Helsinki with teens – 38 fabulous activities to do on vacation

When it comes to planning a family vacation, few destinations offer the blend of culture, adventure, and Nordic charm that Helsinki does.

From fun and exciting adventures to vibrant urban art scenes, this capital of Finland is perfect for a teen-friendly trip. So fasten your seatbelts, because Helsinki with teens is a whirlwind adventure waiting to happen.

Know before you go: Helsinki travel tips for families with teenagers

Travelling to Helsinki with teens can be such a fun and interesting experience for the whole family. Helsinki is one of the top family destinations in Europe.

Knowing helpful travel tips and information about your destination is crucial, as it can greatly enhance your family travel holiday experience.

Having information on the best places to stay, how to get around the city, which currency to use, and more is extremely important.

Our know-before-you-go tips allow you to plan your Helsinki itinerary effectively, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable trip to Finland with teens.

Where to stay in Helsinki with teenagers

Great vacations with teens start with some great vacation planning. When you are planning a trip to Europe with teens, you’ll never be short of options for your family’s accommodation in Helsinki.

The city has a wide range of hotels, apartments, and hostels for families on holiday in Helsinki. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families, and groups on every budget on your family trip to Helsinki.

Budget-Friendly Options:

• Hotel Arthur: Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Arthur offers family rooms and is within walking distance of popular attractions like Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and the Central Railway Station.
• Eurohostel: If you prefer a hostel with family-friendly amenities, Eurohostel is an excellent choice. They offer family rooms with private bathrooms and have a convenient location near the city centre.

Mid-Range Options:

• Original Sokos Hotel Presidentti: This hotel is situated in the city centre and offers spacious family rooms. It’s close to Kamppi Shopping Centre, the Natural History Museum, and other attractions.
• Scandic Simonkenttä: Scandic Simonkenttä is another family-friendly hotel with great amenities for teenagers, including a game room. It’s within walking distance of Esplanade Park and the Design District.

Luxury Options for families:

• Hotel Haven: For a more upscale experience, Hotel Haven offers family suites and is located near Market Square, making it easy to explore the city’s waterfront attractions with your family in Helsinki.
• Klaus K Hotel: This boutique hotel offers stylish family rooms and is located in the city centre, close to attractions like the Ateneum Art Museum and Helsinki Music Centre.

If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs for your teen travel holidays, we recommend using Hotels.com and Trip Advisor to find the best prices in Helsinki for your family vacation to Finland.

Helsinki apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation on your holiday with teens in Helsinki, then an apartment is the best choice for you on your family vacation.

There are many apartment choices for singles, families, and those on a budget in Finland. You can search VRBO for tourist-class apartments in cities worldwide.

Staying in a hostel in Helsinki

Most hostels these days are more like hotels. They have facilities like rooms with private showers and communal areas with gaming, Wi-Fi, TV, and more.

Many hostels have tour desks, bike hire, and can organise activities for teenagers. Some of the best hostels for families in Helsinki can be found at Hostelworld.

Getting to Helsinki

Helsinki is renowned as one of the top family destinations in Northern Europe, perfect for travelling with teenagers. As the capital of Finland, it is well-connected by highways, long-distance buses, trains, and planes, making it incredibly accessible for families.

This ease of transportation makes the city one of the most convenient family travel destinations in Europe.

• You can fly into Helsinki Vaanta Airport. The airport is located just 5 kilometres from the city centre. The airport is the home base for Finnair. Many international visitors to Finland will require long-haul travel.
  • You can book an airport transfer straight to your hotel door.
  • If your flights have a long stopover or you just want to relax before your trip, you should consider getting a lounge pass with Priority Pass. Priority Pass has access to airport lounges all over the world. Search now for your lounge pass
• Helsinki can be reached directly from 19 cities and indirectly from anywhere across Europe. Flixbus tickets are available at great prices. Book your bus travel to Helsinki with teens with Flixbus.
• If you want to follow your own schedule and make trips out of the city then car hire is a great option for teens in Finland. It allows you the freedom to stop and start where you like, cars can be hired from Airports and dealerships in major cities across Finland.

How to get around Helsinki

Helsinki offers a well-developed public transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city. Helsinki has an extensive tram network that covers many parts of the city. Trams are a convenient way to navigate the city centre and reach various attractions.

The bus network of Helsinki complements the tram system, providing access to areas not covered by trams. To make travelling more convenient and cost-effective, consider purchasing a Helsinki Card or an HSL Travel Card.

Weather in Helsinki Finland

From the snowy wonderland of winter to the sun-drenched days of summer, Helsinki’s weather is a defining feature of the city’s character, making it a captivating destination year-round.

In Spring the average Temperature (°C/F): is 2-10°C (36-50°F), Bring layered clothing, including a warm jacket, as well as scarves, gloves, and an umbrella for occasional rain. Helsinki in summer sees average temps of 15-22°C (59-72°F, Pack light clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to stay comfortable under the sun.

In Autumn layers are essential, along with a waterproof jacket for the occasional rain showers with temperatures of (°C/F): 8-15°C (46-59°F). Helsinki winters are cold, so pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, thermal layers, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. The temperatures will be on average (°C/F): -5 to 0°C (23-32°F),

Helsinki for international visitors

International travel to Finland requires a bit more thought. You will need to buy a travel insurance policy for your trip to Helsinki. Medical care is not cheap, and if you want good-quality care, it can be very expensive in a foreign country if you don’t have travel insurance.

The official currency of Finland is the Euro. If you use your bank account from home, you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about on a vacation with teens.

• For International travellers, travel insurance is a must get a quote through Insurance Masters and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses.
• Do you need a visa to visit Helsinki? The country of Finland may require you to have a visa or an ETA (Electronic travel authorization) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa.
• Load a Revolut Travel Money card with Euros for your visit and save on transaction fees
• Make phone calls with an international sim card that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
• A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel, alternatively buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet or computer
• Make sure you grab a VPN for your family travel in Finland. VPN Surf Shark has plans available from one month to one year to help keep your data safe from hackers and malware while travelling.

Where can I go in Helsinki if my teenager is ill?

If your teenager is ill in Helsinki, you can seek medical care at one of the city’s medical facilities, which include the Helsingin Kaupungin Terveysasema (Helsinki City Health Centre) and the Kamppi Terveysasema (Kamppi Health Centre).

Travel accessories for teenagers

For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account in order to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.

• Powerbank to keep phones going
• Action camera
• Foldable jewellery case for girls
• Bluetooth travel speaker
• Compression packing cubes for luggage

• Lightweight daypack
• Travel Journal
• Travel neck wallet
• Wearable super soft travel blanket
• Scarf with hidden pockets for money & cards

Things to do in Helsinki with teens

Travelling with teenagers can be a unique and rewarding experience. Teenagers often have their own interests and preferences when it comes to travel, making it important to plan a vacation that caters to their needs.

In this article, you will find plenty of options for Helsinki activities for families with teens to keep them engaged and entertained while on vacation.

Linnanmäki Theme Park: Things to do in Helsinki in the Summer

Linnanmäki is an amusement park in Helsinki, Finland, that has been operating for over 70 years.

This park boasts a wide array of rides and attractions, from classic wooden roller coasters to modern steel coasters with inversions, spinning rides, and much more.

Whether your teens are adrenaline junkies seeking high-speed thrills or prefer family-friendly fun, Linnanmäki has something to offer. Some of the top rides include:

• Vuoristorata (Roller Coaster): This classic wooden roller coaster is one of the park’s iconic attractions and provides a thrilling experience
• Kirnu: A modern steel coaster with twists, turns, and inversions for an adrenaline rush
• Kingi: A tower ride that offers a drop from a significant height, perfect for thrill-seekers
• Pikajuna: A family-friendly roller coaster suitable for kids and adults
• Panorama: A large swing ride that provides panoramic views of the park and surrounding area.

With a blend of exciting rides and more relaxed attractions, it’s the perfect place for a family day out filled with laughter and excitement. The theme park has a limited season and is closed during the winter in Helsinki.

Cool things to do in Helsinki – Segway Tour

There is nothing more fun than zipping around a city on a Segway, capturing every thrilling moment with an action camera strapped to your helmet. For teens, this has to be one of the best things to do in Helsinki.

A Segway Tour is a great opportunity to have fun and learn about the city, all while recording incredible memories with your action camera.

Get ready to make some unforgettable videos and capture the laughter and fun while visiting Helsinki with teens.

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Helsinki family vacation ideas for teenagers – Jet Boating

Exploring Helsinki’s waterways with kids is an exciting adventure with jet boating and RIB boat excursions. These fast-paced tours offer the best things to see in Helsinki from the sea.

You’ll speed across the waves, catching glimpses of Helsinki’s must-see iconic landmarks like the historic Suomenlinna Fortress, Market Square, and the beautiful shoreline.

The speed and splash of the boat rides make it an ideal family activity. It’s one of the many exciting things to do in Helsinki with kids. Book your high-speed tour today

If you have a layover at Helsinki Airport you can easily reach the city and spend a few hours seeing the sights

Things to do with kids in Helsinki – Scavenger Hunts

If you are looking for cheap things to do in Helsinki with teens, then look no further than a family scavenger hunt.

There are quite a few different scavenger hunts to do in Helsinki for families. Instead of a traditional sightseeing tour, get to know the world in a unique way with a scavenger hunt.

On your hunt, you will discover both popular and lesser-known sights of the city as you solve clues and tackle challenges to complete the adventure. Scavenger hunts are completely unique things to do in Helsinki with teenyboppers.

Helsinki Hop on hop off Bus

A Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is a great way to get an overview of the city, especially in a bustling destination like Helsinki.

The carefully curated bus route takes you to all the best attractions, allowing you to see everything from Market Square to Temppeliaukio Church.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning photos with your family, and the convenience of the tour bus allows you to get out and visit all the top tourist spots in Helsinki for families.

It’s essential to consider sun protection when sitting outside during the journey, so you don’t get burned.

Not sure what your teen will need on holiday? Click here to get all the top sellers for your travelling teens

Walking Tours in Helsinki

A walking tour can be a fantastic way for families to explore a new city or destination while on vacation. It allows families to immerse themselves in the local culture and history of a place, providing a fun and educational experience for both kids and adults.

To make the most of this family adventure, it’s essential to remember a few things, wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes and appropriate clothing for summer or winter

Some of the best walking tours in Helsinki include The Small-Group Walking Tour and the First Discovery and Reading Walking Tour.

Evening sightseeing cruise in Helsinki

Explore Helsinki’s stunning archipelago on an evening sightseeing cruise during the summer. This evening journey on the waters surrounding Helsinki provides the best views of the picturesque islands and the coastline. It’s a perfect summer activity for teenagers in Helsinki.

Find additional European travel inspiration here: Visit Oslo with teenagers this year for a Nordic experience

Take a scenic helicopter flight over Helsinki

Soaring over Helsinki and taking in the beautiful view of the Finnish archipelago and the city is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Going up high on a panoramic helicopter flight and seeing everything from fancy neighbourhoods to Tallinn, Estonia, in the distance can be one of the things to see and do in Helsinki that teenagers will not forget.

Skywheel Helsinki

Helsinki is much like many other cities around the world, such as Vienna, Singapore, and Las Vegas, and has a Ferris Wheel.

SkyWheel Helsinki stands at around 40 meters (131 feet) in height, offering teens an exciting ride lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

During the ride, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Helsinki, including its famous landmarks like the Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, Old Town, and the Gulf of Finland’s coastline.

We think the best time to ride the Helsinki Skywheel is at night time as the city lights up.

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Allas Sea Pool and Sauna

The Allas Sea Pool and Sauna is a unique and popular destination in Helsinki, offering a true Nordic lifestyle experience.

Allas Sea Pool is located right in the heart of Helsinki, next to the Market Square (Kauppatori) and with stunning views of the sea and the city’s skyline.

The complex features several outdoor pools filled with clean, heated seawater from the Baltic Sea. There’s a large pool for swimming, a family pool, and a smaller warm pool for relaxation.

Allas Sea Pool offers a variety of saunas, including traditional Finnish saunas, wood-burning saunas, and an infrared sauna. These saunas are perfect for experiencing the Finnish sauna culture, which is an essential part of the Nordic experience for families on vacation in Finland

Watch Ice Hockey in Helsinki

Helsinki is home to teams in the Finnish Elite League (Liiga), the country’s top professional ice hockey league.

The Liiga season typically runs from September to April, featuring exciting matches between the top 15 teams in the league including HIFK (Helsingin IFK) and Jokerit, both based in Helsinki.

Catching a game is a fantastic way to experience the passion and enthusiasm for ice hockey in the city, and both teams have dedicated fan bases that make the matches even more thrilling.

Rage Rooms

Rage rooms are cool things to do with teenagers in Helsinki. These unique spaces provide a safe and exciting outlet for teenagers to smash stuff like glassware and electronics.

It’s an empowering and unconventional experience that offers stress relief and a bit of fun among families and teenagers in a controlled and safe environment. Add a rage room to any Helsinki with teens’ itinerary and visit Raivoomo.

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Amusement Arcades

Amusement arcades offer a variety of entertainment options for teenagers as a great way to spend a few hours having fun.

They can play the newest video games or indulge in some classic pinball machines of the past. Some of the more modern arcades will have Laser Tag, bumper cars and indoor mini golf as options.

Arcades are popular because they offer things to do that are fun and affordable to do, most arcades have food and beverage options for you.

There are some great arcades in Helsinki including Sugoi Oy and Pelimaailma Oy

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Things to do in Helsinki with teenage girls – High Tea

High Tea started out as a quintessentially British thing. This afternoon tea tradition involves savoury sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and of course, tea. For mothers and daughters, it’s a cherished ritual that often brings them closer together.

If you’re looking for something to do in Helsinki with teenage girls, then you should experience high tea firsthand, there are plenty of places to go in Helsinki, But be warned it can be quite addictive!

You will find the best High Tea and afternoon teas at Brassiere Kamp and the Salutorget

Weird thing to do in Helsinki – Mushroom picking

Not far from Helsinki is Liesjärvi National Park, where you can go mushroom foraging. This can certainly be a unique, exciting, and educational outdoor adventure for teens in Helsinki.

First off, unless you know mushrooms well, we suggest you take a guided tour, as some mushrooms can be poisonous. A local guide will help you recognise edible mushrooms and explore the park’s lush forests, wetlands, and lakes.

Is this considered a weird thing to do in Helsinki? Do you know what teens love about weird stuff?

Experience Helsinki culture through food

Embark on a food adventure with your teenagers and discover the flavours of Helsinki through a food tour. These food experiences not only teach your teens about local foods but also offer a gateway to culture.

From savouring local delicacies to learning traditional cooking techniques on your Helsinki vacation with teenagers, Food tours can ignite a lifelong passion in teens for cooking and eating global cuisines.

One of the best food tours is the Helsinki City Tour with Food Tasting with Larissa, where you will eat food and discuss the history and culture of Helsinki.

The Flying Cinema Tour

The Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki is an immersive and unique way to explore the city with your family. Sit down and strap yourself in for this virtual reality cinematic journey above Helsinki’s renowned sights and attractions.

This extraordinary experience lasts for 12 unforgettable minutes and combines special effects like wind and mist with motion, making it an immersive adventure that brings the city’s famous landmarks to life.

Things to do around Helsinki – boat trip to Suomenlinna

The boat trip to Suomenlinna from Helsinki typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the specific boat and route.

The boats depart from Market Square in Helsinki, which is easily accessible from the city centre. Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed sea fortress that can be explored independently or as part of a tour.

While on the island, you can explore the well-preserved fortifications, visit museums, walk along scenic paths, and enjoy picnics by the sea. A few hours should be sufficient to explore the island’s history.

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Helsinki Tram Tour

Helsinki, much like Melbourne and Lisbon, is serviced by trams. The city boasts an extensive tram network, with numerous routes crisscrossing the city.

Trams in Helsinki come in different types, including older models with a nostalgic charm and newer, more modern ones.

You can grab a daily tram ticket to see the sights or partake in the popular tram tour, where a guide will show you around the city and you can discover hidden locations.

Stand-up paddle boarding

If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the water on your holiday, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) might be just the thing. SUP is a relatively new sport that involves standing on a large, surfboard-like paddleboard and using a long paddle to move through the water.

It is suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s also a great way to explore new areas and see things from a different perspective. In Helsinki, water sports are popular; you can rent boards and take lessons.

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Things to do in Helsinki in Winter – Snowmobile Tour

How cool would this be? head out onto the ice in the winter landscape near the frozen Gulf of Finland.

After learning how to ride the snowmobile (children 15 and under must ride with an adult), you will have the best time ever as your guides introduce you to the frozen world of winter in Finland. Book your snowmobile adventure today.

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The most Instagrammable shots in Helsinki

The best family vacations for teens always incorporate something they love. Social media plays a crucial role in their lives, and teenagers often use platforms like Instagram to stay connected with friends, share their interests, and express themselves creatively.

If you’re planning a vacation to Helsinki, we recommend considering a few Helsinki Instagram spots like the Allas Sea Pool, Moomin Café, and Amos Rex. You will find many teen-approved Helsinki sights to take great pictures at.

One great idea is to explore the city with a small tripod and gimbal. These handy tools will help capture stable and stunning pics at Helsinki Instagram spots, perfect for your teens’ Instagram feed.

Alternatively, you can take it a step further and book an Instagram tour with a guide who knows all the best photo spots in Helsinki.

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Helsinki Tiktok inspiration

If you’re in need of some inspiration, look no further than TikTok. TikTok is today’s app of choice for teens around the globe. This app is full of creative content and talented people from Helsinki.

From fashion to beauty to DIY, there’s something for everyone on TikTok. Here are just a few of our favourite Helsinki TikTok accounts to help inspire you and plan for your vacation.

• @goHelsinki
• @helsinkifoodie
• @helsinkioutlet

Professional photoshoot in Helsinki

Capture your precious family vacation memories forever with a professional photoshoot! Cherish those genuine smiles, laughter, and love shared during your holiday.

Let a skilled photographer freeze those beautiful moments in time, creating timeless keepsakes you’ll treasure for generations to come. Don’t miss the chance to make your family holiday memories last a lifetime!

Get event tickets for Helsinki attractions and activities

For concerts, theatre, stage shows, and sporting events, search Ticketmaster, an online marketplace that provides an outlet for buyers and sellers of tickets to live entertainment events.

Search Ticketmaster for a special event when you are on vacation in Helsinki with teenagers.

Street Art in Helsinki

Street art is found throughout the world, but it is especially prevalent in major cities. Cities are home to a wealth of street art, from graffiti on building walls to pieces painted on lanes and bridges.

Street art provides a unique aesthetic for these places, with topics including current events, pop culture, portraits, and more. Street art is a very popular free thing to do in Helsinki and attracts tourists and teenagers alike.

Street Art in Helsinki can be found at a number of underpasses on the Baana bicycle corridor that runs from Helsinki Central Station. The fashionable district of Kellio has a number of amazing murals big and small,

Pin Bowling in Helsinki with teenagers

If you’re looking for a bit of fun, friendly family competition in Helsinki with kids, then 10-pin bowling might be just the family activity for you and your teen travellers.

Most bowling alleys these days are more entertainment centres featuring amusement, food and drink options. You will find some of the best bowling locations in Helsinki below.

• Fun Bowling & Bar
• Kamppi Bowling Centre & Biljard Bar

Axe Throwing in Helsinki

Axe throwing is an excellent activity for bonding, laughter, and friendly competition. No experience is required, as the staff at Helaxe will run you through the safety precautions before giving tips and hints on how best to throw an axe.

If you are looking for unique experiences for teens in Helsinki, then axe throwing could be it. Axe throwing is one of the awesome things to do in Helsinki on your family vacation.

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Bike riding in Helsinki

Explore new cities in a thrilling and fun way by hopping on bicycles together. Bike riding not only keeps everyone fit but also adds a sense of excitement and adventure to sightseeing.

Cities such as Helsinki have bike tours and bike rental options available, so you can explore on your own making, it’s a convenient and affordable way to see the sites

Family holidays in Helsinki – Going to the cinema

Great vacations with teens have a mix of everything! Watching a movie is popular with teenagers anywhere in the world.

Going to the cinema in Helsinki with teenagers is a great evening activity. You will find state-of-the-art screens and sound for you to watch the latest blockbusters in cinemas.

In Helsinki, you will find multiplex, Imax, 3D, and specialty cinemas showing art houses and indie films. A cinema is one of the best places to visit in Helsinki at night with teens. You can use this Trip Advisor guide to the best cinemas in Helsinki.

Escape rooms in Helsinki for teens

Escape rooms are adventure games where players must solve puzzles and riddles in order to escape a themed room within a set time limit.

They have become a popular form of entertainment, offering a unique and immersive experience for families and teens.

Escape rooms may consist of a large, single room, or span multiple rooms. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms.

If your travelling teen likes this stuff, it is definitely one of the top things to do in Helsinki with teenagers. You can find 2 of the best Escape Rooms below. 

• Escape Room Helsinki
• aMazed Games Room Escape Helsinki

Shopping in Helsinki with teens

Shopping with teenagers in Helsinki can be an exciting and challenging experience while on vacation.

Teenagers often have their own unique tastes and preferences when it comes to fashion and entertainment, making it important to find shopping destinations that cater to their interests.

Whether it’s exploring high-end boutiques or browsing through vintage markets, there are plenty of options to keep teenagers engaged and entertained while shopping during a vacation.

Below, you will find some great recommendations on where to shop with teens in Helsinki.

Shopping Malls:

For many teens visiting a shopping mall with their favourite brands is high on the list of things teens want to do on vacation in Helsinki.

1. Kamppi Shopping Centre (Kampin Keskus): Located in the heart of Helsinki, Kamppi is one of the city’s largest shopping centres. It features a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
2. Forum Shopping Centre: Forum is another popular shopping destination with numerous fashion retailers, electronics stores, and cafes. It’s conveniently located near the city centre.

Department Stores:

Knowing and loving a worldwide brand is a great way to add to your collection of clothes or treasures from another country when on vacation in Helsinki with teens.

1. Stockmann: Stockmann is Helsinki’s most famous department store, offering a wide range of high-quality products, including fashion, cosmetics, home goods, and Finnish design. It’s located in the city centre.
2. Sokos: Sokos is another well-known department store chain in Finland. The Helsinki flagship store, Sokos Helsinki, offers fashion, beauty products, and more.

Markets in Helsinki for families:

Wandering a market is a great way for families in Helsinki on holiday to see how the locals live.

1. Helsinki Market Square (Kauppatori): Market Square is a lively place to explore local handicrafts, souvenirs, and Finnish food products. It’s also a great spot to enjoy street food and snacks.
2. Hietalahti Flea Market: Open during the summer months, Hietalahti Flea Market is a treasure trove of vintage and second-hand goods. It’s a fun place to hunt for unique finds.

Not sure what your teen will need on holiday? Click here to get all the top sellers for your travelling teens from Amazon

Free things to do in Helsinki with teens

Helsinki offers some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members. These free city of Helsinki activities with teens are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without having to spend any money. Some of our recommendations for free activities in Helsinki for families are as follows:

• Visit Flea Markets
• Take a free walking tour
• Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art-Free Fridays
• Explore Helsinki Cathedral

Things to do in Helsinki this weekend

There are countless things to do in Helsinki this weekend, including visiting popular green spaces for picnics, hiking, or cycling. Places for a bit of retail therapy can be found all through the city centre, as can street food options.

On any given weekend in Helsinki, you will find any number of events and sporting activities to see. Search the My Helsinki website for things to do in Helsinki this weekend.

Read more: 10 of the best cities in Europe for the best vacations for families with teenagers

Annual events in Helsinki that teens will love

Helsinki is a city with a rich culture and history. There are many annual events that take place in Helsinki and can be enjoyed by families and teens visiting. Some of these events include:

Flow Festival: Flow Festival is one of Helsinki’s largest music and arts festivals, featuring a diverse lineup of international and Finnish artists across various music genres, including rock, hip-hop, electronic, and indie.

The festival also includes art installations, food vendors, and a relaxed atmosphere that many teenagers appreciate. It usually takes place in August.

Tuska Open Air Metal Festival: For teenagers who are into heavy metal and rock music, the Tuska festival is a major attraction. It features prominent metal bands from around the world and is held in the summer.

Helsinki Comics Festival: If your teenagers are into comics and graphic novels, this festival celebrates the art of comics and offers a chance to meet comic book artists and authors. It usually takes place in late summer.

These events help to make Helsinki a vibrant and exciting city to visit on your next family travel vacation.

Day trips from Helsinki with teens

While staying in the city of Helsinki with teenagers on your family holiday, a day trip to see a bit more of the surrounding area is highly recommended.

There are some fun trips for teenagers and families that can be made out of the city. These added attractions provide an opportunity for families on vacation to experience new adventures beyond the city they are staying in.

On a day trip from Helsinki, make sure to pack essentials like sunscreen, water, snacks, a waterproof dry bag, a power bank, and shoes for an enjoyable and memorable experience with your teenagers.

Below, we have a couple of day trips from Helsinki recommendations for families travelling with teenagers.

Tallinn Estonia

Why not take a short trip to another country? Tallinn in Estonia is an ideal choice, located opposite Helsinki, just across the bay from Finland. You can catch a ferry easily from the Port of Helsinki (we have done this trip ourselves).

The ferry ride from Helsinki to Tallinn takes approximately 2–2.5 hours. You can do this independently by getting tickets from Ferry Hopper, or you can take a guided tour.

In Tallinn, you can explore the charming Old Town, visit the historic Town Hall Square, walk the city walls for panoramic views, ride the sky wheel, discover local history in museums, savour Estonian cuisine, and shop for handmade souvenirs.

The Hop On Hop Off bus in Tallinn is a good way to see the sights in a short amount of time

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Fun restaurants in Helsinki for teens

Whether we’re savouring local cuisine at a quaint eatery or enjoying a burger at an international chain, gathering for dinner as a family during vacation is a must at the end of the day.

It’s a great time when everyone can unwind and share their experiences and memories of the days spent in Helsinki.

• Sea Life Helsinki’s Oceanic: This underwater-themed restaurant is part of the Sea Life Helsinki aquarium. Diners can enjoy their meals while observing marine life through large windows in the dining area. It’s an exciting experience for teenagers who love sea creatures.
• Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki: If your teenagers enjoy rock music and American cuisine, the Hard Rock Cafe in Helsinki is a great choice. The restaurant features music memorabilia and a rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere that can be entertaining for young music enthusiasts.

Street food in Helsinki

Street food is a popular way to eat in many parts of the world. It’s a quick and easy way to get some delicious local food without having to go to a full restaurant. Street food can be found in many different styles and options.

Some of the most well-known street foods include tacos in Mexico, Zapiekanka in Poland, Dan Dan noodles in China, and Shawarma in Middle Eastern countries. Street food in Helsinki often has its origins in the cultural history of people who have immigrated to Finland in the past. Some of the most popular street foods include:

• Karjalanpiirakka: These are traditional Karelian pasties made of thin rye pastry filled with rice porridge, mashed potatoes, or carrot and rice filling. They are often enjoyed with a spread of butter on top.
• Korvapuusti: These are Finnish cinnamon rolls, similar to the more famous cinnamon buns. They are sweet, fluffy, and cinnamon-spiced, making them a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth.
• Kalakukko: While not as common in street food stalls, you may encounter this traditional Finnish fish pie in local bakeries or markets. It’s made with fish, usually, perch or salmon, mixed with pork or bacon and enclosed in a dense rye crust.

Frequently asked questions about Helsinki

There are so many things to consider when you are planning your family vacation to Helsinki. Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make your family vacation easy and hassle-free.

Where are the best places to stay in Helsinki for teenagers

At the top of the article, we suggested some accommodation choices for your holiday in Helsinki with the kids. If you are looking for a wider variety of choices for your family stay, please find below an interactive map from Booking.com for you to find your perfect stay for your Finland vacation.

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Finland with teenagers. There are so many things to do in Helsinki with young adults that will have you entertained for your family’s whole stay in the city. 

Travelling with young adults, teens and tweens has just as many issues as travelling with young children.

Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations, working out a budget, what bags and suitcases to take, travel essentials and more can be so time-consuming.

Planning family travel with teenagers and tweens can be stressful, and finding the best tips for travel is essential for stress-free travel for young adults. 

Our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides have you covered! With insights from around the globe, these guides will spark inspiration for your next family vacation, making it an epic adventure with your teens.

• Travel for Teens Americas
• Travel for Teens in Europe
• Travel with teens in Asia
• Travel teens in Australasia
• Travel teens in the Middle East
• Travel teen’s tips, tricks and advice

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Helsinki click through to our Finland Destination Guide page for more brilliant Finland vacation ideas.

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More travel inspiration for your next trip with teens

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