- Type
- Nature centre
- Environment
- Mixed
- Age
- 5-12 years
- Price
- Free
- Estimated visit
- 90-180 min
Harakka Nature Centre operates in historic buildings on Harakka island off Kaivopuisto. During the summer season, families can explore Baltic Sea and archipelago nature, borrow research equipment, and visit the children's Vellamo fairy tale house, where marine nature is approached through play. The island is reached by ferry from Ullanlinnanlaituri, so the outing needs a little more planning than a normal city-centre stop.
At a glance
- Age fit
- 5-12 years
- Price snapshot
- Free
- Opening season
- May to September
- Duration
- 90-180 min
- Accessibility
- Partial
- Stroller-friendly
- Partial
- Parking ease
- Difficult
- Travel estimate with HSL from my location
- Accessibility
- The city page states that some exhibition spaces are not fully accessible. The island route, ferry, and historic buildings can make access with prams or mobility aids difficult.
Plan your visit
- Practical notes
- The island is reached by ferry from Ullanlinnanlaituri. Call the ferry by lifting the wooden call sign on the pier. Visitors cannot arrive with their own boat or bring dogs. The Nature Centre does not have a café, so snacks are useful.
- Opening-hours notes
- The Nature Centre is open from the beginning of May to the end of September, Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–17:00. Mondays, May Day, Ascension Day, and Midsummer are closed. In 2026, ferry traffic starts on 22.4.2026 if ice conditions allow.
- Booking notes
- A normal Nature Centre visit does not require booking. Ferry tickets are paid by card or MobilePay; cash is not accepted. Separate tours, school groups, and events follow their own practices.
- Price notes
- Admission to the Nature Centre facilities is free. The Harakka ferry costs EUR 9 return or EUR 6 one-way for adults. Children aged 7-17 pay EUR 6 return, and retirees pay EUR 6 return. For groups taking part in guided Nature Centre activities, the ferry price is EUR 9 per adult and EUR 4.50 per child.
- Age notes
- Best for preschoolers and school-age children interested in nature who can manage an island visit and ferry trip.
- Seasonal notes
- This is a seasonal island outing. In 2026, the Midsummer closure dates are 19.–21.6.2026. The ferry runs mainly every 30 minutes in spring and summer, with day-specific breaks and later Friday and Saturday evenings in the main summer season.
- Weather notes
- The island and ferry make the outing weather-sensitive. Indoor spaces help in rain, but travel and waiting happen outdoors.