Traditional Finnish Games Kids Will Love

Games are a big part of growing up in Finland. Just like in many countries, Finnish kids love to run, play, and laugh, especially when they are outside with friends. What makes Finnish games special is that they are often simple, creative, and full of teamwork. These traditional games do not need many tools or toys. All you need is a bit of space and a group of eager players! In this guide we will walk through some of the best-loved traditional Finnish games, then look at how Finland honors childhood itself through its thoughtful celebration of Children’s Day.

Classic Finnish Games to Play Anywhere

The games below have been passed down for generations and are still enjoyed at schools, summer camps, and family picnics. They reward teamwork and quick thinking far more than fancy equipment, which is exactly why Finnish children keep coming back to them.

Ketju (The Chain)

Ketju, or “The Chain,” is a fun and twisty game of teamwork and thinking. One child leaves the room while the others hold hands and twist themselves into a tangled knot. The goal is to make the chain as tricky as possible without letting go. Then, the child returns and tries to untangle the group, without breaking the chain! It is like solving a human puzzle and is a great game for family gatherings or classroom fun.

Crab Ball Tag

This energetic game is perfect for kids who love movement and a little bit of silliness. Everyone, except for one child, gets into a “crab” position, walking with their hands and feet, with stomachs facing up. Players try to kick or head a ball toward the standing player. That person then picks up the ball and tries to tag one of the crabs. Whoever gets tagged becomes the new “it.” It is a fast-paced game that keeps everyone on the move and giggling.

12 Sticks on a Board

This Finnish game mixes strategy, memory, and a bit of luck. You will need 12 small sticks and a flat board. One child becomes the seeker while the others hide. Before seeking, the seeker flips the sticks into the air and places them back on the board. If a hidden player tries to sneak back and knocks over the sticks before being found, they are safe! But if the seeker finds someone and gets back to the board first, calling out their name, that player is caught. It is like hide and seek with a fun Finnish twist.

Playing and Learning the Finnish Way

Games like these teach children more than just how to win. They learn how to work together, stay active, and think on their feet. Many of these traditional games are still played at schools, summer camps, and family picnics in Finland. They do not require phones, screens, or even complicated equipment, which makes them timeless and easy to enjoy anywhere.

How Finland Celebrates Children’s Day

That same care for play and togetherness shows up in one of Finland’s most meaningful celebrations. In Finland, Children’s Day is not just about balloons and sweets. It is a meaningful celebration that puts kids and their future at the center of attention. Every year on November 20th, Finland celebrates Children’s Day in a unique and thoughtful way.

A Day to Focus on Children’s Wellbeing

Children’s Day in Finland is more than just a fun event. It is a reminder to protect, support, and uplift children. While there are certainly festivals, performances, and games for kids, the real message of the day is about creating a better future for them.

Schools, communities, and even government offices highlight children’s rights, emotional wellbeing, and safety. Adults are encouraged to reflect on how their choices affect children’s lives, and to work together to make Finland a place where all children feel safe, loved, and heard.

Learning Through Action

One of the most important parts of Children’s Day in Finland is that it is not only about celebration, but also about learning. There are anti-bullying workshops, parenting seminars, and community discussions held all across the country. Families are invited to come together, share stories, and learn how to support one another. Children are also encouraged to express their opinions, share their experiences, and participate in group activities that promote confidence, kindness, and empathy.

Why November 20th?

Finland celebrates Children’s Day on November 20th, which is also World Children’s Day, the anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This global day is all about standing up for kids’ rights, from having a safe home to getting a good education. Finland takes these rights very seriously and turns the day into a celebration with purpose.

A Day to Be Thankful for Children

All around the country, children are honored through school programs, art activities, concerts, and storytelling events. Many families spend the day together, visit cultural centers, or participate in neighborhood festivities. Whether it is making crafts, dancing, or watching a puppet show, every event reminds children that they matter.

Learning Finnish and Finnish Culture

If your child is learning Finnish or wants to explore more about Finnish culture and life in Finland, Dinolingo is a great place to start. With over 50 languages to explore, Dinolingo offers interactive lessons, songs, games, and cultural activities in Finnish through videos and printable materials, all designed for children aged 2–14. With just one subscription, families can access lessons on the web, iOS, or Android, and even download material for offline play. It is a fun and educational way to connect with Finnish holidays and traditions, like Children’s Day. Learning a language becomes so much more fun when kids can also learn the games, traditions, and values of that culture!