Family holiday in Finland: everything you need to know when traveling with kids

The guiding principle is practicality and layering. A water-resistant, windproof outer layer and comfortable walking shoes are essential at any time of year.

In winter, pack a warm coat, snow trousers and proper boots with thick soles and good grip. For young children, an all-in-one overall is often the easiest option. Natural base layers – mulesing-free merino wool, bamboo or silk – work well, as do technical fabrics. Don't forget mittens, balaclavas and hats. A note on ski clothing: in popular winter destinations, you can often rent gear for children and adults, which saves significantly on luggage.

If you’re buying winter clothing for the first time, it’s safest to choose brands designed for Nordic conditions. A local tip: the Finnish brand Reima makes great outerwear for kids for all four seasons.

One often-overlooked accessory is a reflector (heijastin). Finnish autumn and winter evenings are dark, and visibility is important, especially if you are walking in darker country roads. You can buy reflectors almost anywhere in Finland, and children's reflectors are often cheerfully colourful and have fun shapes.

For summer, pack light layers and something warmer for cooler evenings. Long sleeves and trousers are useful when exploring nature – they offer some protection against ticks. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen; snow is surprisingly bright in spring, and the mild summer temperatures can be deceptive for UV exposure.

Finally, always pack swimsuits for the whole family. Sauna is central to Finnish life, and you will want to take part – whether it's a lakeside sauna in summer or a spa sauna in winter.

Winter temperatures quite rarely drop to -30°C outside of the most extreme conditions, and the average winter temperature in Finnish Lapland is around -15°C. January is generally the coldest month, and temperatures decrease the further north you go. It's good to know, however, that there are days when it can get very cold, especially when it's windy.

Cold weather sounds daunting when travelling with children, but it is entirely manageable with the right clothing. Children naturally stay warm by being active, and winter sports help with that considerably. Finnish schools almost never close because of cold, and it is not uncommon to see babies napping outside in prams during winter. 

Dress children in layers, choose natural fibres such as wool next to the skin, and don't forget the necessary winter accessories. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential. Children's skin is more sensitive to cold, and the best protection is good clothing rather than moisturiser; water-based creams can actually increase the risk of frostbite in extreme cold. 

With babies and very young children, take extra care in low temperatures. Limit time outdoors when it is very cold – not only to protect their skin but also because cold air can affect young children's airways.

Arriving at Helsinki Airport already gives you an idea of how kid-friendly Finland is. There are plenty of play areas, free pushchairs, and family seating areas. Check out the Moomin Café, discover the sounds of Finnish forests, or even meet with Santa if you’re travelling in December. 

In Finland's major cities, public transport is often the easiest way to get around. In Helsinki, children under seven travel free, and under-17s pay half fare. If you're travelling with a young child in a pram, you travel for free too.

Trains are an excellent option between cities. Children under four travel free, and discounts apply for ages 4–17. InterCity trains are particularly family-friendly, with dedicated play areas that have earned international attention.

Renting a car is the most practical option if you're heading beyond the cities. By law, children under 135 cm must use an appropriate safety seat. Reserve one when booking.

If you're travelling between Finland and Sweden, Finland and Estonia or Finland and Germany, the ferry is an experience in itself. Operated by Tallink Silja, Viking Line, Eckerö Line and Finnlines, these ships have entertainment, restaurants and family activities on board.

Traditional Finnish food is made with simple, high-quality ingredients and relatively few spices, which tends to make it appealing to children. Even the most particular young eaters are usually well served: most restaurants offer children's menus with familiar options such as meatballs, pasta and chips. Allergies and dietary requirements are taken seriously.

Pizza, fast food and international cuisines are all available in larger cities. Supermarkets stock well-known international brands alongside excellent Finnish products worth trying.

A reliable hit with children: Finnish sweets and chocolate. A trip to the pick-and-mix section of a local supermarket (Finns call it the karkki aisle) is a genuine highlight for many young visitors. Healthier options include fresh wild berries – blueberries and lingonberries can often be picked straight from the forest in late summer, which is an activity as much as a snack.

Other Finnish treats worth trying include cinnamon rolls, blueberry pie, Karelian pies and crêpes. In winter, look out for gingerbread, shrove buns (filled with jam and cream) and Christmas pastries (joulutorttu). In summer, ice cream from a kiosk is more or less compulsory.

Finnish children grow up with a good deal of independence. In cities, it is normal to see children walking home from school alone. Babies nap in prams outside cafés while parents sit inside – a sight that is entirely ordinary here, even in winter.

Children are valued in Finnish society, and that shows in city planning: accessible public spaces, good playgrounds and child-friendly public transport are standard.

Finland has produced some beloved children's literature. If you haven't introduced your children to the Moomins before your trip, this is the ideal place to do so. These gentle, philosophical stories charm both children and adults, and the books make wonderful souvenirs.

One cultural note worth knowing: Finns tend not to fuss over strangers' children the way people do in some other cultures. Personal space is valued, and being overtly attentive towards other people's children may be seen as intrusive. This is not unfriendliness – it is simply a different social norm.

The cost of a family holiday in Finland depends on what you want to do and when you travel. A package deal can be the most convenient option, but booking independently often saves money if you have time to plan.

Hotels can offer family discounts and package deals. Renting a cabin is a particularly practical choice for families as there's a private sauna, kitchen and laundry facilities all help to keep costs and logistics manageable.

Activities can add up, but many of the best are free or discounted. Many of Finland's major national museums, including Kiasma and Ateneum, offer free entry for visitors under 18. Other museums and attractions often offer child discounts or free entry for young children. Ski resorts, spas and amusement parks also offer family pricing, and in some places young children use ski lifts or enjoy rides at no charge. 

Libraries, like Oodi in Helsinki, are always free and a favourite past-time for many Finnish families. When the weather is not great, families also head to indoor playgrounds, like Leo's or SuperPark.

The best things in Finland cost nothing: a walk in a national park, a swim in a lake, watching the Midnight Sun through the tent window, or seeing the first proper snowfall. These are the things children remember.