15 Best Things to Do in Rovaniemi with Kids

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Rovaniemi may be known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, but there’s far more to do than just one festive photo – so let’s unpick 15 fabulous things that you can see and do with the kids. Whether you’re visiting in the depths of winter, or during the lighter months heading into spring, Rovaniemi offers a mix of Arctic adventure, simple outdoor fun and family-friendly attractions. We had the most amazing time playing in the snow (March 2026) and I would definitely recommend Rovaniemi as a base for your Lapland adventure – check out our 3 day itinerary to see what we got up to. If you’re travelling with kids, here are the 15 best things to do in Rovaniemi (in no particular order) – have a fabulous time!

1. Visit Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village is the most famous attraction in Rovaniemi, and for many families it’s the highlight. You can walk around the village for free, cross the Arctic Circle line and take your own photos in the festive setting. Meeting Santa is free in terms of entry, although official photos are an extra cost. There are cafés, gift shops and optional paid activities such as reindeer and husky rides, mini snowmobiles and activities with Mrs Claus. If you’re looking for things to do in Rovaniemi with young kids then a visit to Santa is likely the best place to start. For all the details, check out my article: Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi Guide – what’s there & is it free?

2. Spend a day at Lapland Winter Park

Lapland Winter Park is a winter activity area just outside the city centre – it boasts the biggest sledging hill in Rovaniemi and you can try activities like ice-skating and cross-country skiing, and feed the reindeer too. Some ticket options include access to a buffet lunch, which can make the day simpler for families, and the food is delicious! Of all of the things to do in Rovaniemi with kids, I think Lapland Winter Park offers the best spot for a really fun and authentic day in the snow. All of the equipment for the activities is included and there are huts for toasting marshmallows dotted around. If you don’t have a huge amount of time I would definitely prioritise a day a Lapland Winter Park – you can also tag on your paid bucket list experiences – things like husky and reindeer rides, ice-karting, snowmobiling and mini snowmobiles. To find out more, take a look at my guide: Lapland Winter Park Rovaniemi – is it worth visiting with kids?

3. Try a husky ride

A husky ride is one of the classic Lapland experiences – shorter rides are available near Santa Claus Village, while longer safaris operate further outside of town. I think a mid-length ride offers the best value for money – we booked through Bearhill Husky via Get Your Guide which is located at the bottom of Santa Claus Village. We opted for the 2.5km ride which I would recommend – it lasts about 10 minutes which was the perfect amount of time and not too long or short. The guides are really knowledgeable and you can warm up in a hut with blueberry juice and biscuits afterwards. For lots of options, this guide is a great place to start: The 5 best husky safaris in Rovaniemi for families.

4. Go sledging with the kids

One of the best free things to do with the kids in Rovaniemi is sledging! There are plenty of places dotted around, and play parks with snow mounds throughout the city, but if you’re looking for a proper slope it can be worth going a little further afield. We had lots of fun at the Arctic Garden, which is about a 15 minute walk from central Rovaniemi. You could also head to Ounasvaara – a hill area just outside the city centre that’s brilliant for simple snow fun. In winter, families head there to go sledding on designated slopes. It’s free to access, and you can bring your own sledges or rent locally. For the kids, racing down snowy hills can be just as exciting as any organised excursion.

5. Feed the reindeer

Most of the attractions in Rovaniemi feature reindeer – or for a full experience you can head to a reindeer farm. There are plenty of reindeer rides on offer too, with both short and longer options, and though there’s a charge to feed them at Santa Claus Village you can do so for free if you’re visiting Lapland Winter Park. Feeding the reindeer was definitely a highlight of the trip for Finn and Lola – I think the reindeer must have been really full by the time they were finished! 😂 If your kids are particularly fond of animals you might also want to check out Ranua Wildlife Park – it’s around an hour from Rovaniemi but you can get tickets with transport included.

6. Visit Snowman World

Located within Santa Claus Village, Snowman World is a chargeable activity park on-site – there you can enjoy the snow slides, ice-skate, navigate the snow maze, attend the snowman disco and enjoy the snow art. Tickets are around £30pp – we didn’t visit the attraction as our kids are teens but it does look like great fun for younger ones. It’s convenient location makes it a great option to combine an afternoon there with a visit to see Santa or some of the other activities on offer at Santa Claus Village.

7. Hunt for the Northern Lights

Rovaniemi lies within the auroral zone, meaning the Northern Lights are visible when conditions are right. The season generally runs from late August to early April. You can book guided tours or simply head to darker areas away from city lights. It’s important to manage expectations with children, as sightings are never guaranteed, but when they do appear it’s unforgettable. Instead of booking a pricey excursion, we popped our snow suits over our pyjamas and did the 15 minute walk to the Arctic Garden. It’s one of the best spots in Rovaniemi to view the aurora on foot and for free – and we absolutely hit the jackpot around midnight. For DIY adventures check out this article: The best places to see the Rovaniemi Northern Lights without a tour or click here to find Northern Lights tours.

8. Go ice-skating

Ice skating is a classic winter activity in Rovaniemi. Over the colder months, outdoor ice rinks operate in and around the city – there are free places to skate though you’ll likely need to pay a little to hire skates and some do require you to bring your own. Ice-skating is also included within a few of the attractions in Rovaniemi – you can skate with the kids at Snowman World, SnowGlow WinterPark and Lapland Winter Park. I absolutely loved skating surrounded by the forest at Lapland Winter Park, and you can skate on a trail through the forest at Kotatieva Winter Leisure Park.

9. Book a snowmobile safari

One of the best things to do in Rovaniemi for families with older children, a snowmobile safari is such good fun. It’s fast-paced and exciting, making it particularly appealing for teenagers – Finn and Lola absolutely loved it! Drivers must hold a valid driving licence, but children can usually ride in a sled pulled behind the snowmobile or sit as passengers, depending on age and the operator’s rules. We booked with NordicUnique Travels through Get Your Guide but there are lots of different options to suit families with kids of all ages with things like a BBQ, Northern Lights hunting or even mini-snowmobiles for the younger ones. Have a look at my guide on the 5 best Rovaniemi snowmobile tours for families to pick the best option for you.

10. Walk in Santa’s Forest

Beyond the main buildings at Santa Claus Village, there are forested areas that are free to explore. In winter, snow-covered trees create a peaceful setting away from the busier central square. Take a walk in Santa’s Forest where children can build snowmen, throw snowballs and explore safely without structured time limits. It’s simple but often one of the most magical parts of the visit. Bring a sledge to play on the mounds, make snow angels and see who can make the deepest foot prints. We had a blast just messing around in the snow at both Santa Claus Village and Lapland Winter Park – where the snow was almost up to my bottom!

11. Have a go at skiing

Cross-country skiing is a Lapland speciality and it’s one of the best things to do with older kids in Rovaniemi – my teens loved the challenge! You can book a cross-country skiing excursion or give it a go at Lapland Winter Park where it’ll be included with your ticket. The route there is hard work going up hill but so much fun when you can zip back down! If your family enjoys skiing or snowboarding, you could also spend a day Ounasvaara Ski Resort. It’s located just a 10 minute drive from the centre of Rovaniemi and offers a number of gentle runs that are suitable for beginners and families. Equipment rental is available on site, and there are also ski schools if children want to try skiing for the first time. Even if you are not planning a full ski holiday, it can be a fun way to experience Lapland’s snowy landscapes.

12. Visit SantaPark

If the weather is particularly cold you might prefer to visit Santa at SantaPark – it’s an indoor attraction inside a cavern where you can cross the Arctic Circle, take part in festive activities, watch shows and enjoy a magical train ride. The attraction offers loads of festive fun for families with younger kids and it can be a great option if you need a break from the snow. It’s important to note that tickets for Santa Park are seasonal – while you can see Santa in Santa Claus Village year-round, SantaPark is only open over the Christmas period.

13. Race on an ice-karting track

Another fabulous thing to do in Rovaniemi with older kids and teens (they’ll typically need to be at least 140cm tall depending on the provider) is ice-karting. This can be booked through a provider like Santa’s Motor Park – which is located near Santa Claus Village – or within some of the attractions in Rovaniemi like Lapland Winter Park. It looks like such good fun – my son really wanted to give it a go but unfortunately our budget was blown by that point! 😂 It appears to typically be priced around £70-£80 per person, so it’s definitely another one of the more expensive Lapland activities, but a great treat if you’re travelling with teenagers.

14. Visit the Arctic SnowHotel

The Arctic SnowHotel is one of the most unusual places that you can visit near Rovaniemi. Located about 30 minutes from the city centre, the hotel is rebuilt every winter entirely from snow and ice, with beautifully carved rooms, ice sculptures and glowing artwork throughout. Even if you’re not staying overnight, families can visit during the day to explore the snow hotel. Outside, the kids can enjoy tobogganing and kick sledding – plus tickets can be purchased to include transfers if needed as well.

15. Walk along the Ounasjoki River

A walk along the Ounasjoki River is a simple but lovely way to experience the winter scenery in Rovaniemi. The river runs close to the city centre, and in winter the surrounding paths and snowy riverbanks create a peaceful place to take a stroll away from the busier attractions. There you’ll find the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge, one of Rovaniemi’s most recognisable landmarks, and you can see the lights from Arctic Fantasy Park. An evening walk along the river, wrapped up in warm layers, feels wonderfully atmospheric and the riverbanks can also be a great place to North Lights hunt away from the city lights! There’s also a playground nearby for the kids and you can walk along to the Arctic Garden (mentioned above) which is fabulous for sledging.

Where is Rovaniemi and do I need a car to get around?

Rovaniemi is located in northern Finland, just south of the Arctic Circle, and it’s the capital of Finnish Lapland. It’s easily reached by plane – our flight from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi was about 3.5 hours and there are plenty of flight providers to choose from. (We booked through Easy Jet.) You don’t need a car to get around if you are staying centrally, as Rovaniemi city centre is compact and very walkable. You can use local buses, Ubers and taxis to get to and from the airport and to visit key attractions such as Santa Claus Village and Lapland Winter Park. Most of the popular winter activities also include transport – you’ll hop on their shuttle buses from the city centre. Rovaniemi is a really easy place to stay without driving.

When’s the best time to visit Rovaniemi with kids?

If your family’s dream is snow, sledding and meeting Santa in a proper winter setting, December through to March is the most reliable window – often in November there just isn’t enough snow so booking too early in the season can be a risk. If budget matters and you still want snow, January and March can offer better value than peak December. However, the temperature in January can drop as low as -30°C which can lead to cancelled excursions and intolerable outside conditions – particularly for those travelling with children.

If you want to avoid the extreme cold, late February – early March will likely offer the perfect blend between snow and more manageable temperatures. By this time, there’s also a greater amount of daylight which is preferable for enjoying the activities and excursions on offer and it’s a fabulous time to see the Northern Lights. For the full “Lapland postcard” experience with children, travelling to Rovaniemi in late February – early March offers the best mix of snow reliability, manageable daylight, less crowds and more tolerable temperatures – I reckon it’s the perfect time to visit!

Where are the best places to stay in Rovaniemi with kids?

There are plenty of fabulous places to stay in Rovaniemi with the kids – I would definitely recommend staying in the city centre to ensure you can easily get around on foot or via public transport if you’re not hiring a car. As I mentioned above, it’s a really walkable city so you’ll have plenty of shops and restaurants on your doorstep. You can catch buses to the attractions and excursions (often included in the cost) and our Uber to/from the airport was around €30 each way. We stayed with Piriko Apartments and they’d literally thought of everything – it came with condiments, toiletries, towels, a fully equipped kitchen, board games and even sledges! It was the perfect base and I’d highly recommend a stay there if you’re looking for self-catering accommodation in Rovaniemi – check out my full review of Piriko Apartments for all the details.

I’ve also written an article with lots of options for hotels, apartments and chalets to help you decide which is best for you. There are a number of family-friendly resorts in the Rovaniemi area offering different facilities and activities, as well as hotels with food included and lakeside retreats. To see which option fits both your family and your budget, take a look at this article for more information: Where to stay in Rovaniemi with kids – the best hotels, apartments & igloos.

How many days do you need in Rovaniemi with kids?

I think to get the best experience and make the most of your time in Rovaniemi having 3 full days to explore with the kids works really well. Allowing for a 5 day trip (4 nights) with a travel day either side means you can enjoy 3 days of excursions and adventures without rushing. We had so much fun just playing in the snow and sledging – plus you’ll want time to rest and warm up in between activities – so avoid booking too short of a trip. At a minimum, you need at least 2 full days for your visit and in this case I would recommend combining a visit to Santa Claus Village with the NordicUnique Snowmobile Safari as they’re located opposite each other. You’ll also want to allow a whole day to visit Lapland Winter Park as there’s a full day of fun to be had there and you can tag on paid activities if you like too.

Is Rovaniemi worth a visit with kids?

Rovaniemi works well for families because it blends organised Arctic experiences with simple outdoor fun. You can balance bigger paid activities, such as husky rides or snowmobiling, with free experiences like sledding, forest walks and exploring Santa Claus Village. Not everything needs to be a booked excursion to feel memorable and it is possible to keep things budget-friendly with some careful planning. Often it’s the simple moments – snow underfoot, warm drinks after skating, toasting marshmallows or walking through a snowy forest that the children will remember most. It’s an easy city to get around on foot or via public transport and there’s plenty to do so for an unforgettable winter experience I would absolutely recommend visiting Rovaniemi with the kids – it’s totally worth the trip and unlike anywhere else we’ve ever been.

Have an incredible time! If you’d like more information about our Lapland getaway, I’ve written lots of guides covering just about everything, so make sure you check out my other articles to help you to plan your adventure in Rovaniemi: