If you’re spending summer in Finland and looking for family-friendly activities, you’ll probably come across Linnanmäki — the popular amusement park right in the heart of Helsinki. It has easy access, and you only pay if you ride. Sounds perfect at first…
But if you’re like me — a mom of two younger kids (ages 6 and 8) — Linnanmäki doesn’t always live up to expectations. I found it a bit pricey for what it offers, especially since my kids aren’t into the wild rides yet, and many of the “cool” ones have height limits.
So this summer (2025), we looked for something that suits their age better. We went to LEGOLAND Germany, and I can say it’s totally worth it (post coming soon!). But since we’re based in Finland, we also wanted a local option — and that’s how we ended up at Puuhamaa.
And guess what? Even if it was cold when we visited, it was the best Finnish summer day we’ve had in a long time!
What You'll Find in This Guide
What is Puuhamaa?
Puuhamaa is a classic Finnish summer amusement and activity water park located in Tervakoski, about an hour from Helsinki. It’s definitely not a modern theme park with roller coasters — it’s more of a retro-style playground paradise where kids can swim, slide, jump, drive mini-cars, and explore freely in a safe and spacious environment.
It’s beloved by Finnish families for its simplicity, affordability, and nostalgic summer vibes. Think water slides, go-karts, trampolines, obstacle courses, and even giant bouncy castles in the same place! all included for the same price!
How to Get There
By Car:
- Approx. 1 hour drive from Helsinki or Tampere.
- Free parking is available near the entrance.
By Public Transport:
- Take a train to Hämeenlinna or Riihimäki, then a local bus or taxi to Tervakoski.
- Public transport is possible but a bit complicated with kids — car is easier!
Park Info & Entry
- Opening Season: Mid-May to mid-August
- Final 2025 weekends: August 2–3 and 9–10
- Hours: 10:00–19:00
(Water attractions close ~15 minutes before park closing time) - Tickets:
- €34 per person (ages 3+)
- Under 3: Free
- Family bundles available
One ticket = access to all attractions, water park, and play areas
Check opening hours
Unfortunately, all visitors to the Puuhamaa area must have purchased a ticket. This is considered an area fee.
Tip: Tickets include access to everything — waterpark, rides, play areas. No extra fees inside the park
What to Expect
Puuhamaa isn’t flashy — and that’s part of its charm. It’s full of DIY-style fun and activities where kids can move, climb, bounce, and explore. It’s perfect for burning energy and enjoying Finnish summer days.
Facilities & Food
- Plenty of picnic tables and shaded areas
- Clean bathrooms and baby-changing facilities
- Small kiosks and cafes (pizza, fries, meatballs, ice cream)
- You can bring your own food! Picnic baskets welcome.
We had our snacks with us, but since we planned to spend the whole day there, we also tried the on-site dining options. There’s a buffet and à la carte restaurant, which sounded promising. However, I must say — I recommend bringing your own food. The food was not good at all and didn’t meet our expectations!
👌 Top Activities by Age Group
Ages 2–5:
- Soft play areas
- Kiddie pedal cars
- Shallow water pools
- Ball pits and sandbox zones
Ages 6–10:
- Water slides & splash park
- Trampolines and climbing walls
- Mini go-karts
- Obstacle courses and jungle gyms
Family Favorites:
- Green areas
- Giant inflatable park
- Go Karts for kids and adults
- Mini traffic city where kids drive electric cars
📅 What to Bring
- Swimsuits & towels
- Flip flops or water shoes
- Sunscreen + hats
- Change of clothes
- Picnic or snacks (or buy food on site)
Optional:
Folding chairs or picnic blanket
Extra cash (ice cream, souvenirs)
🌟 Why We Recommend Puuhamaa
- All-day fun for one price
- Great for all ages (but especially 4–10)
- Finnish summer vibes
- Less crowded than bigger parks
- Safe, clean, and easy to explore
🚀 Puuhamaa vs. LEGOLAND Germany
Feature | Puuhamaa (Finland) | LEGOLAND Germany |
Age range | 3–10 | 4–12 |
Theme | Classic summer activities | LEGO-themed immersive rides |
Water fun | Yes (water park & lake activities) | Yes (Pirate Land area) |
Rides | Manual & electric go-karts, slides | Coasters, 4D rides |
Price (per person) | €34 online | €55–70 |
Location | Local (Finland) | Abroad (Germany) |
Style | Simple, nostalgic, outdoors | High-production, commercial |
Best for | Friendly day trip | Big LEGO fans and travel families |
🧳 Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Finland with kids in the summer, Puuhamaa is a must-see classic( In my opinion younger kids will enjoy it more than Linnanmäki in Helsinki). It might not have the hype of LEGOLAND, but it delivers something better: carefree, screen-free, creative play in nature.
Also if you’re local or traveling from abroad, this is one of those places where your kids will beg to return next year — and you’ll probably want to, too!
My kids and we parents had really fun day! And we though, so bad they don’t make so much promotion to this place because for young kids it is really worth it!
