Töpinät sessions invite families to exercise together

Töpinät sessions invite families to exercise together. For these sessions, some of the gyms at Espoo’s schools are opened once a month on Sunday mornings for families to use freely.

It’s Sunday just before midday. Two-year-old Patrik Hintikka is running around freely in the large and bright gym of Kuitinmäen koulu.

He is definitely enjoying the freedom to romp around and try out the equipment set out by the instructor.

Patrik’s father Jarmo Hintikka says that this is the second time for them at Töpinät. The first time they ran, climbed the wall bars and kicked a ball.

Now it’s time to try out balancing with dad’s help and dive into a colourful fabric tunnel.

They found the opportunity for this free-form hobby online when browsing the City of Espoo’s offerings. Since the father played floorball and football when he was young, he finds it important to offer the joy of exercise to his son as well.

“Here, my son gets the chance to work off some of his energy, which he has plenty of. Motor skills develop with different activities. We came to Kuitinmäen koulu now, but we might try other schools in the future,” Hintikka says.

Töpinät sessions are free of charge and there is no need to sign up.

“The aim is to offer parents and children the chance to exercise together and the opportunity to try out new things. Progress is based on everyone’s own schedule and interests,” says Sports Planner Maija Pelttari.

This time, it is quiet at Kuitinmäen koulu, but often there are 30 to 50 participants. At best, up to 80 people participate in a session.
Töpinät sessions are aimed at children aged 2 to 8 with family members – grandparents and maybe even neighbours are welcome to join in. Everyone can exercise independently, but the instructors from Espoo’s sports clubs are there to give tips.

The programme may include an obstacle course, mats for somersaults, various sports and gymnastics equipment to try out, or a basketball throwing station. The teaching pool at the Keski-Espoo swimming pool is also used for Töpinät sessions.

After a busy hour of brisk exercise, Patrik Hintikka picks up his shoes. It’s time to go home for lunch, after which a nap will be very welcome.

Welcome to Töpinästartti on 29 August 2026!
Local sports clubs present their activities at Töpinästartti on Saturday 29 August 2026, from 10:00 to 13:00 at Otahalli.

Check out all  Töpinät!

More free-of-charge sports activities:https://www.espoo.fi/en/hobbysearch

Text: Marjo Tiirikka

This article was originally published in the Espoo-lehti magazine 2/2026. Read other Espoo-lehti articles.