Helsinki is a city we have fallen in love with. It’s packed full of charm and we’ve been lucky enough to have taken a couple of trips to Helsinki to find out what’s on offer. Our guide to Helsinki with kids is full of all the information you need to have a really fun family trip to Helsinki.
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About visiting Helsinki with kids
Helsinki is a beautiful city. Small, pretty, friendly and packed full of great things to see and do.
Surrounded by the Baltic Sea this is a city that is stunning at every turn.
Grand old buildings with trams clambering by sit side by side with modern architecture which seem to roll out of the ground.
Just off the coastline new communities of Helsinki have sprung up on the islands that pepper the sea.
The whole city is an interesting mix of old and new, history and modern, forward thinking concepts.
If you’re visiting Helsinki with kids this is one city that loves family and welcomes children throughout. There are fun activities, interesting restaurants and exciting concepts for all ages to enjoy.
Feel inspired
Amazing trips to enjoy in Helsinki with kids
We have really enjoyed our trips to Helsinki. We organised our own DIY trip to Lapland which started and finished in Finland’s capital city.
The best things to do in Helsinki with kids
Some of the best experiences to have in Helsinki with children are –
- Splashing about in Allas Sea Pools
- Getting interactive at the amazing Heureka
- Seeing the Sea Life Centre
- Enjoying Linnanmäki amusement park
- Eating cinnamon buns in the cafes
- Exploring Suomenlinna Island
- Taking to Helsinki’s Big Wheel
- Having festive fun in the Christmas market
- Taking the ferry to Tallinn
Read more: The best things to do in Helsinki with kidsÂ
Interesting places to stay
There are some great places to stay in the city from the Noli Apartments right in the Centre to the Scandic Park Helsinki overlooking the beautiful l Töölö Bay and park.
Read more: Amazing family hotels in Helsinki
Where to eat in Helsinki with kids
Helsinki is a really great foodie destination and families will find plenty of choice. There’s some great cafes here for pastries (particularly the ubiquitous cinnamon buns) and hot drinks and some lovely restaurants too.
Some of our favourite restaurants are –
Helsinki with kids: where to visit
Helsinki is a wonderful city to explore. It’s compact and accessible and perfect to spend a few days enjoying. The public transport system is very well set up to allow you to get into its different corners.
Central Helsinki
The city centre is really easy to wander through and is packed full of great things to do with kids. Visit the free to enter City Museum which is wonderful or take a dip in the Allas Sea Pools. Check out our guide to the best things to do in the city with children above.
Töölö
Built in the 1920s and 30s, Töölö is slightly out of the city centre but a lovely area. The bay here is stunning as is the park that overlooks it and there are a number of playgrounds here for kids.
Helsinki’s Islands
Helsinki’s islands are absolutely beautiful and as Finland has the world’s largest archipelago it makes sense to get out and visit at least one of its islands on a trip here.
The most famous in Helsinki has to be the World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna.
This 18th century sea fortress once belonged to Sweden and today has been transformed into a beautiful community island. With restaurants, museums and fantastic walks its a favourite in summer but is beautiful in every season.
Transport cards will take you out from near the Allas Sea Pools to many of these islands on the little ferry.
Kallio
Kallio is a very cool area of the city. This bohemian area is packed full of great local restaurants and is seen as the cultural heart of the city.
Vantaa
Vantaa is where the airport is located, around 40 minutes outside of the city. It’s well worth taking a trip out (or on the way to the airport) to the interactive science museum, Heureka which is based here.
Top tips for visiting Helsinki with kids
- Pick up a Helsinki Card which gives you free public transport, entry to sights and museums, a sightseeing tour, and discounts on dining, shopping, and tours. Choose from 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our ultimate guide to Helsinki with kids. Do let us know if you have any questions, it’s a country we love and we’re always happy to chat about. Why not sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about our posts and features.
