Hobbies for children and young people

Municipalities, associations, adult education centres and private organisations organise guided activities for children and young people.

You can find information on local services on the page Cities.

It is good for children to engage in many different kinds of exercise, as this will promote their motor skills and health. Day-care centres and schools organise some sports activities, but children also need other exercise and play every day.

Sports can be practiced in clubs, teams or individually. For example, municipalities organise affordable family sports that children and parents can participate in together.

Sports available to school-age children and young people include football, dancing, athletics, floorball, gymnastics and swimming.

Young people can engage in a variety of art hobbies, such as visual art, music and theatre. Related activities are organised by adult education centres, art schools, music schools and municipal youth services, for example. For information on hobby opportunities, schedules and prices, contact the organising party directly.

Libraries and reading

Every municipality in Finland has a library with a large selection of books for children and young people. Children can have their own library card with their guardian’s permission.

To read more, go to: Libraries

Municipal youth services are intended for children and young adults. Young people can take part in various clubs and open-to-all activities organised in youth centres. A youth centre is a place where young people can spend time and engage in a variety of recreational activities. Youth centres also organise guided activities. The youth centre activities are primarily free of charge.

There is always an adult – normally a municipal youth worker or youth instructor – present at a youth centre. The age limits for youth premises vary. The activities are organised based on the wishes of the young people, who can also influence the content themselves.

Additional information on youth work organised by your municipality can be obtained from your local youth services. Many organisations and parishes also take part in youth work.

Young people have a wide range of opportunities for social involvement. An easy way to start is to participate in the student body activities of your own school or educational institute, for example. Every municipality has a youth council that represents young people in municipal decision-making.

Many civic organisations and associations organise activities for young people. Through civic organisations, young people can highlight issues that are important to them and advance social causes.

Persons over 18 years old can vote in elections.

To read more, go to: Elections and voting in Finland