Adventure & Incentive

Helsinki Fun for the family

Posted on 09.01.2008 in Culture, Family, Finland, Helsinki

Helsinki offers something for all ages and is as if made for vacationing families. Even better, the best sights for kids are usually just as much fun for grown-ups! Here we present you the traditional favourites and the spots you should not miss with your family!

Traditional favourites

The Linnanmäki Amusement Park has entertained families for over 50 years. These days, families can also enjoy the adjoining Sea Life.The Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari Island is a fantastic destination for enjoying the nature and marvelling at exotic animals.At Seurasaari Island you can walk around the Open-Air Museum and admire Finland’s traditional wooden buildings.

The Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress promises an adventure with every visit. The historic milieu, unique archipelago, restaurants and museums will appeal to the entire family. Suomenlinna is also a great place in summertime for a picnic or swim in the sea.

Quality museums and gardens
Helsinki offers over 70 museums to choose from. Kids will love the Theatre Museum, Natural History Museum, Tuomarinkylä Children’s Museum, Tram Museum and even the Museum of Contemporary Art, Kiasma.

Another great way to entertain the family is to go see the canaries at the Winter Garden or the many exotic plants at the Botanical Gardens.

Action and new discoveries
Children love action, and Helsinki has it! A guaranteed success in summertime is a visit to the Lego Show family theme park near the centre of town. At the Serena Water Amusement Park you can either spend the day relaxing or having fun in the water. If you are more interested in stimulating the intellect or satisfying your children’s curiosity, then you must visit Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre.

You will not run out of ideas in Helsinki. How about a little go-kart racing, or a weekend of snowboarding? You name it, Helsinki has it.

Around town
Helsinki has fantastic public transportation that is especially convenient for family travel. Getting from the city centre to the beaches is no problem. It is also a great way of seeing the town, especially if you hop aboard the 3T tram.

Quality sightseeing tours are another recommended option for discovering Helsinki.

Helsinki’s many beautiful parks offer peace and relaxation during the warm summer months. The surrounding archipelago offers a chance to explore the islands, swim and arrange unforgettable picnics. In cold winters you can skate on the sea or choose from dozens of ice-skating rinks throughout the city.

During Christmas the city celebrates with light and music. You might even run into Santa Claus and his elves. Shopping centres and boutiques are open on Sundays during the Christmas season.

More information http://www.visithelsinki.fi/

Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau
Pohjoisesplanadi 19
P. O. Box 28, FIN-00099 CITY OF HELSINKI
Tel: +358 (0)9 3101 3300
Fax: +358 (0)9 3101 3301
tourist [dot] info [at] hel [dot] fi

Tags: adventure, amusement park, archipelago, children, Family, Heureka, Island, Kiasma, kids, Korkeasaari, Linnanmäki, museum, restaurants, Seurasaari, sight, sightseeing, Suomenlinna, zoo