Jumping in the jungle the Finnish way at the Rhododendron park

The Rhododendron park (Alppiruusupuisto) in Haaga, North-West Helsinki, is a unique place to go for a walk (or a run, if you take your kids with.) It is at its most beautiful in early June, when the pink and purple rhododendron bushes are in bloom, but you will be impressed about the park any other … Continue reading Jumping in the jungle the Finnish way at the Rhododendron park

Dive into a fairy tail at Päivälehti Museum

Päivälehti Museum presenting the history of journalism and the printing press is the rising star at the Helsinki's "what to do with children" scene. The museum's previous exhibit, built around the Tarzan stories, was a success, and the new one is also carefully planned and beautifully realized. Named "Satumaan sankarit" (The heros of a fairytale … Continue reading Dive into a fairy tail at Päivälehti Museum

Hiking with a toddler in the Nuuksio National Park

It is easy to take your kids to a forest anywhere in Helsinki, but if you yourself want to change a scenery, it is worth visiting the Nuuksio National Park in the North of Espoo. It is a beautiful place with small lakes, high rocky hills and vast forests. Lots of people go there to … Continue reading Hiking with a toddler in the Nuuksio National Park

Events for children in Helsinki region, Fall 2014

Here is a list of events I find interesting and fun for families with kids under 7 years. I have collected some of my sources at the bottom of the page, where you can find links to different event calendars, concert venues and theatres to continue your search. Family sports in Helsinki and Espoo Liikuntahulinat … Continue reading Events for children in Helsinki region, Fall 2014

The quest for the best indoor playground in Helsinki region

Here it is. My big indoor entertainment centre review. I think our family has now conquered almost all of them - the indoor play parks, adventure parks, family leisure centres - what ever you want to call the. Please let me know, if you know a place that is not included in the list below! … Continue reading The quest for the best indoor playground in Helsinki region

A day at the floating playground between Helsinki and Tallinn

Kids have heard about the "Swedish boats" and want to go, but you don't fancy sleeping two nights in a small cabin and running after your kids amongst partying crowds? The Viking Line (one of the cruiseliners that sail between Finland, Sweden and Estonia) has a perfect solution to the problem. During the summer they … Continue reading A day at the floating playground between Helsinki and Tallinn

Travelling in Finland with kids: The Doghill farm at Särkänniemi

The Särkänniemi amusement park in Tampere opened last year a Doghill farm theme park based on the stories of a Finnish writer Mauri Kunnas, whose picture books tell about the Finnish history and culture. The Särkänniemi themepark is build around the Doghill farm books, where Kunnas explains, how people lived in Finnish countryside during the … Continue reading Travelling in Finland with kids: The Doghill farm at Särkänniemi

The hidden playground in Kamppi

I thought I knew all the small and big playgrounds around the centre of Helsinki, but I was wrong. I had missed the large and central children's play park just a few blocks from the Kamppi metro station and the mall. I know why. It is a drive-through area that connects the city to one … Continue reading The hidden playground in Kamppi

Toddler testing the Science Centre Heureka

I saw an ad in the newpaper that the Finnish Science Centre Heureka in Vantaa has a new children's section. So last Vappu Day- the 1st of May when most people in Finland are having a picnic in the rain outdoors or a brunch in an overpriced restaurant - we headed to see it with … Continue reading Toddler testing the Science Centre Heureka

Travelling in Finland with kids: Titi-Nalle’s house & Ikaalinen Spa

A lot of parents in Finland make an effort to avoid children's television programmes featuring "Titi-Nalle", a big white bear and his family (and especially their  singing "mother" Aunt Riitta). I am not a big fan either, but gave up, when realized that "Titi-Nalle visits the firestation" was the only tv show my two-year-old would … Continue reading Travelling in Finland with kids: Titi-Nalle’s house & Ikaalinen Spa