Espoo
Espoo
Espoo
Espoo
Espoo
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Espoo
Espoo
Espoo
Espoo
Espoo
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Table of Contents
IN A NUTSHELL
Visit Espoo with Children
Espoo is Finland in miniature. Nestled just 15-30 minutes away from the bustling heart of Helsinki, this family-friendly haven awaits you with open arms, promising an unforgettable experience for both young and old. Hop aboard the convenient public transport options, making your journey a breeze and setting the stage for a magical exploration of Espoo with children.
Enjoy many great activities and sights from the famous Nuuksio National Park, 165 Baltic Sea islands, the Espoo Waterfront Walkway, 95 beautiful lakes, delicious cuisine, architecture and culture and many other family-friendly activities.
This family-friendly travel guide has been curated in collaboration with Espoo Tourism Board.
© Sami Takarautio
The Best Time to Visit Espoo with Children
You can visit Espoo with children all year round!
Winter Wonderland: Picture this – snowy landscapes, laughter-filled sledding hills, and the joy of winter picnics. The winter season in Espoo is a haven for families seeking alpine and cross-country ski lessons, thrilling sledding adventures, snowshoeing hikes, and the warmth of winter picnics. Don’t forget the indoor magic – explore and play through interactive exhibitions in Espoo’s captivating museums.
Spring Delights: As spring blooms, Espoo transforms into a wonderland of possibilities. Visit petting farms, enjoy outdoor picnics, and embark on day trips to the enchanting Nuuksio National Park.
Sunny Summer Escapes: Long summer days invite you to discover Espoo’s treasures. Explore five local islands accessible by scheduled public boats, indulge in summer adventures at Huippu Adventure Park or Water Sports Centre Laguuni, and bask in the sun at sandy beaches by the Baltic Sea or one of Espoo’s 95 picturesque lakes.
Autumn’s Palette: As autumn paints Espoo in breathtaking hues, venture outdoors to embrace the beauty. Join mushroom- and berry-picking guided tours, relish the art of outdoor cooking, or simply unwind in one of the family-friendly spa hotels.
How to Get to Espoo with Children
Getting to Espoo with children in easy.
Whether you land at Helsinki Airport or cruise into the ports, Espoo’s just a 15-30 minute hop away by public transport, your car, or a friendly taxi.
Within 15-30 minutes, you’re in the heart of Espoo. Choose between public transport, your ride, or a taxi – easy peasy!
Espoo’s well-linked to Helsinki with highways, metro, light rail, local trains, and CityBikes. So, take your pick and ride on!
Must Dos When in Espoo with Children
Visit the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia in Nuuksio National Park
Visit the lovely Espoo islands by scheduled public boat in summertime
Ice Skating in famous Tapiola Ice Garden (skates can be borrowed from nearby Café Hile)
LOCATION
Hotels in Espoo
Our Favourite Family-Friendly Hotels in Espoo
Hotel Matts ****
Majvik Hotel ****
Glo Hotel Sello ****
Hotel Korpilampi ***
Original Sokos Hotel Tapiola Garden ****
Discover more about these hotels in Espoo.
© Marjaana Tasala
© Marjaana Tasala
PLAY
Activities for children ages 0-5
Tiring our babies and toddlers whilst they absorb all that is around them.
PLAY
Activities for older children
Keeping the older kids happy, entertained, and reducing the amount of times they ask for a screen or complain about being bored.
© Marjaana Tasala
© Antti Kangassalo
PLAY
Parks & Playgrounds
Located in three locations in Espoo – Oittaa Recreational Area, Leppävaara Sports Park and Henttaa districts.
Families are welcome to meet and greet reindeers during the opening hours (on weekends) or book a private visit.
An old farm and living museum reflecting seasons of rural life and place where visitors can participate in work performances, guided tours and events. Families can meet local chickens and sheep, or participate in petting and feeding sessions.
Features the life of one fisherman family back in the days and is a ‘summer home’ to sheep visitors.
©Bella Table
FOOD
Family-friendly cafés & restaurants in Espoo
Family-Friendly Cafés in Espoo
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Espoo
Check out more about these cafés and restaurants in Espoo or discover more eateries in Espoo.
TRANSPORTATION
How to Get Around Espoo with Children
Navigating Espoo with children in a breeze!
The city offers an array of family-friendly transport options, ensuring smooth exploration. Hop on the efficient public transport system for a hassle-free ride, or if you prefer the freedom of your own wheels, consider renting a car.
Espoo’s well-connected with family-friendly routes, and you can also opt for taxis for a quick and convenient journey.
For a touch of adventure, why not explore the city on CityBikes, a fun and eco-friendly way to pedal through Espoo’s charming streets?
© Omar El Mrabt
TOYS
Toy Shops & Children Clothing Shops in Espoo
A children’s secondhand store with a selection of good quality children clothes, toys, books and equipment.
A toy store chain that you’ll find in several shopping malls.
A tiny toy shop and Café located directly in the museum.
It has a great selection of outdoor equipment as well as rental services, but also interesting kid’s books.
Popular kid’s clothing brand stores such as Polarn O. Pyret, Reima, Jesper Junior, Name it and Little Copenhagen can be found in Espoo’s Shopping Malls.
Discover more shops in Espoo.
Insider Tips
Bike the Espoo Waterfront Walkway with children. During summer, there is also a scheduled boat ride for cyclists, so you can cycle half the way and admire sea views on the boat for the other half.
Recharge and reconnect with nature in Nuuksio National Park. You can find plenty of marked routes where to explore the wilderness.
TRAVEL TO ESPOO
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Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
