Lasten Kesä
Camps for children and young people during school holidays and weekends. Subsidised places are assessed on financial, social or health grounds.
Information bank and compiled information
Here you will find compiled information about organisations and actors that offer free or subsidised activities for children and young people.
We collect information to make it easier for families to find suitable support and opportunities. The page includes, for example:
• information about organisations, forms of support and where families can seek help (including links)
• information about subsidised hobbies, camps and other activities
• tips on free cultural and leisure activities
Camps
Leirikesä
Subsidised overnight camps at Kiljava and Kesärinne. Families can apply for a reduced fee; support is assessed individually.
Parasta Lapsille
Children’s camps and activities for families together. Locations, fees and application conditions vary by programme.
Materials (clothes, toys)
Hope ry
Donated clothing, shoes, toys and children’s supplies for families facing financial hardship or a crisis. Contact your nearest branch; availability depends on donations.
Kierrätyskeskus
Second-hand goods and designated free-item areas in the Helsinki region. Availability varies; not all items in the shops are free.
About the free-item areasIn FinnishFood
Ruoka-apu.fi
Find nearby food distributions and free or low-cost community meals. This nationwide service can be used without creating an account.
Save the Children · food aid
Grocery vouchers for low-income families through local associations and partner professionals. Most local associations do not accept direct applications.
Parish social support
Help and advice with financial difficulties through your local parish. Food assistance and shared-meal arrangements vary locally.
Support for hobbies
The Finnish model for leisure activities
Free hobbies around the school day for pupils in basic education. Find activities and registration through your school or municipality.
Save the Children · hobby support
Support for children’s regular, supervised hobbies, including eligible fees and equipment. Availability and application periods depend on local funding.
SOS-Lapsikylä · Unelmista totta
Hobby support for children aged 7–17 in low-income families in participating municipalities. Apply yourself or with a professional; approved costs are paid to the activity provider.
Other
Kaikukortti
Free cultural admission for eligible people experiencing financial hardship in participating areas. Your own children or grandchildren under 18 can attend the same event with you.
MLL · family cafés
Free meetups where children can play and parents can meet one another. Membership and advance registration are generally unnecessary.
Lähellä.fi
A nationwide directory of organisations, activities, groups and support. Find local opportunities and check each listing’s costs and participation details.
Research on child poverty in families with children
Here you will find compiled research information about child poverty in families with children. We bring together studies, reports and information to build a better understanding of children’s living conditions and the structures that affect equality
Low income among children in Finland
Statistics Finland’s figures on low income in 2024. An official starting point for understanding the situation of children and different household types.
Child-family poverty in data
Itla’s accessible charts and explanations bring together data on child-family poverty. A useful introduction before the more detailed publications.
Children’s Voice 2025
Save the Children’s survey of children’s own experiences. Describes how financial hardship affects food, clothing, friendships and leisure.
Full reportIn FinnishKöyhyys on mahdollisuuksien puutetta
In Itla’s co-research study, young adults reflect on childhood poverty and coping with it. A perspective on lived experiences and exclusion.
Economic difficulties and children’s service costs
A Finnish birth-cohort study by Hiilamo and colleagues. Examines associations between economic difficulties and children’s social and healthcare costs.
Hobby participation and wellbeing
Parents’ experiences of free activities in the Finnish model for leisure activities. A programme evaluation exploring participation and children’s wellbeing.
Links checked 12 September 2026