Best things to do in Helsinki with kids

What is it? Helsinki boasts more than 60 playgrounds, each with its own twist. At Kurranummi in Tapanila you’ll find one of the city’s longest slides, Leikkipuisto Orava in Itä-Pasila has colourful outdoor instruments, and Bryga Park Deck atop the Redi shopping centre lets kids play high above the city. Newer spots like Vennynpuisto in Kuninkaantammi are climbing favourites for little adventurers.

Why go? Playgrounds are the heart of family life in Helsinki and the perfect pitstop for visitors with kids. They’re safe, imaginative spaces for running, climbing and socialising. Many have indoor huts for warming up and picnicking, and some offer free music sessions and craft clubs on weekdays.

Time Out tip: When the parks freeze over, head underground – Leikkiluola in Hakaniemi turns a civil defence shelter into an indoor wonderland with slides and bouncy castles.

Expect to pay: Free

What is it? Next to Töölönlahti Bay stands Helsinki’s very own Winter Garden – a glass oasis that’s been delighting visitors since the 1890s. Its Palm Room is filled with tall trees, the Cactus Room with spiky oddities, and a small pond shimmers with bright orange koi fish. Outside, the rose garden often blooms well into autumn.

Why go? The warm, lush garden is the perfect escape when it’s freezing or raining outside. Kids can marvel at more than 200 plant species, climb up to the balcony and wonder how palm trees can grow in Finland. For adults, it’s a peaceful pause; for children, it’s a mini jungle adventure in the city. There are toilets on-site and tables for picnicking in the side wing, though no highchairs – and prams must be parked outside, even in winter.

Time Out tip: Visit at Christmas time, when the Winter Garden glows with lights and poinsettias – the atmosphere is pure magic.

Address: Hammarskjöldintie 1 A
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 10.00–16.00, Fri closed, Sat–Sun 10.00–16.00
Expect to pay: Free

What is it? Atmospheric and intimate, Nukketeatteri Sampo is Helsinki’s best choice when you’re looking for children’s theatre that truly caters to the very youngest audiences. The varied programme comes with clear age recommendations, with options ranging from babies to school-age children.

Why go? This is a theatre that even adults will fall in love with. The puppets are beautifully crafted and displayed along the theatre’s corridors. Sound levels never get too loud, and the content is suitably gentle, safe and unhurried, making it an easy choice even with very small children. There’s pram parking in the theatre courtyard, but no step-free access inside. Performances are in Finnish, though many shows can still be enjoyed even if you don’t understand the language.

Time Out tip: There aren’t many theatres in the capital region dedicated to children’s performances. Alongside Nukketeatteri Sampo, another children’s theatre worth knowing is Teatteri Hevosenkenkä, located in Juhannusmäki, Espoo.

Address: Erottajankatu 7
Opening hours: The theatre is open according to performance schedules
Expect to pay: Tickets cost €9–20 depending on the performance

What is it? Housed in an old depot in Töölö, the Tram Museum (Ratikkamuseo) tells the story of Helsinki’s trams over more than a century. Here, kids can do what most museums forbid – step inside historic tram cars, sit on the seats and even try the driver’s or conductor’s position. The exhibits trace the evolution of city travel from the 1890s to today.

Why go? Children love transport, and this is the real deal – they can explore the trams up close. The museum is compact enough for small kids to manage easily, and adults will enjoy the nostalgic trip back in time, from wooden benches to ticket clippers. Fun fact: Helsinki’s first trams were pulled by horses!

Time Out tip: After your visit, hop on tram line 2 from nearby Töölö for a scenic ride through the city centre.

Address: Töölönkatu 51 A
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 11.00–17.00
Expect to pay: Free

What is it? Located in Tikkurila, Vantaa – just a 15-minute train ride from central Helsinki – Heureka is a hands-on science centre that’s been a family favourite since 1989. Here you can lift a car with a hydraulic crane, test an earthquake simulator and cycle across a high wire above the main hall. The planetarium takes you straight to the stars.

Why go? Heureka turns science into pure fun. Kids can experiment, build and discover for themselves – and adults will be just as engaged. Rotating exhibitions like Giants of the Ice Age keep things fresh for repeat visitors, while classics like mini car building and the giant chair never lose their charm.

Time Out tip: Need a break between experiments? The on-site Tiederavintola serves a hearty lunch buffet daily from 10.00 to 15.00 – perfect for refuelling and regaining patience before round two.

Address: Tiedepuisto 1
Opening hours: Mon–Wed 10–17, Thu–Fri 10–20, Sat–Sun 10–18
Expect to pay: Adults around €23, children (ages 5–17) around €16, free with a Museum Card

What is it? Helsinki’s Central Library Oodi is not just a library – it’s the city’s living room. The children’s area on the third floor features colourful story zones, art carpets, soft reading corners and plenty of space to play. From the same floor’s terrace, you can enjoy sweeping views over Kansalaistori Square.

Why go? Oodi is the kind of place you can drop into anytime. Kids can dive into books and play, while parents enjoy the café and admire the stunning architecture. It’s part indoor playground, part cultural centre, part city sanctuary – and entirely free. There’s even a long communal dining table with highchairs, so you can bring your own snacks.

Time Out tip: Visit on a weekday morning with little ones – Loru hosts open sessions like music circles and storytime.

Address: Töölönlahdenkatu 4
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 08.00–22.00, Sat 10.00–20.00, Sun 10.00–20.00
Expect to pay: Free

What is it? Just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, Haltialan kotieläintila is a slice of countryside within Helsinki. The farmyard is home to cows, sheep, pigs and chickens, and in summer you can see tractors and farm machinery in action. Surrounding fields and forests offer plenty of space to run, play and breathe in the country air.

Why go? Animals and open space make Haltiala the ideal escape for city kids. The nearby trails are great for family walks and picnics, and in summer the grazing animals and golden fields create postcard-perfect views. It’s lovely year-round – peaceful in autumn and crisp in winter.

Time Out tip: Don’t stop at the main yard – follow the path behind the barns toward the River Vantaa for a beautiful rural walk through farmland and forest.

Address: Laamannintie 17
Opening hours: Daily 07.00–20.00
Expect to pay: Free

What is it? Located in Kamppi, the Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen museo) is one of Helsinki’s most popular family attractions. The first thing you’ll see on entry is the huge African elephant, but the real showstopper is the dinosaur hall. Each floor takes you through a different chapter of Earth’s story.

Why go? This classic museum makes science an adventure. Kids love the skeletons and taxidermy animals, while adults rediscover childhood favourites and notice new details. The old school building, with its grand staircases and sunlit halls, adds to the magic.

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the ground-floor Gymnasium Hall, which hosts changing exhibitions – often interactive and popular with little ones. Currently, The Forest Home exhibition (on until April 5 2026) invites visitors to explore the magic of Finland’s natural forests.

Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13
Opening hours: Mon closed, Tue–Fri 11.00–17.00, Sat 10.00–18.00, Sun 10.00–16.00
Expect to pay: Adults €20, children (7–17) €7, free with the Museum Card