Lasten Lysti in English

Pippi Longstocking – musical play

Jyväskylä City Theater, Paviljonki temporary venue, Uno Savolan katu 8

Astrid Lindgren's delightful classic story about the strongest girl in the world. This captivating musical for the whole family is directed by Aino Kivi, with choreography by Sanaz Hassani, music by the Loiskis Children's Music Orchestra conducted by Pekka Nättinen, and actress Elina Saarela in the title role of Pippi. Jyväskylä City Theater's production of Pippi is full of wonderful music, singing, dancing, and hearty laughter. The play also has some exciting scenes, so it is not suitable for very young children.

Tickets €40 / €38 / €20 lippu.fi

Performances

Sat, Jan. 3, at 1 p.m.                            

Sat, Jan. 10, at 6 p.m.

Sat, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m.

Thu, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m.

Sat, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m.

Children's workshop Thursday: Metal jewelry or decoration

Thu 15 Jan at 2–6 p.m. Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25

We will draw inspiration from the Eternal Metal exhibition and make small metal jewelry or decorations using metal parts. The workshop requires a little dexterity, so the youngest participants will need a little help. An instructor will be on hand to assist. The workshops are included in the museum admission fee, unless otherwise stated. Free for under 18s. The Museum Card is also accepted.

Baby Acrobatics

Fri, Jan. 16 / Jan. 23 / Jan. 30 / Feb. 6, 10:00–10:45 a.m.  Jyväskylä Dance Institute, Vapaudenkatu 48–50

This course is designed for parents and their babies (aged approx. 6–14 months) who want to enjoy fun activities and bonding together. Course 4 x 45 min.  

During the class, babies receive support for their motor development through tricks and play, while parents get a light full-body workout. The main focus of the class is on interaction between parents and babies – doing things together, eye contact, touch, and laughter create meaningful moments and strengthen the relationship. No previous experience is necessary – just bring your baby and be ready to have fun!  Places are limited – reserve your spot and come create unforgettable moments together. There is a fee for the course. Reserve your spot: jyvaskylantanssiopisto.org

Music class concert

Wed, Jan. 21, at 6 p.m. Kypärämäki School gym, Erämiehenkatu 12

The concert by Kypärämäki School's 4th–6th grade music classes will feature singers as well as ukulele and electric guitar players. The students' captivating performances will take the audience on a musical journey around the world. Duration approx. 60 min.  

Free admission!

Open story time at the library

Dive into the world of fairy tales and relax with a story. The library's open story time is mainly aimed at children under school age, but story lovers of all ages will enjoy the fairy tales. Admission to story time is free, and it lasts about half an hour. Welcome!

Palokka Regional Library

Koivutie 5, tel. 014 569 4151

Story time on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., in January: January 22.

Groups must register in advance by phone  

or email [email protected]

Jyväskylä City Library  

Vapaudenkatu 39-41, children's section, 2nd floor. Story room Peukaloinen  

Nursery rhyme Tuesdays at 10 a.m., in January: January 27.

Playful nursery rhyme session for children aged 2 and up.

Pikku Papu's Alphabet - live illustration concert

Sat 24 Jan at 3 p.m. Helmi Event Center, Okkerinkatu 2

The popular Pikku Papu Orchestra and illustrator Liisa Kallio lead children and adults alike on a journey of linguistic and mental delight. Liisa Kallio's beloved illustrations come to life in the concert through live illustration, tickling the funny bone and giving wings to the letters!  

Pikku Papu Orchestra's energetic performance, acoustic instruments, polyphonic singing, and arrangements that play with different styles have melted the hearts of listeners young and old alike. The songs have become familiar to many from Yle TV2's Pikku Kakkonen program. Pikku Papu's alphabet songs can be heard on various streaming services. The concert will be held at the Pentecostal Church, but the event is non-religious. There is a free cloakroom and a school cafeteria at the concert venue (payment methods: cash or MobilePay). The performance is organized by Jyväskylä Cultural Services / Lasten Lysti.

Tickets €15 lippu.fi

Kino Metso film event

Sat 31 Jan Tikkakoski Upper Secondary School Cultural Hall, Koulukatu 10

12 noon Supermarsu and the Great Deception (S), 92 min

Films for adults:

2 p.m. Teräsleidit - Like It's the Last Day (K7)

6 p.m. Therapy (K12)

Supermarsu ja suuri huijaus (Supermarsu and the Great Deception) tells the story of Emilia, Simo, and Rasva-Antero. Fifth-grader Emilia has been bitten by her pet guinea pig and gained the secret ability to transform into Supermarsu, whose mission is to help animals. Her best friend is Simo, the class genius, and her opponent is Rasva-Antero, the school's worst bully. The film deals with ecological issues, as everyone is concerned about the fate of the nearby forest and the furry creatures that live there. Directed by Joona Tena. The cinema café is open in the lobby. The event is organized in cooperation with the City of Jyväskylä Cultural Services and the Central Finland Film Center.  

Tickets €13/15. Tickets are sold at the door approximately 30 minutes before the screening; we recommend paying by card. For more information and ticket reservations, visit the Kino Metso website.

Grand Instrument Presentation Concert

Sun, Feb. 1, 3 p.m., Villa Rana Cultural Center, Seminaarinkatu 13

At the concert by the Loiskis children's music orchestra, we will wonder how many instruments can fit into one concert. How many pieces does a clarinet consist of? What kinds of sounds can be played on different instruments? Come, listen, and see!

Tickets €15 / €12.50 group ticket (min. 4 people) loiskis.fi

Open story time at libraries

Dive into the world of fairy tales and relax with a story. The library's open story time is mainly aimed at children under school age, but story lovers of all ages will enjoy the fairy tales. Story time is free of charge and lasts about half an hour. Welcome!

Kuokkala local library  

Liitukuja 4, tel. 014 569 2303  

Evening story times on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in February: February 10.

Palokka Regional Library

Koivutie 5, tel. 014 569 4151

Story times on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in February: February 19.  

Groups must register in advance by phone.  

or by email at [email protected].  

Jyväskylä City Library  

Vapaudenkatu 39-41, children's section, 2nd floor. Story room Peukaloinen  

LoruTuesdays at 10 a.m., in February: February 24.

A playful rhyming session for little ones, ages 2 and up.

StoryThursdays at 10 a.m., in February: February 12.

Recommended for ages 3-6.  

Dancing Family Café  

Wed, February 11, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Jyväskylä Dance Academy, Vapaudenkatu 48–50

The Dancing Family Café invites families with children to spend the morning dancing, playing creatively, enjoying coffee and spending time together. The dancing café begins with a short group session, after which the hall is open for families and children to use freely with the equipment provided. The hall has tunnels, a slide, a play parachute, balls, scarves, and more. Children move and play under the supervision of their guardians. A microwave and high chair are available.  Free admission for children! Tickets for adults are €2 per person, including coffee/tea.  Payment on site: cash or MobilePay.

Workshop: Flowers for a friend

Fri, Feb. 13, 3–6 p.m., Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 23

With Valentine's Day approaching, this workshop will use a variety of materials to make flowers to give to a friend or yourself. The workshop is suitable for all ages and is included in the museum admission fee.

Children's Science Saturday

Sat, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Jyväskylä University Library Lähde, Seminaarinkatu 15

Come and celebrate Valentine's Day with the whole family. At Children's Science Saturday, you can explore and discover together how interesting and fun science and research can be! You can proceed at your own pace at the workstations. Free admission!

Library performance: Kahíme

Kahíme is a heartfelt performance that explores loneliness and friendship through dance, object theater, and play.

Kahíme tells the story of a character of the same name who lives in one of the craters on the moon. The same crater is also inhabited by various objects, among which Kahíme adventures and plays, and with which and through which he experiences different emotions. Duration: 30 min. The performance is suitable for everyone over the age of 1.  Free admission!

Choreography and dance: Anne-Maarit Kinnunen. Production: Central Finland Dance Center.

Performances in February:

Tue, Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m. Keljonkangas Library

Thu, Feb. 19, 9:30 a.m. Keltinmäki Library

Fri, Feb. 20, 9:30 a.m. Tikkakoski Library

Children's workshop Thursdays: Cardboard houses

Thu 19 Feb at 2–6 p.m. Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25

Ángel Barrientos' exhibition Dreamlike Dwellings is enchanting, so the children's workshop will be making imaginative houses and rooms out of cardboard and wooden sticks. An instructor will be on hand to assist with the activities. Workshops are included in the museum admission fee, unless otherwise stated. Free for children under 18. The Museum Card is also accepted.

Tatu and Patu as detectives – The Puolittaja Case

Fri, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m. Valteri School Onerva, Kukkumäentie 27

Sat, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Valteri School Onerva, Kukkumäentie 27

Theatre Hevosenkenkä's puppet show features strange cases of halving. Brothers Tatu and Patu are swept up in a chain of mysterious events. Solving the mysteries requires the sharp and extremely quick reasoning skills of professionals with nerves of steel. Tatu and Patu set up a detective agency and their strange little brains are put to the test. Who is this mysterious Puolittaja? The damage must be investigated, and only detectives Tatu and Patu are up to the task. For ages 3+, duration 45 min.  

The schoolyard parking area is available for free for theatergoers. There is a playground in the yard. You can enter the performance space about 15 minutes before the start of the performance. There is a free cloakroom where you can leave your outdoor shoes. If you wish, you can bring indoor shoes or woolen socks. Infants under 1 year of age are admitted free of charge. The performance is organized by Jyväskylä Cultural Services / Lasten Lysti. Tickets €12 from the Jyväskylä online store.

Kino Metso film event

Sat 21 Feb Vaajakoski Sports Hall, Savonmäentie 9

12 noon Supermarsu ja suuri huijaus (S), 92 min

Films for adults:

2 p.m. Teräsleidit - Kuin viimeistä päivää (K7)

6 p.m. Therapy (K12)

Supermarsu ja suuri huijaus (Supermarsu and the Great Deception) tells the story of Emilia, Simo, and Rasva-Antero. Fifth-grader Emilia has been bitten by her pet guinea pig and gained the secret ability to transform into Supermarsu, whose mission is to help animals. Her best friend is Simo, the class genius, and her opponent is Rasva-Antero, the school's worst bully. The film deals with ecological issues, as everyone is concerned about the fate of the nearby forest and the furry creatures that live there. Directed by Joona Tena. The cinema café is open in the lobby. The event is organized in cooperation with the City of Jyväskylä Cultural Services and the Central Finland Film Center.  

Tickets €13/15. Tickets are sold at the door approximately 30 minutes before the screening; we recommend paying by card. For more information and ticket reservations, visit the Kino Metso website.

Pupu's craft corner

February 21–March 1, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Palokka Regional Library, Children's Section, Koivutie 5

PUPU, winner of the Jyväskylä Library Toy Election 2023, invites children to get creative with their own soft toys and enjoy fun activities during the winter break. Recommended age: approx. 3–10 years. The craft corner and instructions for the activities can be found in the children's section. Free admission.

Children's concert: Meritta and Sekometelisoppa

Mon, Feb. 23, 6 p.m., Jyväskylä City Library, Kulttuurilava, 1st floor

I want to ski, glide down steep slopes, taste hot cocoa, and wrap myself in warm clothes. On Winter Break Monday, we will embark on a musical adventure when the children's music group Meritta & Sekometelisoppa skis to the Kulttuurilava stage at Jyväskylä City Library. The concert, which is aimed at the whole family, will feature singing, dancing, and maybe even some winter holiday magic—perhaps some kind of magic soup! The concert will last approximately 35 minutes. Admission is free.

JYUniorit winter holiday camp for elementary school students

February 23–25, Jyväskylä University Library Lähde, Seminaarinkatu 15

Come and spend your winter break at a science camp that combines hands-on activities, functionality, and fun tasks!

This time, the camp will explore local culture in Jyväskylä from different perspectives. The instructors and themes will change every day, encouraging participants to immerse themselves in science in a playful way. So get ready for the joy of discovery and hands-on activities! JYUniorit camps will also be held in the summer. Camp registration: January 5–February 13.

Price: €55, including lunch.  

Further information: kesayo.jyu.fi/fi/jyuniorit

Activity day for the whole family  

Tue, Feb. 24, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Piippurannan Klubi, Paperitehtaankatu 1

Fun activities for the whole family during winter break. Bring your children or grandchildren and spend a pleasant morning playing, crafting, and doing various activities. You can bring your own snacks or buy something to eat for a small fee. Free admission!

Inside or outside? -miniature model workshop

Tue, Feb. 24, 2–4 p.m., Alvar Aalto Museum, Alvar Aallon katu 7

The landscape enters the room. How do you create a space where you feel like you are outside when you are inside, and vice versa? Play and build a miniature model inspired by Maria-Jose Van Heen, winner of the Alvar Aalto Medal.

This non-stop workshop explores indoor and outdoor spaces in the spirit of architect Van Heen. She is known for her way of creating spaces where the boundary between indoors and outdoors becomes blurred. In the workshop, you can build your own vision of an indoor space outdoors or an outdoor space indoors. The workshop uses a variety of natural and recycled materials. The workshop is suitable for both adults and children. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. The workshop is included in the Aalto2 museum ticket.

Guided workshops during winter break

Wed–Fri 2–5:30 p.m., Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25

Guided non-stop workshops during winter break are included in the museum admission fee. No advance registration required.  

Wed, Feb. 25, 2:00–5:30 p.m.: Honeycomb figures

Egg cartons come in many shapes and sizes, which can be used to create different kinds of figures. Various materials are combined with the honeycombs to bring the figures to life.  

Thu, Feb. 26, 2:00–5:30 p.m.: Cardboard beetles and cardboard birds

Cardboard and paperboard are given a new form by cutting, gluing, and painting, and soon a scurrying cardboard beetle or a fluttering cardboard bird is ready to play with.  

Fri, Feb. 27, 2:00–5:30 p.m.: Rhythm instrument

What kind of sound is produced when you spin it? This lollipop-like instrument gets its drum-like sound from different wooden beads.

Pippi Longstocking musical

Thu, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. Jyväskylä City Theater, Paviljongin väistötila, Uno Savolan katu 8

Astrid Lindgren's delightful classic story about the strongest girl in the world. This captivating musical for the whole family is directed by Aino Kivi, with choreography by Sanaz Hassani, music by the Loiskis Children's Music Orchestra conducted by Pekka Nättinen, and actress Elina Saarela in the title role of Pippi. Jyväskylä City Theater's production of Pippi is full of wonderful music, singing, dancing, and hearty laughter. The play also has some exciting scenes, so it is not suitable for very young children.

Tickets €40 / €38 / €20 lippu.fi

Workers' cultural event: Jyväskylä Winter 

Toivola old Countryard. Programming for the whole family on February 27–28. For more information, visit jyvaskylantalvi.fi.

Library performance: Kahíme

Kahíme is a heartfelt performance that deals with loneliness and friendship through dance, object theater, and play.

Kahíme tells the story of a character of the same name who lives in one of the craters on the moon. The same crater is also inhabited by various objects, among which Kahíme adventures and plays, and with which and through which he experiences different emotions. Duration: 30 min. The performance is suitable for everyone over the age of 1. Free admission!

Choreography and dance: Anne-Maarit Kinnunen. Production: Central Finland Dance Center.

Performances in March:

Tue, March 3, at 9:30 a.m. Vaajakoski Library

Thu, March 5, at 9:30 a.m. Säynätsalo Library

Fri, March 6, at 9:30 a.m. Kortepohja Library

Tue, March 10, 9:30 a.m. Vesanka Library

Thu, March 12, 9:30 a.m. Palokka Library

Fri, March 13, 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Halssila Library  

Mon, March 16, 6:00 p.m. Jyväskylä City Library (Kulttuurilava)

Thu, March 19, 9:30 a.m. Kuokkala Library

Fri, March 20, 9:30 a.m. Korpilahti Library

Tue, March 24, 9:30 a.m. Lohikoski Library

Thu, March 26, 9:30 a.m. Huhtasuo Library

Workshop: Cat masks

Wednesday, March 4, 4–6 p.m., Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25

Bring out your inner cat! In this workshop for 9–12-year-olds, participants will create a furry mask by combining different types of fur fabric and other details on a prepared base. The workshop has space for ten children to make masks. Material fee: €8. A link for advance registration will be published on the museum's website closer to the workshop date.

Homes Painted by the Sun workshop  

Sat, March 7, 12:00–2:00 p.m. Alvar Aalto Museum, Alvar Aallon katu 7

Light and shadow define a room and its space. The sun paints a patch of light on the floor. What kind of materials would you choose for your dream home? What kind of materials and colors would create light and coziness in the space? In this workshop, you can design and create your own dream home map using different pictures and other materials.  

Architect Maria-Jose Van Hee, winner of the Alvar Aalto Medal, took careful consideration of how light behaves on different materials in her own designs. The title of the exhibition on display in the gallery, Homes Painted by the Sun, reflects this idea. The workshop is included in the admission fee to the Aalto2 Museum Center.

Pippi Longstocking musical

Jyväskylä City Theater, Paviljongin temporary venue, Uno Savolan katu 8

Astrid Lindgren's delightful classic story about the strongest girl in the world. This captivating musical for the whole family is directed by Aino Kivi, with choreography by Sanaz Hassani, music by the Loiskis Children's Music Orchestra conducted by Pekka Nättinen, and Elina Saarela in the title role of Pippi. Jyväskylä City Theater's production of Pippi is full of wonderful music, singing, dancing, and hearty laughter. The play also has some exciting scenes, so it is not suitable for very young children.

Tickets €40 / €38 / €20 lippu.fi

Performances in March:

Sat 7 March at 1 p.m.

Thu 12 March at 6 p.m.

Thu 26 March at 6 p.m.

Fri 27 March at 11 a.m.

Dancing family café

Wed, March 11, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Jyväskylä Dance Institute, Vapaudenkatu 48–50

The Dancing Family Café invites families with children to spend the morning dancing, playing creatively, enjoying coffee and spending time together. The dancing café begins with a short group session, after which the hall is open for families and children to use freely with the equipment provided. The hall has tunnels, a slide, a play parachute, balls, scarves, and more. Children move and play under the supervision of their guardians. A microwave and high chair are available.  

Free admission for children! Tickets for adults are €2 per person, including coffee/tea.  

Payment on site: cash or MobilePay.

Cultural counseling family training evening

These relaxed family training evenings introduce cultural services from the perspective of families with children: activities to do together, information about the significance of art and culture, and tips for art education at home.

Baby Library Peek

Wed 11 March at 4.30–6 p.m. Jyväskylä City Library, 2nd floor, Vapaudenkatu 39–41

Reading together is a family resource: it brings joy, closeness and relief to various everyday situations. Library Peek evenings introduce the library's services and offerings for families with children and discuss the benefits of family reading. There will also be book recommendations and a short story time. For children under 1 year old with their parents. Free admission, but advance registration is required.

Open story times at libraries

Dive into the world of fairy tales and relax with a story. The library's open story time is mainly aimed at children under school age, but story lovers of all ages will enjoy the fairy tales. Admission to the story time is free, and it lasts about half an hour. Welcome!

Jyväskylä City Library  

Vapaudenkatu 39-41, children's section, 2nd floor. Story room Peukaloinen  

Story Thursdays at 10 a.m., March 12.

Recommended for ages 3-6. The session is bilingual: the same story is read in English and Finnish.

Kuokkala Local Library  

Liitukuja 4, tel. 014 569 2303  

Evening story sessions on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., March 17.  

Jyväskylä City Library  

Vapaudenkatu 39-41, children's section, 2nd floor. Story Room Peukaloinen  

LoruTuesdays at 10 a.m., March 24.

A playful rhyming session for little ones aged 2 and up.  

Näppärikonsertti

Sun 15 March at 2 p.m. Finnish Music Campus, Hannikaissali, Pitkäkatu 18–22

A charming group of musicians of all ages from the Näppärikurssi course in Jyväskylä will perform in a concert for the whole family. Ticket sales begin one hour before the concert. Organizers: Finnish Music Campus and Jyväskylä Adult Education Center.

Tickets €10 at the door (cash, MobilePay).

Dance Monday for adults and children

Mon 16 March at 4.30–5.30 p.m. Villa Rana Cultural Center, Seminaarinkatu 13

Come and enjoy a dance session together with children and adults. You can dance at your own pace or get dance tips from a dance artist on site. The dance will begin with a group warm-up. Led by Annina Uimonen.  

Tickets €5 per adult + child(ren) at liveto.io or at the door.

Säihke concert series

March 16–20 Finnish Music Campus, Pitkäkatu 18–22

The Säihke concert series is a joint concert series organized by Gradia's basic music education and media departments, showcasing enthusiasts of all ages. The concert series offers a variety of performances and experiences for the whole family.  

The concerts are held in the Siltasali and Hannikaissali halls of the Finnish Music Campus. The performances can also be watched live on Gradia's YouTube channel, and the recordings are available for viewing for two weeks after the concerts. Free admission!  

For more information and live broadcasts, visit www.gradia.fi/saihke.

Children's workshop Thursday: iron wire crafts

Thursday, March 19, 2:00–6:00 p.m., Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25

How does metal bend? The Eternal Metal exhibition features beautiful metal objects, which will inspire participants to make small iron wire creations in the workshop. An instructor will be on hand to assist. Workshops are included in the museum admission fee, unless otherwise stated. Free for those under 18. The Museum Card is also accepted.

Spring is coming with singing  

Thu, March 19, 10:00–10:30 a.m. Piippurannan Klubi, Paperitehtaankatu 1

Students from the Teacher Training College will lead singing and games in the spirit of music classes. The event is suitable for all ages, from babies to grandparents.  

Easter whip workshop  

Thu 26 March, 4–7 p.m. Piippurannan Klubi, Paperitehtaankatu 1

A free workshop for all ages, where participants make Easter whips. Instruction and materials are provided on site. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the café. Organized by Jyväskylän Karjalaiset ry and Piippurannan Klubi.

Musical color bath for babies  

Sat 21 March Jyväskylä Art Museum, Kauppakatu 23

10:00–10:45: babies aged 4–12 months

11:15–12:00: babies aged 4–12 months + siblings

12:30–1:00 p.m.: toddlers aged 1–2

In this multisensory art school for the youngest members of the family, babies and toddlers can express themselves visually using natural colors. The sessions include musical elements such as songs, rhymes, and listening to music.  

The workshop lasts 45 minutes.  

Tickets €20 / €25  from the Jyväskylä online store.

Museum moment for toddlers  

Wed 25 March at 3–4 p.m. Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25

Let's marvel at the museum's exhibitions together and create our own artwork using the color bath method. This museum moment for toddlers aged 1–3 is included in the museum admission fee. No admission fee for toddlers. A link for advance registration will be published on the museum website closer to the date.

Children's Record Store 20 Years – Loiskis DJs play their favorite records

Sat, March 28, 1:00–3:00 p.m., Kulttuuritalo Villa Rana, Seminaarinkatu 13

At the VekaRana event, you can dance to Loiskis playing their favorite children's music from records and get creative with Taidepiilo. Free admission.  

Workshop: Easter decorations  

Wed, April 1, 2–6 p.m., Finnish Craft Museum

Everything starts with fabric when making decorations for Easter and spring in this workshop. First, paint the desired patterns on the fabric, and then sew soft eggs from it.

Open story time at libraries

Dive into the world of fairy tales and relax with a story. The library's open story time is mainly aimed at children under school age, but story lovers of all ages will enjoy the fairy tales. Admission to the story time is free, and it lasts about half an hour. Welcome!

Jyväskylä City Library

Vapaudenkatu 39-41, 2nd floor.

Story Thursdays at 10 a.m., April 9.

Recommended for ages 3-6. The session is bilingual: the same story is read in English and Finnish.

Kuokkala Local Library  

Liitukuja 4, tel. 014 569 2303  

Evening story sessions on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., April 14.

Palokka Regional Library  

Koivutie 5, tel. 014 569 4151  

Story sessions on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., April 16.  

Groups must register in advance by phone  

or email [email protected]

Children's Day dance event

Sat 11 April, 3–5.30 p.m. Jyväskylä Dance Academy, Vapaudenkatu 48-50

Children's Day offers the chance to see skillful dance performances, enjoy a disco, and meet fun fairy tale characters. Children can also take part in guided dance sessions. Preschoolers can join in the dance party with an adult. Free for children, €2 for adults (payment on site: cash or MobilePay).

Workshop: Flying leather creatures

Tue, April 14, 2–6 p.m., Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25

This leather creature flies along with you. This flying creature, suitable for decorating clothing or bags, is made of leather and your own unique details. The workshop fee is €2 in addition to the museum admission fee. No museum admission fee for children under 18.

Cultural Center family coaching evenings

These relaxed family coaching evenings introduce cultural services from the perspective of families with children: activities to do together, information about the significance of art and culture, and tips for art education at home.

Toddlers' Library Peek

Wed, April 15, 4:30–6 p.m. Jyväskylä City Library, 2nd floor, Vapaudenkatu 39–41

Reading together is a valuable family activity: it brings joy, closeness, and relief in various everyday situations. Library Peek evenings introduce the library's services and offerings for families with children and discuss the benefits of family reading. The event also includes book recommendations and a short story time. For toddlers aged 1–2 with their parents. Free admission, but advance registration is required.

Children's Workshop Thursday: Printed Lace

Thu, April 16, 2–6 p.m. Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25.

Tarmo Thorström's exhibition Lace, Reinterpreted features no boring lace. The workshop will also create new lace-like patterns through printing and painting. An instructor will be on hand to assist with the activities. Workshops are included in the museum admission fee, unless otherwise stated. Free for children under 18. The Museum Card is also accepted.

Musical color bath for babies

Sat, April 18, Jyväskylä Art Museum, Kauppakatu 23

10:00–10:45 a.m.: babies aged 4–12 months

11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: babies aged 4–12 months + siblings

12:30–1:00 p.m.: toddlers aged 1–2 years

In this multi-sensory art school for the youngest members of the family, babies and toddlers can express themselves visually using natural colors. The sessions include musical elements such as songs, rhymes, and listening to music.

The workshop lasts 45 minutes.  

Tickets €20/€25 from the City of Jyväskylä online store.

Suitable for Hobby Hustle

Sat, April 18, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Kuokkala Comprehensive School and Kuokkala Granite, Pohjanlahdentie 12

An event open to all families, focusing on children and young people with special needs and their families. Let's exercise, have fun, do crafts and meet safely together! Lastenteatteri Loihu will be there at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. See the sports services website for a more detailed schedule and program.  

Free admission!

VITSINIEKKA – Pekka Nättinen's children's songs

Sat 18 April at 3 p.m., Kulttuuritalo Villa Rana, Seminaarinkatu 13

The best children's songs from the founding member of Loiskis, spanning 26 years. The composer surprises the audience, the orchestra, and even himself. Tickets €15 / €12.50 group ticket (min. 4 people)

Advance tickets will be available from Loiskis' Liveto ticket shop: www.loiskis.fi (service fee added to the price). Tickets will also be available at the door half an hour before the performance.

Play Week program at Piippurannan Klubi

Piippurannan Klubi, Paperitehtaankatu 1

Singing competition with the birds of spring  

Mon, April 20, 1:00–1:30 p.m.  

Students from the Teacher Training College will lead singing and games in a musical atmosphere. The event is suitable for all ages, from babies to grandparents.

Old children's songs and rhymes  

Wed 22 April, 1–2 p.m.  

The Iltatähdet choir will sing familiar children's songs.  

Singers of all ages, from babies to grandparents, are welcome to join in.

Fun and games for the whole family  

Wed 22 April, 5–7 p.m.  

Bring the whole family along for an evening of activities. There will be an obstacle course, free play and crafts. You can bring your own snacks or buy something to eat for a small fee. In cooperation with Piippurannan Klubi, Pelastakaa Lapset ry and Mannerheim League for Child Welfare, Järvi-Suomi district.  

Story time  

Thu, April 23, 10:00–10:30 a.m.  

Storytellers read old and new fairy tales.  

This event is intended for younger family members.  

Remembering childhood yard games and play  

Thu, April 23, 2:30–3:30 p.m.  

Come and reminisce with the Äijä Klubi members about the games and play of yesteryear. Welcome to all reminiscers of all ages.  

Games then and now  

Fri, April 24, 10:00–11:00 a.m.  

Let's learn about games and toys from the past to the present. Suitable for all ages. 

Art school student exhibition:  Playing with Colors  

April 1–30, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.  

The exhibition features works by students of different ages. Although the rules of color theory are taught at school, the use of colors can also be creative play, even fun.  

The Jyväskylä Adult Education Center's art school for children and young people celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The most colorful works from among the students' works have been selected for this anniversary exhibition.  

Toys Then and Now window exhibition  

April 1–30, Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m.  

The Piippuranta Club's display window features toys from different decades.  

Also on display is a play-themed memory box from the cultural guides.

Cultural counseling family training evenings

These relaxed family training evenings introduce cultural services from the perspective of families with children: activities to do together, information about the significance of art and culture, and tips for art education at home.

The power of color for babies

Wed, April 22, 4:00–5:30 p.m. Jyväskylä Art Museum, Kauppakatu 25

Family coaching evening at the Cultural Clinic. The first color a baby sees is red. Then come green, orange, and blue, until at 4 months of age the baby can distinguish all the primary colors. At the art museum, we will walk at the baby's pace through the COLOR exhibition of Central Finnish art, marveling at and exploring colors together. For ages 0–2. Free admission, but advance registration is required. 

Children's Music Campus Day – Song of the Waves

Sat 25 April, 10am–2pm  Finnish Music Campus, Pitkäkatu 18–22

Dive into the Finnish Music Campus for a water-themed musical adventure for the whole family. The program includes trying out instruments, learning about a wide range of music activities, performances by children's groups, crafts, fishing, and other free artistic activities in the colors of water with good vibes! During the musical adventure day, you can surf and enjoy the delicacies of the café.  

Free admission!

Bookworm: a reading adventure for children and adults

Sat, April 25, Jyväskylä City Library, Vapaudenkatu 39–41

10 a.m.–12 p.m.: ages 6–8

12:30–2:30 p.m.: ages 9–12

Help your child discover the joy of books! The reading adventure takes place in both the library and the school of literary arts. We will find something interesting to read in the world of books. Through literary arts, reading becomes a moment of shared presence and storytelling for children and adults. Come and join us in opening the treasure chest of stories! The event is organized by the Jyväskylä Adult Education Center's School of Literary Arts.  

For more information about tickets and registration, visit the School of Literary Arts website.

Workshop: May Day masks  

Wed, April 29, 2–6 p.m. Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25.

This non-stop workshop, suitable for all ages, will produce cardboard masks using mixed media for May Day celebrations. 

Meritta & Sekometelisoppa: Masquerade Party

Fri, May 1, 1 p.m. Veturitallit, Veturitallinkatu 6

Children's music group Meritta & Sekometelisoppa invites everyone to a memorable concert experience. At this party, everyone can be exactly who they are – or whoever they want to be at that moment. Will fierce pirates, colorful frogs, or perhaps colorful giraffes be joining the party? But what on earth will be served at this party?  

This participatory concert for the whole family invites everyone to dive into a shared fairy tale accompanied by a live orchestra, singing and playing. The concert caters to adventurers of all ages, warming up bodies with dancing and whimsical fun. Put on your costumes and jump aboard the ship! The concert is guaranteed to be fun and crazy.  

May Day treats can be purchased from Kahvila Kisko, located in the same space. The nearest parking lot is the Travel Center P-hall; there are no parking spaces for the public in the Veturitallit yard. The performance is organized by Jyväskylä Cultural Services / Lasten Lysti.  

Tickets €8  from the City of Jyväskylä online store.

Workshop: a gift for mom  

Wed, May 6, 2–6 p.m. Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25

Before Mother's Day, this non-stop workshop for all ages will teach participants how to make a box in which to place a dandelion necklace made from various materials. Included in the museum admission fee.

Baby Museum Hour  

Thursday, May 7, 10–11 a.m. Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25

Let's marvel at the museum's exhibitions together and make our own little works of art. This museum hour, aimed at babies under one year old and their parents, is included in the museum admission fee. No admission fee for babies. A link for advance registration will be published on the museum's website closer to the date.

The brilliant folks at Robot Disco – UV workshop for the whole family

Sat, May 9, 2–4 p.m. Lyseo annex, Yliopistonkatu 13

Come and make paintings at the UV workshop! The workshop will be held in the courtyard of Lyseo. The paintings made at the workshop will be displayed at Robottidisco, which will be held on Saturday, May 16, as part of the Purkutilataidenäyttely exhibition in Yläkaupungin Yö. Admission to the workshop and Robottidisco is free! The art exhibition (admission fee applies) will be open all summer at Lyseo, with some free admission days! The workshop is organized by Art Habitat ry.

Children's workshop Thursday: wooden decorations

Thursday, May 21, 2–6 p.m. Finnish Craft Museum, Kauppakatu 25

The Visakoivu – Pirun puristama puu (Twisted Birch – Tree Pressed by the Devil) exhibition provides inspiration for the children's workshop, where participants will make a small wooden decoration that can also be worn as jewelry. An instructor will be on hand to assist with the activity. Workshops are included in the museum admission fee, unless otherwise stated. Free for children under 18. The Museum Card is also accepted.