Finland is a beautiful country located in Northern Europe, known for its stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and friendly people.Booking with Kids has chosen Finland as one of their top family-friendly destinations, and it’s easy to see why. With a range of activities to choose from, Finland has something for everyone. Therefore, visiting Finland with children will surely be a terrific experience!
Getting to Finland with your family is also easy. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, has a well-connected airport with direct flights from many major cities around the world. Once you arrive, you’ll find a range of transport options available to you, including trains, buses, and rental cars.
One of the best things about visiting Finland with children is the huge range of destination options available. If you’re looking for a city break, Helsinki is a great option, with plenty of museums, restaurants, and attractions to keep the whole family entertained. Helsinki also has easy access to the surrounding nature, so you can combine a city break with a day or two in the great outdoors.
For those looking for a more natural setting, Finland has plenty of options to choose from. The Finnish Lakeland, for example, is the largest lake district in Europe, with over 188,000 lakes to explore. Here you can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming, all surrounded by stunning scenery.
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, consider a visit to Lapland. Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland and is known for its breath-taking natural beauty, as well as its traditional Sami culture. Here you can take your children to see Santa Claus and his reindeer, enjoy a husky sled ride, or even witness the Northern Lights.
At Booking with Kids, we understand that planning a family holiday can be stressful, which is why we’ve made guides to make the process easier for you. Our guides include information on the best family-friendly accommodation options, activities, and attractions to visit, as well as practical tips and advice to help you make the most of your trip.
Our Top Destinations in Finland to Visit With Children
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This guide is all about travelling to Finland with children because we believe that when you are planning a family trip to Finland you will need a place to start and a well-laid-out guide that you can use to refer to and consult when needed.
Here’s what you will find step-by-step info on:
- The best time to go to Finland with children
- Our top family-friendly destinations in Finland
- Exploring cities in Finland with children
- Nature holidays with children in Finland
- Mountain holidays with children in Finland
- Visiting Coastal towns in Finland with children
These sections will take you to other articles on this site so, if you’re interested to know more, we have got you covered so you can plan your perfect family vacation with ease.
If you’re in the stage of packing and ready to go to Finland, check out our Travel Gear page where you can easily find all the essentials that you need to take on your holiday!
When to go to Finland with Children
When planning a family trip to Finland, it’s important to consider the best time to visit. The average weather in Finland varies greatly depending on the destination, so it’s important to do your research before booking your trip.
In general, the weather in Finland is coldest from December to February, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to -30°C in the northern regions. This is the best time to visit for those looking to experience winter activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
On the other hand, the summer months of June to August are the warmest, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C in the south. This is the best time to visit for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming in the many lakes and rivers.
It’s important to note that the weather in Finland can vary greatly from north to south and from the coast to the inland areas. The coastal areas tend to have milder temperatures and more precipitation, while the inland areas can have colder temperatures and less precipitation.
Exploring Cities in Finland with Children
Finnish cities offer a unique blend of modernity and tradition, making them a perfect destination for families looking for a cultural adventure. With a range of activities and attractions for children, Finnish cities have something to offer for everyone.
Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, is known for its beautiful architecture, cultural landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere. Families can explore the city’s many museums and galleries, such as the Helsinki Art Museum, and the National Museum of Finland. The Linnanmäki amusement park, located in the heart of the city, is also a popular attraction for families. Helsinki also offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails in the nearby Nuuksio National Park, and the Helsinki Zoo, which is home to over 150 species of animals.
Turku, located on the southwest coast of Finland, is known for its rich history and medieval architecture. Families can explore Turku Castle, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Turku Art Museum, which features contemporary Finnish art.
Tampere, located in southern Finland, is known for its industrial history and vibrant cultural scene. Families can explore the city’s many museums and galleries, such as the Vapriikki Museum Centre and the Tampere Art Museum. The Särkänniemi amusement park, located on the shores of Lake Näsijärvi, is also a popular attraction for families. Tampere also offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails in the nearby Pyynikki Ridge and Tampereen Pyhäjärvi lake.
Finnish cities offer a lot of things to do and to visit, from cultural landmarks to outdoor activities. Families can explore the cities on foot, bike, or even by boat, and can take advantage of the many child-friendly amenities and services available. Finnish cities are also known for their family-friendly accommodation options, from hotels to apartments, and offer a range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Many Finnish cities also offer free or discounted admission to children to museums, galleries, and other attractions. Helsinki, for example, offers a Helsinki Card for children, which includes free admission to many of the city’s museums and attractions, as well as free public transportation.
Many Finnish cities are located near national parks and nature reserves, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. Families can also enjoy swimming, boating, and other water activities in the many lakes and coastal areas in Finland.
Nature Holidays with Children
Finland has many beautiful nature destinations that are perfect for families with children
Rovaniemi is a nature destination, located in Finnish Lapland, surrounded by beautiful forests and rivers. It is also known as the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus”, making it a popular destination for families during the Christmas season. While Rovaniemi is not a mountain destination, it offers a range of winter activities such as husky and reindeer safaris, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. It also has several nature parks and hiking trails, including the Ounasvaara Nature Reserve, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, Rovaniemi has a range of cultural attractions such as the Arktikum Museum, which explores the history and culture of the Arctic region, and the Santa Claus Village, where visitors can meet Santa and his elves, visit the post office, and shop for souvenirs.
Lakeland Finland is another beautiful region in the heart of the country that is perfect for families who love nature and outdoor activities. With its countless lakes and pristine forests, Lakeland offers endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and water sports. Families can explore charming towns and villages, visit historic sites, and enjoy the unique culture of this beautiful region.
Whilst in Finland there are several parks that you can visit:
- Located just outside of Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park is a popular destination for families who want to enjoy the great outdoors. The park has hiking trails, lakes, and forests to explore, and there are also guided tours and workshops for children.
- Located in Northern Finland, Oulanka National Park is known for its stunning landscapes and rugged terrain.
- Located in Finnish Lapland, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park has a range of hiking trails, ski slopes, and snowshoeing routes for families to enjoy. There are also guided tours and workshops for children, and visitors can stay in cabins or igloos.
Mountain Holidays with Children
Finland’s mountainous regions are perfect for families looking for an exciting and adventurous vacation. With numerous ski resorts and winter activities, Finland is a great option for a winter holiday.
Finland’s ski resorts offer a range of activities for families, including skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. The resorts are well equipped with family-friendly facilities, including ski schools for children, equipment rental, and childcare services. The resorts also offer a range of accommodation options, including hotels, cabins, and apartments, catering to families of all sizes.
Levi, located in Finnish Lapland, is one of the most popular ski resorts in Finland. It boasts 43 ski slopes, including ones designed for children, as well as a children’s adventure park, and a snow village. There are also many other activities available for families, such as reindeer and husky safaris, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Another great option for a family-friendly mountain holiday in Finland is Ylläs, also located in Lapland. Ylläs has a range of ski slopes for different levels, including dedicated slopes for children. It also has a snow park for children, a snow castle, and a children’s playground. Families can also enjoy a range of winter activities, such as snowshoeing, ice climbing, and cross-country skiing.
Ruka which is located in the Kuusamo region, is another popular ski resort with slopes for all levels, including dedicated slopes for children. It also has a snow park, children’s play area, and a range of winter activities such as snowmobiling, ice-fishing, and dog-sledding.
Tahko, located in Eastern Finland, is a ski resort that is popular with families due to its range of slopes for different levels, including ones designed for children. It also has a snow park for children, ice-skating rink, and a variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Coastal Towns with Children
Finland’s coastline stretches over 1,100 miles and is dotted with charming towns and villages that are perfect for families with children. Here are some of the best coastal towns to visit:
Located on the southern coast of Finland you will find Hanko which is known for its sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Families can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating, and there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to explore.
Porvoo which is located on the southern coast near Helsinki, is one of Finland’s oldest towns and is known for its charming old town area. Families can enjoy exploring the narrow streets and colourful wooden houses, as well as visiting the local museums and galleries.
Located on the southwest coast of Finland, you will find Naantali is a popular summer destination for families. The town is known for its picturesque harbour and lively market square, as well as the nearby Moomin World theme park.
Situated on the west coast of Finland is Kokkola a charming town with a rich maritime history. Families can enjoy exploring the old town area, visiting the local museums, and taking a boat trip to the nearby island of Tankar.
Kemi is situated on the northern coast of Finland, and it’s known for its stunning Arctic scenery and the nearby Snow Castle, which is made entirely of snow and ice. Families can enjoy snowshoeing, ice fishing, and visiting the local reindeer farm.
At Booking with Kids, we understand that family holidays can be a stressful experience, but with our help, you can be sure to have a tantrum–free holiday.
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.
