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No-Cost Fun In Finland
Anyone who's been to the pump lately knows that skyrocketing gas prices also means a dramatic increase in airfare. With fuel surcharges, taxes, and complicated fees, those bargain tickets are starting to look more like a mortgage payment than economical getaway. So when someone asks where you're planning your next family vacation, Finland probably doesn't come to mind. But with some planning and ingenuity, there are nearly unlimited no-cost activities to keep you busy and your wallet resting easy in the capitol city, Helsinki.
There's lots to see and do in Helsinki, and with nearly 24-hours of daylight during midsummer, you'll have the extended time to do it. But if you're worried about navigating both the city and the language, take comfort with Helsinki Helpers. From June to August, this free service of specially educated helpers is ready and willing to assist visitors in up to 20 languages, including English, Japanese and Croatian. You can easily locate your own helper from 8am to 8pm in the city center, information booths across the city, and other key tourist areas including the Esplanade.
Art, Culture & Theater
As of January 2008, Finland has declared many of their city museums free to the public, year-round. This means more economical, educational, and colorful options for the traveling family. The Helsinki Children's Museum (358 0 9 3107 1568) features interactive exhibits including mammoths and guinea pigs detailing the history of animals in Helsinki. The museum offers young explorers the chance to go on nature trips into the past to learn about ancient water monsters and animal life 150 years ago. The museum utilizes the help of children when staging their exhibition through discussions, activities, games, and excursions. Located in Tuomarinkylä manor Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki offers varied festivals from spring through fall, including special children's performances. In summer 2008, pay a visit to Hippalot Arts Festival for Children (358 03 621 3026) for drama, workshops, visual art, dance, music, and circus in both Finnish and English. Or Vekara-Varkaus festival (358 0 17 579 4435) presenting rhyming and song contests for kids, free outdoor concerts and the Finnish Summersault Championships, dancing, workshops, and more. Visit www.festivals.fi for a list of upcoming performances
Opened in 2003, the Bank of Finland Museum (358 10 831 2981) gives a free and in-depth look at the history of money in Finland and abroad, as well as the role of the Bank of Finland in the European System of Central Banks. Kids are usually fascinated by the concept of different brightly colored money in other cultures, so give them a brief introduction before the trip by downloading the bank's online teaching material. Located in Snellmaninkatu 2, 00170 Helsinki.
The National Museum of Finland (358 09 4050 9544) houses archaeological and ethnographic collections showcasing Finnish life from prehistory to the present day. Kids will enjoy pouring over the collection of coins, medals, decorations, silver and lots of cool weapons. There are also hands-on interactive exhibits where visitors can study the history of Finland and its culture. Free admission Tuesdays from 5.30pm to 8pm. Located in Mannerheimintie 34, Helsinki.
The eclectic and funky Contemporary Art Museum (358 0 9 1733 6501) exhibits both local and international contemporary art since the 1960s and currently has approximately 4,000 pieces on display, including American art. There's also a Kiasma Theater offering seasonal performances ranging from "Call Cutta in a Box" and the "New Circus Festival" in Helsinki. Mannerheiminaukio 2, FIN-00100 Helsinki, Finland.
Keep an eye out for the internationally growing ArtParks (358 41 533 5206), designed with a respect for the environment in mind. Families can interact and learn about art in a natural setting and daily surroundings. Many of the commissioned ArtPark artists use damaged sculptures or found items to restore, recycle, and honor Finland's natural beauty. Located in Pikku-Huopalahti
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