Finland is known as an exceptionally child-friendly country. Lakeland Finland is no exception. It is a great place for a holiday with the whole family. We have selected the most beautiful destinations in the region that promise fun and entertaining moments for travellers of all ages.
1. Särkänniemi Theme Park in Tampere
The whole family will get their money’s worth here: Särkänniemi Theme Park in Tampere is the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day. The largest amusement park in Lakeland Finland has more than 30 great rides to offer. Not only the little ones will love the Doghill Fairytale Farm. The Aquarium is open all year round, as is the Näsinneula Observation Tower with its spectacular view over the city and the lakes.
Learn more about Särkänniemi ↗
2. The world’s only Moomin Museum in Tampere
The world’s only Moomin Museum welcomes you in Tampere Hall and takes you on a magical journey into the world of the hippo-like trolls created by author Tove Jansson. All the wonderful stories from her books come to life in the museum, which also features exhibits created by the artist herself, such as a giant Moomin House. In the Studio, young and old can get creative themselves in workshops.
Learn more about the Moomin Museum ↗
3. Viikinsaari island – Tampere’s summer oasis
On a warm summer day, there’s nothing better than exploring Lakeland Finland by boat. You can do this wonderfully in the big city of Tampere, where you can depart every full hour for the island of Viikinsaari. The green island is only about 20 minutes from the city centre and can be easily explored on foot along the well-maintained paths. There is a mini-golf course, a children’s playground, a sauna, a summer restaurant, a café and a kiosk. If you like, you can also simply enjoy a picnic on the beach.
Learn more about Viikinsaari ↗
4. The former mine in Outokumpu as a children’s play paradise
The North Karelian town of Outokumpu in the north-eastern Lakeland Finland was once Finland’s most important mining town. Where everything used to be about copper, the “Vanha Kaivos” area is now a destination for the whole family. There is a huge outdoor playground as well as an indoor area with a gigantic sandpit for the little ones, while the grown-ups can enjoy the former mining shafts of the museum and the view from the former mining tower.
Learn more about Vanha Kaivos ↗
5. Art meets nature at Botania Art Garden in Joensuu
Botania was founded as a research garden of the University of Eastern Finland, and is nowerdays open to the public. It is one of the most popular destinations in North Karelia’s capital Joensuu. Partly exotic plants and colourful blossoms merge with works of art to create a harmonious overall experience that also provides a lot of knowledge about the plants.
Learn more about Botania Art Garden ↗
6. Encounters with animals at Selkie Green Care’s petting zoo
Just 23 kilometres from the marketplace of the city of Joensuu lies an idyllic estate surrounded by the picturesque landscape of North Karelia. The many four-legged friends on Selkie Green Care’s estate will make children’s eyes light up, and perhaps your kids will have the time of their lives here. The soothing tranquillity of seclusion and encounters with the cute animals bring joy to the hearts of all visitors.
Learn more about Selkie Green Care's petting zoo ↗
7. The most beautiful child-friendly beaches in the Lahti Region
When the sun is shining and the temperatures are rising, there’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in the cool water. Lakeland Finland has plenty of beautiful beaches that are far from overcrowded, even in high season. You will find some of the most family-friendly beaches in the Lahti Region, such as Möysä, Messilä, Mukkula and Kalmarinranta in Vääksy.
Learn more about the beaches in the Lahti Region ↗
8. Launeen perhepuisto – the free family park in Lahti
Launeen perhepuisto in Lahti is a park for the whole family that is open all year round and offers a wide range of activities. Whether climbing, sliding or water games – the younger guests are guaranteed to get their money’s worth. There is also a mini-golf course and skateboard ramps very close by.
Learn more about Launeen perhepuisto ↗
9. Adventures among the treetops at Flowpark Vierumäki
Flowpark in Vierumäki, north of Lahti, is the perfect choice for all families who want to experience the Finnish forest from a different perspective – from above – and are in the mood for a little adrenaline. An exciting course consisting of swaying paths, swings or cable slides takes you along the trees to the finish line. The adventure park is suitable for people of all ages. You don’t have to have any special skills, and safety is a top priority.
Learn more about Flowpark Vierumäki ↗
10. Laajis – urban outdoor activities in Jyväskylä
Only four kilometres from the centre of Jyväskylä lies Laajis, the centre for urban outdoor activities in all seasons. Where you can go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, an adventure park with climbing courses, a bike park, a disc golf course and stand-up paddling boards welcome you in summer. There should be an activity for every member of the family!
Learn more about Laajis ↗
11. Being active in the fresh air at Activity Park Veijari
North of Jyväskylä on the edge of Lakeland Finland, in Kolkanlahti, lies Activity Park Veijari (“Puuhapuisto Veijari”). Here, fun and exercise merge. There is running, climbing, jumping, playing, riding, swimming and sliding. In addition, you can meet more than 150 animals that will make your stay unforgettable, and not only for the youngest visitors.
Learn more about Activity Park Veijari ↗
12. Spa pleasure and water fun at Spa & Resort Peurunka in Laukaa
Spa & Resort Peurunka is a true spa oasis in Laukaa in the Jyväskylä Region. Spa and water fun for the whole family await you here. Relax in the pleasantly warm water of a hot tub, enjoy the river pool or refresh yourself in the cold pool. For the kids, there is a separate children’s pool and a special pool for the very young. The 130-metre and 40-metre water slides guarantee some thrilling action.
Learn more about Spa & Resort Peurunka ↗
13. Häme Castle – a trip to the Middle Ages
Häme Castle (“Hämeen linna”) is situated on a small hill overlooking Lake Vanajavesi and is one of the very few castles in Finland that has been preserved to this day. It is also the most important sight in the town of Hämeenlinna. The 700-year-old building invites you to take a trip back to the Middle Ages. Either explore the castle on your own or take a guided tour with the whole family. Where once the Swedes ruled and later a prison was located, today a museum awaits you where history can be experienced with all the senses.
Learn more about Häme Castle ↗
14. A nostalgic trip with the Jokioinen Museum Railway
The Jokioinen Museum Railway in the Häme region offers authentic steam locomotive romance. The country’s last operating commercial narrow-gauge railway, which now looks back on 125 years of history, invites the whole family on a nostalgic train ride between the towns of Humppila, Minkiö and Jokioinen. The trips take place on selected dates during the summer season.
Learn more about the Jokioinen Museum Railway ↗
15. The Hunting Museum of Finland in Riihimäki
An excellent idea for a family trip – not only – in unsettled weather is the Hunting Museum of Finland in Riihimäki, also known as Suomen Metsästysmuseo. Here you can learn everything about the history of hunting in Finland, from its beginnings some 10,000 years ago to the present day. The exhibition features archaeological finds, prepared animals, hunting weapons and utensils from the different eras.
Learn more about the Hunting Museum of Finland ↗