FamilyFun, Tartu

The Tallinn Zoo is located in the naturally beautiful Veskimetsa park forest that is rich in species. Boasting the most exciting collection of wildlife in Northern Europe, it is home to more than 11,000 specimens belonging to almost 600 species or subspecies from Australia to Alaska. The Zoo has giant elephants and rhinoceros, dangerous predators, simians, polar bears, and many other exotic species. Tallinn Zoo also has the best collection of wild goats and sheep in the world, as well as a remarkable number of eagles and vultures, and an excellent selection of owl and stork species. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/tallinn-zoo-1

Helsinki Zoo is home to 150 animal species and almost 1000 plant species that show the diversity of nature. Helsinki Zoo is one of the few zoos located on an island, in the Baltic Sea. It is the perfect place to visit due to its natural environment, animals and history. The zoo was established already in 1889 and this makes it one of the oldest zoos in the world. Helsinki Zoo also participates in the work to protect the habitats in the original homes of the various species. Helsinki Zoo´s mission is to work towards preserving biodiversity. Meet the large Amur tigers, tiny pygmy marmosets, agile snow leopards, impressive wisents and dazzling, free roaming peafowls alongside indigenous Finnish species such as the elk, bear, wolverine and forest reindeer. All this while enjoying the silence and peace of the Finnish nature surrounding you. https://www.korkeasaari.fi/helsinki-zoo/

Linnanmäki is the most beloved amusement park in Finland and has the widest selection of rides in the Nordic countries. Helsinki's most entertaining district offers also top-quality food and program for all tastes. Linnanmäki is easy to reach from the centre of Helsinki. The admission to the amusement park is free of charge. There are plenty of rides available for children free of charge including the Panorama tower. https://www.visitfinland.com/mystay/product/linnanmaeki-amusement-park/48355/

Kokonniemi is a ski center located next to downtown Porvoo (under 50 km from Helsinki). The ski area consists of six very different slopes, a ski rental where you can rent both snowboards and skis as well as buy the ski passes required for the lifts. Next to the ski rental, you will find the restaurant Hölmöpulu where you can both dine or simply relax with a cup of hot chocolate. If you prefer cross country skiing there are many different tracks to choose from around the downhill area, we also rent cross country packages in case you do not have your own gear with you. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/kokonniemi-ski-centre/

Lohionginta Korpikeidas is a fishing place with a guaranteed catch! You can take your freshly caught fish with you or have it smoked. A domestic animal park is an excellent destination for family trips. Sheep, rabbits, chickens and roosters, guinea pigs, chipmunks, turkeys, pigeons, emus, a miniature pig and pony riding. Open also during winter time for fishing. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/korpikeidas/

Kylämäki Village in Kurala is made up of four farms with buildings still standing at their original sites. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. Nowadays, Kurala is a village of living history where visitors can travel back in time to a typical Southwest Finnish farm of the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. During summer in the Iso-Kohmo kitchen, oven-baked treats prepared to Grandma’s recipes are warming on the wood-burning stove. The farmer’s wife tells of everyday activities from the old days, whilst also giving handy tips on things such as making juice. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/kylamaki-village-of-living-history_

Moominworld is an enchanting blend of authentic archipelago nature and the fairytale creations of Tove Jansson. All visitors are invited to come and embrace the magic, with the Moomins’ island home offering enough activities, attractions and experiences for several days of adventure. We recommend you dedicate at least a day for your visit – there is so much to see and do. From the Moomins’ blue tower house, Snork’s Workshop, Theatre Emma performances and the Fairytale Trail, to the swimming beach, Moominpappa’s Boat and other fun places and activities to keep everyone busy. The daily schedule includes performances at Theatre Emma as well as many interactive shows throughout Moomin Valley. The two Theatre Emma presentations include Moomin’s Great Book of Popular Songs as well as Moomintroll and the Last Dragon on Earth. There are a great variety of activities on offer in Moomin Valley, from Little My’s song adventure to Stinky and the thrilling clue. Delicious treats are available every day, from Moominmamma’s Doughnut House, Fillyjonk’s Waffles as well as Thingumy and Bob’s Ice Cream Bar, will keep the hunger at bay. In addition to Mamma’s Kitchen, there’s also Pizza & Pasta and Burger, from where you can enjoy some lunch before continuing your adventure. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/moomin-world_

Särkänniemi Adventure Park combines six very different experiences that together create a quality destination for all the family! There are some 34 different rides in Särkänniemi, offering wild whirls, gentle swaying or other fun experiences spiced with sprays of water, for example. This summer’s newest ride spins its passengers around like a tornado. The ride reaches a height of 15.6m when spinning. The upper part of the ride undergoes a maximum of 12 revolutions per minute with the arms spinning at 4 revolutions per minute. The ride features 24 seats, which spin freely, making each ride feel different. The height restriction for High Voltage is 130cm. The ride was manufactured by Italian company Antonio Zamperla S.p.A. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/saerkaenniemi-amusement-park/

Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum, showcasing the whole of Sweden with houses and farmsteads from every part of the country. At Skansen, you can discover Sweden’s history and find out how Swedes once lived according to the changing seasons, through the customs and traditions, work, celebrations and everyday life of times gone by. Skansen is a unique place where history meets the present day, where Swedish traditions and craftsmanship live on, and where people of all ages come together. This is the world’s only open-air museum with wild animals. Here you can see Nordic wildlife, rare breeds, pets and exotic creatures. The Children’s Zoo features domestic animals such as cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as small wild animals. The Skansen Aquarium and Our Africa feature exotic animals including monkeys, birds, reptiles and insects. The park area surrounding the museum has a variety of planting and gardens. Rye and flax are grown in the field at Seglora, while the Skåne Farmstead and Skogaholm Manor have historic kitchen gardens and every building has plants typical of the farmsteads and the nature of their time. Find out how we used to live, and enjoy the recreational spaces that make Skansen a popular attraction all year round. http://www.skansen.se/en/this-is-skansen

Experience the magical world of Gröna Lund, Stockholm´s amusement park. Enjoy restaurants, live concerts or one of the 30 exciting rides. https://www.gronalund.com/en/

There are 23 slopes at Tahko, the biggest ones 1200 meters long and as much as 200 meters high. At Tahko, you can find speedy slopes for active skiers, but the kids and beginners have their own slope, too. Snowboarders will enjoy the proper pipe and the boxes and rails of the street. There are 13 T-bar lifts and two four-person chair lifts taking skiers to the top of Tahko. In addition, there is a lift connection from the slope area to the parking lot, and a safe carpet lift for the youngest skiers. At Tahko, you do not have to leave the slopes when you get hungry. There are five slope restaurants ready to fill your stomach and quench your thirst. Additional slope services include two equipment rental shops and a ski school. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/tahko-ski-resort/

Let the adventure begin! Enjoy one of Scandinavia’s most exciting experiences! Nestled in the beautiful countryside outside Norrköping, covering 1.5 square kilometres (370 acres), Kolmården Wildlife Park is among the most popular tourist attractions in the Nordic countries. Home to 750 animals from all over the world, Kolmården offers activities for the entire family. In the Dolphin Show “Life”, an international hit, dolphins leap from the water into the hearts of the audience. Board the Safari gondola, the only one of its kind in the world, to quietly glide close above lions and giraffes. Come face to face with big cats in Tiger World, and watch enthralled as raptors swoop overhead in the Birds of Prey Show “Wings”.Here too you can meet Bamse – the world’s strongest bear – and his friends in a magical world of their own. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit your plans. Vildmarkshotellet is an African-themed hotel adjacent to the park, with fabulous sea views. If you really want to experience the animals close up, the Safari Camp tent village is the place to stay. http://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/kolmardens-djurpark

Visualization Center C is a research and science center in Norrköping, Sweden, conducting a unique mix of leading visualization research and public outreach activities. The center hosts a large-scale arena for public visits and events including media labs, interactive exhibitions and an immersive 3D full-dome theatre. Step into our world and discover the experiences we offer; experiences in every sense of the word, from award-winning full-dome productions and interactive exhibits to consulting services and research partnerships. One of the ideas behind Visualization Center C is to bring the world of visualization to a wider audience than science and research labs usually do. That is why we produce and host public exhibitions – travelling as well as permanent – all with state-of-the-art technology and elements of visualization, interaction and digital imagery as key ingredients. http://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/visualiseringscenter-c

Just outside Norrköping you will find the most inspiring gardens! A visit to Billbäcks display gardens is a treat for all your senses. Whether you are looking for some family-fun or just a relaxing day in beautiful surroundings you have found just the place. Billbäcks can offer you ideas to your own piece of garden with different displays in varied settings. They have their own Garden Café embedded in the greenery with fresh produce. Smell the roses, visit the goldfishes in the ponds and get inspired by the art of nature. https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/billbacks-visningstradgard

Gdynia Aquarium, or Akwarium Gdyńskie, is a fascinating place that hosts over a thousand marine and terrestrial creatures. It's a place where you can catch a glimpse of life beneath the waves, from the deep blue of the oceans to the vibrant ecosystems of the seas. Among its latest residents are the North Pacific Giant Octopus, the Zebra Shark, and the Dwarf Crocodile. Each of these animals brings a unique story, showcasing the incredible diversity of aquatic life. A visit here is like stepping into another world, where you can learn about the intricate balance of marine ecosystems and the importance of conservation. The aquarium is not just about observing; it's about connecting with the wonders of the underwater realm. Did you know that the North Pacific Giant Octopus can grow up to 16 feet long? It's an incredible creature with a knack for solving puzzles, making it one of the smartest animals in the sea. Whether you're an ocean enthusiast or just curious about life underwater, Gdynia Aquarium is a must-see. It's an inspiring spot for both young and old, sparking a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Don't forget to check out the interactive exhibits where you can learn about the conservation efforts to protect these amazing species.

The Gdańsk Oliwa Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Poland, an attractive place for recreation and education, visited annually by hundreds of thousands of tourists and residents. Oliwa Zoo is a special place, where are animals from all continents living in the area of ​​about 125 hectares. Among them are those whose populations in the wild no longer exist. Only here you can find bongo antelopes, saber oryxes, pygmy hippos or great, scavenging condors. It is believed that in several decades the Nile hippos, several species of rhinoceros, African elephants, some monkeys - e.g. small lori - and many beautiful species of birds will disappear from natural areas. Also the Zoo has in it collection such valuable animal specimens as maned wolves, great condors, penguins, or pygmy hippos. https://zoo.gda.pl/

Science Centre Tietomaa has been delighting visitors with memorable experiences since 1988. As Finland's first science center, it's the ultimate spot for learning, having fun, challenging both your brain and body, or just spending some quality time in entertaining exploration. Tietomaa is a beloved landmark in Oulu and throughout Northern Finland. Over the years, it has become one of Oulu's most popular attractions. With over a million visits so far, many have explored its wonders with school groups or families, returning time and again. The themed exhibitions at Science Centre Tietomaa boast more than 150 interactive attractions and demonstrations. Each year brings new exhibitions, while the best of past displays become part of the permanent collection. These exhibits span various fields of science and technology, offering thought-provoking experiences for everyone. One standout is the sea-themed exhibition, M.O.B., which immerses you in the thrill of saltwater adventures and exhilarating speed. You can craft magic sand landscapes, test your skills in a sailing competition, and even take a spin in a speedboat simulator—just try not to get seasick! Beyond the exhibitions, Oulu itself is a city worth exploring. Known as the 'Capital of Northern Scandinavia,' it offers a unique blend of urban culture and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're wandering through its charming streets, enjoying a meal at a local café, or taking in the breathtaking views of the Northern Lights, Oulu promises an unforgettable experience.

It is difficult to imagine a panorama of Warsaw without the Vistula – the river has had a huge impact on the development of the city, and today offers tourists and locals countless attractions. A kilometres-long riverside promenade is a great place for a walk, a bike ride, as well as a night of fun in one of the seasonal clubs operating here. Along the boulevards are gazebos with sun loungers, stone benches and seats made from tree branches. There is also a lookout point and a mini beach with wicker baskets. In such a place, there has to be a place for the symbol of the river and Warsaw – the Mermaid. Stop at the monument and take a photo. Young children will enjoy the water playground with “dancing” fountains and figures of fish as trampolines for jumping. In the summer season, sail on the Vistula. You can choose from a motor boats, sail boats, ferries or kayaks. http://warsawtour.pl/en/project/the-vistula-boulevards/

The Copernicus Science Centre is a real treat for science lovers. Have a go at making your own experiments and find out what it felt like for Neil Armstrong to take his first step on the Moon. Find out why we experience fear and learn about the mysteries of the senses. Visit the Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium and watch the incredible show, and don’t forget to check out the Robotic Theatre. Once you’ve seen everything, chill out on the lawn in the Discovery Park. This attraction is not only for children. http://warsawtour.pl/en/project/copernicus-science-centre-2/

Arcusbadet is a popular outdoor pool area found at First Camp Luleå. It entertains people of all ages! There is an awesome water park with a wave machine and a long water slide. When your stomach starts to rumble, you can visit the grill room which offers burgers and sausages, or the kiosk selling ice cream, candy, drinks and pool toys. If you do not want to swim you can enjoy yourself in the Arcadium, play some volleyball or try the jumping pads. On-site there are changing rooms, toilets and outdoor showers. There is also access to smaller storage boxes for your valuables. The bath is open for everyone and as a guest at First Camp, you get a favourable price on the entry. https://visitlulea.se/en/see-do/destination/arcusbadet

Welcome to Teknikens Hus -a whole world of technology and an exciting place for the curious of all ages. Come make your own paper, navigate the remote-controlled boats through the harbour or launch the rocket right out into space! Daily family workshops, guided planetarium shows and water rocket launches. Open all year round, Tuesday-Sunday 10 am - 4 pm. Activities in the park during summer hours, from Monday after midsummer - mid-August. https://visitlulea.se/en/see-do/destination/teknikens-hus-luleaa-science-center

Visit 360 Trampoline Center at Luleås mall center, Storheden, where the park is located right in the middle of the shopping district. The park has 2200 sq meters and the major part is packed with activities. It offers the best and most exciting activities a trampoline park can deliver. Besides attractions, it also offers party rooms and business events as well as a larger section for snacks, lighter meals and coffee in a welcoming atmosphere. The trampoline park is an activity for various occasions and ages. It is an exciting and energy-demanding Entertainment for the entire family, business event, school class activity, the sports team, beginners and advanced acrobat athletes who want to burn off some extra calories while having lots of fun. https://visitlulea.se/en/see-do/destination/360-trampoline-center

The open-air museum Hägnan is a cultural-history open-air museum, a living "in the past" and a wonderful place for group activities all year round. During the summer season, Hägnan is open to the public every day 11-17 and in the farms, populated with time-dressed people, you are moved back in time. Experience how people in rural areas lived in the world before and gladly reflect on the development of society for good and evil! Or simply enjoy the pleasant environment, watch the animals in the gardens, go on stilts or play with the children. https://visitlulea.se/sv/se-goera/destination/friluftsmuseet-haegnan

Ounasvaara Ski Resort is located almost close to the centre of Rovaniemi city. From the Northern side of Ounasvaara mountain, you’ll find a modern ski resort where you can downhill ski, snowboard, or ski while enjoying the international atmosphere. Ounasvaara’s slopes are suitable for both beginners and professionals. The resort features two slope areas, Ounashissit and Tottohissi. The latter has the 3 most challenging slopes, including an FIS-competition slope, and it is consequentially favoured by professional and more experienced skiers. It is often used by Finnish athletes as a training area. Ounashissit has four slopes ranging from beginner to expert, and also includes a ‘street’ for snowboarders and freestyle skiers with many numerous jumps, rails, press boxes and a Super Pipe. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/ounasvaara-ski-resort/

Are you attracted to northern forests? If so, your place is Pilke in Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland near the Arctic Circle. The science centre’s exhibitions will allow you to explore current forest issues, while the Pilke Shop offers forest products that appeal to all of the senses. The Pilke Science Centre is a memorable and interactive place to visit for people of all ages whether the reason for your visit is work, study or vacation. The exhibition at the Science Centre teaches visitors about sustainable use of the northern forests and about the diverse range of products and commodities connected to the forests. Pilke’s life is rooted in the present moment and in the bright future of finding many uses for the forests. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/pilke-science-centre/

Santa Park is located in an underground cavern just a few kilometres north of Rovaniemi. Along with Santa Claus, the cavern is home to countless happy and helpful elves, and children are able to spend time in Elf School learning their tricks. There is also a bakery where you can help the elves decorate gingerbread, a restaurant, and an ice bar and gallery. Every 2 hours the elves put on an entertaining show for the children on the stage, and there is a charming train to take you around the different areas of the cavern. Santa Park also provides plenty of outdoor fun for the family, including Husky sledge rides, Reindeer sleighs, Skidoo and mini-Skidoo, and sledging – don’t worry about the cold as SantaPark provides arctic wear for the outdoors activities, and there are several open fires and hot berry juices to keep the chill-out. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/santa-park/

You can meet Santa Claus and cross the magical Arctic Circle every day at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland. Santa Claus spends his time at Santa Claus Village every day of the year to take care of his mission in life; to enhance the well-being of children and the kindness of grown-ups, as well as spread the message of love and goodwill and the Christmas Spirit across the globe. You can find many programme service companies, souvenir shops as well as Santa’s Main Post Office, and cafes and restaurants in Santa Claus Village. And of course, Santa is there too, in his chamber every day of the year! https://santaclausvillage.info/

The merriest place on the Arctic Circle. Snowman World gives you all the joys of winter in a single location next door to Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle – all with just one ticket. The speedy but safe slide is big fun for grown-ups and children too. You can skate on ice or dive in a snowball pit or go into orbit with a sleigh-go-round. Admire ice sculpture in the ice bar and cafe while we serve kids with raspberry red beverages and adults with icy clear drinks. And the drinking glasses are made out of ice, of course. Around of snow and ice, there is the Snowman World you can meet three happy snowman siblings. Ice Hockey promise Flake is the wildest of the three and you might get him to teach you how to shoot the puck on the ice. You will probably find rock star Frost somewhere playing the air guitar. He believes he can make northern lights appear by finding just the right chords. Aurora, sister to these two rowdy brothers, is a dreamer. She loves poems and artistic ice sculptures but nothing gets her more excited than seeing the beautiful northern lights, Aurora Borealis, of which she has been named after. You might also meet the groundskeeper Snowman who takes care of our guests and watches over the whole world of snowmen. The parents of these siblings will not meet in the Snowman World. They work during winters in the snowball factory in Kaamanen where they store snow to a secret place, in case of the warming of the climate. The snowman siblings spend their winters in the Arctic Circle studying winter sports, ice and snow sculpting and aurora hunting. They will take you to enjoy the arctic outdoors and help you try new things like sliding down the ice hills, ice skating and ice sculpting. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/snowman-world/

Come and experience a real reindeer sleigh ride in wintery nature – right in the backyard of Santa’s house at the Arctic Circle. With our guidance, you can rein the reindeer by yourself or just sit comfortably under warm blankets and enjoy the snowy views. You can choose to have a ride with just one reindeer or several reindeers in a line. After the ride, you can an by the open fire where we serve hot juice and experience the magic of the firelight and a real Lappish atmosphere. Explore the snowy forests with your friends on a reindeer sleigh ride and discover the northern lights. The path leads over frozen marshes and spruce woodlands to a winter hut, where we wait for the Northern Lights. While waiting, savour grilled sausages, drink campfire coffee and mulled wine, and enjoy the tranquillity of the wilderness. At the end of the safari, we are feeding a reindeer herd of up to one hundred in their paddock, where you can capture the moment on camera and feed the reindeer. https://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/santa-claus-reindeer-reindeer-sleigh-ride/

The outdoor museum of architecture and life Mamajeva Sloboda is situated not far from the city center, near one of the capital’s picturesque parks. It is an authentic cultural complex that reproduces Cossack settlement of 17th – 18th century. Not only original architectural buildings of Cossack age, but also inimitable atmosphere and spirit of that time were recreated there. The culture and entertainment complex Mamajeva Sloboda is situated in the historical place – at the source of the Lybid River. These lands once belonged to the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral and was occupied by monastery apiary with farm and pond. Later, gardens were planted and a park was laid out in this area, but the ethnic saksen with neat Ukrainian huts under golden straw roofs didn’t appear there until 2009. The museum got its name in honour of the legendary Cossack Mamai – one of the Ukrainian Cossack folklore’s most popular characters, whose image could be found next to the icons in almost every house at Cossack times. https://discover-ukraine.info/places/kyiv/kyiv/1540

Norway's largest amusement park, with more than 30 fun attractions, great games, shops and places to eat. The park features attractions for all ages, including lots of rollercoasters, carousels, a log ride and much more. Barnas Fryd and Frydskogen are packed with rides and activities for small kids. In summer you can enjoy BadeFryd, a water park with a swimming pool, a swimming river and a huge waterslide. https://www.visitoslo.com/en/product/?TLp=186606&TusenFryd-Amusement-Park

Spread out in Kyiv’s picturesque surroundings, the Culture and History Center ‘Park Kyivan Rus’ is a unique project in its nature and scale that has no analogues in Ukraine and even in Europe. It recreates architectural appearance and atmosphere of princely Kyiv with amazing accuracy, taking visitors on a time travel to the Middle Ages and bringing them in the very heart of one of the most influential states in Eastern Europe – the Old Rus. It was decided to create the park exactly in this place for the reason that it is a historically important territory not far from the capital. It is mentioned in antique chronicles and its landscape is very close to the relief and vegetation of the Old Kyiv. The creators of the Culture and History Center brilliantly recreate the ensemble of the Kyiv stronghold – the historical core of the ancient city – as it looked under the rule of the Prince Vladimir the Great. It is from Kyiv kremlin (another name for the medieval stronghold) that the origin and development of Kyiv and the Old Rus started. Later it became the cradle of Slavic civilization. https://discover-ukraine.info/places/kyiv/kyiv/1527

Let yourself be surrounded by sharks, watch the seals romp around in their natural environment, paddle in a kayak on the deepest polar ocean and learn more about how you can take good care of the sea’s wildlife. Whether you prefer to be a spectator on land or to be thrown into the deep in a diving suit Kattegatcentret is the place to go. A sea of experiences that will stay with you forever awaits you! Did you know that Kattegatcentret has more than 250 animal species from all over the world? You can experience fascinating sharks, slender herring and fierce catfish but also colorful coral reef fish, poisonous lionfish, and cuddly seals. Our many open aquariums offer excitement for all senses with splashing water, smells and sounds and in the touch pools you can actually pet a real shark, play hide and seek with the flatfishes or hold hands with starfish and crabs. https://www.visitdjursland.org/djursland/explore/kattegatcentret-gdk675394