This year we have no holiday trips planned, so we decided to give the kids a few “special days” here and there. Last week we headed to Kouvola, North-East of Helsinki, to visit the amusement park Tykkimäki. It was our first time there, and it was a great discovery. The park is quite close to the capital area, about 1.40 h away by car. The park is connected to a camping place, with bungalows as well, if you plan to stay over. With few euros more, we could have bought the hopper-tickets, to jump into the waterpark and/or the action park as well.

We were blessed with wonderful weather and fully enjoyed the day. Our 9 year old goddaughter U. came along and she went completely crazy about the attractions. There was plenty to do for all kids, E. even got in for free (short of only 2 cm!). R. said her favourite ride was one with small cars she could freely drive. It was pretty cool to see those little cars going around not on tracks. I think she also enjoyed the House of Surprises, and for once there were alternative passages for lazy parents as myself, and I could skip the slide and weird rotating passages.

U. loved the Star Flyer most, a 70 m high ride she forced me on right as we arrived. I’m too old for this! E. was really excited, but also tired from a night of poor sleep. I cannot say what he loved the most, but surely he enjoyed the day fully.

If I convinced you to go, I recommend Cafe Lilja for a lunch break. They have suitable menus for kids, a small ball pool, and a small shop. On the road, you can also find Mehiläispesä and Cafe Antik-Anna, but we didn’t stop, so I cannot vouch.

So, on the next sunny day grab a snack and drive to Kouvola, for a day your kids will not forget!