Finland is a country located in Northern Europe, known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich culture, and unique way of life. So, what to do for your Finland travel with kids? Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a unique vacation experience, Finland has something to offer everyone. And your kids will absolutely love their time in Finland. Here are the top 10 things to do in Finland with kids:
1. Explore Finnish Lapland
This stunning video will give you a taste of a Lapland experience:
2. Visit Finnish Lakeland
Finnish Lakeland is a popular destination for those interested in nature and outdoor activities, particularly in the summer. The region is known for its thousands of interconnected lakes and rivers, which provide opportunities for activities such as canoeing, fishing, and swimming.
Additionally, the region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a great area for bird-watching and wildlife spotting. The area also has beautiful landscapes, including forests, rolling hills, and picturesque small towns. If your family loves nature, visiting the Lakeland region is a must-do in Finland.
This is a great video that captures the atmosphere and experience of exploring Finnish Lakeland:
3. Learn about the Sámi Culture
Learning about Sámi culture can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the indigenous people of the Arctic region. The Sámi have a rich history and culture, including their own language, art, music, and traditional livelihoods such as reindeer herding.
Understanding their way of life can give insight into how they have adapted to living in a harsh environment and their unique challenges. It’s one thing to learn about modern Finnish culture and another to discover about the original inhabitants of this land. A great way to discover Sámi culture is by visiting Arktikum in Rovaniemi.
Here’s an interesting video about the Sámi people:
4. Take a dip in a Finnish sauna
Did you know that the Finns invented the sauna? That’s why having a sauna, especially in winter, is one of our top 10 things to do in Finland. Saunas are a way of life in Finland. Sauna is a good way to experience Finnish culture since sauna is a Finnish word and sauna culture is an integral part of Finnish heritage. It’s how they warm up, relax, and even socialize. They are usually located in public places such as swimming halls, gyms, hotels, holiday resorts, and even in some private homes.
If you’re adventurous (and brave), try having a sauna where you dip yourself quickly in freezing water before warming yourself up inside the sauna again. We went to Löyly, a stylish seaside sauna in Helsinki, where we dipped in the freezing lake in between going inside the sauna.
This video offers a great insight into sauna culture in Finland:
5. See Santa Claus
There’s meeting Santa in the mall, and there’s meeting the “real” Santa in his official hometown. Meeting Santa Claus in Finland, particularly in Santa Claus Village with kids, is an opportunity to experience the magic and tradition of Christmas in the home of Santa Claus. The village is located in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. It offers visitors a chance to meet Santa Claus in person and learn about Finnish Christmas traditions.
The village is open year-round and includes various activities such as visiting Santa’s office, sending a letter to Santa, and exploring the Christmas-themed park and shops. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Finland. You can meet Santa in other places, including SantaPark, and for a more private, exclusive experience, through the Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka (our personal favorite).
Here’s a glimpse of what to see and do in Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi:
6. Spend a very cool night in an igloo or snow hotel
Sleeping in an igloo or ice hotel is one of the most unique things to do in Finland. It’s a memorable experience that offers a chance to experience a different kind of accommodation and enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape. Igloos and ice hotels are made entirely of ice and snow, providing an unforgettable ambiance and atmosphere. These types of accommodations are often located in remote and scenic areas, providing a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Staying in an igloo or ice hotel also allows you to experience unique and traditional ways of living in cold climates, with the chance to learn about the history, culture, and techniques to survive in such conditions. Furthermore, if the igloo or ice hotel is located in a place where Northern Lights can be seen, it can be an added bonus to watch the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your bed.
It’s very expensive to stay in one, so we decided to skip it. But if this is for you one of the top things to do in Finland, then go for it. This is a video of one of the igloo resorts in Finland:
7. Check out the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a natural light display that occurs in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Seeing the Northern Lights is an awe-inspiring and unique experience that can be enjoyed in many parts of the world, but the best displays are typically seen in areas near the Earth’s poles, such as in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Canada, and Alaska. So, if you’re going to Lapland in winter, this is a must-do in Finland.
The Northern Lights are a beautiful and mysterious natural phenomenon that has fascinated people for centuries. They can be seen in many different colors, including green, yellow, blue, pink, and purple, and their appearance can change rapidly, making them a dynamic and ever-changing sight. The Northern Lights can also be enjoyed in a variety of settings, from the comfort of a warm cabin to the great outdoors, making it an experience that can be enjoyed by all ages.
We saw the Northern Lights in Lapland; it was a thrill! Here’s a short video about the Aurora Borealis in Finland:
8. Explore medieval wooden towns
Exploring Finland’s medieval wooden towns is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the country’s rich history and culture. These towns, such as Porvoo, Rauma, and Naantali, are known for their well-preserved wooden architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. The wooden towns are charming and picturesque, with narrow streets, colorful houses, and small artisan shops. They provide a glimpse into how people lived and worked in the past and offer a unique contrast to today’s modern cities and towns.
Exploring the medieval wooden towns is an opportunity to learn about the history of Finland, and how the country has developed over time. The towns have often played an important role in the country’s history and have been important trade centers and ports. They also offer a chance to learn about traditional Finnish crafts and architecture. These towns are also known for their charming atmosphere, great restaurants and cafes, and museums and art galleries which are worth visiting.
We went to Porvoo, which is just an hour away from Helsinki. We had an unforgettable time exploring Porvoo with kids. For us, it’s best to visit a wooden town in winter, when it feels more magical. Another great option is Old Rauma, and this video gives you a walking tour.
9. Go Moomin crazy
The Moomins are a series of fictional characters created by the Finnish illustrator and writer Tove Jansson. The characters first appeared in a series of books and comic strips, and have since become popular in other forms of media such as films, television shows, and theme parks. The Moomins are a family of white, roundish creatures who resemble hippopotamuses and live in the Moominvalley, a place inspired by the archipelago of the Gulf of Bothnia in Finland, where Jansson grew up.
The Moomins are beloved in Finland and have become a cultural icon, representing the country and its values. They have been used to promote Finnish culture and tourism, and many Moomin-themed attractions such as the Moominworld theme park in Naantali, have been opened to the public. The Moomins are appreciated worldwide and translated into over 50 languages. If you have small children, visiting Moominworld is one of the top things to do in Finland.
Check out this video of Moominworld:
10. Enjoy the Finnish cuisine
Finnish cuisine is a blend of traditional and modern influences, with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. It is known for its hearty and comforting dishes, such as soups, stews, and meat dishes. Finnish cuisine also draws inspiration from its neighboring countries, like Sweden, Norway, and Russia.
Trying Finnish cuisine is an opportunity to experience new flavors and ingredients that you may not be familiar with. It is also a way to learn about the country’s culture and history and to discover how its unique environment and climate have shaped its culinary traditions. Some of the popular Finnish dishes are smoked fish, reindeer meat, and wild game such as elk, bear, and hare. The country is also known for its fresh and seasonal berries such as cloudberries, cranberries, and lingonberries.
Finnish cuisine also has a strong coffee culture, and it is common to have a cup of coffee with a pastry, a cake, or a traditional Finnish bread called ‘ruisleipä’. Karelian pies are also quite popular.
Suffice it to say, we tried various traditional Finnish food, including reindeer burgers and stews, smoked fish, and of course, lots of chocolates, coffee, and pastries.
Watch this video for an introduction to Finnish food:
11. Shop at a kauppahalli
A kauppahalli, or market hall, is a type of indoor market found in Finland where you can find a wide variety of local and regional produce, meats, seafood, and other food products and other goods such as clothing, crafts and souvenirs. Shopping at a kauppahalli allows you to experience the local culture and taste the local flavors, as well as learn about the local produce and products.
At a kauppahalli, you can find a wide variety of products from local farmers, fishermen, and craftspeople, which are often fresher and of higher quality than those found in supermarkets, as well as unique items that you might not find anywhere else.
Kauppahallis are also a great place to socialize, as they often have small cafes and restaurants where you can sample local cuisine and meet locals. The market halls also offer a unique atmosphere and an opportunity to see a glimpse of the Finnish culture and way of life.
We enjoyed exploring the Old Market Hall in Helsinki, one of the oldest in Finland. Here’s a video of a kauppahalli in Tampere:
12. Buy Finnish designed products
Finnish design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and minimalism. It is often characterized by clean lines, natural materials, and a focus on the user experience. Finnish designers are known for their innovative and sustainable approach, blending traditional crafts with modern technology.
Finnish design is particularly famous for its furniture design, from Finnish design icons such as Alvar Aalto, Tapio Wirkkala, and Timo Sarpaneva. Finnish glass and ceramics design is also famous for its minimalistic and bold forms, as well as for its use of natural colors and materials. Designers like Tapio Wirkkala, Timo Sarpaneva and Kaj Franck are known for their work in glass and ceramics design.
Finnish fashion and textile design is also well-known for its innovative approach, blending traditional materials and patterns with modern silhouettes and colors. Designers such as Marimekko and Ivana Helsinki are known for their bold and colorful patterns, and for their use of natural fibers such as wool and linen.
Exploring and shopping at the Design District in Helsinki is a wonderful way to buy Finnish products. This video explains what makes Finnish design unique:
These are just a few of the best things to do in Finland. Whether you’re looking to explore the country’s natural beauty, learn more about its rich culture, or simply enjoy a unique vacation experience, there’s something for everyone in Finland.
