Before visiting Finland, I had no idea how family-friendly the country is. Finland’s capital city, Helsinki, is rich with history and is filled with Swedish and Russian influence.Helsinki is a very safe city and great for kids. There are many family-friendly things to do in Helsinki. Let’s explore the best things to do in Helsinki for Families!
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15 of the Best Things to do in Helsinki for Families
1. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Suomenlinna Island Fortress
A short ferry ride from Market Square and you’ll be standing on the Island Fortress Suomenlinna. Throughout history, the island was held by Sweden, Russia, and Finland. The island plays an important part in the history of Helsinki but currently, the island is home to a small community complete with some shops, museums, a small harbor, a school, a church, and more. It is a quiet island that feels more like a small village and it is beautiful.
Kids and adults alike may enjoy a visit to Suomenlinna Toy Museum, Suomenlinnan Lelumuseo. They feature exhibits of toys through history and they also have a small cafe that serves drinks and has amazing cinnamon rolls.
2. Visit Korkeasaari Zoo
It is interesting to visit zoos in different countries, many are similar in features and they all have animals. Here are a few things that are different about Korkeasaari Zoo that make it worth a visit. First, the zoo is located on an island. You can take a ferry directly docks located in the zoo. Don’t worry you can also drive or take public transportation to the zoo and then walk the short bridge to the zoo.
The zoo restaurant also has a cool feature that kids will love. The main wall of the restaurant is a glass viewing wall that looks directly into the bear enclosure. While you eat you can watch the bears roam their enclosure.
The zoo also has picnic huts for families and a huge sandpit play area for kids. My little ones would love to spend hours there.
3. Visit Oodi Library
In most places, the public library wouldn’t make my list of places to see, but in Helsinki the library is fantastic. Not only does the Oodi Library have a fabulous design inside and out, but it is also super functional and an important part of Helsinki culture.
People of all ages meet at the library to read, study, chat, and just gather. There is a full cafe, multiple floors with conference rooms, state of the art recording studios, virtual reality studios, reading areas, and of course a huge selection of books and periodicals. I feel like you could spend a whole day here and not be bored. Also, it has super-fast wifi too which is nice to check emails or send messages to folks back home.
4. Take in a FREE Museum
There are a bunch of museums in Helsinki, many of which are free. Take a visit to Helsinki City Museum, The Tram Museum, Virka Gallery, Bank of Finland Museum, Päivälehti Museum, Sinebrychoff Museum, and Burgher’s House Museum, all of which are free. Most of the other museums in town have free days as well. You can find a list of them here.
A short walk from Market Square is the Helsinki City Museum. This is a FREE museum that has exhibits that are focused on the history of Helsinki. It has some very cool interactive exhibits and is worth a visit. It is relatively small and a 45-minute visit here was plenty for us to experience this.
5. Linnanmaki Theme Park
Linnanmaki is a Finnish theme park conveniently located in Helsinki. It is easy to get to via public transportation or walking. The park has rides, shows, shops, and plenty of fair foods. Everyone is sure to have a great time at Linnanmaki.
6. Visit The Rock Church
The Temppeliaukio Church, sometimes called the Rock Church, is a church literally carved in the middle of a huge chunk of granite. The church was designed by brothers and opened in 1969. It has really nice glass skylights that round the chapel and it is very spacious inside. I’ve never seen any piece of architecture quite like it. The Rock Church has a small fee to enter.
7. See The Silent Chapel
The Kamppi Chapel is often called the “Silent Chapel” is a place of silence and meditation. It also has a very lovely design is open to the public and is a nice experience. As you step inside you’re suddenly able to hear every little move you make. Amid the bustling city, you’re able to have a seat in silence and contemplate whatever is on your mind. The chapel welcomes everyone no matter their religion or background. I don’t know that I’ve ever been any place this quiet.
8. Stroll Market Square
It is worth some time to take a walk through Market Square and see the independent food stalls, artisans, and farmers’ tents. Here you’ll find fresh berries and vegetables, handmade goods, and crafts. It is the Finnish version of a farmers market and it is spectacular. The market can also be a great place to pick up reasonably priced Finland souvenirs.
They also have many tents serving Finnish foods. You can find things like reindeer burgers, fried fish, and roasted potatoes. It is a great spot to grab lunch or a snack.
9. Visit Old Market Hall
Helsinki has three traditional lunch halls in the city. I hear they’re all pretty cool. Right on the waterfront sits Old Market Hall a very cool building dating back to 1889. It is filled with small shops that sell all sorts of Finnish foods. You’ll find meats, baked goods, produce, nuts, spices, and snacks in the market. Stop to get giant meringue or have lunch at one of the many small restaurants inside. We ate at Story Restaurant and it was delicious.
10. Tour a Cathedral
Helsinki actually has three cathedrals Lutheran, Orthodox, and Catholic. All three are open to the public and hold regular services as well. Helsinki Cathedral, as seen in the photo, sits atop Senate Square which often has street vendors and street entertainment as well.
11. Amos Rex Art Museum
The Amos Rex is a subterranean art museum in Helsinki. Entrance to the museum is around 15 Euro. When we went it happened to be closed, but I’ve heard it is amazing. Even if you’re not able to go in, walking around the outside is spectacular. The design is modern and has an almost Dr. Suess feel.
12. Swim in Allas Sea Pool
Allas Sea Pool is not a typical pool in any way. It is actually three pools and they’re built directly into the harbor. It’s open all year and includes saunas, exercise classes, a food court, and an excellent view of the harbor. Two of the pools are heated and the third is filled with seawater and is a bit chilly.
14. SkyWheel Helsinki
If you’re looking for an aerial view of the harbor and Helsinki a great option is riding the SkyWheel. Like so many activities in Helsinki, SkyWheel is located right next to the harbor and offers great views of the city. One of the wheel’s gondolas is an actual sauna. How Finnish is that? Each gondola fits six, so there is room for everyone.
15. Visit a Sauna
It is no secret that Sauna is a national pastime in Finland. Saunas are everywhere. Seriously everywhere. It is not uncommon to have individual saunas in hotel rooms and most homes in Finland have them. In public saunas men and women are usually separate, some allow people to attend nude but towels are allowed. Here is a list of public saunas in Helsinki.
Have you been to Helsinki with your family? What are your favorite family-friendly activities there?
Our trip to Finland was hosted by Visit Finland. All opinions are our own.
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