Seven greatest playgrounds in Helsinki
Did you know that Helsinki has over 200 outdoor playgrounds? This guide highlights the city’s best playgrounds! There are two types of city-maintained outdoor playgrounds in Helsinki: those offering guided activities on weekdays, often with indoor facilities, and playgrounds for independent play. All are open year-round and free for everyone to use!
Exciting new thematic playgrounds are also in development, including a Baltic Sea-themed playground currently in its planning stages.
1. Playground Ruoholahti – Adventures in the world of computers
Helsinki’s first thematic playground opened in Ruoholahti by the canal in September 2024. This computer-themed playground – possibly the first of its kind in the world – features a giant processor for climbing, a keyboard for jumping, math puzzles to solve, and a game-controller-shaped sandbox.
The playground is designed for older children due to its challenging structures, but there’s also a fenced area for younger kids. QR code signs offer additional computer-themed activities and information via mobile devices. With a fresh colour palette and a tall climbing tower as its main attraction, this playground offers a one-of-a-kind and imaginative experience. Author and illustrator Linda Liukas – known for introducing children to computers and programming – contributed to the playground’s design.
Tips for nearby attractions:
Ruoholahti is home to gaming company Supercell’s headquarters, where oversized game characters from their popular titles, such as Hay Day, can be spotted in the courtyard. The nearby canal also offers picnic spots for sunny days, and smaller play areas can be found throughout the neighbourhood.
2. Playground Sibelius Park, Töölö – Climbing and musical adventures
Located next to one of Helsinki’s most iconic landmarks, the Sibelius Monument, this playground was renovated and reopened in August 2024. It features a large climbing structure inspired by flowing musical notes and other music-themed elements reflecting the park’s connection to the famed composer Jean Sibelius. The playground also features a set of six swings, trampolines, and a spacious sandbox. The design seamlessly blends into its surroundings, incorporating natural rock elements that encourage creative outdoor play, and a colour palette harmonising with the environment. This playground is definitely one of Helsinki’s top spots for a fun-filled afternoon.
Tips for nearby attractions:
Sibelius Park offers picnic tables and benches shaded by large trees, ideal for a snack break. Exploring the intriguing Sibelius Monument is a must, and nearby Cafe Regatta, open year-round, is a legendary spot for the whole family.
3. Playground Vennynpuisto, Kuninkaantammi – A paradise for climbers
Kuninkaantammi is home to what many consider Helsinki’s most distinctive and best playground. Designed with climbing in mind, the playground offers a range of climbing opportunities as well as slides, swings, and a dedicated play area for younger children. The Vennynpuisto playground charms visitors with its unique features, offering activities for adventurers of all ages.
Although the playground is a bus ride from the city centre, it’s well worth visiting, whether as a stopover or a day trip while exploring Helsinki.
Tips for nearby attractions:
In summer, you can swim at Palettilampi beach near Vennynpuisto. Palettilampi is an artificial, sandy-bottomed swimming pond with water sourced from Lake Päijänne. As a further attraction, Helsinki’s Central Park’s versatile outdoor trails pass right by Kuninkaantammi.
Playground
Helsinki
4. Playground Kruunuvuorenranta Sports Park – Versatile activities for all ages
In one of Helsinki’s newest residential areas, Kruunuvuorenranta, a large sports park and playground cater to visitors of all ages. The park features a fenced playground, climbing structures, swings, and areas for jumping, skateboarding, and scooting. There’s also an artificial turf field for games and ping-pong tables for group fun. This spacious, tranquil playground complex is located next to a nature reserve.
Tips for nearby attractions:
Nearby, you’ll find several beautiful natural attractions such as Kruunuvuorenlampi pond, Tullisaari and Stansvik Manor parks, and the Kaivoskallio nature reserve. Conveniently, you can reach Kruunuvuorenranta from Helsinki city centre via ferry number 17 from Meritullintori, near the Presidential Palace. The 20-minute journey is followed by a 500-metre walk from the ferry dock to the playground. Kruunuvuorenranta is also known as the “neighbourhood of light,” featuring light art installations in almost every block at dusk, including the massive Oil Tank 468 near the ferry dock.
5. Playground Mellunmäki – Play among forest animals
Located at the end of the metro line in eastern Helsinki, the Mellunmäki playground is surrounded by forest far from busy roads, making it a peaceful retreat for children and adults alike. Its standout feature is a large wooden owl figure that kids can climb inside and slide down from its back. This unforgettable feature is unique to the Mellunmäki playground. The nature-themed design is evident throughout the park, which also includes sun loungers for relaxation and a nearby sports field for ball games and winter ice skating.
Tips for nearby attractions:
Bus 560 stops at Mellunmäki playground, offering easy access to Vuosaari for nature adventures at the Uutela outdoor recreation area or a swim at Aurinkolahti beach.
6. Playground Tuhkimo, Roihuvuori – Fantasies inspired by fairytales
Neslted beneath the iconic Roihuvuori water tower, Playground Tuhkimo opened in August 2024 after an extensive renovation. The updates modernised the playground while preserving its history and surrounding nature. Its unique charm lies in its peaceful location and natural setting. At the heart of the playground is a beautifully restored Disney-themed totem pole, with familiar characters inviting children to play. The playground features a zip line, swings, climbing frames, and other traditional wooden play equipment, creating a simple yet functional play area.
Tips for nearby attractions:
A short walk away is Roihuvuori’s Japanese-style park, a unique and surprising destination perfect for adventures or picnics. In May, cherry blossoms bloom here and in the nearby Roihuvuori Cherry Park. The hill by the Roihuvuori water tower also offers stunning views of Helsinki.
7. Playground Maunula – Activities for all kinds of play
At Playground Maunula, children can race around the park’s circular track, refuel at the pretend petrol station, climb high structures, and swing on basket swings. This updated playground is a well-balanced complex with activities for children of all ages. The centrepiece is a challenging climbing frame, while the fenced area for younger children offers its own climbing frame and other equipment. The park is shaded by large, old trees, adding to its appeal.
Tips for nearby attractions:
In summer, the Pirkkolan Plotti pond is a popular swimming spot, and in other seasons, the Pirkkola swimming hall is nearby. The playground is also close to a stop on the Raide-Jokeri light rail line, which connects Itäkeskus and Keilaniemi in Espoo.