In November 2024, we had a fun week filled with activities in the capital of Finland, Helsinki. From discovering SEA LIFE, eating local foods and seeing a lot of Moomin (Finland’s beloved storybooks). Helsinki has enough activities to keep you and your toddler happy!

Discover SEA LIFE Helsinki: A Perfect Indoor Adventure for Kids

If you’re visiting Helsinki with a toddler, SEA LIFE Helsinki is a must-see attraction that offers an exciting and educational indoor experience. Your little one can explore a fascinating underwater world filled with colorful tropical fish, jellyfish, seahorses, and even sharks!

For hands-on fun, kids can visit the interactive rock pool, where they can touch starfish and learn about marine life up close. The ocean tunnel lets them walk beneath swimming sharks and rays, making them feel like they’re deep under the sea. Throughout the aquarium, child-friendly exhibits and discovery stations keep young explorers engaged with fun facts and activities. See them enjoy looking into microscopes and having fun drawing different sea creatures!

Discover Helsinki’s Museums with a Toddler

Helsinki offers fantastic kid-friendly museums, making it a great city to explore with little ones! The Helsinki City Museum has a dedicated Children’s Town, where toddlers can play with old-fashioned toys and explore miniature cityscapes. For little Moomin fans, the National Museum of Finland features exhibits showcasing Finnish folklore and history in an interactive way. With hands-on activities, storytelling corners, and plenty of space to roam, Helsinki’s museums make learning fun for the whole family!

Oodi: Helsinki’s Kid-Friendly Library Wonderland

Helsinki’s Oodi Library is more than just a place for books—it’s a paradise for families with kids! The Children’s Area is filled with cozy reading nooks, interactive play zones, and colorful books in multiple languages. Toddlers can enjoy soft play areas, while older kids can explore craft stations, board games, and even digital storytelling corners. With its modern design, welcoming atmosphere, and family-friendly cafés, Oodi is the perfect spot to relax, play, and discover stories together. To be honest, inside was a bit more for younger kids, but outside of the Library there is a nice outdoor playing ground which our son loved!

Taste Helsinki: Local Food & Market Delights by the Harbor

For a true taste of Helsinki, head to the Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli) near the harbor, where you’ll find a variety of traditional Finnish dishes in a cozy indoor setting. Try salmon soup (lohikeitto), freshly baked karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties), or a hearty plate of reindeer meat. If you’re looking for a quick bite, grab a lihapiirakka (meat pie) or local cheeses from one of the many stalls. The market’s warm atmosphere and delicious flavors make it a perfect stop for families exploring Helsinki! Our son really loved the variaty of pastries, being the sweet tooth that he is.

A Ferry adventure to Suomenlinna

A short ferry ride from Helsinki’s Market Square takes you to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO-listed sea fortress perfect for a family day out. Kids will love exploring the historic tunnels, running around the wide-open courtyards, and spotting old cannons and fortress walls. The island also has kid-friendly cafés, picnic spots, and even a submarine museum for little adventurers.

Roaming around Helsinki’s streets

Even while stroaming around Helsinki with a toddler, you can still snap a lot of pictures of the well-known spots you will visit along the way. A little bit of tourism a toddler can also appreciate!

Family-Friendly Stays in Helsinki: Radisson RED & Radisson Blu

For a comfortable and stylish stay in Helsinki with a toddler, Radisson RED and Radisson Blu are excellent choices. Radisson RED Helsinki offers a modern, playful vibe, perfect for families looking for a relaxed yet trendy atmosphere, with spacious rooms and a great location near attractions. Radisson Blu Plaza provides a more classic and upscale stay, with family-friendly amenities, cozy beds, and an excellent breakfast to start your day. Both hotels are centrally located, making it easy to explore Helsinki’s best sights with little ones! Check out what Radisson has to offer for you by signing up on their own website to get the best deals!