On Family Day, Saturday 11 April, the museums at the Cable Factory will be filled with surprises, play and joyful activities. All three museums offer plenty to do for visitors of all ages. On the same day, Dance House Helsinki is also hosting its Children’s Saturday, so there will be fun and activities at the Cable Factory throughout the day!

The Family Day programme includes crafts, food mysteries, circus stories, a hobbyhorse obstacle course, darkroom magic, and guided tours in all three museums. All exhibitions will be open, and at the Theatre Museum the hands‑on stations are also available! Most of the activities run on a drop‑in basis, so you can visit whenever it suits you.

Family Day at the Museums of the Cable Factory
Saturday 11 April, 10:00–14:00

The museums at the Cable Factory are the Museum of Photography, the Theatre Museum, and the Hotel and Restaurant Museum. Admission is free for visitors under 18; adults enter with the Museum Card or a €21 combined ticket.

Programme

Cable Museums Tour

At 12.30 | Duration: approx. 45 min | Age recommendation: suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult

Theatre Museum

Circus Stories Workshop

At 10–14 | Non-stop | Age recommendation: suitable for all ages (basic writing skills required)

The clown duo Hertta and Martta have had a small accident. Their circus storybook got soaked during a water-balloon trick! Some stories have only beginnings left, others only endings, and some only the turning points. Come invent brand-new circus stories!

Circus Hobby Horse Trick Course

At 10–14 | Non-stop | Age recommendation: suitable for all ages (young children with parents)

Come try a circus hobby horse trick course and other circus tricks that are safe to perform in the museum.

Story Time

At 13 | Age recommendation: suitable for all ages

Clown duo Hertta and Martta read circus stories created during the day.

Museum of Photography

Darkroom Workshop

Museum of Photography, basement, Etsin exhibition workshop space & darkroom | At 10–14, non-stop | Age recommendation: 5+, children under 10 with an adult

In this workshop, participants create entirely new stories and events within existing photographs by combining prints made from negatives with photogram techniques. New participants can join whenever space becomes available. The workshop includes guidance and all necessary materials and equipment — just bring your curiosity!

Triple the fun for all ages! On this guided tour we visit all three museums. We discuss museums as places, observe traces of the Cable Factory’s history, and reflect together on the works in the exhibitions. We also share experiences related to photography, food memories, and theatre.

Hotel and Restaurant Museum

The Mystery of the Missing Dish

At 11.30–14 | Non-stop | Age recommendation: 7+

A snowstorm has stopped the delivery truck, and a crucial ingredient is missing from the kitchen! The chef is in trouble — can you solve which dish cannot be prepared? Join this exciting mystery game.

Dream Dishes Workshop

At 10–13 | Non-stop | Age recommendation: suitable for all ages

What does the world’s best dish look like? Let your imagination run wild and craft a plate filled with your favourite dream treats.

Restaurant Time Travel – Update the Past

At 10.30–14 | Non-stop | Age recommendation: 7+ (younger children with parents)

What would old restaurant photos look like in colour? Bring black-and-white interiors to life! Glue colourful foods, modern clothing, or funny details into the photos using coloured paper.

Dance House Helsinki

Workshop: Dance Moments

Erkko Hall | 10.30, 11.30, 12.30 & 13.30 | Duration: 20 min | Free entry

Discover the joy of movement with dance teacher Sarppa Seppänen. Enjoy a shared moment of movement in these guided dance sessions for children and their adults. Suitable for all ages, recommended especially for +4 yrs.

Toddlers Movement Workshop

Pannu Hall | 10.15 & 11.15 | Duration: 30 min | Free entry. Reserve your place in advance here. I Age recommendation: 2–4 yrs

A workshop led by Sanna Silvennoinen introduces participants to different ways of moving through the worlds of dance and circus. The workshop develops motor skills while also leaving plenty of room for playfulness and silliness. Expect a journey into the secrets of moving in new and fun ways. The workshop can accommodate around 20 children together with their guardians. Secure your place by reserving a free ticket in advance. You can also sign up on site at the Dance House Helsinki information desk.

Dance Theatre Raatikko: Team Flashing Lights

Pannu Hall | 13 | Duration: 20 min | Price: 10 €. Buy tickets here. | Age recommendation: 3–10 yrs

Team Flashing Lights (Tiimi Viilkkuvalot) is a surprising dance theatre performance for the whole family – full of energy and perfectly chaotic teamwork. Join in and help solve the puzzles together! The nearly wordless performance is suitable for audiences of all languages. Buy tickets here.

Dance to the DJ’s Beats

Erkko Hall | 10–14 | Free entry

The large Erkko Hall fills with rhythm and dance as DJ Iso-Kissa plays upbeat music throughout the day. Between the Dance Moment Workshops, the hall is open for free movement – come dance to the music and play among giant balloons!

In addition: The Circus Parade

Glass Courtyard | 11.15 & 12.15 | Duration: approx. 15 min | Free entry

The circus school from Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth’s Tonttukoulu arrives in a whimsical parade crossing the Glass Courtyard and ending with a lively performance by the students. The group includes children aged 5–7 and 7–9, led by teacher Karoliina Nordin.