10 best things to do in Finland with kids

The Moomins, author Tove Jansson’s famous fairytale characters, are an essential part of Finnish culture, and beloved by both kids and adults alike. From cruise ships to hotel rooms and coffee mugs, you can spot Moomins almost everywhere in Finland!

The world’s only Moomin Museum in Tampere is a must for all Moomin fans. In this experiential art museum visitors can marvel at Tove Jansson’s original illustrations and artwork, experience the stories come to life, and even create their own Moomin art. 

The Moomin theme park Moominworld in Naantali is a wonderful summer destination for families with young children. Visitors can step inside the Moomintroll’s House, hug their favourite Moomin characters and discover fairytale attractions inspired by Moomin stories. Moominworld is in the Coast and Archipelago region, in Naantali near Turku. If you’re hungry for more Moomins, pop in the Peculiar Café in Naantali’s beautiful Old Town for quirky Moomin-inspired treats and gifts. 

Why not also visit a local bookstore and bring some Moomin-magic home with you? Moomin books are widely available in English and they make for the best bedtime reading. They are also a lovely way to remember your trip in Finland.

Reindeer are not just Santa’s little helpers, but an essential part of the culture in Lapland. Driving in northern Finland is exciting for kids, as they can frequently spot reindeer on the side of the road (here's our guide to driving in Finland).

A visit to a real reindeer farm is a fun and educative experience for both kids and adults. You will learn not just about the animals, but also about the local culture and way of living. In winter, you can go on a real reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forests.

Reindeer are fun to be around in summer, too. There are other kinds of reindeer experiences you can try: would you like to feed the reindeer, try reindeer yoga, or spend a night next to a baby reindeer and their mum? Most reindeer experiences are available in Lapland but there are also some in other parts of the country as well, like in Espoo right next to Helsinki.

Forget everything you know about libraries. In Helsinki, the awarded Oodi Central Library is a playground, living room and cultural hub all in one.

Across Finland, visiting the local library with your little ones is part of everyday life. Since opening in 2018, Oodi has become a cherished communal living room especially for families with babies and toddlers.

The internationally acclaimed architecture is stunning, as is the range of free services available, from books and gaming rooms to workspaces, 3D printers, and cultural events. While parents enjoy a coffee, kids can play and read books in the cozy children's section on the 3rd floor.

In Finland, families love being active together. Skiing, swimming, skating, cycling and hiking are all part of everyday life and easily accessible for all.

Finland is an excellent place for first-timers to try winter sports, especially downhill skiing and snowboarding. The slopes are easy and well maintained, and Finnish ski resorts typically have children’s areas with easy lifts. You’ll find resorts all over the country, from Lapland to the Lakeland region and even near the Helsinki area. Equipment rental and English-speaking instructors make it easy to get started. 

Prefer something simpler? Sledding is just as much fun. When there's snow on the ground, typically in January and February, you don't have to travel north for this activity; you can try it in one of the many sledding hills in Helsinki.

In summer, the balance shifts to the water. Finland’s thousands of lakes are perfect for family-friendly activities, from canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding to swimming and lakeside adventures. On land, forest trails are ideal for cycling and easy hikes, while older kids can try fat biking for more adventure.

Finland is the home of the sauna, and Finnish children enjoy löyly from a young age. A great way to introduce kids to sauna culture is by visiting a Finnish spa – kylpylä. Most spas in Finland are highly family-friendly, with water slides, warm pools and everything under one roof, from hotels to child-friendly restaurants.

A spa visit is also perfect for a rainy day or after time spent outdoors, and you’ll find excellent options across the country. Some of the most popular spas for families include Saimaan Rauha Water Park in Imatra, Holiday Club Turun Caribia in Turku, Flamingo Spa near the Helsinki Airport, and Imatra Spa Resort.

If you want to try a more live-like-a-local experience, visit a public swimming hall (uimahalli). The best ones offer almost spa-like amenities and saunas for a fraction of the price. Many also feature unique architecture like AaltoAlvari in Jyväskylä, a swimming hall designed by Alvar Aalto, or the recently renovated Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall, the oldest one in Finland dating back to 1928.

Nature is the best amusement park there is, and in Finland, you’re never far from it.

Finnish families love visiting national parks, and you’ll find accessible trails and easy hikes in every part of the country – there are 41 official national parks to choose from. Pack a picnic: cooking sausages or marshmallows over an open fire is often the highlight of the day. Designated campfire spots, huts and lean-to shelters make it easy, with firewood typically provided.

You don’t even need to venture far for a memorable nature experience. In Finnish cities, forests are often right on your doorstep – perfect for spotting local wildlife, picking berries or simply letting children roam and explore. Finnish nature is very safe and there are no venomous animals other than the European adder (kyykäärme). The adder does not bite without reason and it tries to avoid humans. Stomp the ground while walking in the forest; the vibration alerts the adder of human presence giving it a chance to slither away.

Go to Luontoon.fi for everything you need to know about visiting a national park or other nature area in Finland year-round.