Children play naked at water playground in Turku, sparking debate

Parents in Turku are divided over children playing naked at the Seikkailupuisto water playground, a public facility where some families allow their children to run through water jets without clothing.

The city’s green area manager, Mari Helin, said the playground follows the same rules as all public spaces: children must at minimum wear underpants. “Visitors from outside Turku may not have known about the water play option, so they might not have brought swimsuits,” Helin said.

The playground is free and located in a public park. Two changing cabins are available for families who want to dress children in swimwear before play. The city has no plans to add new signs, Helin said, because the existing guidance applies everywhere.

Some parents told Yle they worry about photos of naked children spreading on social media, while others say they prefer letting children play freely. The Mannerheim Child Welfare League’s Tatjana Pajamäki advised adults to avoid discussing nudity directly with young children, calling such comments potentially confusing, shame-inducing, or frightening for small children.

Pajamäki also suggested that venues could offer swimwear rental or lending to reduce concerns. Public spaces with water play typically require swimwear for all ages, she noted, citing hygiene and safety rules in places like swimming halls.