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Häme Castle
Family activities
Families' holiday in Hämeenlinna
Welcome to enjoy Hämeenlinna with the whole family!
Hämeenlinna offers countless ways to spend unforgettable days, regardless of the weather – whether you’re coming for a day trip or an overnight stay! There’s plenty to do indoors and outdoors for the whole family, from the youngest children to grandparents. Getting here by train is easy, and getting around the city is effortless by public transport, both in the centre and at nature destinations.
Spend the best day of your holiday at Linnanniemi
Rising as the landmark of Linnanniemi, the medieval Häme Castle is the best-preserved castle in the Nordic countries. In the more than 700-year-old castle, you can explore on your own or join a guided tour, both included in the price of admission.
A stone’s throw from Häme Castle, Museo Militaria offers a wide-ranging look at Finland’s military history, showcasing military equipment from cannons to rifles, along with stories from Finnish history spanning the Middle Ages to the present day. There’s plenty to marvel at for the whole family across three floors and the outdoor area – enough to fill an entire day!
Finland’s largest prison museum, the Prison, served as Hämeenlinna’s county prison until 1993. The museum tells the story of prison management and prison life throughout history. The Prison is open every year from May until the end of September.
Valoilmiö Festival, 12–14 November 2026
Valoilmiö is a free, inclusive city festival for the whole family, focused on light art. The festival will next be held in Hämeenlinna from 12 to 14 November 2026.
Adventure awaits, whatever the weather
The indoor playground Kids Park Hugola offers lively activities for the youngest members of the family. Slides, climbing, a ball pit, a foam pit, a trampoline, a dedicated play area for little ones, and much more!
In the same building, Entertainment Centre Hämpton is a hit with both school-age children and adults. In Hämpton’s world of experiences, you can compete on the bubble football pitch, bounce around the trampoline arena, or battle it out in an Archery Tag city battle. Also on offer are glow-in-the-dark mini golf, a wall full of arcade games, and traditional billiards.
On the grounds of Häme Castle you’ll find Getaway Room Escape Hämeenlinna, where the whole family can enjoy a thrilling escape room adventure. Several escape games of varying difficulty are available, and the easiest one is well suited for children and families trying an escape room for the first time.
Test your climbing skills at the Vanaja Boulder climbing centre, which offers challenges for climbers of all levels.
At Hämeenlinna Bowling Centre and Scandic Aulanko’s bowling alley, children’s absolute favourite is the glow bowling sessions! At Fifth Avenue, hunger won’t catch you off guard mid-game, as the restaurant facilities are right under the same roof.
Warm water all year round! Swimmers and water enthusiasts will love Scandic Aulanko’s spa or the Hämeenlinna Swimming Centre. The Ahvenisto Outdoor Pool serves water lovers daily from May to September.
Head outdoors together, live in the moment
When the weather is fine, Hämeenlinna offers a wide range of activities for those who love the outdoors. The city, and the nature right on its doorstep, awaken a sense of adventure and reveal plenty to marvel at.
Appara Adventure Centre offers active fun for the whole family, with an outdoor pool, a swimming beach, a café, an outdoor fire pit, a large children’s playground, and beach volleyball courts. Ahvenisto is also home to a popular climbing park for adventurers of all ages! Be sure to explore Hämeenlinna’s other swimming beaches as well.
Kauriala Traffic Park gives children a fun and safe way to practise road rules while cycling. You can bring your own bike and helmet, or borrow pedal cars and scooters on site. The whole family can practise getting around in traffic together in a playful setting. The park is free and open for everyone to use.
Hämeenlinna has numerous playgrounds throughout the city. The popular and versatile Hämeensaari playground is located in Engelinranta, behind the swimming centre. In addition to the large playground, the park features a swimming beach, two basketball courts, grassy areas for relaxing, and shops close by.
Captivating nature destinations
Wilderness spirit of Evo
Evo recreation area is a great destination whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer hike!
Active Ahvenisto
At Ahvenisto, an active day outdoors flies by, with the area offering a wide range of activities for all ages.
Rantareitti, the whole city's lakeside trail
A favourite route among outdoor enthusiasts is Rantareitti, which winds through the stunning scenery of Lake Vanajavesi and Linnanniemi, and has even been praised as “Finland’s most beautiful running route.”
Enchanting Aulanko
Aulanko offers visitors unique nature experiences and plenty of opportunities for active leisure time.
