Tips for enjoying the Helsinki outdoors with your kids
Helsinki offers year-round, family-friendly destinations to sense and feel the city from various perspectives. Take your kids on an outdoor adventure to explore this fascinating city, visit places you’ve never been, or rediscover familiar ones in a new light.
Summer
Winter
Helsinki Zoo
Open every day of the year, Helsinki’s Korkeasaari Zoo is an ideal outdoor destination for families. Regardless of the weather or season, you can always spot animals in the outdoor enclosures. On rainy days, the indoor areas, Africasia and Amazonia, provide a glimpse into tropical habitats and their warm-weather-loving creatures. During spring and summer, kids especially enjoy the excellent playgrounds, including a popular water play area. The zoo is home to over 150 animal species, making it a fun and educational experience.
Fallkulla Farm
Fallkulla is home to cows, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, and horses. While indoor opening hours vary, the animals are typically outside daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., depending on the weather. Entry to the farm is free, and there’s even a café run by local youngsters, which is open mostly on weekends and during holidays.
Haltiala Farm
Located on the border of Helsinki and Vantaa, Haltiala offers a rural escape amidst sprawling fields. The farm features horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and ducks, with police horses grazing in the fields during summer. Visitors can also pick flowers and peas from the fields in late summer. Kids will love the farm-themed playground, and there’s a café for refreshments. Check the opening hours for the indoor spaces before your visit. Entry is free.
Island adventure in Uunisaari
Accessible via a floating bridge from November to April, Uunisaari is a stunning rocky island near Kaivopuisto Park. Enjoy watching passing ships, spotting lighthouse beams, or witnessing the dramatic spring thaw. Adventurous visitors can also explore the neighbouring island of Liuskaluoto. The small playground on Uunisaari’s beach and larger ones on the Kaivopuisto side of the island cater to children of all ages. In summer, a ferry from Kompassitori square provides a quick connection to the island.
Kings of the Hills
Helsinki Urbam Nature
Lammassaari – Sheep Island
A trip to Lammassaari along the wooden duckboards offers a serene nature experience close to the city centre. Explore this island in Vanhankaupunginlahti Bay, birdwatch from observation towers, and enjoy sweeping views through the tall reeds. The accessible boardwalks are stroller-friendly and open year-round, starting from Pornaistenniemi. While Lammassaari means “Sheep Island” in Finnish, there are no sheep here, but in summer, you can find some on the nearby Kuusiluoto island instead.
Talosaari – the “House Island”
Talosaari, located in eastern Helsinki, is a city-managed outdoor recreation area and a stunning archipelago nature destination. The trail begins at the Husö equestrian centre parking lot, where kids can spot horses along the way. Talosaari offers serene landscapes, picnic-perfect spots, and stroller-friendly paths. However, note that public transport does not serve this area.
Uutela Nature Trail and kota
Situated at the southern tip of Vuosaari in eastern Helsinki, Uutela offers a truly unique natural experience with some of Helsinki’s most spectacular archipelago landscapes. The Särkkäniemi Herp Trail – the only reptile- and amphibian-focused nature trail in Finland – is a must-see. In summer, sheep roam the area as part of landscape management. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional hut (kota), maintained by local volunteers, where you can barbecue your own snacks.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Suomenlinna is a fantastic year-round destination offering a variety of activities. Search for the lighthouse, dry dock, or submarine on the islands, or visit the playpark, pictoresque football fields or the cute little sandy beach. With several restaurants and charming cafés , as well as scenic views, a day at Suomenlinna can stretch into hours of fun.
Be mindful that some services are closed during winter. For those who wish to stay longer, Suomenlinna Hostel is a perfect place to be with kids!
Winter tip: Sledging in Kaivopuisto
After exploring Suomenlinna, head to Kaivopuisto park for a classic winter activity: sledding! Continue your adventure by visiting the seaside near Kaivopuisto or crossing the bridge to Uunisaari to warm up with a hot cocoa. On clear days, you can enjoy stunning views of Suomenlinna, passing ships, and even the Harmaja lighthouse from Uunisaari’s southern cliffs. The island’s restaurant caters to visitors year-round, and there is even a sauna available.
