What are the Best Things to Do in Helsinki & Espoo with Kids during Summer?
This is honestly one of the most frequent questions I get — so I really hope this blog post helps you!
If you’re new here: Hi! I’m Tania, a Mexican mom living in Finland with my two boys (currently 6 and 8 years old) and Finnish husband. Over the past decade, we’ve explored lots of local places — from indoor activity parks to quiet lakes and forest trails. And we do our best to visit new places to help local families and travellers to be updated with the best places to go and activities you shouldn’t miss!
In this blog, I’ll be focusing on the places that tourists and international families enjoy the most — most of them I’ve personally visited with my kids.
So whether you’re just visiting or newly moved to Finland, here’s your go-to guide for fun, family-friendly adventures!
🍓 STRAWBERRY PICKING – Seasonal Fun Outdoors (Summer Only)
A true Finnish summer experience — strawberry picking is fun, relaxing, and delicious! Just a short drive or bus ride from Helsinki, farms like Marjex Mansikkapaikka let you pick your own berries (and yes, you can taste a few!). It’s a fantastic hands-on activity for families, where kids learn about nature and food while enjoying the outdoors. Don’t forget to bring containers, bottle of water, hats, and sunscreen!
📍 Vantaa (near Helsinki) | 💰 €6 entry (refunded with berry purchase) + €8/kg | ⭐ All ages |🔗 marjexmansikkapaikka.fi
📖 Read the full guide + easy jam recipe here: Strawberry Picking Near Helsinki – Plus Make Your Own Jam!
📚 OODI LIBRARY – Indoor & Outdoor Play (Free)
One of the most popular attractions these days! Oodi is more than just a library! I’d dare to call it a “local immersive experience of Finnish life” and if you visit, you will understand my point.
This place is not only a touristy stop, locals use it as well! and it’s an ideal place to stop for families with kids because kids can play board games, read, enjoy the family area and spend time playing in the inside playground. Parents can sit and recharge energy, use the toilet, filled up the bottle of water. Even take a lunch, enjoy the city views from the terrace and let the kids have fun in the outside playground.
On the second floor there are two consoles you can use without a reservation. If you’re lucky or patient, you can also play here! If you have a local friend, ask them to help you reserve the consoles for 2 hours.
And hey, this service is not exclusive to Oodi. Sello library in Espoo, Myymäaki in Vanta and many other local libraries have video game consoles and music instruments you can play with.
📍 Helsinki Central Station area | 🆓 Free | ⭐ All ages
🔗 oodihelsinki.fi
DIY Moomin Tote Bag at Oodi Library
A fun and unique souvenir you can create yourself! For just €6, customize Oodi’s official tote bag with one of two iconic Moomin designs using their easy heat press station. Two models availabe: Moomin house & Moomin troll. Perfect for families, Moomin fans, or anyone wanting a hands-on Helsinki experience. Don’t miss this creative stop inside one of the city’s most beautiful libraries!
Read the full blog post here: A Must-Do in Helsinki for Moomin Fans: DIY tote bag at Oodi Library
📍 Oodi -Helsinki Central Library, 2nd floor | 💰 6€ | ⭐ Fun for all ages, but younger children may need some assistance, particularly with the more detailed Moominhouse design and using the heat press machine.
🔗 oodihelsinki.fi
🌋 AMOS REX & LASIPALATSI SQUARE “Volcanoes” – Art, Play & Climbing Fun (Free)
Right in the heart of Helsinki, you’ll find the futuristic Amos Rex art museum — and right above it, an unexpected playground! The museum’s underground galleries are covered by a series of round, bumpy mounds that pop out of the square — locals call them the volcanoes.
Kids love climbing, sliding, and running on them, and the wide, car-free space is great for families to relax. Even if you don’t go inside the museum (which has changing exhibitions and kid-friendly content), this outdoor space is worth a stop! Great spot for a snack break, a bit of energy burn, or creative photos.
📍 Lasipalatsi Square, Helsinki | 🆓 Free to enjoy outside | ⭐ All ages
🔗 amosrex.fi
🎥 FLYING CINEMA
Experience Helsinki and Lapland from the air in a thrilling 4D short film or animated videos- which I totally recommend to you! The ride includes wind, splashing water and motion effects — kids usually love it! They have different packages, and each ride lasts about 5 minutes. Recently, we rode “Around the World in 80 Days”, “Penguins”, “Roller Coaster”, and “Helsinki” (which, to be honest, was a bit boring compared to the animated ones, but I heard they will update it with a new video on May 21st, 2025!).
📍 Katajanokka | 💶 Paid entry | ⭐ Best for ages 5+
🎡 SKYWHEEL HELSINKI
Take in 360° views of the city and the sea from a climate-controlled cabin. It’s not quite the London Eye, but it’s a nice and calm ride, perfect for families! Even toddlers love spotting boats from the top. You can also book the Sauna Gondola if you are looking for unique experiences!
📍 Market Square | 💶 Ticketed | ⭐ All ages
🧗 FÖÖNI– Indoor Skydiving
An unforgettable flying experience in a wind tunnel. Ideal for adventurous kids (minimum age and weight restrictions apply). Perfect for birthday surprises or tweens/teens! Flights usually last around 2 minutes.
📍 REDI Shopping Mall | 💶 Ticketed | ⭐ Age 7+, min. 20kg |🔗 fööni.fi
🏃 SUPER PARK – Indoor Action Park
Packed with trampolines, obstacle zones, scooter tracks, skatepark, and more. A hit with older kids and very active little ones.
📍 Vantaa | 💶 Ticketed | ⭐ Best for ages 6+
🔗 superpark.fi
💦 FLAMINGO SPA & WATERPARK
A beloved destination for families! Ideal for parents who want to relax while the kids stay busy in the slides, water jets, and warm pools. There’s also a separate adult spa area with saunas and relaxation pools.
📍 Vantaa (Jumbo Mall) | 💶 Paid entry | ⭐ All ages (baby-friendly too)
🔗 flamingospa.fi
🎯 ANGRY BIRDS PARK (Espoo – Bodom Lake area)
An outdoor adventure playground inspired by the Angry Birds game, located near the beautiful Bodom Lake. Great for younger kids with climbing frames, slides, and fun themed structures. Combine with a lakeside walk or picnic!
This is also a very local place to enh´joy sunny days and do a picnic by the beach!
📍 Espoo (near Oittaa) | 🆓 Free | ⭐ Best for ages 3–10
🌊 SEA LIFE Helsinki
Discover fascinating underwater worlds at this indoor aquarium. Kids love walking through the ocean tunnel and seeing sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish. Interactive touch pools and feeding times add extra fun! And they do have Axolotls- a native and critical engerad carnivorous salamander native to the lakes of Mexico and lately trending shape toy among kids!
📍 Linnanmäki area, Helsinki | 💶 Entry fee (*not included in Linnanmäki entrance) | ⭐ Best for ages 3+
LINNANMÄKI Amusement Park
Linnanmäki offers free access to the park area, but rides are ticketed (there are a couple of free rides too!). You can bring your own food or dine in one of the restaurants. The best part? All the profits from Linnanmäki go to support children’s charities. It’s a fun day out with a variety of rides for kids of all ages.
Alppiharju, Helsinki | 
Ticketed (with free access to the park) | 
All ages |
linnanmaki.fi
CAFÉ REGATTA + Outdoor Area (Free)
A charming red cottage café by the sea. Kids can enjoy watching the birds (geese and swans), watch boats passing by, and roast sausages over the fire. Don’t miss the delicious cinnamon buns that the place is famous for! You can also rent SUP boards, kayaks, and rowing boats. There’s a small playground and a slide, perfect for kids to enjoy while you relax. Be aware of the seagulls!
Töölö, Helsinki | 
Free to enjoy (purchase food/drinks) | All ages
LEO’S LEIKKIMAA (formerly HopLop)
A colorful indoor playland with soft play, slides, ball pits, and mini areas for toddlers. It’s clean, safe, and perfect for rainy days.You can purchase food on-site, so you can stay longer here! We have a record of 8 hours!
Locations in Espoo, Vantaa, and Helsinki | Entry fee | Ages 1–8 | leosleikkimaa.fi
ZIPPY PARK – Outdoor Climbing Adventure (Helsinki, Tali)
Zipline and rope course fun for the whole family!
Some tracks are kid-friendly (from age 3+) with inflatable obstacles, while others challenge older kids, teens, and adults. Great for family bonding in the outdoors.
Multiple locations (check site) | Paid entry | Age 3+ (with help)
Tip: You can use the grill for free at Zippy Park — they provide wooden sticks, ketchup, and mustard! You can also purchase other items on-site.
Read “A Day at Zippy Park in Helsinki: The Ultimate Guide for Families with Kids!” blog post here.
Korkee Paloheinä – Forest Adventures for All Ages
If your kids love climbing, zip-lining, and being surrounded by nature, Korkee Paloheinä is a must-visit! This outdoor adventure park offers high rope courses set in a peaceful forest just 20 minutes from Helsinki city center. There are different levels, so it’s perfect for both little ones and thrill-seeking teens (or parents!). Helmets and harnesses are provided, and safety is a top priority. Great way to burn some energy and enjoy the Finnish outdoors. Kids under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult in the older trails
Paloheinä, Helsinki | 
From €19 (kids) / 31€ (adults) | Ages 3+ | 
Outdoor climbing park in the forest | korkee.fi
Special Offer – Save with My Link!
Want to try Korkee Paloheinä for less? Get a discounted entrance ticket via Offerilla—perfect for the Kantorata (Beginner Trail).
🌀 RUSH HELSINKI – Trampoline Park & Indoor Freestyle Fun
Rush is an exciting indoor trampoline park packed with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, obstacle courses, and a ninja warrior-style zone. Great for burning energy and testing new tricks — fun for kids, teens, and even adults!
📍 Helsinki (Pitäjänmäki) | 💶 Ticketed | ⭐ Best for ages 4+
🔗 rushfinland.fi
🚤 RIB BOAT TOUR – Helsinki City & Outer Islands
A thrilling and scenic way to see Helsinki from the water! High-speed RIB boats take you through the archipelago and past major landmarks. Not for babies or toddlers — better for older kids and teens.
📍 Café Marina Bay, Kanavaranta 4, 00160 Helsinki | 💶 Ticketed | ⭐ Ages 6+, not suitable for pregnant passengers
🦌 NUUKSIO REINDEER PARK (Espoo)
Feed and meet real reindeer in a peaceful forest setting just outside Helsinki. Perfect for kids of all ages, with a magical Lappish feel. It’s a great opportunity to meet Santa’s reindeer if you are not visiting Lapland You can also enjoy a forest trek, pick berries or mushrooms (depending on the season).
📍 Nuuksio, Espoo | 💶 Entrance fee | ⭐ Great for ages 2+
🌀 PARADOX MUSEUM HELSINKI – Mind-Bending Family Fun
Step into a world where nothing is quite what it seems! The Paradox Museum in Helsinki is an interactive and super fun experience filled with optical illusions, mind tricks, and photo-worthy rooms. From walking on the ceiling to shrinking in size, it’s designed to surprise and entertain both kids and adults.
It’s a perfect rainy day activity or weekend outing — and a hit for teens and tweens who love taking cool photos or funny videos for social media! The visit lasts around 45–60 minutes and tickets often sell out during holidays and weekends, so booking ahead is smart.
📍 Fabianinkatu 29, Helsinki | 💶 Paid entry | ⭐ Ages 5+
🔗https://fever.pxf.io/EKoQ79 paradoxmuseumhelsinki.com
🎟️ Tip: Keep an eye on Event Fever for possible discounts or bundle offers!
Adults 23€ | Kids 17
⏳ Duration: approx. 90 minutes
📍 Location: Fabianinkatu 29, 00100 Helsinki
🚌 HELSINKI PANORAMA SIGHTSEEING TOUR (Multilingual Audio Guide)
If you’re short on time or need an easy way to explore the city, this panoramic bus tour is a good option. Commentary is available in 18 languages, making it ideal for international visitors. Great for adults and families wanting a calm, informative ride around Helsinki’s main sights.
📍 Central Helsinki | 💶 Paid tour | ⭐ Best for adults and older kids
💡 FINAL TIPS
- 🍼 Most places offer stroller access and baby changing stations.
- 🗺️ Plan activities near each other to reduce transit time.
- 🎟️ Some venues offer combo tickets or online discounts — check in advance!
- DOWNLOAD YOUR FINLANDIA BINGO NOW AND START THE ADVENTURE!
Looking for a fun way to keep the kids engaged while exploring? I made a simple Finlandia Bingo game for my own boys during May Day celebrations — and they loved it! Want a copy? Just drop your email below and I’ll send it to you!
*This post contains affiliate links — if you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support my journey as a content creator and allows me to keep exploring and updating the information I share on this blog. Thank you!
