The area of Savonlinna is a child-friendly holiday destination whether you are planning a winter holiday, a summer holiday, skiing holiday, a mini holiday or a day trip. There are many opportunities within our region for things to do and experience together! Savonlinna is of a perfect size for a family holiday and activities within nature are really close everywhere. There are also concerts, theatre and exhibitions for children.
Summer tips!
The Savonlinna region offers a variety of exciting activities for children. A happy summers day with your children can be spent in the Kesämaa water and amusement park in Punkaharju. Or you can head towards one of our many beaches to spend a sunny day in; the beach within Savonlinna city by the Pikku Kakkonen children’s play park on Linnankatu is a wonderful location to spend the day with your children.
For those looking for more excitement we recommend renting a rowing boat or a canoe and getting to know the city from the water. There are many rental places within our area, and you can also rent boats and canoes right from the city centre from Casinonsaari. Behind Casinonsaari is Sulosaari, an island favoured by locals, which is accessed via a wooden bridge. Sulosaari has beautiful nature trails and you can light a fire and take a break at its lean-to shelter, or enjoy a coffee and a pancake at the lovely café Kalliolinna. For more action and speed, head over to Tanhuvaara Sports Institute which offers many kinds of activities, adventures, and summer camps!
During the summer, memorable shared activities are boating in Lake Saimaa or walking trips in our many nature trails along our shorelines and forests. Parents and children can all take part in horse-riding excursions too.
Accommodation
For overnight stays with children we would especially recommend rentable private cabins in the areas, cabins in holiday villages as well as camping grounds during the summer. Playing and paddling in Lake Saimaa, and trips into the nearby forest are wonderful experiences for children. Within Savonlinna city centre, families can stay in comfort in our hotels or city homes.
Travel tips for early winter and midwinter
During the winter you can go snowboarding, downhill skiing or spend a spa holiday with your children. You can also explore Lake Saimaa by cross-country skiing, tour skating, or by being pulled in a sleigh by a horse. There’s also a reindeer village, Porokylä, which truly is a winter wonderland and ideal for children! Come to Porokylä to enjoy the crisp wintery outdoors, warm up by a log fire and pet our reindeer. Savonlinna area offers a variety of winter activities, where you can choose from guided- or unguided ones to make lasting memories for your family!
For cultural experiences Olavinlinna Castle offers guided tours in our medieval castle. For families with children an interesting place to visit is Riihisaari, Lake Saimaa Nature and Culture Centre, situated right next to Olavinlinna Castle, where you can get to know the history of steam ships and familiarize yourself with the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal. At Lusto, the Finnish Forest Museum in Punkaharju, you will learn about the importance of forests to Finnish people’s lives, and can even dive into a bear’s nest! Often there will also be exhibitions and programs specifically for children.
