SUMMER trip to Finland with kids

10 Essential Tips for Families Traveling to Finland with Kids in Summer

Planning a family adventure to Finland this summer? Great choice! Finland is a dream destination for families, especially in the warmer months when nature is at its best and daylight seems endless. To help you make the most of your Finnish holiday, here are 10 tried-and-true tips for traveling with kids.

1. Pack for All Weather – Yes, All of It!

Even in summer, Finnish weather can be full of surprises. Sunshine one moment, rain the next – and yes, evenings can get chilly, especially up north or near lakes. Pack layers: t-shirts, hoodies, rain jackets, and lightweight pants. And don’t forget swimwear – even if it’s raining, there’s always a sauna and a lake nearby!

2. Embrace the Endless Daylight

From late May to early August, Finland experiences the "Midnight Sun" – meaning it barely gets dark at all in the north. This is magical for sightseeing and long days outside, but for sleep, bring blackout blinds or sleep masks for kids (and adults too!).

3. Make the Most of Nature

Finland is 75% forest and home to over 180,000 lakes – so get outside! Enjoy national parks, nature trails, easy hikes, and family-friendly beaches. Many outdoor spots also have free campfire sites and lean-to shelters, perfect for a picnic or sausage roasting.

4. Visit Local Playgrounds – They’re Incredible!

Finns take play seriously! Even small towns often have imaginative, high-quality playgrounds that are safe and fun. Some even include water play, climbing towers, or mini zip lines. Great way to burn energy and meet local kids.

5. Try a Public Sauna (Yes, With Kids!)

Don’t skip the sauna experience – it's a big part of Finnish culture, and yes, children are welcome too! Look for family-friendly public saunas (many are by lakes), and enjoy a relaxed, body-positive experience that’s as natural as swimming.

6. Get Around Easily – Roads & Routines are Family-Friendly

Finland is a very easy country to travel around with kids. Roads are well-maintained and quiet, and long-distance trains are clean, on time, and often have family cabins or play areas. Rental cars give flexibility for exploring rural areas and hidden gems.

7. Taste the Local Flavors – Even Picky Eaters Will Be Happy

Finnish food is surprisingly kid-friendly: fresh berries, pancakes, cinnamon buns (korvapuusti!), potatoes, meatballs, and salmon soup are usually a hit. Many cafés and attractions have simple and affordable “lounas” (lunch) buffets.

8. Check Out Family-Focused Attractions

From Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi to Moominworld in Naantali and countless local petting zoos, adventure parks, and science centers – Finland knows how to keep families entertained. Ask locals or follow signs saying "lasten" (children's) attractions.

9. Respect (and Enjoy) the Quiet

Finland is peaceful, and people love their personal space – even kids pick up on this! It’s a great chance for your family to slow down, enjoy quiet walks in the forest, or sit by a lake and just… be. You might love the calm more than you expect.

10. Be Open to Spontaneity

Some of the best memories happen when you follow a small road to a lake, find a local summer café, or take part in a village festival you didn’t know existed. Finnish summer is full of surprises – let the adventure lead the way!