Since when I became a mother, my calendar year has few highlights that I wait for year after year, and Lapsimessut, the Helsinki Children’s Fair, is one of them. If have never visited it, let me walk you through it.

Picture the Helsinki Fair Centre filled with soft play stations, free-to-play huge toy areas, boardgame testing spaces, all sort of food stands, and free children’s entertainment all day long. And puppies.

Lapsimessut was the first special event we lived as a family of four.

R and E played in this toys’ area for hours.

Lapsimessut was the first big event we went to as a family after E had joined our party and it was a blast. It was the first time I saw E so excited. I still recall how long we struggled to make him fall asleep for his nap.

Going nuts with soft play.

Our kids were all over the place. R discovered new toys and E could let off some steam in the soft play areas. R tried cotton candy for the very first time there! She had her face painted, rode some stuffed animals, and played all day long. One thing I appreciate is that you pay your entrance ticket and then you’re fixed. Face painting or play did not require any additional fee, it’s all included in the promotional activities the stands plan for the visitors.

R tried cotton candy for the first time in Lapsimessut and of course she didn’t miss the opportunity to act as a clown.

So. Many. Toys.

The Fair center is extremely children-friendly. There are changing tables in the toilets and we could even find some wide space where to walk with the stroller to make E fall asleep and some quiet corner where he could nap far from the crowd. There are several restaurants serving food inside, all offering meals suitable for kids. If you are breastfeeding, there’s even a quiet room to do it undisturbed. The center is stroller friendly, but you may expect the event to be crowded, so I recommend a baby carrier. You can park your stroller in dedicated areas, if you need it for nap time.

The stands offer loads of free entertainment. Here the Viking Line’s mascot was singing and dancing with the kids.

With the same ticket, you can access also the Pets’ Fair (21.-22.4.2018).

I am so looking forward to this year’s event! E and R still recalls last year’s play and they cannot wait. This year Lapsimessut will take place on 22.-24.4.2018. Here’s some highlights from the programme you cannot miss:

Hertta’s fitness (Hertan jumppatuokio): some fitness for the whole family.
Everyday mindfulness exercises for parents (Mindfulness-harjoituksia lapsiperhearkeen): because mama needs to relax!
Seppä’s circus dogs (Sepän Sirkuskoirat): no one can resist the circus.
Saying hello to the mascots (Satuhahmot Vekarat-lavalla): just to see E’s face expression when he sees them in real life.
Muumin Mamma’s surprise party (Muumimamman Yllätysjuhlat): E loves Muumi!

Now, I have good news. Messukeskus was kind enough to offer my readers two single-day entry tickets to this year’s Lapsimessut. You have a chance of winning them by simply entering the giveaway. Click on the banner down here and follow the instructions (competition ended on 15.4.2018).
(Note: children under 4 enter for free)

I will be live-posting from the event, so make sure to follow my Instagram account and if you will be there and want to meet up, tell me and I’d be happy to say hello. To know more about the event, check out Lapsimessut Facebook page.
Messukeskus has loads of exciting family-friendly happenings throughout the year and we are loyal visitors to many. To never miss one, make sure to follow their Facebook page.

This post was sponsored by Messukeskus, but opinions are mine and sincere. Read more about my work values and commitment to transparency here.