Family Fun in Finland: A Summer Short-Break in Northern Europe
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Why Finland is The Perfect Family Travel Destination
- Polite People and Fluent English: No Awkward Charades Needed
- Nature Lovers’ Paradise: Unplug and Reconnect
- Welcome to the Happiest Place on Earth
- Plenty of Space to Breathe (and Play)
- Clever Country, Clever Holidays
Why Finland is The Perfect Family Travel Destination
We’ve visited Finland a few times before, and it’s always a delight to return. Finland has a special place in our hearts as family traveling destination. Each visit reveals new wonders and reaffirms why we keep coming back, and this time we opted to make it our summer short-break. Whether it’s the friendliness of the people, the unique cultural experiences, or the joy of exploring Helsinki’s vibrant streets, there’s always something magical about this Nordic paradise. Here’s why we can’t get enough of it:
1. Polite People and Fluent English: No Awkward Charades Needed
Remember that time you tried to ask for directions in a foreign country and ended up doing the Macarena? In Finland, everyone speaks English so well they could probably teach it. And they’re so polite, they’d give you directions to a place even if it doesn’t exist just to keep you happy. No more flailing arms trying to communicate “Where’s the bathroom?”.
2. Nature Lovers' Paradise: Unplug and Reconnect
If your children think nature is a screen saver, it’s time for a Finnish intervention. Finland’s nature is so spectacular it makes you want to write poetry (which we kind of did by the way!). The forests, lakes, and national parks are perfect for family hikes, fishing, or just standing around and saying “Wow” a lot. Respect for nature here is a national pastime, so you can enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about stepping on a plastic bag plus you’ll often see Finnish people gathering cans, even retrieving them from rubbish bins, as they can exchange them for money at recycling machines found in supermarkets. This practical and eco-friendly habit keeps the environment spotless and instils the value of recycling in children.
3. Welcome to the Happiest Place on Earth
Move over, Disneyland and Maldives. Finland is officially the happiest place in the world. The Finns have cracked the code on joy, and it’s not just the saunas (though those help too). Happy parents mean happy children, and a family trip here might just end with everyone getting along. Imagine that!
4. Plenty of Space to Breathe (and Play)
With only 15 people per square kilometre, you’ll feel like you have the whole country to yourself. Forget elbowing through crowded tourist spots or playing sardines on public transport. In Finland, there’s room to stretch out, run around, and maybe even have a private moment with a reindeer.
5. Clever Country, Clever Holidays
Did you know Finns rank in the top 10 smartest countries by IQ? Visiting a clever country has its perks. Everything is so well-organized, you’ll think you’re living in a travel brochure. Need help? The locals will not only assist but might also teach you a thing or two about sustainable living or the latest in technology. You’ll come back home not just relaxed but also a bit smarter.
Exploring Finland in the Summer
Helsinki on Foot
Exploring Helsinki on foot is a breeze since most sights are within walking distance. From the iconic Helsinki Cathedral in Senate Square to the striking exterior of the Amos Rex art museum, there’s plenty to see. We had loads of fun wandering around, even playing a game to spot all the animals depicted in the street names throughout the city centre.
Temppeliaukio Church
In Helsinki, we also visited the fascinating Temppeliaukio Church, an architectural marvel built directly into solid rock and crowned with a copper-lined dome.
The Moomins
Travelling to Finland with children means one thing: you can’t miss the Moomins! Created by Tove Jansson, the Moomins are a national treasure and a huge part of Finnish culture, making them a perfect attraction for family in Finland. Living in his Moominhouse in Moominvalley with Moominpapa, Moominmama and Moomintroll, the timeless and magical Moomin embodies values of kindness, nature, and freedom, which we aim to instil in our daughters. We visited the Moomin shop in Helsinki city centre for a heartfelt souvenir and even had a screen session to honour this beloved symbol.
A Culinary Adventure
Another highlight of our family short-break in Finland was trying reindeer for the first time. There were mixed emotions: on one hand, it was delicious, but on the other hand, with Mimi’s recent obsession with Frozen, it was challenging, to say the least, clarifying that it was NOT Sven or any of his relatives. In the end, Mimi chose to savour her very Finnish meatballs while the rest of us thoroughly enjoyed everything else. For dessert, although our first option was the traditional “Mokkapala,” the one that truly fulfilled our hearts (and stomachs) was the squeaky cheese, or “Juustoleipä,” also known as “Leipäjuusto”.
Grocery Shopping
When travelling, one of our favourite past-time activities, which might surprise a few, is visiting grocery shops. In Finland, children can push small trolleys or ride in car-shaped ones attached to normal trolleys, making it a fun family outing. The only hiccup was when Pedro tried to buy beers for watching the Euro and discovered the strict Finnish law prohibiting alcohol sales after 9 PM. He ended up watching the match with juice and “Riisipiirakka,” which wasn’t his favourite snack.
Public Transportation
Navigating Helsinki’s public transportation system was an unexpected highlight in our summer short-break. As parents traveling with young children, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that one adult could travel for free when accompanying a child aged 0-6 years in a pram, pushchair, or wheelchair. This fantastic perk not only saved us money but also made exploring the city’s attractions hassle-free.
Soft Play Paradise
Finland boasts some of the most amazing soft play areas we’ve ever seen. On our previous trip we visit to HopLop and it was such a success we couldn’t resist returning. On our last day, when we asked Mimi her favourite part of the trip, she enthusiastically chose the play area, so we tried Leo’s Leikkimaa, which did not disappoint either.
Swimming Fun in Leppävaara
Enticed by the sunny skies, we couldn’t resist taking a dip in the Leppävaara swimming pool. Located in Espoo, just a short drive from Helsinki, it was a budget-friendly and less crowded alternative to the Allas Sea Pool. Any water-related activity is a win for me, and despite having swimming options back home, it was the perfect summer activity for Pedro and me to unwind while the girls burned off some energy.
Midsummer Magic on Pihlajasaari
Lou and Mimi’s first Midsummer in Finland was celebrated on Pihlajasaari, an island near Helsinki accessible by a short ferry ride. Unfortunately, all the excitement and napless afternoons finally serve their toll and we couldn’t stay for the bonfires. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the sea breeze and seeing everyone so happy and relax, showing their creative skills with beautiful flower crowns. Lou even got a taste of another Finnish delicacy by eating half the sand on the main beach! With so many islands, Finland is the perfect destination for traveling with your family during a short summer break.
Finnish Museums
Choosing which museums to visit was a challenge with so many amazing options. While exploring Helsinki, we were captivated by a bear on a balcony, which led us to the Finnish Museum of Natural History. The creatively displayed exhibits and interactive opportunities were a hit, even if the English descriptions were scarce—but isn’t this all part of the fun of travelling abroad? Days later, Pedro was still cheerfully singing “Valas ei kala oo”, and we definitely recommend it as a must-visit for family travelling in Finland.
In Vantaa, we visited Heureka, a Finnish science and technology centre. Despite many topics being too complex for Mimi and Lou, the interactive exhibits provided endless entertainment. I joined a space crew, Mimi created something diabolical with AI, Pedro revealed a surprising side by being too scared to play Russian roulette with electric shocks, and Lou managed to pinch a pencil and graffiti everything the moment I looked away. How are toddlers so quick? She might have found it hilarious, but it was anything but fun chasing her around with baby wipes, cleaning up her trail of madness until I finally nabbed the pencil back.
Fond Farewell: Until We Meet Again, Finland
Well, after all the adventures, reindeer mishaps, and pencil graffiti incidents (thanks, Lou), our Finnish escapade has left us with memories as vivid as the midnight sunset. From the Moomins’ whimsical world to the awe-inspiring natural landscapes, Finland continues to charm us. Whether it’s celebrating Midsummer with sand-filled snacks or diving into squeaky cheese delights, each visit reaffirms that Finland is not just a destination—it’s a magnetic force pulling us back for more. Until next time, Finland, kiitos for the joy, the laughter, and the unforgettable family moments!
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