The capital area has lots of beautiful islands. Many of them are private but some are open to the…read morepublic. One of them that it definitely worth a daytrip is Iso Vasikkasaari on the coast of Espoo. Several times a day a ferry leaves from Otaniemi, Haukilahti and Matinkylä to bring visitors to the island. For the timetable click here. Adults pay 5 € for a return ticket, children just 2€. Especially on weekends and when the weather is good the ferries are normally full. So try to get on board before Matinkylä. Luckily the island is big enough to never give you the feeling of being overcrowded. There are nice smaller and bigger beaches and several idyllic places along the water and further inside on the island. On the South-Western side the sailing boats at the wooden pier give you the feeling of being somewhere at the Mediterranean Sea rather than in Finland. Closer to the harbor you find a cozy restaurant serving meat and fish dishes. You can of course also just enjoy a cold drink in the shade.

Excellent gym with great prices, and friendly, knowledgable staff. When you come here, you won't…read moreget up sold on 2-year contracts and more courses than you can attend. What you will get is access to extremely knowledgable personal trainers (usually with relevant degrees), the newest machines (including Kinesis), some old school machines and free weights as well, and very clean shower and sauna. The prices are reasonable, and you are able to workout at your own pace and in peace. There is a separate "Kid's park" playroom, in case you need it. It's not the largest gym in the world, but it is very nice.

This is a fun place with a lot to do for kids. For parents, there is a TV, couches, and internet,…read moreso time doesn't feel as uncomfortable. I would caution against birthday parties there, though. We had one for our daughter and the party place was filthy: old ice cream stain drippings on *every* chair, the wall, and all kinds of old food dried on to the curtains separating the rooms. It looks like they wipe off the tables only and sweep the floors. There was day old popcorn under our table when we came in for the party at opening. Disgustingly dirty and NOT where children are eating.

Yes! Yes! Yes! I want to cannonball for joy over the superb swimming classes we've enjoyed and…read morecontinue to enjoy with our now-2.5 year old son. Yanita is the swimming teacher to beat all swimming teachers. We're super lucky to have her. The office is organized. Their "make-up" policy regarding missed days is outstanding (you get to make up days if your child is sick - no questions asked). Their class curriculum and lay-out is excellent. The teachers know just when to step in and take over with those littles who excel withOUT mom or dad but excel when listening to another adult. They use swim belts for all of the children over a certain age, which has made me feel safer and has really furthered my son's swimming skills rapidly while helping to build confidence. Their pricing is the best around and I am so happy we found them. We've had three different instructors now and love them all. Unlike another school that shall not be named, I have also been warmly welcome as a non-native Finnish speaker. The teachers speak English and will totally take time to explain the situation in English. Summer intensive swim camp was out of this world great, too. I can't say enough nice things about them. Just go there. It's a bit of a trek to Munkkiniemi but only about 15 minutes by any bus leaving Kamppi going in that direction. Bus and Tram 4 stop right in front and the building is beautiful. There's even a playground just inside the courtyard. Swim, snack, play. Half your day is taken care of for you and then they pass out on the way home. #momwin #swimwin #happykids!

I've taken my kid to mini golf in Munkkivuori a few times -- the latest two weekends ago. Weather…read moreallowing, it's really a good activity for families. There's 18 holes with varying difficulty -- some perhaps a bit too challenging for smaller children, but it's a good lesson in patience and practice :) I'll knock off a star because it's cash only so I had to jog over to the shopping center ATM. There's plenty of parking if you're by car.

Hernesaari Artholmen Port, Helsinki, Finland. Holland America Jewels of Baltic Cruise. Mostly…read moreSeniors, Very nice, very relaxing. Foods - 4 Service 4 - 4.5 Ambience 4 Cleanliness - 4 - 4.5