There is still time to visit the Harakka island just south of Kaivopuisto (between the islands Uunisaari and Särkkä) until the end of September!
The tiny island used to be owned by the army, which is still seen in some constructions, but it is now dedicated to nature and artists. There are studios for artists to rent and sometimes exhibitions in the old army quarters – please find the exhibitions of the Harakka artists (also held outside of the island) here. There is also a Nature Centre (open weekdays and Sundays 10am-5pm from 2nd of May until the end of September. The Nature Centre presents the Baltic Sea, the nature on the islands and renewable energy in their exhibitions. The Nature Centre also organises summer Guided Tours with various themes as well as Island Adventures for kids. Information about these happenings are best gained on their facebook page (only in Finnish).
We went to the island at the end of May, which was a terrible time to go there: all the nesting birds were pretty aggro. It surprised me though how the nature was already different to the mainland, even though the boat trip to the island only lasts for about 2 minutes (view to mainland Helsinki on the left). We even found a tiny beach to play in. It is a pretty little island, and we wanted to visit it once more this summer, rather when there was something happening and the birds would be a bit more easy going. We didn’t get around to do it yet but as it seems to still be open, maybe we’ll go now in September? Last time we combined the trip with a picnic, walk and play in Kaivopuisto and its playground.
The boat to Harakka island leaves from the jetty by Café Ursula and a return trip for an adult cost 4e. Please find the schedule here.
Free But Fun 
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