Things to see and do in Helsinki with kids
Explore Helsinki with kids through a variety of engaging activities, from visiting the island zoo and historical fortresses to enjoying amusement parks, interactive science centres, and indoor playgrounds.
With the Moomins as national treasures, it makes perfect sense that the Finnish capital should be child-friendly. Helsinki's coastline forms gentle beaches and inlets, lapped by the blue-grey Baltic Sea, with cafes along the shores. The coast is dotted with islands, one dominated by a fort, another by a zoo, offering 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 so calm that it’s a relaxing place to explore with children.
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. Here, you'll meet animals from the arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest. Approximately 200 different animal species reside here, and there are almost 1,000 different plant species. Protecting endangered species is a heartfelt mission for the zoo, which forms part of a European network working to preserve numerous species.
- May-Aug: 10am-8pm
- Sep & Apr: 10am-6pm
- Oct-Mar: 10am-4pm
Ferries leave from the Market Square (eastern end) and Hakaniemi every 40 minutes during May to September. Bus 16 goes from the train station platform 17 year-round.
Fallkulla Domestic Animal Zoo
At Fallkulla, you can acquaint yourself 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.
Normal opening hours: 10am-5pm most days. Check before arrival.
Also check out the lovely Haltiala Domestic Animal Farm for another option!
Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress
Suomenlinna (Viapori/Sveaborg) is one of the biggest sea fortresses in the world, founded in 1748 and built by Augustin Ehrensvärd. Suomenlinna is a popular attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features several restaurants and charming cafes.
The Visitor Centre, located in the middle of the fortress at Tykistölahti Bay, is the base and 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.
Underground tunnels at Suomenlinna, credit: Visit Finland, Rami Hanafi
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
Linnanmäki has entertained families since 1950 with an enormous selection of rides, including a special wooden rollercoaster over 50 years old. The park also has arcade halls and an outdoor stage with entertaining performances. Linnanmäki is close to the Sea Life aquarium.
Normal opening hours: May-Sep 11am-10pm. Check for specific dates before you go.
Helsinki Icepark
Helsinki Icepark at the Railway Station Square is a perfect way to enjoy Finnish winter in an urban setting. The park offers entertaining programs, including regular skating lessons by licensed instructors. Skates are available for rent.
Normal opening hours during winter:
- Mon-Fri: 2pm-9pm
- Sat: 10am-9pm
- Sun: 10am-6pm
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.
Normal opening hours: 11am-6pm
Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre
Heureka, The Finnish Science Centre is a hands-on exhibition and action centre, perfect for older children. It features astronomical movies and science programs at the Vattenfall Planetarium and is next to the Tikkurila train station in Vantaa.
Normal opening hours:
- Mon-Wed & Fri: 10am-5pm
- Thu: 10am-8pm
- Sat & Sun: 10am-6pm
The Museum of Natural History
The Finnish Museum of Natural History’s exhibitions showcase the diversity of nature with five permanent exhibits: Finnish Nature, World Nature, The History of Life, The Story of the Bones, and Change in the Air.
Normal opening hours:
- Summer: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
- Winter: Tue-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
Children's Town
Near the Senate Square, in the oldest house in Helsinki (built in 1757), is the Children's Town, part of the Helsinki City Museum. It's a free exhibition specifically for kids to experience and learn about Helsinki’s history.
Sea Life Helsinki
Sea Life takes you on a voyage from tropical oceans to the Arctic Sea, featuring many species whose environments are threatened by pollution. The exhibitions present fascinating underwater worlds, home to crabs, starfish, sharks, and rays.
Serena Water Park
Serena Water Park features terraced pools, massaging whirlpools, waterslides, and a unique sauna section carved from the bedrock. Highlights include the Black Hole pipe slide, rapids, a "Salt Sea," and a ski slope.
Flamingo Spa & Pool
Conveniently located near both the airport and the city, Flamingo Spa & pool complex is great for kids and a good place to spend a few hours between flights. It’s a local hangout and can be busy on rainy days.
Tropicario - tropical animal house
Experience the world of snakes and lizards at Tropicario, the biggest tropical zoo in the Northern countries, featuring the world's most poisonous snakes and giant monitors.
Indoor Playgrounds
On a cold day, visit Helsinki's centrally located Leikkiluola underground playground with climbing walls, a ghost cave, dance dome, and classic playground equipment.
Normal opening hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9am-8pm
- Sat-Sun: 10am-6pm
Helsinki and Vantaa also have several HopLop indoor adventure playgrounds with adventure labyrinths, trampolines, electric race cars, slides, and cafes.
MOOMIN WORLD
Moomin World in Naantali offers a delightful experience for children of all ages, including older kids. To reach Moomin World, take a train to Turku (approximately 2 hours) and then a bus to the park. You can visit Moomin World as a day trip, or extend your stay in Naantali, a charming old town with picturesque wooden buildings and a welcoming atmosphere.
Travelling around with children in Helsinki
When travelling with a child aged 0-6 years in a pram, stroller, or wheelchair, you are entitled to free travel on trains, buses, trams, the metro, and municipal ferry. Tram line 3 allows you to circle around the city. With a Helsinki card, you can use public transport as much as you like, and kids under 7 years old travel for free.
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