Helsinki to celebrate Children’s Rights Week with a diverse programme

This year’s theme of Children’s Rights Week highlights every child’s right to be valued – every child and young person is valuable just as they are, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

During the theme week, Helsinki will offer varied activities for children, young people and families. Events and activities will be available at the City’s cultural centres, museums, libraries, playgrounds, youth centres and sports facilities. Most of the events are free of charge. The theme week will also be present in daycare centres and comprehensive schools.

Helsinki libraries will celebrate Children's Rights Week with a wide range of programmes. Reading to a child helps develop their reading skills, and the library offers plenty of opportunities to spend time reading together and enjoying stories.

Crafting window decorations at Tilketori Square in Malmi with SAV Taidekollektiivi art collective

On Children's Rights Day, Friday 20 November, the City will offer free swimming starting from 14.00 for all children and young people under the age of 18, as well as for one guardian accompanying each child. This offer is valid at the Itäkeskus, Pirkkola and Jakomäki swimming halls, as well as on the ground floor of Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall. Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall does not have a children’s pool, so swimmers must be able to swim at least 25 metres. Please note that Friday 20 November is ladies’ turn at Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall.

The Children’s Culture for All! week invites you to enjoy art, music, dance and workshops at cultural centres.

Events for Children’s Rights Week can be found on the tapahtumat.hel.fi website by searching for “Children’s Rights Week”.

Helsinki works to promote the wellbeing of children and young people and children’s rights all year round. The City aims to be a happy and safe place for children. Work according to the Child-Friendly Cities initiative of UNICEF is one of the ways in which Helsinki promotes the rights of children. In 2024, the Finnish Committee for UNICEF awarded Helsinki the Child Friendly City award.