12 Fun Things to Do in Finland in Winter With Kids
Looking for new activities to try with your kids during the colder months in Finland? Planning a family trip to Finland in winter and not sure how to entertain the little ones in the cold weather? We’ve got you covered!
Finland has plenty to offer families with small kids in wintertime. From museums to playgrounds, you have numerous indoor options to explore and enjoy. But don’t be afraid to explore nature and the outdoors in the chilly months. With the right clothes, your kids will have fun playing with snow the Finnish way.
Best Winter Outdoor Activities for Families with Kids in Finland
In Finland, the cold is not an excuse to stay inside. Children enjoy playing outdoors all year long, even during the winter months. Dress your kids properly and enjoy all that Finnish nature has to offer in wintertime.
Feed reindeer
Reindeer are probably the first thing that comes to mind when we think about Finnish Lapland. In fact, there are as many reindeer as people in Lapland. But you don’t need to head north to see (and feed) these lovely creatures. Close to Helsinki, you can see reindeer near Nuuksio National Park in Espoo, at the Nuuksio Reindeer Park. Teach your children to treat them respectfully, as reindeer can be startled by loud noises or sudden movements and do not like petting.
Try snow sports
Finland is known for its winter sports culture. Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice skating…. Finnish kids grow up with a variety of snow sports to choose from. If you are raising your children in Finland or have the opportunity to visit the country during the colder months, encourage your kids to adventure in these sports.
Have fun with pulkka
A great option for smaller kids who are not ready for winter sports is pulkka. Pulkka is a Nordic type of short sled that was traditionally used for transport, pulled by a dog, a skier, or even a reindeer. But nowadays it’s a popular and amusing winter activity for families in Finland. It’s not a rare sight to see small kids pulled by their parents in a pulkka going to daycare or school during Finnish winter. But the best part is going down small hills covered in snow with a pulkka.
Explore an island zoo
Korkeasaari is a zoo uniquely located on an island just outside Helsinki’s city center. It remains open during the winter months, and most animals can be seen even in the coldest weather, making it a great option for a winter activity with children. The island also has several restaurants where your family can take a break to warm up and refuel, providing a cozy escape from the cold.
Play with snow
If you ask any Finnish person about their favorite winter memories growing up, playing with snow will certainly be one of them. Building castles, snowmen, and forts are integral part of the Finnish childhood experience. The winter landscape is an expansive playground where children can engage in snowball fights, make snow angels. sled down snowy hills, and simply enjoy the winter wonder.
Walk on a frozen lake
Finland is known as the “land of a thousand lakes” (in fact, it has over 168,000 lakes). When the cold is at its peak, it is common for Finns to walk (or even ski) on frozen lakes or the sea. It’s exciting and a bit scary, but if you prioritize safety and ensure that the ice is thick enough for walking, it can be a fun experience to try with your kids and enjoy the picturesque winter scenery.
Best Indoor Activities for Families with Kids in Finland
For the really cold days or when you’ve had enough of layering up your kids to go outside, you can choose from many indoor activities suitable for children of different age groups. From indoor playgrounds to libraries, you’ll find something to entertain your little ones.
Visit a museum
On colder days, when staying outside for more than a few minutes is not an option, you have plenty of museums suitable for children all over Finland. For example, smaller kids will enjoy the Children’s Town at Helsinki City Museum, children of all ages will be amazed by the dinosaurs at Helsinki Natural History Museum and the whole family will have fun at Heureka Finnish Science Centre.
Enjoy the Finnish libraries
Libraries in Finland are vibrant spaces, particularly well-suited for families with children. In winter, they offer a cozy refuge from the cold, providing a warm and welcoming environment. Finnish libraries are not just about books. They often organize activities and events tailored for children, interactive exhibits, educational games, and storytelling sessions. Visiting a library in Finland can be a rich and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Burn energy at an indoor playground
Indoor playgrounds and adventure parks like HopLop and Leo’s Leikkimaa are a children’s favorite all year long, but especially on winter these parks can be an excellent choice for parents. These indoor wonderlands provide a safe space where kids can release their energy, offering a diverse range of engaging activities. From colorful ball pits to thrilling slides, these indoor spaces cater to a wide age range, ensuring fun for toddlers to older kids.
Enjoy a spa
A great way for parents and kids to have fun during the colder months is to visit one of the many spas that cater to both adults and children. In these spas, parents can enjoy a delightful escape from the cold outside in a warm pool or different types of saunas, while children have fun with water activities in the swimming pools or water parks. It is the perfect mix of relaxation and entertainment for the entire family.
Cultural immersion
The Finnish cultural scene is booming with a variety of cultural activities that can be enjoyed by kids from a young age and will entertain the whole family. Theatre, opera, cinema, or music halls can be a fantastic option for families during the Finnish winter. These cultural experiences will create a special moment for families to bond and enjoy the arts together.
Visit Joulupukki
Most kids look forward to Santa Claus’ visit every Christmas, but in Finland, you can meet him all year long. If you venture to the far north city of Rovaniemi, don’t forget to pay a visit to Father Christmas in his official residence at the Santa Claus Village.
Despite the chilly weather, Finland in winter can still be a lot of fun, providing plenty of engaging activities for families. We hope this guide brought you new ideas for things to do with kids during the colder months. From free and less-expensive attractions to popular paid ones, indoor and outdoor there’s something for everyone and enough variety to cover the long winter period in Finland.
