Family summer holidays

Lappeenranta offers plenty of activities, sights and events for families with children. There is plenty to experience by the beautiful Lake Saimaa both in the city centre and its vicinity.

We have put together traditional favourites of families that offer plenty to do for children and young people. Enjoyable pastimes for adults are also guaranteed! The historic Fortress and the longest beach boulevard in Finland are unique places to visit with the whole family.

Summer starts at the Sandcastle

The summer for families with children begins at the Sandcastle, where the annually changing theme of the castle is sure to capture the imagination of the entire family. This summer, the Sandcastle, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, will enchant visitors with fairy tale-themed sculptures. The millions of kilograms of sand in the Sandcastle area morph into new shapes time and time again since the same sand is reused every year. This is one of our small ways of fulfilling the Green Lappeenranta city strategy.


The Sandcastle is part of the harbour and Fortress areas, which provide enjoyment for everyone. In the summer, the harbour area is practically a living room for local residents.

Read more about the Sandcastle

Cruises

What would a summer trip to Lappeenranta be without a canal cruise or dinner cruise in the Saimaa Archipelago?

From Lappeenranta Harbour, you can take a cruise to the archipelago, the historic Saimaa Canal and the Ilkonsaari skete island. It's also possible to book a little private cruise.

Read more about cruises

Myllysaari recreational area

Myllysaari on the far east side of the City Bay is actually a narrow and long cape jutting into Lake Saimaa. Myllysaari boasts a diverse range of services for swimming, such as a public outdoor swimming facility, a gently sloping and child-friendly sandy beach, a sled slide and plenty of green areas. It also features beach volley courts, a playground, a fitness and climbing area, a waterfront café and a public sauna. The youngest of the family are sure to enjoy their time with street basketball, while the older youngsters will have a lot of fun on the parkour course.

Read more about Myllysaari.

Traffic City

Next to the Water Tower on Valtakatu Street, you will find Traffic City, a children’s traffic park. Free parking is available in the area. Traffic City is open 6 June -26 August Mon-Fri at 9 am - 6 pm, in 1 - 29 July also on Saturdays 11 am - 4 pm.
An instructor is on site to provide instructions and guidance about traffic regulations and to supervise the allocation of pedal cars (allowed for children under 12 years) and turn taking. At Traffic City, parents are always responsible for their children. Driving is free of charge.