Things to do for children and groups: free and low-cost ideas

Nature is free

According to Metsähallitus, Finland's 41 national parks received a total of 3 521 100 visits in 2025. Visiting national parks is free of charge, and many parks are easy to reach from cities. The most popular was Pallas-Yllästunturi (586 800 visits). In southern Finland, Nuuksio had the most visits (298 700), and Sipoonkorpi (164 400) is also close to the Helsinki region. From the Turku region you can easily reach, for example, Teijo (96 900) and Kurjenrahka (69 200).

With children, it is worth choosing a short marked route with a rest stop along the way. On Luontoon.fi you will find route lengths, fire pits and directions. Bring snacks, spare clothes and a rubbish bag.

Museums free or cheap

In many museums children get in free. For example at HAM Helsinki Art Museum, under-18s get in for free, and HAM is free for everyone on the last Friday of the month from 11 to 19. The free Fridays in autumn 2026 are 30.10. and 27.11. An adult's standard ticket is 20 € and a reduced ticket 12 €.

The Museum Card costs 86 € for 12 months and gives access to over 360 museums. Validity starts only from the first museum visit, and the extension period costs 79 €. The card can also be paid in monthly instalments of 7,45 euros. If an adult ticket costs about 15–20 €, the card pays for itself in a few visits.

Rainy day ideas

The library is one of the few indoor places where you can spend the whole day free of charge. Under the Public Libraries Act, using and borrowing the library's own collections and making reservations are free. Many libraries also have children's story hours, games and workshops, which are listed in the library's event calendar.

Science centres, indoor playgrounds and spas charge admission, but many venues have family or group tickets. Compare the price of a family ticket with the sum of individual tickets and check whether the venue has cheaper weekday mornings or afternoon tickets. If your whole family visits museums, find out in advance whether children get in free.

The exercise and culture benefit in 2026

The employer's tax-free sports and culture benefit rises from €400 to €540 per year. Parliament approved the legislative amendment in September 2026, and the employer can raise the benefit already this year once the law has been confirmed. The increase is voluntary, so check your own balance.

As a result of the change, the benefit can also be used for, for example, the fisheries management fee, fishing and hunting licences, wilderness guide services and the rental of sports equipment, such as bicycles, kayaks, canoes and skiing equipment. The benefit cannot be used for renting electric scooters or personal watercraft. The Museum Card can be paid in an online shop with Edenred, Epassi and Zevoy, but not as a monthly fee.

Holiday weeks fill up quickly

In 2026 the autumn holidays fall in weeks 42 and 43. According to the indicative list from the Finnish National Agency for Education, holidays in week 42 (12.–16.10.) are taken in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Turku, Tampere, Jyväskylä and Kuopio, among others, and in week 43 (19.–23.10.) in Oulu, Lahti, Lappeenranta and Pori, among others. The 2027 winter holiday is staggered across weeks 8–10.

During holiday weeks, indoor activities such as trampoline parks and escape rooms are worth booking in advance. Weekday mornings are often the quietest.

Team recreation day

According to the Finnish Tax Administration, a customary recreational event of reasonable cost organised for the entire staff is a tax-free benefit for the employee. No euro upper limit has been set. If the outing is offered to only part of the staff, the benefit may be taxable wages.

For a company, the costs of a recreation day for the whole staff are deductible, and the VAT can also be deducted. An event held for customers counts as entertainment, of which only 50 % is deductible in income taxation. The VAT on admission tickets to museums, zoos, concerts and sports services is 13,5 %.

Find a destination with the Activity Radar

Activity Radar compiles museums, science centres, indoor activities and nature sites by city. Filter the search by whether children, adults or a company group are coming along, and check opening hours and prices on the venue's own page before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Museum Card worth it?

If you visit museums several times a year, probably. The card costs €86 and is valid at over 360 museums for 12 months from your first visit.

How much is the exercise and culture benefit in 2026?

The tax-free maximum rises from 400 euros to 540 euros per year. Parliament approved the change in September 2026, and the employer decides on the increase.

What is Finland's most popular national park?

In 2025 Pallas-Yllästunturi, with 586,800 visits. In southern Finland the most popular was Nuuksio (298,700).

Activity Radar brings together the topic's figures, deadlines and services. Open Activity Radar →

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Sources

The article is general information and does not replace the guidance of an authority, a lawyer or an adviser. Check up-to-date information from the sources.