Things to see and do in Helsinki with kids
Explore Helsinki with kids through a variety of activities, from an island zoo and a historical sea fortress to amusement parks, interactive science centres, and indoor playgrounds.
With the Moomins as national treasures, it makes sense that the Finnish capital should be child-friendly. Helsinki's coastline is made up of rocky shores and inlets, lapped by the blue-grey Baltic Sea, with cafes along the water and beaches dotted between the headlands. The coast is scattered with islands, one dominated by a fort, another by a zoo, leaving plenty of natural space and parkland for families to explore.
Island-hopping by boat makes any trip more fun, and the city is light on traffic and easy to get around. Helsinki is calm enough that exploring it with children feels unhurried rather than logistical.
A practical note before you plan: opening hours at the venues below are seasonal and change from year to year, so check each attraction's own website close to your travel dates rather than relying on a printed schedule.
Suomenlinna in Summer, photo: Visit Helsinki - Rami Hanafi
Helsinki Zoo, an island zoo
Helsinki Zoo, known as "Korkeasaari" (High Island) among Finns, is one of the oldest zoos in the world, established in 1889. Here you'll meet animals ranging from the arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest. The zoo is home to around 150 animal species and nearly 1,000 plant species. Protecting endangered species is central to its work, and it forms part of a European network (EAZA) working to preserve species, alongside running a wildlife hospital for injured and orphaned animals.
The island is now connected to the mainland by the Crown Bridges, so it can be reached on foot or by bicycle as well as by ferry and bus. Seasonal ferries run from the Market Square and Hakaniemi during the warmer months, and bus 16 from the city centre serves the zoo year-round. Check current ferry and bus timetables before you set out, as routes have shifted since the bridges opened.
Fallkulla Domestic Animal Zoo
At Fallkulla, you can get acquainted with traditional farm animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, geese, and horses. Children can also take part in animal care and help with farm work. For another option of the same kind, the Haltiala Domestic Animal Farm is worth a look.
Also check out the lovely Haltiala Domestic Animal Farm for another option!
Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress
Suomenlinna (Viapori/Sveaborg) is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world. Construction began in 1748 under the Swedish Crown, supervised by Augustin Ehrensvärd, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has defended three different states over its history, Sweden, Russia and independent Finland, and today it is a living district of Helsinki with restaurants and cafes among the ramparts.
The Visitor Centre, in the middle of the fortress, is the information point for visitors and the starting point for walking tours. The Suomenlinna Toy Museum presents old toys from the early 19th century to the 1960s. The ferry from the Market Square runs year-round and takes around fifteen to twenty minutes.
Underground tunnels at Suomenlinna, credit: Visit Finland, Rami Hanafi
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
Linnanmäki has entertained families since 1950, with a wide selection of rides including a wooden rollercoaster, Vuoristorata, that has been running since 1951. The park also has arcade halls and an outdoor stage with performances through the season. Sea Life Helsinki, the only Sea Life centre in the Nordic region, is within the park grounds and is open year-round.
The rides season runs from around late April (May Day) to the third week of October, while the theatre and aquarium stay open through the year. Check exact dates and hours before you go.
Helsinki Icepark
Helsinki Icepark at the Railway Station Square is a way to enjoy a Finnish winter in an urban setting. The rink offers regular skating lessons from licensed instructors, and skates are available to rent. It operates over the winter months only, so confirm the season's opening dates beforehand.
Finnish Toy Museum Hevosenkenkä
Dedicated to the culture of games and play, the Finnish Toy Museum presents toys and play areas from the early 20th century to the present day. The museum is in Espoo, less than a half-hour bus ride from Helsinki city centre.
Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre
Heureka is a hands-on exhibition and activity centre, well suited to older children. It features astronomy films and science programs at the Vattenfall Planetarium, and it sits next to Tikkurila railway station in Vantaa.
The Museum of Natural History
The Finnish Museum of Natural History’s exhibitions show the diversity of nature across several permanent displays, including Finnish Nature, World Nature, The History of Life, The Story of the Bones, and Change in the Air.
Children's Town
Near the Senate Square, in one of the oldest houses in Helsinki (built in 1757), is the Children's Town, part of the Helsinki City Museum. It's a free exhibition made specifically for children to experience and learn about Helsinki's history.
Sea Life Helsinki
Sea Life takes you from tropical oceans to the Arctic Sea, with many species whose environments are under pressure from pollution. The exhibits present underwater worlds that are home to crabs, starfish, sharks, and rays. It is located within the Linnanmäki park grounds and open year-round.
Serena Water Park
Serena Water Park has terraced pools, whirlpools, waterslides, and a sauna section carved from the bedrock. Highlights include the Black Hole pipe slide, rapids, a "Salt Sea", and, in winter, a ski slope.
Flamingo Spa & Pool
Conveniently placed near both the airport and the city, the Flamingo Spa & pool complex is good for children and a useful place to spend a few hours between flights. It's a local favourite and can be busy on rainy days.
Tropicario - tropical animal house
Tropicario is the largest tropical zoo in the Nordic countries, home to snakes and lizards, including some of the world's most venomous snakes and large monitor lizards.
Indoor Playgrounds
On a cold day, Helsinki's centrally located Leikkiluola underground playground has climbing walls, a ghost cave, a dance dome, and classic playground equipment. Helsinki and Vantaa also have several HopLop indoor adventure playgrounds, with labyrinths, trampolines, electric race cars, slides, and cafes.
MOOMIN WORLD
Moomin World in Naantali is a real draw for children of all ages. It is set on the island of Kailo, reached on foot across a bridge from the old town of Naantali. To get there from Helsinki, take a train to Turku (around two hours), then a local Föli bus (route 6 or 6A) on to Naantali, from where it's a short walk to the park.
One important point: Moomin World is open in summer only, roughly June to August, with a shorter winter opening in some years. Confirm the season's dates before building a trip around it. You can visit as a day trip from Helsinki or extend your stay in Naantali, a small old town of wooden houses and a welcoming harbour.
Travelling around with children in Helsinki
When travelling with a child aged 0 to 6 in a pram, stroller, or wheelchair, you are generally entitled to free travel on trains, buses, trams, the metro, and the municipal ferry, and young children travel free when accompanied. Fare rules do change, so check the current HSL (Helsinki Region Transport) terms before you travel. Tram line 3 loops around the city centre, which makes it a simple way to see a lot in one ride.
See the Helsinki public transport route search and timetables when planning your travels.
Also, check out our range of unique Scandinavian and Finnish Holidays with children and some some of our tours that include a visit to Helsinki.
For more reading on Helsinki, see the following articles:
Experience summer time in Helsinki with the locals
Countdown to Christmas: Magical Helsinki Christmas Markets
Our guide to Restaurants in Helsinki
Helsinki Highlights: Visit a local sauna
May Day Celebrations in Helsinki
Also see more Finland related articles and family travel articles.