The city of Helsinki is not only very young in comparison to other European capitals and has an extremely high quality of life but it is also very child-friendly and hence the perfect destination for a family vacation. The Finnish capital has plenty of activities to offer that will delight visitors of all age groups, coming very close to paradise for children!

During the warmer months, Hop-on hop-off buses are the perfect way to get around easily with strollers and children in tow. You can either take a tour through the city accompanied by an audio guide or simply hop off close by to Helsinki’s major attractions.

Linnanmäki Amusement Park

The Linnanmäki Amusement Park is directly located in the heart of Helsinki and one of the must-do attractions when travelling with children! Set up in 1950, this is also the oldest and most beloved amusement park in all of Finland. The park caters to all tastes and offers attractions for those young of heart and young of age.

The amusement park is home to a variety of rides and attractions. You can get on more easy-going rides, 4D cinemas and even play traditional arcade games or opt for thrilling rides that will for sure give you an adrenaline rush! Many of the rides’ nostalgic looks were preserved, giving the amusement park a magic touch.  

The park also surprises with plenty of solutions for ‘a little something’ in between meals. From delicious handmade doughnuts, uniquely spiced popcorn and hamburgers to vibrant bubble tea and milkshakes, the snacks here are an attraction of their own.

Spend a day with the Moomins

The Moomins, the cute hippo-like trolls, are true icons of Finland and dearly beloved by many generations of children and adults alike. And they’re not simply a tourist attraction but have shaped the Finish culture for decades. Nowadays, you will find plenty of Moomin attractions everywhere across the globe.

Helsinki alone is home to several Moomin shops and cafés. The unique concept of the cafés combines Scandinavian design and a full focus on the needs of children, including swings, wall bars and even gymnastics rings to play with. Sit down in one of the cheerful cafés and take a break from a long day of sightseeing.

Suomenlinna Toy Museum

The Suomenlinna Toy Museum is the perfect spot to visit during a trip to Suomenlinna, the former maritime fortress that is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. While the island is an attraction in itself and has plenty to offer, the toy museum is a fun addition for younger visitors.

The picturesque powder-coloured villa is home to a fascinating collection of toys from the early 19th century, ranging from old teddy bears and dolls as well as wartime games and toys, offering a fun and educational break during a trip to the island.

Korkeasaari Zoo

Uniquely located on the island of Korkeasaari in the Baltic Sea, the Korkeasaari Zoo is one of best attractions to visit with children around Helsinki. The zoo was established in 1889, making it one of the oldest zoos worldwide. It can easily be reached from the city centre of Helsinki via bus or ferry and is the perfect location for a walk amidst the peaceful and quiet Finnish archipelago as well.

Korkeasaari Zoo is home to 150 animals and almost 1000 plant species. The large animals here enjoy outside life all year round. Hence, you will see wolverines, reindeers, Bactrian camels and Amur tigers here instead of giraffes or hippos. The zoo's purpose is to pay tribute to the diversity of nature by protecting endangered species and conserving biodiversity.

SEA LIFE Helsinki

Discover the magic world of underwater animals at SEA LIFE Helsinki in eight different aquarium zones! Learn more about the different sea animals from piranhas to colourful corals and clown fishes or tiny seahorses and don’t forget to pay a visit to SEA LIFE’s biggest shark, a zebra shark called Sweetie.

Watch the staff feed the animals during the feeding times and ask them all your burning questions! Plus, you can learn more about Sea Life’s conservation efforts and how they are trying to tackle climate change here.