Helsinki for kids

Why is Helsinki perfect for kids and families?

From adventure parks and ferry trips to islands, to interactive museums and playgrounds with personality, Helsinki makes family travel a breeze. With nature always close and creativity at its core, this is a city where families feel right at home.

Helsinki is a playground disguised as a city—clean, green, and packed with adventures around every corner. Families can hop from museums to forests to seaside ferries in minutes, making each day full of surprises without long travel times. With things to do in Helsinki with kids year-round, it’s the perfect mix of easygoing and exciting.

Photo Vesa Laitinen
Kids on the playground in Helsinki

Quick tips for a smooth visit

Free transportation for kids

Children under 7 ride public transport for free, and strollers are always welcome.

Family with bikes in metro Getting around Helsinki: Easy travel, everyday adventure

Safety first, always

Helsinki is one of the safest cities in the world—and it shows. It’s not unusual to see school-aged children moving about independently; this is a cultural norm built on trust, safety, and strong community values.

Girl in Kaisaniemi Botanic Gardens in Helsinki

Drink straight from the tap

Helsinki has some of the cleanest drinking water in the world. Fill up your bottles at fountains or taps—no need to buy bottled water. Refill stations are dotted across the city, especially near parks and cultural sites. Bring your bottles and stay refreshed.

Filling water bottles at Flow Festival

Dress in layers, always

Helsinki weather can change quickly, even in summer. Layer up—you and the kids will stay comfy whether it’s sunny, breezy or drizzly.

Forest art course for first graders in East Helsinki (6)

A city that moves at your pace

Helsinki’s walkable size and calm streets make it easy to explore without rushing. There’s space to wander, pause, and enjoy every step together.

Boys playing around in Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

When’s the best time to visit Helsinki with kids?

Spring Blossoms and bright beginnings

As cherry blossoms bloom in Roihuvuori Park and cafés spill back onto sunny sidewalks, families can enjoy gentle temperatures and new energy in the air.

52 weeks in HEL // Week 19: Cherry trees in blossom (2) 7 ways Helsinki springs to life

Summer Long days, endless play

Long sunny days mean plenty of time for splash parks, ferry rides, and outdoor festivals like Helsinki Day and Seurasaari’s Midsummer bonfires.

Family picnic in Vallila Helsinki 7 reasons to love Helsinki summer

Autumn Colourful, cosy and curious

Colourful, cosy and curious

Children in the forest in Helsinki 7 reasons to love Helsinki autumn

Winter Snowy magic and sparkle

Snow transforms Helsinki into a magical winter wonderland with ice skating, sledding, Christmas markets, and festive lights sparkling everywhere.

parent and child in the snow 7 Helsinki islands to visit in the winter

What are the best outdoor activities for kids in Helsinki?

Visit the world’s first computer-themed playground in Ruoholahti

Opened in 2024, the computer-themed playground in Ruoholahti’s Laivapojankatu blends outdoor fun with digital discovery. Kids can learn about computers and coding while climbing, sliding, and exploring interactive installations—a playful celebration of curiosity and creativity.

Ruoholahti playground 4 7 best playgrounds in Helsinki

Playgrounds with personality

Helsinki’s themed playgrounds, like Leikkipuisto Loru and Seikkailupuisto Kumpula, offer colourful climbing frames, ziplines, and imaginative play areas designed to spark creativity. These aren’t just swings and slides—they’re mini-adventures waiting to happen.

Child climbing at Helsinki’s Seikkailupuisto Kumpula adventure park 7 lovely parks in Helsinki

Island-hopping to Suomenlinna

A short ferry ride takes you to Suomenlinna, a giant open-air fortress where kids can roam old tunnels, climb stone walls, and picnic on grassy hills. It’s history, nature, and an adventure rolled into one magical island experience.

Family on a ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Helsinki’s islands: ferries and routes

Visit Korkeasaari Zoo

Located on its own island, Korkeasaari Zoo is home to arctic foxes, Amur leopards, and hundreds of other species. It’s a great place to combine animal encounters with beautiful views of the Baltic Sea.

Kids meeting animals at Korkeasaari Zoo 7 places to see wildlife in Helsinki
Photo Julia Kivelä
Family shopping at the Hakaniemi Market Hall (1)


Plan your family trip to Helsinki