9 Things to Do in Helsinki with Kids

Linnanmäki is Finland’s oldest theme park, featuring over 40 rides, 3 children’s playgrounds, and dozens of arcade games. During the summer, you get to watch circus shows and street performances at the open-air arena. Located 3.5km north of Helsinki’s Senate Square, the park has wooden rollercoaster that has been entertaining visitors since 1950. Entering Linnanmäki is free of charge, and you also get to enjoy 9 rides without paying for a ticket. If you want to experience the rest of the attractions, opt for the all-day-access wristband which costs €42. Linnanmäki is next door to SEA LIFE Helsinki, which you get in at a discounted rate if you purchase the wristband.

Korkeasaari Zoo (formerly Helsinki Zoo) dates back to 1889, making it the oldest wildlife center in Finland. Here, you get to visit 150 animal species and 1,000 plant species from all over the world. The zoo is located on namesake Korkeasaari Island, which is connected to Helsinki’s Mustikkamaa district via a bridge. 

For a leisurely way of getting there, there are ferries departing from Market Square (May–September) or Hakaniemi (June–August) every day. One of Korkeasaari Zoo’s most visited enclosures is the Cat Valley, which houses Siberian tigers and the rare Amur leopards.

SkyWheel is a traditional Ferris wheel located on Helsinki’s southern harbor. It takes passengers to an impressive height of 40 meters, offering expansive views of the city and Baltic Sea. All 30 gondolas are climate-controlled, so you can enjoy this ride all year round. Each cabins fits 4 people comfortably, with a full ride taking around 10 minutes. Admission costs from €12 for adults, €9 for children age 3 to 11 years old, and free for toddlers aged 2 and below.

Allas Sea Pool is a family-friendly swimming and sauna center nearby Helsinki’s Market Square. Its seawater pool, warm water pool and children’s pool are located on an elevated deck that overlooks SkyWheel Helsinki and the Baltic Sea. Swimming lessons are available for inexperienced swimmers, and you get to enjoy activities such as yoga, bootcamp, and lifesaving courses for kids. Allas Sea Pool also has traditional saunas catered for women, men, and private functions.

The Finnish Museum of Natural History features 6 permanent exhibitions on the diversity of plant and animal species in Finland and various parts of the world. The Story of the Bones gallery displays animal skeletons and ancient fossils dating back to the Ice Age, while Giraffes in the Gymnasium is where you get to see stuffed animals such as zebras, jaguars, and deer. Free audio guides in English, French and Russian are available if you prefer exploring the museum’s exhibits at your own pace.

The Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden features 10 glasshouses that cultivate over 1,300 plant species from deserts, rainforests and tropical wetlands around the world. The Palm House exhibit is particularly popular for housing the world’s biggest seed and colorful orchids, while the Waterlily Room is where you can see the gigantic Santa Cruz lily pads, which span up to 2 meters in diameter and can hold an adult human – but don't try it yourself. If you’re not keen to pay €9 to explore these glasshouses, the 10,000 sq m outdoor gardens are free to explore all year round.

The National Museum of Finland features 4 permanent exhibitions on Finnish history, people, and culture, including one that’s tailored for children. Artifacts date back from medieval times to the 19th century, consisting of coins, medals, clothing, and weaponry. You can learn about the history of Finland at Workshop Vintti, with hands-on activities like how to harness a horse and how to build a log cabin. Admission to the National Museum of Finland costs around €12 per adult, but children below 18 years old enter for free. For free entry for the whole family, visit the museum on Friday between 4pm and 6pm.

Nuuksio National Park, located 40 km northwest of Helsinki, attracts nature lovers with its scenic forests, valleys, and diverse wildlife. There are over 80 lakes and ponds within the park, with Lake Pitkäjärvi being a popular spot for canoeing. The park is typically busy during the summertime, as you get to enjoy activities such as camping, rock-climbing, and take part in nature trails. You’re also free to explore the forests and forage for mushrooms and fresh lingonberries during the late summer.