Leikkipuisto Ruoka in Finland/ Free food during summer holidays
About
Leikkipuisto Ruoka/Free food for kids is a city-sponsored summer food program where children under 16/18 can enjoy free lunch at selected playgrounds. These meals are served outdoors and supervised by trained staff, offering not just food but a chance to socialize and play. The food is served from June 1 until August 1 or unitl the school holidays
Starting this year , Adults/Parents can also enjoy food if the food remains after serving to kids.
Summer Meals in Helsinnki Playgrounds for Over 80 Years
The tradition of offering meals in Helsinki playgrounds dates back to 1942 during wartime. It was introduced to ensure at least one warm meal per day for children. Today, the service remains popular, with more than 200,000 meals enjoyed in playgrounds each summer. Other cities like Vantaa, Espoo, Keravaa, Tuusula, also have been serving the free food recently.
Helsinki Schedule
- Dates: June 1 – August 2, 2025 (Weekdays only)
- Time: Meals served at 12:00 PM daily- Be there around 1145am. They sing before they serve meal
- Bring: Plate, spoon, mug
Sample Menu
- Rainbow Trout Soup (Kirjolohikeitto)
- Italian Stew (Italianpata)
- Vegetable Purée Soup (Kasvissosekeitto)
- Vegetable Risotto (Kasvisrisotto)
- Click here for helsinki food lists for summer
Vegan and special diet options are offered regularly. Check your daycare for the menu list
Participation Tips
- Arrive by 11:45 AM to avoid missing the meal.
- Remember to bring all necessary utensils.
- Bring extra snacks or drinks for older kids.
- Children under school age should be accompanied by an adult.
- Adults can also enjoy free meals if it remains starting this year .
Locations
Helsinki (Full Summer- June 1-Aug 4)
- Etupelto, Filpus, Intia, Iso-Antti, Isoneva, Kannelmäki, Kiikku, Kurranummi, Lehdokki, Linja, Linnunrata, Lohikäärmepuisto, Maunula, Mellunmäki, Orava, Piika, Rudolf, Ruoholahti, Rusthollari, Seppä, Tuorinniemi, Ulvila, Viikkari
Part-Time
- June 2–27: Arabia, Brahe, Ida, Kotinummi, Lahnalahti, Laurinniitty, Maasälpä, Munkki, Mustakivi, Mäkitorppa, Nuoli, Nurkka, Strömberg, Taivallahti, Torpparinämäki, Trumpetti, Viiri
- Jun 30 –August 4: Kankarepuisto, Salpausselkä, Vähätupa
Closed Paivakoti in Summer
- Hilleri, Kesanto, Kiiltotähti, Lampi, Loru, Roihuvuori, Santahamina Kimmo, Kipinäpuisto, Maatulli, Myllynsiipi, Sanna, Traktori
Rennovations Paivakoti
- Kimmo, Kipinäpuisto, Maatulli, Myllynsiipi, Sanna, Traktori
Note: Visit the nearest or try going a new place , kids play and make new friends.
Espoo
Bring your own utensils and plates.Serving free food again after 16 years.
Free summer meals are served in one park in each major area of Espoo during July. Weekday lunches are available in resident parks of Soukka, Perkkaa, Olari, Suvela, and Tapiola.
Vantaa
Vantaa will again offer park meals in summer 2025. Free hot meals will be provided to all Vantaa residents under 18 years of age from June 2 to August 1, on weekdays from 11:00 to 12:00. Seniors are now also welcome to join the summer dining!
- Auringonkukan Open Meeting Point, Aurinkokivenkuja 1
- Illenpuisto Playground, Illenpiha 6
- Koivukylä Open Meeting Point, Karsikkokuja 17
- Korso Resident Park, Korsontie 11
- Nissas Resident Park, Nissaksentie 9
- Tikkurila Library Park, Ratakuja 7
- Vihertie Resident Park, Vihertie 56 E
Other Places Serving Free Meals
Tuusula (June 2 – August 1)
Lunch served from 11:30–12:00 or while supplies last:
- Kotkanpuisto (Riihikallio) – June 2–19
- Tuusulanjärvi School (Tuusulantie 131) – June 2–August 1
- Notkopuisto (Jokela) – June 2–August 1
- Björkenheim Park (Roinila, Kellokoski) – June 2–August 1
Järvenpää (June 2 – June 19)
Free summer meals for children and youth are offered at:
- Perhetalo Joutsikin piha-alue
- Nuorisotalo Temalin piha-alue
Meals are served on weekdays from 11:00–11:30. Food includes soups and casseroles, suitable for mixed diets. All meals are lactose-free and gluten-free.
Kerava (June 2 – July 25)
Free park lunch for children and youth is served from 12:00–12:30 at:
- Keravanjoen koulu (A-ovi)/Keravanjoki School (Door A)
- Sompion päiväkoti/Sompio Daycare
- Savion päiväkoti/ Savio Daycare
For more updates, visit vantaa.fi, espoo.fi, tuusula.fi, jarvenpaa.fi, and kerava.fi.