to maintain the child’s first language and strengthen his or her own cultural identity.
Children's Culture Centre also organises language immersion clubs for children below school age.
Museums organise activities for young children in connection with exhibitions and as separate workshops.
The National Museum of Finland organises themed guided tours for children between the ages of 4 and 10.
Helsinki City Museum welcomes children, particularly to Children's Town.
Kiasma holds special guided tours for children by arrangement. Read more about Children’s Kiasma.
There are a large number of music academies in Helsinki which also organise activities for children below school age. Below is a list of all the music academies and a link to the activities intended for young children.
Keski-Helsingin musiikkiopisto (Central Helsinki Music Academy) - music playschool activities.
Käpylän musiikkiopisto (Käpylä Music Academy) - music playschool
Lauttasaaren musiikkiopisto (Lauttasaari Music Academy) - music playschool
Luoteis-Helsingin musiikkiopisto (Northwest Helsinki Music Academy) - music playschool
Länsi-Helsingin musiikkiopisto (West Helsinki Music Academy) - music playschool
Meri-Helsingin musiikkiopisto (Meri-Helsinki Music Academy) - music playschool
Pakilan musiikkiopisto (Pakila Music Academy) - early childhood education
Pitäjänmäen musiikkiopisto (Pitäjänmäki Music Academy) - music playschool
Pohjois-Helsingin musiikkiopisto (North Helsinki Music Academy) - music playschool
Sirkus Magenta organises circus groups for babies, toddlers and their parents as well as a family circus for children between the ages of 3 and 9 and their parents..
Circus Helsinki holds lessons for children and adults of different ages.
Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth holds Elf School, which gives children aged 4 and up the opportunity to learn circus skills.
Annantalo also holds art cources for children below school age. Helsingin kuvataidekoulu holds preparatory classes, that children can begin at the age of 4 at the earliest. Arkki School of Architecture for Children and Youth provides children aged 4 to 6 with the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of architecture and the local environment in groups that include both parents and children.
Many organisations that provide dance instruction also offer lessons for children below school age, either with or without their parents.
Helsinki City Theatre offers workshops and programme also for day care centres and schools.
Teatteri Tuike’s (Tuike Theatre) school of expression offers teaching in theatre expression and art for children aged 5 years and upwards.
Puppet Theatre Sampo holds courses and performances in Helsinki. See Facebook pages here.
The Finnish National Opera Ballet holds activities for children
Swimming and diving activities intended for babies and toddlers are provided by several organisations in Helsinki::
22.01.2020 11:30