Helsinki with children is a great idea for a family vacation. This city offers plenty of fun and attractions for the whole family, and the winter season here is simply magical. So, if you are planning to visit this wonderful city with children, here are some tips on what to do, what to see, where to eat deliciously, and what Christmas places not to be missed.
Christmas Helsinki with Children
Helsinki with children is a great idea for a winter trip, because that’s when it becomes a real epicenter of festive joy and Christmas miracles. The Finnish capital is known for its spectacular Christmas events, towns and fairs that attract both locals and tourists from around the world. And Helsinki very often becomes the stop for trips to Lapland to see Santa Claus.
Christmas Towns and Fairs in Helsinki
Tuomaan Markkinat (Christmas Market)
This is the largest and most popular Christmas fair in Helsinki, in the Old Town itself. Here you can find various handicrafts, traditional Finnish gifts, festive treats. Live music performances are also held here. You will also find special attractions for children here. It usually starts at the end of November and lasts until Christmas.
Vanha Kauppahalli (Old Market)
The old market turns into a festive shopping center in winter. Here you can find traditional Finnish food products, gifts and other handicrafts. The holiday market is usually held in November and December.
St. Thomas Christmas Market
This Christmas market is known for its unique gift ideas, handicrafts and holiday decorations. There is a fair in Esplanade Park in December.
Winter Light Festival “Lux Helsinki”
This festival is one of the highlights of winter, when the streets and buildings of the city are illuminated with multi-colored lights and installations. It takes place in early January.
The Skating Rink in Esplanade Park
In winter, an ice rink is installed here, where you can experience a real festive atmosphere.
Entertainment and Attractions in Helsinki with Children
Sea Life Helsinki
It’s a great place for families and nature lovers to experience a variety of marine life and learn more about ocean ecosystems.
Sea Life Helsinki is home to many species of marine animals, including sharks, turtles, various fish species and even octopuses.
Visitors can learn about marine life through interactive exhibits that allow them to get up close and personal with marine animal life. The aquarium offers educational programs and activities that promote understanding of the importance of marine conservation and the vulnerability of ocean ecosystems.
The aquarium has a snack shop and a souvenir shop.
Buy tickets in advance online.
Ferris wheel
The Helsinki SkyWheel will allow you to observe the city through large windows. You will rise to a height of 40 meters. It is most beautiful at night, when you can observe the illuminated night view of Helsinki.
You can buy tickets in advance and enjoy the amazing views without queuing.
Eureka Science Center
It is one of the most popular educational and entertainment centers offering a variety of educational and entertainment experiences for both children and adults. Heureka offers many interactive exhibits that allow visitors to test and explore various scientific concepts and laws. These include subject areas such as physics, biology, astronomy and engineering.
The science center has a state-of-the-art planetarium that offers spectacular astronomy shows and space tours.
Helsinki City Museum
It is a great place for adults and children to learn about Helsinki’s past and its development from a small town to a modern European capital.
In the museum, you can see permanent exhibitions that tell about the history of the city of Helsinki, the life of different periods and changes in the city. The museum has specially designed exhibits and games for children that allow younger visitors to learn and explore history in an interactive way.
The museum has a cafe and a souvenir shop.
Finnish Museum of Natural Sciences
One of the most important nature museums in Helsinki, offering visitors to get to know the natural world. The museum is located in the central part of the city and is a great place for families and nature lovers to explore the diversity of living organisms and the history of the planet.
Exhibits and Exhibitions
- Geology and Paleontology. The museum has exhibits dedicated to Earth’s history and geological processes, including fossils and ancient organisms.
- Zoology. Here you can also see exhibits of various animals, from small insects to large skeletons.
- Botany. The museum presents plant diversity by showing different types of plants and their habitats.
- Interactive Exhibitions. Some exhibits are interactive, allowing visitors to become more deeply involved in the study of natural sciences.
The museum has a cafe and a souvenir shop.
Old Town
Stroll through Helsinki’s Old Town and admire its impressive architecture.
Hop-on Hop-Off tour of Helsinki
Visit the most interesting places in Helsinki on this Hop-on Hop-off bus tour. You will be able to admire the unique Architecture of Tempeliaukis church, visit the Houses of Parliament, admire the neoclassical architecture of Senate Square, or go shopping in the Market Square.
Good price and safe online shopping.
Helsinki with Children – Where to eat Deliciously
“Travel with children” recommendations for where to eat deliciously in Helsinki:
- Karl Fazer Café. Offers a wide variety of desserts, especially chocolate treats.
- Ravintola KuuKuu. A restaurant offering traditional Finnish cuisine is a great choice to try local dishes.
- Café Regatta. A cafe by the water where you can enjoy traditional Finnish cakes and a cup of hot chocolate.
Helsinki with Children – Accommodation Options
- Scandic Paasi. A family-friendly hotel conveniently located close to most attractions.
- Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre. Ideal for families as it offers comfortable rooms and is close to major attractions.
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Helsinki with children is a great opportunity to experience Nordic charm and enjoy various family activities. Travel, explore and enjoy every corner of the city with your little adventurers!