Would you like to practice reading aloud? A reading dog is a patient listener, so you don't have to feel nervous about reading with them. Reading skills improve with a reading dog! At Lumo, we have a wonderful reading dog, Martta, whom you can read to twice a month on Thursdays from 5 PM to 6 PM. In autumn 2026, the reading dog will be available on September 10th, September 24th, October 8th, October 22nd, November 5th, November 19th, December 3rd, and December 17th. Each reading session lasts a maximum of 15 minutes. You can read a book you've brought with you or choose one from the library's collection. The reading dog's handler will be present during the session. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Instructions for reading sessions: Book a reading slot at Lumon kirjasto's info desk or by phone at 043 825 1305. One reader at a time can practice reading aloud with the reading dog. Let's focus on reading – the reading dog is a reading buddy, not a playmate. Reading dogs enjoy being petted. However, please ask the owner for permission first.
Finland’s only short film festival aimed exclusively at young people, the Kohina Film Festival, takes place on 22 October at Vuosaari House in Helsinki. The Kohina Film Festival provides filmmakers aged 13–25 with an opportunity to showcase their work on the big screen, receive feedback from professionals and network with other young talents and film industry professionals. The festival, now held for the first time, brings together young filmmakers from across Finland to Vuosaari House on 22 October. The festival focuses on young people’s own stories, new perspectives and working together. The call for entries for short films ended on 4 September. The festival accepts works the production team of which consists of young people aged 13–25. (The age of the actors is irrelevant.) The films must not exceed 10 minutes in length, and previously released films are allowed provided that they were completed after 1 January 2025. The aim of the Kohina Film Festival is to provide young filmmakers with exposure, valuable feedback and opportunities to network within the film industry. The 2026 Kohina Film Festival is organised by media studies students Veera Elo, Onni Tommola and Oona-Jemina Huusko. Click here to access the application form Event schedule: 17.00: the doors open 17.30: the event begins 17.45: first screening 18.45: break 19.00: second screening 20.00: the event ends
In this group, we'll take a moment to focus on job searching, our own strengths, future direction, and personal goals, all in a safe and encouraging atmosphere. The sessions combine discussion, light exercises, peer support, and practical job search skills, such as creating a CV and a job application. No previous job search experience is required. Welcome to join! The group is free of charge. Soft drinks and light snacks will be served.
Stadin yhteisötalo Alppila, Sturenkatu 11 · Helsinki
The ping-pong club for youth every Thurday in Kibe from 5 pm to 6.30 pm. The instructor will introduce the techniques and gameplay of Ping-pong to the participants.
Welcome to come and play some board games every thursday to Martinlaaksos library! Martinlaaksos board game club is for adults and young people, rules and some games are in english. Club is organisated by Finnis Board Game Society More info: https://lautapeliseura.fi/english/ Photo: Pixabay.com
The Echoes of Freedom exhibition presents seven perspectives on the theme of freedom. There was an open call for the exhibition, and it features seven different young artists. The exhibition is open from October 1st to November 1st, 2026, on Mondays and Thursdays from 5 PM to 8 PM. The exhibition opening is on October 1st from 5 PM to 7 PM. Welcome to experience the works!
Dates: August 20th - November 26th. Time: 5:30 PM. Age group: Preschoolers. Kids' Evenings offer activities for preschoolers to enjoy with a parent. There will be bedtime story times and crafts, among other things. The program always starts at 5:30 PM, and the duration varies depending on the content. The monthly program will be announced in advance on the library's Instagram, Facebook, and info screens.
Kalasataman kirjasto, Hermannin rantatie 5 · Helsinki
Welcome to the Espoo City Library Ukulele Group 7- to 12-year-old. In the Ukulele Group we learn basic of the music theory and playing an ukulele. We practice how to play melody and harmony with well-known songs. Teaching is student-centered. The Library has 15 ukuleles that can be borrowed for the lesson. Pre-registration: https://link.webropol.com/s/ukulele First class is 10.9.2026 15 children can attend the class. Participation is free of charge. No class on 15th of October Lauri Iljin teaches the group lauri.iljin(at)espoo.fi
Lukukoira Sella will be at Jakomäen kirjasto on Thursdays, Sept 24th, Oct 8th, Oct 22nd, Nov 5th, Nov 19th, Dec 3rd, and Dec 17th, from 6 PM to 7 PM. A reading dog is a patient listener, so you don't have to feel nervous with them. Reading dog activities are for those learning to read and for reading support. Remember to book a 15-minute reading slot with the library staff in advance.
The Youth Lounge is a space for children and young people to relax, spend time together, and play games. Let the staff know what kinds of activities you would like to have. Welcome!
Do you know how to handle an emergency? Or what to do when someone needs help? In the Red Cross Auttajaklubi – Helpers' Club you learn life-saving First Aid skills, practice Finnish in a fun, relaxed environment and make new friends! Aimed for adults 16-29 years of age. Helpers' Club will be held on Thursdays at 6 PM-8 PM. Won't be held on 15th of October. The teaching is in basic Finnish and English. Welcome! Sign up from here. Ask for more information: lansivantaa@punainenristi.fi
Kids can read to a reading dog at Main Library Metso. It’s beneficial to children who have reading difficulties, performance anxiety etc. Reading dog activity is free of charge.
Children's and youth breakdance workshops in Kontula
Ash and Gustyle, members of the Turkish dance group Too Much Underground, will be teaching breakdance power moves on four Thursdays in October-November at Kontulan Luuppi. The workshops will focus on different power moves, such as airflares, headspins, and challenging freezes, which the workshop leaders will guide participants to practice independently. The power move workshops are for more advanced breakdancers. At the same time, breakdance instructor FDC Slick Nick will provide hands-on guidance for beginners. The breakdance workshops are on Thursdays, Oct 22nd, Oct 29th, Nov 12th, and Nov 19th, from 6 PM to 8 PM. You can attend once or even every time! Self-guided breakdance sessions are every Thursday from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM (except during autumn break on Oct 15th) at Luuppi. Breakdance instructor FDC Slick Nick will be there to provide guidance. The workshops and breakdance sessions are free of charge for all children and young people. No advance registration needed.
This family café, organized by the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare, supports community among families. It's a low-threshold activity where everyone is welcome to hang out, play, and chat freely indoors.
We go on excursions together on Fridays, both nearby and further afield, in the spirit of getting to know the city. Destinations include museums, sports facilities, nature trails, and playgrounds. More information about schedules and meeting points can be found in our weekly program, which is updated every Friday on Facebook and Instagram. Note! Not held during autumn break, week 42.
Perhetalo Naapuri / Asukastila Kivenkolo, Kivikonkaari 11 · Helsinki
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM. A nice get-together for families with small children, with light refreshments. Come relax with a cup of coffee at the MLL family café. You can heat up and eat your own packed lunches indoors at the playground.
The MLL-organised family café meets in Viiri on Fridays from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Welcome to meet other families with children! Coffee, good company, and shared activities are available.
At the family café, you can meet other parents in a similar life situation in the area, and children can find playmates their own age. At the family café, we chat and have coffee, play with the children, or listen to expert presentations.
Family Morning at Perhetalo Sahrami in cooperation with Paavalin seurakunta, for all ages with changing themes. The guided part starts at 10:00 AM. Welcome to play, sing, rhyme, move, create art, and explore at the family house's Family Morning! The play and activity environment allows parents and children to engage in shared activities and play, and children will find playmates. Children and parents can participate in planning and implementing activities with the leaders. More detailed information, schedules, and program descriptions can be found on the family house's own Instagram and Facebook pages. There's an opportunity to warm up your own food and make coffee/tea. The family house also has suitable facilities for diaper changing. Address: Haukilahdenkuja 3. We use the facilities in cooperation with päiväkoti Viola. The family house has its own entrance. Note! Las
All families with babies are welcome to the staffed playground's baby meet-up! At the baby meet-up, babies still at the lying-down stage and crawling-aged children can, together with a parent, participate in playing, moving, exploring, and expressing themselves through things like music, movement, crafting, and story time sessions. Parents have the chance to meet other families with children, and children get playmates. Parents and children can participate in planning and carrying out activities together with the session leaders. There's a chance to warm up your own food. Coffee and small snacks are available.
Leikkipuisto Mellunmäki, Pyhätunturintie 2 · Helsinki
You can always come to play in the leikkipuisto's yard! During Simo Siili's orienteering session, various orienteering checkpoints can be found in Intia's yard, according to the theme. Children will find playmates, and during playtime, parents can meet other families with children. There's an opportunity to warm up your own food and make coffee/tea, and of course, you can also go inside to play.
Various guided sessions, either indoors or outdoors, with changing themes like singing, movement, or stories. You can find the detailed weekly program on the leikkipuisto's social media. Note: muskaris are from 10:30-11:15 AM. Instagram: leikkipuisto_orava Facebook: Leikkipuisto Orava
Looking for a change of pace with your child? Come join the leikkipuisto's Friday – it's a special time for dads and kids! We have a new electric grill, so feel free to bring your own BBQ food and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Hot coffee will also be available to help you power through the daily grind with little ones. This is a great chance to meet other dads, catch up, and make new friends. You're warmly welcome! It's a low-key event – just show up as you are. And hey, while Fridays are especially for dads, the park is, of course, open to moms and all other guardians too! We value diversity, and everyone is welcome. The main thing is to create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere together, where everyone feels comfortable and children can play safely.
Activities for families with changing themes. There will be games, crafts, painting, music, and movement. Held either indoors at the park or in the yard. See the detailed program on the park's social media.
Leikkipuisto Mäkitorppa, Mäkitorpantie 42 · Helsinki
Songs and rhymes for babies at Malminkartanon nuorisotalo (Piianpolku 3-5 c)! The guided part starts at 10:30 AM. Doors are locked, so please ring the doorbell!
Leikkipuiston pihalla tapahtuvaa liikunnallista toimintaa, kuten temppuratoja, liikuntaratoja ja pallopelejä. Tarkemmat tiedot voi katsoa Facebookista tai Instagramista.