Lapland · Finland · Things to do
5 things to do in Lapland with kids
The five best things to do in Lapland with kids are a husky sled ride, meeting reindeer, a night in a glass igloo, a day in the snowy forest and watching for the northern lights. Winter is the season for all five, with the best chance of the lights from September to March. Finnish Lapland around Rovaniemi and Saariselkä is the easiest base for families.
What to do, in order
- 1
Ride a husky sled
A husky safari is the signature winter activity in Finnish Lapland. A team of dogs pulls a sled through the forest, with a guide driving and children usually riding as passengers, though some farms let older children drive a sled themselves. Operators supply thermal overalls and boots. Short safaris of an hour suit younger children, and longer ones involve more cold sitting. Visit the kennels beforehand if possible, as dogs and puppies are a highlight. Check minimum ages when booking, because they vary by farm.
- 2
Meet the reindeer
Reindeer are herded in the north by the Sámi people and by Finnish herders, and farms across Lapland offer visits. A short sleigh ride behind a reindeer is the usual activity, and children can feed and pet the animals. Look for a farm that explains the herding tradition and the Sámi culture, rather than just a short photo stop. Reindeer meat is also a regional food, found on local menus. The animals are used to people, but treat them calmly and follow the herder's instructions.
- 3
Sleep in a glass igloo
Glass igloos and cabins have a heated glass roof or wall, so you can watch the sky from bed. They are popular and often booked a year ahead. They are not a guarantee of seeing the aurora, which needs a clear, dark sky and some solar activity, but even without the lights they give a clear view of the stars and the snowy forest. Choose a location away from town lights, and ask whether staff will wake guests for an aurora alert. Expect high prices compared with the rest of Finland.
- 4
Play in the snow forest
The forests of Lapland are quiet and white after snowfall, with spruce trees heavy with snow and a stillness that children notice at once. Snowshoeing, sledging, ice fishing and a snowmobile ride with a guide are all offered, along with winter walks on marked trails. Plan for several hours outdoors, with a hot drink in a wooden hut or a lean-to shelter by a campfire. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi sits on the Arctic Circle and is an easy stop for younger children.
- 5
Chase the northern lights
The northern lights appear when charged particles from the sun meet the upper atmosphere, and Lapland sits under the main viewing zone. The season runs from around September to March, and clear, dark nights give the best chance. Check an aurora forecast and the cloud cover, and be flexible: allow several nights rather than one. Tours with a guide who drives to clearer skies improve the odds. Dress in several warm layers and bring hand warmers. A child who falls asleep in the car may need waking.
Plan it
- Best time
- December has Christmas lights, snow and very short days around the Arctic Circle. February and March have more daylight, stable snow and good aurora chances. Summer has the midnight sun, but the activities here belong to winter.
- How long
- Four to five nights is a good length, enough for a husky safari, a reindeer visit, a night in an igloo and two or three evenings for aurora. Shorter trips leave little room for weather.
- Getting around
- Fly or take the sleeper train to Rovaniemi, then use organised transfers. Most activities include pickup from the hotel. A rental car is possible, but winter driving needs confidence and winter tyres.
Good to know
- Wear wool or synthetic base layers, never cotton. Many operators lend outer clothing, but check what is included.
- Book igloo and husky activities as far ahead as possible for December, when everything fills first.
- Lapland is one of the pricier winter destinations, so decide which two or three activities matter most and skip the rest.
Frequently asked
What age is Lapland suitable for? +
Children of about three and older enjoy it most. Many activities have minimum ages, and toddlers can find the cold and long outdoor periods hard. Operators supply winter clothing for children, so ask about sizes.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Lapland? +
From around September to March, on clear dark nights. February and March often combine good aurora chances with more daylight. No tour can guarantee the lights, so allow several nights.
How cold does it get in Lapland in winter? +
Daytime temperatures often sit around minus five to minus fifteen degrees Celsius and can drop far lower on clear nights. Layers, a warm hat and insulated boots matter more than any single jacket.
Is a glass igloo worth it? +
It is a memorable stay if the sky is clear, but it does not guarantee the aurora. Choose one in a dark location with a staff alert system, and consider one night rather than several.