Finland combines pristine wilderness with modern Nordic design. From the Northern Lights in Lapland to vibrant Helsinki, experience midnight sun, thousands of lakes, and the world's happiest people.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
Meet Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle year-round. Cross the Arctic Circle line, visit Santa's Post Office, and experience Lapland magic. Most enchanting for ages 3-10.
Duration: Half day to full day
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
Finland's largest amusement park in Helsinki with 40+ rides including the historic wooden roller coaster from 1951. Operated by Children's Day Foundation for charity. Open May-September.
Duration: 4-6 hours
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
UNESCO island fortress with tunnels to explore, museums, scenic coastal walks, and ferry ride from Helsinki. Excellent picnic destination and adventure playground for curious children.
Duration: 3-5 hours
Heureka Science Centre, Vantaa
Interactive science museum with hands-on experiments, planetarium, and temporary exhibitions. Located 20 minutes from Helsinki center, one of Finland's best family attractions.
Duration: 3-5 hours
Ranua Wildlife Park
Arctic wildlife park in Lapland with 50 species including Finland's only polar bears. 2.5km walking route through forest. Best combined with Rovaniemi Northern Lights visit.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Moomin Museum, Tampere
Magical museum dedicated to Tove Jansson's beloved Moomin characters with original illustrations and Moomin Valley dioramas. Essential for Moomin-loving families.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Nuuksio National Park Hiking
Family-friendly easy hiking trails through ancient forest and past crystal-clear lakes just 30km from Helsinki. Swimming in Haukkalampi lake, campfire sites, and foraging for berries.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Husky or Reindeer Safari, Lapland
Sleigh rides behind huskies or reindeer through snowy Lapland forests. Children absolutely love feeding and interacting with the animals at working farms.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Holiday Club Saimaa Resort
Large family resort on Lake Saimaa with water park, multiple pools, and activity programs for all ages. Excellent value for families with apartment-style suites and full board options.
Family features: Water park, kids' club, connecting rooms, playground, multiple restaurants
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki
Central Helsinki hotel at the main train station with family rooms, excellent breakfast buffet, and walking distance to all major Helsinki attractions.
Family features: Family rooms, breakfast buffet, central location near Esplanade
Santa Claus Holiday Village, Rovaniemi
Log cabin village on the Arctic Circle with private saunas, Northern Lights viewing, and proximity to all Santa Claus Village activities. Magical experience for young children.
Family features: Log cabins, private saunas, Northern Lights opportunity, restaurant
Lapland Hotel Bear's Lodge, Rovaniemi
Cozy family hotel with bear-themed décor, kids' activities programs, and excellent location for Arctic Circle exploration. Family suites available with bunk beds.
Family features: Family suites, kids activities, themed décor, nearby Arctic Circle
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Finnish restaurants almost universally welcome children - high chairs and kids menus widely available
Fazer Café chain throughout Finland is excellent for families with pastries, hot chocolate, and reliable kids meals
Market Square food stalls offer outdoor dining perfect for children - fresh salmon, sausages, and strawberries in summer
Supermarket deli counters (S-Market, K-Market) excellent for picnic supplies and budget family meals
Kids menus typically €5-9 at casual restaurants. Under-7s often eat free at hotel breakfast buffets.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Under-7s travel free on Helsinki HSL public transport - great for family budget
Book Santa visits and glass igloo accommodations 6-12 months ahead - they sell out far in advance
Bring mosquito repellent for Lapland in summer - midges can be intense July-August
Finnish playgrounds (leikkipuisto) are exceptional quality and free throughout the country