A perfect family destination this summer - Finland

Families in search of an unforgettable holiday need look no further than Finland for a break with a difference. Not only does the country offer a wealth of natural features that combine to provide a true adventure playground, but its specific family venues across all parts of the country promise an exciting and – in many cases – breath-taking experience.

“Finland in summer is just as a amazing as in winter, although its attraction is so different,” says Anne Lind, director of the Finnish Tourist Board. “For several weeks in June and July the sun never sets below the horizon, creating an atmosphere of energy that does away with being tired and promotes activity and enjoyment. Anyone who has visited in winter, when the snow lies deep and the air is sharp and chilly, should come and take a look at how different it is during those warm, endless days of summer.”

Six of the best family attractions in Finland

1. Linnanmäki Amusement Park and SeaLife in Helsinki

Linnanmäki is the oldest and most popular amusement park in Finland. More than one million people each year visit the attractive hilltop location, situated right in the centre of Helsinki. The view from the top of the ‘big wheel’ are incresible.

New for summer 2007 is the amazing-looking ‘Kirnu’ ride, a fast rollercoaster that will have you upside down, twisting, dropping and accelerating like you never thought possible. Another newcomer is Sokkelo, the hi-tech maze that will soon have you confused as to which is the right way forwards. In addition there are fun family rides, white knuckle roller coasters and a host of other weatherproof attractions which guarantee to make your time in Linnanmäki lots and lots of fun.

Don’t miss a visit to SEA LIFE as part of your time in Helsinki. New this year is VENOM, which brings the fascinating – and slightly scary – world of poisonous sea life creatures to Helsinki.

Need to know:

- The park is open daily through the summer from 1100 to 2200.
- Admission is by wristband. An adult pass costs €30, a child pass costs €20.
- Admission to SEA LIFE costs €13 for adults, €9.50 for children aged 4 to 14.
- Open from 1000 every day.
- Visit Linnanmaki.fi

2. Korkeasaari Zoo, Helsinki

Come face to face with animals all the way from the Arctic tundra and tropical rainforest – and all points between! The zoo’s location is truly amazing; it’s one of the few zoos in the entire world to be situated on an island. Access from central Helsinki is easy and quick, with water buses departing regularly from the Market Square harbour. Korkeasaari is home to almost 200 different animal species, as well as to around 1000 different species of plant. Different zones include Amazonia, Africasia and Borealia, where ducks and wading birds make their home next to a pretty stream. Northern rarities such as the Arctic fox, European forest reindeer, musk ox and snowy owl can all be seen.

Need to know:

- The zoo is open daily through the summer from 1000 to 2000.
- Adults pay €5, children pay €3. A group ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) costs €16.
- Visit Korkeasaari.fi

3. Moomin World and the Ukkopekka Steam Ship

Remember reading all about those curious creatures, the Moomins? The creation of the late Finnish author Tove Janssen, they’re brought to life brilliantly on their own little theme park island in Naantali, south-west Finland. Even if you’ve never read a Moomim book, it’s so easy to leave the real world behind and see the wonder and excitement on the faces of your children as they come face to face with Moomintroll, Little My, Moomin Mamma and Pappa, Sniff and Hemulen. By the way, it’s good to pack your swimming things, as the little beach at Moomin World can be very inviting on a warm summer’s day.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss a trip on board aboard SS Ukkopekka, a beautiful and lovingly-restored old steamship which operates sightseeing cruises in the stunningly beautiful waters around the former Finnish capital city of Turku. Make a day trip from Turku around the peaceful inlets and islands to nearby Naantali (2 hour journey each way), where there is a wealth of history, heritage and culture to explore. Or choose an evening cruise and enjoy a good dinner as SS Ukkopekka takes you on a journey to the island of Loistokari.

Need to know:

- Moomin World is open daily through the summer (9 June to 19 August) from 1000 to 1800.
- A one day ticket costs €18, a two-day ticket costs €27.
- A day return from Turku to Naantali aboard the SS Ukkopekka costs €25 for adults, €12.50 for children. The onboard buffet costs €13 for adults, €6.50 for children.
- Visit Muuminmaailma.fi and Ukkopekka.fi

4. Särkänniemi Amusement Park, Tampere

Among the many exciting attractions on offer for families in Tampere, such as the Spy Museum, Moomin Museum and a great array of boat rides across the vast expanses of water which surround the city, there is the fantastic Särkänniemi theme park – which we think is unmissable! The lakeside setting is beautiful and the white knuckle rides are certain to thrill and excite even the most hardened adrenaline junky.

But there’s lots more to do as well, including a ride up to the top of the 168-metre high Näsinneula Tower (the highest observation tower in the entire Nordic countries) and a visit to the children’s zoo, dolphinarium, aquarium and Sara Hildén Art Museum. Without doubt there really is something for everyone, and the family fun never stops!

Need to know:

- Särkänniemi is open daily through the summer from 1100 to 2100 (2200 on Saturdays).
- Entry costs €29 for adults, €22 for children.
- Visit Sarkanniemi.fi

5. Ranua Wildlife Park

Welcome to one of Finland’s northernmost family attractions. Ranua is situated just south of the Arctic Circle and offers visitors the chance to see Nordic and Arctic animals in their most natural environment throughout the year. You’ll see Palle-Jooseppi and Doris, two of the Park’s brown bears, as well as snowy owls, wolves, artic foxes and polar bears.

The Park offers an excellent line-up of summer activities for children, including horse-riding and helping to feed the animals.

Need to know:

- The Park is open every day of the year. It’s around a one hour drive south of Rovaniemi (capital of Finnish Lapland), and two hours north of the city of Oulu.
- Admission costs €12 for adults, €9 for children under 12. Children under 4 go free.
- Visit Ranuawildlife.fi

6. Santa Claus Village

If you ever needed proof that Santa Claus is alive and well (and busy through the year!), then Santa Claus village is the place to head. Situated right on the Arctic Circle, a few minutes’ drive north of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village houses the great man’s main post office (imagine how busy that can get in the weeks leading up to Christmas!) as well as a permanent Christmas exhibition, a collection of specialist craft shops and the attractive Aurora restaurant. Meeting Santa Claus himself is also something you shouldn’t miss, and summertime should hopefully mean his present-making and wrapping schedule isn’t quite so busy.

Need to know:

- The Santa Claus Village is open daily in summer from 0900 to 1900. There is no admission charge. Santa is usually in his office from 0900 to 1800 daily, with a break from 1100 to 1200 and again from 1500 to 1600.
- Visit Santaclausvillage.info