Finnish schoolchildren start summer break with science camps, scooters, and swimming

Finnish schoolchildren kicked off their summer holidays on Monday with a mix of outdoor activities, from animal encounters at science camps to scooter rides and swimming, public broadcaster Yle reports.

At the Vehmäsmäki Animal Park in Kuopio, children attending a science camp fed Putti, a pig known for its role in the Anneli and Onneli films, and learned how to interact with farm animals. Six-year-old Stella Silvennoinen of Siilinjärvi was among the early risers at the camp, where hands-on animal care—despite the smell—proved the most popular activity. “The best part is feeding them,” said Suvi Leinonen, the camp coordinator for SnellmanEDU, a children’s university program at the University of Eastern Finland. “Animals bring warmth and closeness—when they willingly approach and enjoy being petted, it feels good.”

Meanwhile, teenagers in Seinäjoki spent their first day of freedom scooting through Lakeuden Puisto park. Joona Finnilä, Jose Kekola, Vilho Lakso, and Rasmus Nikkari packed snacks for a day of riding, fishing, and late-night gatherings, with Finnilä carrying a supply of 60 bandages for inevitable scrapes. “I hurt my knee yesterday, but it’s fine now,” said Lakso, who admitted skipping knee pads despite wearing a helmet. Ice cream stands and grilled snacks—sausages, chicken wings, and corn—rounded out their plans.

At Hyllykallio beach in Seinäjoki, younger children dipped toes into summer routines. Essi Yliselä, 9, preferred the cleaner waters of Kiiku’s sandbank but still enjoyed the company of cousins while parents worked. Her brother Veeti, a football player, looked forward to a tournament in Tampere, while Essi prepared for two pesäpallo (Finnish baseball) camps in Vaasa and Liperi. “There are so many friends in the neighborhood and from school—we can see them whenever we want,” she said.

Across Finland, the break began with structured programs like sports and science camps alongside unstructured play, from overnight stays to frisbee golf. For many, the day started early—but the trade-off was simple: summer, at last.