Free places to visit in Helsinki
Summer holidays are here soon. There is a lot to do and see in Helsinki during summertime. In addition to the traditional attractions, like Linnanmäki amusement park, Korkeasaari Zoo and Suomenlinna Fortress Island, there are many unique places to visit free of charge. Here we have listed some of our favourites. You should check the opening hours from the websites as due to this COVID-19 they are changing constantly. So pack your lunch and head out to new adventures!
Children’s city
Children’s city is located by the Senate Square in Sederholm House as part of the Helsinki City Museum. Here children can learn about the history of Helsinki and there is a lot to explore! The museum exhibits toys from different eras, role clothes, old-time writing instruments and much more.
http://www.helsinginkaupunginmuseo.fi/en/exhibitions/childrens-town/
Traffic park
Traffic park is located near the Olympic Stadium and it is open for everyone during summertime. In here children will learn traffic rules and can drive pedal cars. This activity is for children over 5 years of age.
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/activities/childrens-traffic-park
Nature trails for families
If you enjoy hiking and love nature, these idyllic nature trails are a great option for a summer day activity.
Viikari’s Viikki: The trail has ten points and the map can be downloaded from this link https://www.hel.fi/static/ymk/esitteet/viikarit.pdf
Niskala Tree Species Park: The Children’s “Know the Trees”-nature trail presents nature in many ways and you can also admire the pond and many adventures along the smaller trails.
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/activities/niskala-arboretum
Longinoja Nature Trail: The trail is two kilometers long and open all year round.
http://longinoja.fi/english/
Lammassaari Nature Trail: The Lammassaari trail is made of duckboards and on the way you can also climb to the wooden bird watching tower to enjoy the scenery.
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/activities/lammassaari
Tram museum
At the Tram museum in Töölö you can play how to be a ticket inspector or a trolley driver. You can also get inside the old trams. This is a very popular place to visit especially among the youngest in the family.
http://trammuseum.fi/
Oodi Helsinki Central Library
Oodi is Helsinki’s new and magnificent Central Library for residents and tourists alike, and the architecture is delightful. On the third floor there is a department for children with lots to see and do. https://www.oodihelsinki.fi/en/
Pet farms
There are two pet farms in Helsinki: Haltiala Farm and Fallkulla Farm. There are hens, pigs, cows, sheep, horses to see here. In Haltiala there is also a cozy old café restaurant called Wanha Pehtoori; and a barbeque area where you can grill sausages etc.
Haltiala farm
Fallkulla farm