3 Best Sights in Helsinki, Finland

Seurasaari's old farmhouses and barns that were brought to this island, which is about 2 miles northwest of the city center, came from all over the country. Many are rough-hewn log buildings dating from the 17th century, a style that was a major inspiration to the late-19th-century architects of the national revivalist movement. All exhibits are marked by signposts along the trails; don't miss the church boat and the gabled church—and watch out for the very sociable red squirrels! Seurasaari is connected to land by a pedestrian bridge and is a restful place for walking throughout the year, with its forest trails and ocean views. You can walk there in about 40 minutes from the Opera House; follow Mannerheimintie northeast, then turn left onto Linnankoskenkatu and follow signs along the coast. Alternatively, take Bus 24 from the city center, in front of the Swedish Theater at the west end of Pohjoisesplanadi; its last stop is by the bridge to the island. It's free to enter and wander around the traffic-free island at any time of the year, but there is a cost to visit the museum buildings, and the ticket includes daily guided tours at 3 pm in summer. There is a naturist beach on the north side of the island, well shielded from public view. Plan on spending at least three hours exploring and getting to the museum.

The resident Amur tigers, snow leopards, and reindeer are familiar with the cold winters here, one of the world's northernmost zoos, but there are all sorts of other animals to view, including pygmy marmosets and bison. Korkeasaari has a good reputation for breeding and conserving endangered species and is home to a wildlife hospital. Entirely within the limits of this small island, the winding paths make the zoo seem larger than it actually is. Between May and September, ferries depart from the Market Square and from a quay in the Hakaniemi district. Tickets, which can be bought on the ferry, cost €7 round-trip and are free for children under 18. Zoo tickets are sold at the zoo entrance. The trip takes 15 minutes; arrival and departure times are posted at the harbor. Alternatively, you can take the metro to the Kulosaari stop, cross under the tracks, and follow the signs for a 20-minute walk to the zoo, crossing the island of Mustikkamaa. Bus 16 runs to the zoo from the Central Railway Station.

Helsinki's amusement park, to the north of the city center, is a great option for families and one of the most popular attractions in the whole country. Linnanmäki includes a unique "heritage" wooden roller coaster and the Sea Life aquarium, and even stages an annual Carnival of Light to brighten up the onset of fall in October. Other attractions include a horror festival in September that amplifies the children's yells that are always audible anywhere near the park, as well as Ferris wheels, bumper cars, a water-rafting track, an "octopus" ride, a viewing tower, a freewill ride, various carousels, a clowns' house, and a minitrain. The park's season opens on the May Day holiday and continues through September, with the October Light event in the second half of that month. No summer is complete for Helsinki children without a visit to Linnanmäki.