Journey

From amusement parks to Moomins – explore family-friendly southern Finland

Credits: Moomin World

Starting Point: Helsinki

2-4 days

Journey: Explore family-friendly southern Finland

Finland is known as the world’s happiest country and is a safe, family-friendly destination. Start your journey in the Helsinki region, where you’ll visit gorgeous Oodi Library, then head to Vantaa to explore the Science Centre Heureka. And don’t forget about the Moomins at Moominworld!

Helsinki

Helsinki Central Library Oodi

Central Library Oodi is an urban meeting place in Kansalaistori Square, right in the heart of Helsinki. It's a non-commercialized public space that is open to and enjoyed by all.

Vantaa

Heureka – The Finnish Science Centre

Experience the joy of discovery through fun, hands-on activities for all ages at Science Centre Heureka. Here, you’ll explore and learn about science and technology via interactive exhibitions, planetarium, and science shows, and much more.

Travel tip

From Helsinki, you can take a two-hour train trip to Lakeland and the city of Tampere. Visit vr.fi for more information about train timetables and tickets. Families might want to rent a car, as the highway from Helsinki to Tampere is easy to navigate and there are many international car rental companies operating in the area. In Tampere, visit the Särkänniemi Amusemement Park, the world’s only Moomin Museum, as well as Museum Centre Vapriikki.

Tampere

Travel tip

From Tampere, continue your journey to Turku and the city of Naantali, home of Moominworld. When in Finland with kids, this lovely theme park is a must-visit attraction! The easiest way to get from Tampere to Naantali is by car. The drive takes about two hours.

Naantali

Moominworld Theme Park

Moomins, who are loveable fairytale characters created by famous Finnish artist Tove Jansson (1914-2001), are just about everywhere in Finland. The popular Moominworld theme park, located on the island of Kailo in the charming seaside town of Naantali, is definitely worth a visit for families with children. Here, visitors can experience what it would be like to live in the magical land of the Moomins, complete with an authentic five-story blue house right from the pages of a classic Moomin tale.

Helsinki highlights for families

Explore Helsinki highlights for families

Helsinki is one of the safest capital cities in the world and is a great place to visit with kids. No matter the weather, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do both inside and outdoors. Here are just a few, along with some child-friendly places to stay and eat.

Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Vantaa

Scandic Helsinki Airport

Helsinki

Classic Pizza Restaurant | Forum

Two reindeers lying down in Nuuksio Reindeer Park.

Espoo

Nuuksio Reindeer Park – a touch of northern magic

3 hours

Helsinki

Tram Tour of Helsinki

3 hours

Helsinki

Löyly Restaurant

Tampere highlights for families

Explore Tampere highlights for families

Tampere, with its Lakeland charm and industrial history, offers plenty of unique places for families to visit. There are also many accommodations and restaurants to choose from.

Kahvila Amurin Helmen ulkopöytiä ja asiakkaita

Tampere

Café Amurin Helmi

Tampere

Restaurant Näsinneula

Tampere

Lillan Hotel & Kök

Tampere

Hotel Ville

Tampere

Pyynikin Munkkikahvila, The Café

Turku region highlights for families

Explore Turku highlights for families

Turku is Finland’s oldest town and was once the nation’s capital. This city is full of maritime charm and history, making it an interesting place to explore with kids. There are also a variety of family-friendly hotels in the area.