Things to do with kids in Rovaniemi

Things to do with kids in Rovaniemi

1. See

   Forestry Museum of Lapland

   Lapin metsämuseo

   A fancy museum dedicated to forestry in Lapland from 1870 to the 1970s. The museum consist of old buildings brought here from all around the province, and the collections are inside the buildings. The museum area is also worth visiting. Various items from saws to tractors. The museum holds one of two modified steam locomotives brought to massive loggings in Savukoski in the 1910s (the other one is still in Savukoski). Small café and museum shop. Within walking distance from the Local Heritage Museum.

   Feb–Mar: Mon–Wed 10:00–16:00; Jun–Aug: Wed–Sat 10:00–17:00·€6/4, reduced price for students and children, Museum Card valid

2. See

   Korundi House of Culture

   Art, music and other culture events. The art museum collection consists mostly of modern Finnish art. Home of the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland.

   Tue-Sun·€8/adult, €5/students, €3/children (7–15), Museum Card valid

3. See

   Local Heritage Museum

   Rovaniemen kotiseutumuseo

   A local history museum. The main building and two outbuildings built in 1840, 14 relocated buildings from the Rovaniemi area. The collections consist of household items, hunting and fishing equipment, and agricultural tools. From the river bank there is a picturesque view to the city centre and the river Kemijoki. Café. Within walking distance (1 km) from the Forestry Museum.

   Jun–Aug: Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00·€6/4, reduced price for students and children, Museum Card valid

4. Do

   Ounaspaviljonki beach

   Popular sand beach by river Ounasjoki. Playground for children and a beach volley court. Café service in the summer.

   Free

5. Eat

   Pandakeidas

   Käyrämön keidas

   Roadside restaurant. Chinese and European kitchen, sautéed reindeer and hamburgers (also take-away). Wi-Fi. Fuel. Small shop. Accommodation in four rooms (en suite shower and toilet), one of which for families. Camper parking.

   Daily 08:00–20:00·Meals €10–23; rooms €50–120

6. See

   Pilke Science Centre

   Those attracted by northern forests will want to visit Pilke, where exhibitions describe sustainable use of northern forests and diverse yields, forest products and commodities. Same day re-entry free of charge, lockers available. The museum shop and information has various interior design items made of wood. Maps and other information about nature destinations in Lapland. Tentatively scheduled for closure at the end of 2026, see it while it is still there.

   Tue–Fri 09:00–18:00, Sat Sun 10:00–18:00·€7/5, reduced price for students and children 7–15, Museum Card valid

7. See

   Santa Claus Village

   Joulupukin pajakylä

   Located right on the old computed place of the Arctic Circle (now computed to be 2 km north), this is a tourist trap if there ever was one – but few tourists can miss the chance to meet Santa Claus. Apart from meeting him, there are other attractions like small-scale sledding hills for kids, the Santa Claus' Main Post Office with special stamps, several souvenir shops, and restaurants. The village also hosts several "safari" companies that organize various activities. During dark times the village has nicely lit ice sculptures.

   All year

8. Do

   Santasport Spa

   The spa is suitable for competitive swimmers, water sports enthusiasts and tourists alike. The pool area has a large pool, a children’s pool, hot and cold pools, a hot tub, a hot tub and a massage pool.

9. Do

   Swimming Hall Vesihiisi

   Uimahalli Vesihiisi

   Swimming hall with indoor and outdoor pools. Gym and massage available. Café.

   Mon–Fri 06:30–19:30, Sat Sun 11:00–16:30·Adults €8, students €5, children €1.5–3, family (2+2) €18

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Rovaniemi (CC BY-SA 4.0).