Explore nature, magic, and memorable fun for all ages
Finland is a dream destination for families looking to combine outdoor adventure, cultural discovery, and peaceful moments. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, Finland offers a wide range of family-friendly activities across all seasons. Here are some of the best things to do with kids in Finland:
1. Meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi
No visit to Finland with children is complete without meeting the real Santa Claus. Rovaniemi, on the edge of the Arctic Circle, is home to Santa’s Village, where kids can meet Santa any day of the year, cross the Arctic Circle, send postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office, and enjoy magical winter experiences like reindeer rides and husky safaris.
Best for: Ages 2+
When to go: September to March (winter magic) or summer for calmer crowds
2. Explore Finnish Nature in a National Park
Finland is full of family-friendly national parks like Nuuksio (near Helsinki), Oulanka (Lapland) and Pyhä (Lapland). Kids can run free on marked trails, spot wildlife, pick berries, and roast sausages at scenic campfire spots. Many trails are stroller-friendly and have “lean-to” shelters (laavu) for picnics.
Best for: All ages
Tip: Look for trails marked with “easy” or “family route” (perhereitti)
3. Discover the Moomins in Naantali
The charming Moomin characters from Tove Jansson’s books come to life at Moomin-world in Naantali, near Turku. This seaside theme park is perfect for young kids, offering interactive shows, play areas, and character meet-and-greets in a beautiful natural setting.
Best for: Ages 2–10
When to go: Summer (June–August)
4. Visit Heureka Science Center (Vantaa)
Just outside Helsinki, Heureka is a science center that makes learning fun. Kids can try hands-on experiments, explore interactive exhibits, and even experience simulated earthquakes or space missions. There's also a planetarium and outdoor science park.
Best for: Ages 4–15
Good to know: Exhibits are multilingual (Finnish, Swedish, English)
5. Ride the Tram and Ferry in Helsinki
City adventures are more fun with a twist! In Helsinki, kids love riding the old-fashioned trams and the ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with tunnels, cannons, and open fields perfect for running and exploring.
Best for: All ages
Bonus: Kids under 7 travel free on public transport
6. Enjoy Finland’s Lakes and Saunas
Swimming in a clean lake and warming up in a gentle sauna is a family tradition in Finland. In summer, families often head to lakeside cottages where kids can splash in the water, roast marshmallows, and unwind in nature.
Best for: All ages
Where to go: Lake Saimaa, Päijänne, or any rental cottage (mökkis)
7. Go Sledding and Snowshoeing in Winter
Finland turns into a snowy playground in winter. Many parks and resorts have free sledding hills, and snowshoe rentals make it easy for even younger kids to join in hikes. Some ski resorts (like Levi, Ylläs or Ruka) offer kids’ zones and beginner slopes with magic carpets.
Best for: Ages 3+
Tip: Dress in layers and rent gear locally
8. Visit a Finnish Farm or Reindeer Ranch
Meet animals up close! Across Finland, you’ll find family farms and reindeer ranches that welcome visitors. Kids can feed goats, meet sheep, learn about farm life, or take a sleigh ride pulled by reindeer.
Best for: Ages 2–12
Look for: “Kotieläinpiha” signs (petting zoos or children’s farms)
Bonus Tips for Traveling with Kids in Finland:
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Baby-friendly: Finland is stroller-friendly and offers baby-changing stations in many public spaces. High-quality baby food and diapers are easy to find in supermarkets.
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Safety first: Finland is one of the safest countries in the world, and children are welcomed almost everywhere.
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Free fun: Public playgrounds, forest trails, and swimming beaches are often free to enjoy.
