When the weather is good, there’s no place better than outside! Tampere offers many outdoor activities for the whole family, so we decided to put together a top 10 – list of all the things to do here during summer season. Activities and destinations can be found for all ages and for all sorts of enthusiasts, and even the parents will have fun here!
1. Playgrounds
Smallest family members will enjoy the many playgrounds of Tampere. Näsinpuisto Park and Playground is a theme playground based on kids’ poems, combining art and fun. Pikku Kakkonen Playground in Koskipuisto is suitable for older kids as well because this playground has jungle gyms and themed areas. Emil Aaltonen Park and Playground is a little bit off the city centre by the Tammelantori Market Place, but this playground by a big sunny park is an excellent location for the whole day. You can stop by Tammelantori Market Place for lunch, and why not go for a coffee in Cat Café Purnauskis!
2. Flowpark Varala
Feel like you spend too much time indoors? Are you tired of sitting all day long? In Flowpark Varala you can be free as a bird – and as high up in the air as a bird! Flowpark offers cableways, swings and zip lines high from the ground. Meant for adventurous people, this activity suits everyone who is 7+ years old. More demanding tracks for adults, and easier for kids. Adventure park Flowpark Varala is said to be the most beautiful Flowpark of Finland due to its scenic views to the lake Pyhäjärvi.
3. Viikinsaari island
Hop on a boat to sunny Viikinsaari island! Boat ride from Laukontori Market takes about 20 minutes, taking you away from the city hassle to a green oasis with services, nature trails and beaches. Boats sail to Viikinsaari starting from beginning of June until mid-August. Boats leave from the city centre every full hour and come back from the island on the half hour. On the island you can find a nature trail, kiosk, restaurant, beach, campfire site, dance pavilion and even a chapel and a summer theatre.
4. Sorsapuisto Park
Sorsapuisto Park is open all year round but is at its prime in summer season. Playground, birds and the best picnic locations in the city. Come for park yoga, lay in the sun, enjoy the playground or just to wander around! You can also spot the cute Moomin statue at the park.
5. Minigolf and world’s best doughnuts
Why not spend a summer day playing minigolf? Koulukatu Minigolf track is located in Pyynikki, by the lake Pyhäjärvi, so you can first golf and then eat – obviously the legendary doughnuts at the Pyynikki Observation Tower!
6. Traffic Park and Kauppi Sports Center
Childrens traffic park in Kaleva is open during summer time. Check out also Mobilia in Kangasala or the house of Mr. Clutterbuck in Sastamala. In Kauppi Sports Center you can have fun in their multi-purpose fields, badminton courts and a trampoline park!
7. Iso-Vilunen activity area
Iso-Vilunen Park has The first Trial Park in Finland! The park is open around the clock and to everyone. Trial Park is a part of Iso-Vilunen activity area that also features a skate park and a BMX track. Iso-Vilunen skate park serves all skaters, amateurs and more experienced.
8. Beaches
Fancy a calm day in the sun, maybe relaxing with a book while kids have splashy fun of their own? Beaches in Tampere city centre by the two big lakes are popular with everyone – and for a good reason! Pyynikki beach by lake Pyhäjärvi is the biggest one with big open areas for play, and Rauhaniemi beach and public sauna by lake Näsijärvi are definitely worth seeing. Rauhaniemi sauna is a traditional public sauna open in summer and in winter. Both beaches have a kiosk, a toilet and beach toys. If you are looking for a more quiet beach, try Tahmela Beach. Slightly outside of city centre, right by the colorful Pispala, this beach also has sand to get comfortable on, and of course beautiful scenery.
9. Abseiling and roof walking
Have you been safely observing the scenery from the top of Pyynikki Observation Tower? Why not climb over the rail next time for a guaranteed adrenalin rush and extreme holiday photos? Abseiling from Pyynikki Observation Tower under the watchful eye of Kelo & Kallio Adventures is safe for everyone from teens to grandpas. How about walking on the roofs of Finlayson? Roof Walk Finlayson Area by Amazing City is Finland’s first rooftop walk. It is a unique experience where you can see and experience the history and landscapes of Tampere from a completely new perspective from the roofs of the historic buildings in the Finlayson area.
10. Tammerkoski nature trail
The Tammerkoski nature trail is suitable for the whole family, as it is only 2.6 km long. The trail mainly goes around the Tammerkoski rapids and Näsinpuisto park. Information on birds, plants, insects, fish and bats can be found on the signposts along the trail. So you can see the finest landscapes in Tampere and at the same time learn about nature, how anything could be more fun!