A fun family summer at the Arctic Circle

Places with guaranteed action for kids

Ounasvaara summer bobsled
The snow might be gone, but you can still get a taste of winter fun on Ounasvaara’s summer toboggan ride.

Angry Birds Activity Park
Rovaniemi’s largest outdoor kids activity park is right near the town centre. There’s also an exercise course for older kids, and in July the Children’s Outdoor Theatre offers daily shows.

Huima Adventure Park / Santasport
For older children, Huima’s tree-top adventure park is sure to provide an exciting challenge. The swimming pool and spa of Santasport are right next door for some warm-water fun afterwards.

Rollohalli
If the Lapland weather takes a turn for the chilly, the indoor adventure park Roll Hall will keep kids of all ages busy for hours.

Key attractions

Ranua Wildlife Park
This outdoor wildlife park, about 80 kilometres from Rovaniemi, specializes in animals from the Arctic north. You’ll find wolves, bears, owls, hawks, reindeer, and moose, and the only polar bears living in Finland.

Santa Claus Village
At Santa’s home, Christmas is a year-round activity. You’ll find elves and bundles of seasonal spirit at Santa Claus Village.

Huskies and Reindeer
While rides through the snowy forest are unlikely during summer, you can still visit the husky dogs and reindeer at several of the safari companies in town.

Boating on the River
Why not hire a boat and take a cruise up the river; there’s nothing more Finnish than that! Alternatively, take a trip in a traditional long river boat.

Amethyst Mine
Explore the old amethyst mine at Luosto and send the young ones off on a search for crystals.

Cultural things that work for kids and adults

As Lapland’s capital city, Rovaniemi is a fantastic hub for the arts, science, and culture. If you want to learn about what it’s like to live in the true North, check out these activities:

Arktikum
Learn about life in Lapland, the history of the Sámi, the natural environment, and the cycle of the seasons. There’s lots to see and do, so give yourself a few hours to take it all in.

Science Centre Pilke
At Pilke, you’ll see the forest for the trees. This science centre, located right next to Arktikum, focuses on forestry – one of the major industries of Lapland. Get behind the wheel of a giant forestry machine, or sing karaoke on an ant hill. The choice is yours!

Korundi
Lapland has a vibrant art scene, and Korundi houses the inspiring Rovaniemi Art Museum and world-class Lapland Chamber Orchestra.

Easy access nature spots

Rovaniemi is surrounded by nature, and Lapland has some of the cleanest, freshest air in Europe. Many trails are easy to access, and you’ll often find a laavu (lean-to) with a supply of wood for the fire pit.

Ounasvaara nature trail
Starting just over the Jätkänkynttilä (Lumberjack’s Candle) Bridge, this five-kilometre trail takes you through the forests of Ounasvaara, around picturesque bogs, and over the rocky shores of an ancient lake.

Koivusaari nature trail
This trail can be accessed by foot from the E75 bridge heading north. It’s a short walk around a grassy island where you’ll see lots of birds, and if you’re really lucky, some grazing sheep.

Arctic Circle Hiking Area
A little further out of town, about 20 kilometres north along the E75, the Arctic Circle Hiking Area features a network of beautiful walks of varying lengths over raging rapids, along winding island paths, through a vast mire, and up to the top of a hill for spectacular views.

Beaches
If the weather turns really warm, you’ll find the many small beaches around Rovaniemi packed with people. The nearest one is right opposite the city centre near Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, but there are others near Arktikum, and a very kid-friendly one by Ounaspaviljonki (Ounas Pavilion).

About the author

Mark Roberts is an English writer and photographer, who has lived in Rovaniemi for years.