Leisure and hobbies

Espoo is a great place to go outdoors, as nature and day-trip destinations can be found all over the city.

At Espoo's outdoor sports facilities, you can engage in many different sports, such as ball games, skating, disc golf or orienteering.

Espoo’s fitness stairs and outdoor gyms are available to everyone.

• Explore Espoo’s outdoor sport facilities.
• Explore Espoo´s exercise and outdoor recreation routes.

Freedom to roam means that everyone can move freely in Finnish nature. The freedom to roam is an essential part of Finnish culture and legislation.

• Learn more about the freedom to roam on the InfoFinland.fi website in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)

You can find ball fields in sports parks, residents’ parks, near beaches and in schoolyards.

• Ball fields can used by anyone, as long as no one else was using them first.

• For some fields, such as tennis courts, you can book timeslots at an affordable price from the booking calendar.

  -> Book exercise sessions for paid facilities in the booking calendar.(external link, opens in a new window)

You can reach Espoo's five islands in the summer by archipelago boat. Tickets for the archipelago are sold on the boats.

• Read more about archipelago traffic in Espoo.

In Espoo, fishing with a worm hook or ice fishing lure is free to everyone. You will need a fishing permit for other fishing activities. You can buy a fishing permit online.

Espoo has hundreds of indoor sports facilities for public use, such as gyms, indoor ice rinks and skateboarding halls.

You may use gyms during times when they are open to all. Pay the gym fee at the cash register of the sports facility. Some gyms provide guidance on how to use gym equipment.

You can use indoor ice rinks during public skating shifts. There are free public skating sessions in several ice rinks.

• Explore the indoor sports facilities of the City of Espoo.
• See the space reservation calendar for open times in gyms and ice rinks and roller skating sessions in Finnish.(external link, opens in a new window)

Espoo has

• six public swimming pools
• an open-air swimming pool
• 25 beaches
• a wading pool
• 11 winter swimming locations.

They are open to all.

In the summer, you can enjoy Espoo’s beaches and Leppävaara outdoor swimming pool. You can swim in the winter at Espoo’s winter swimming sites. The public swimming pools are open all year round. In addition to swimming, swimming pools also offer other exercise services.

Pay the entrance fee at the cash register for the swimming pool and the outdoor swimming pool. Beaches can be used free of charge. All winter swimming locations are freely used by Espoo residents. A few winter swimming locations have paid saunas.

The women-only hours are organized at the Keski-Espoo swimming pool. The entire swimming pool will be reserved for women during these hours. Women and girls of all ages are welcome to participate in the women-only hours.

• Explore Espoo’s swimming pools.
• Read more about women-only hovers from Keski-Espoo swimming pool´s website. 

Guided physical activity groups are open to all Espoo residents.

The aim of guided physical activity is to increase the amount of physical activity among Espoo residents and to provide high-quality sports services. Guided exercise groups are available for the following groups:

• adults
• senior citizens and
• persons who have difficulties in participating in general physical activity groups due to a disability, illness or other reason.

Open sports groups and physical activity counselling are free of charge. Other groups have a participation fee.

You do not need to register for open sports groups before the course begins. You must register for other groups online or by phone. You will need online banking credentials for online registration.

• Read more about exercise groups and hobbies.
• Book exercise sessions for paid slots in the booking calendar.(external link, opens in a new window)

Exercise counseling is for people of all ages. A professional provides support and advice on starting a physical activity hobby and maintaining a physical lifestyle. The counseling considers individual needs and wishes.

The counseling includes one meeting and phone calls as needed. Counseling is available in Finnish, Swedish and English. The service is free of charge.

• Read more and book your appointment for exercise counseling.

We organize adapted exercise groups for individuals who cannot join regular classes due to a disability, illness, or other reduced functional capacity.

In these groups, you can work out and meet others. You may bring an assistant with you.
We collaborate with associations and clubs, but participation in courses does not require membership.

A wristband for Espoo residents with a long-term disability. It gives access to swimming pools and, with the exercise wristband, to gyms. It also includes benefits for bringing a friend and an assistant free of charge.

• Learn more about adapted physical activity for special groups.
• Learn more about swimming and gym wristbands for special groups.

In Espoo, we encourage children to engage in physical activity and an active lifestyle. The City and sports clubs organise regular sports activities and hobby groups for children and young people. These groups give children the chance to try out different sports.

In the groups, we also take into account any health restrictions that affect physical activity. In the sports clubs, children can influence the contents of the activities themselves. Children can also engage in physical activity during holidays, during which the children and young people are provided with diverse opportunities to engage in and try out different sports.

Physical activity groups are mainly free of charge. You can also engage in different sports at sports clubs in Espoo. Engaging in sports club activities is subject to a fee.

• Explore different hobby groups.
• Explore holiday activities for children and young people.

Young people can spend time and engage in various activities at youth centres. Youth centres are open to all young people aged 12–17. In the afternoon, there may also be activities for children aged 9 to 12. An adult trained youth counsellor is always present.

The activities are mainly free of charge. Some courses and holiday camps may be subject to a fee. Espoo has 18 Finnish-speaking youth centres and one Swedish-speaking youth centre.

• Explore Espoo youth centres.

Mobile youth work means meeting young people where they are spending time. Youth instructors drive a van with the Nuori Espoo logo. Young people can come to the van to discuss and meet instructors. The van is a safe space to meet an adult you can trust. The van makes its rounds particularly during weekends.

• Read more about mobile youth work in Espoo.

We also have a digital youth centre on the Internet. Young people can download Discord, through which they can talk to instructors and other young people and play games.

• Read more about Espoo’s digital youth centre.

In the moped club, youth can repair and maintain mopeds together with the instructors. The activity is organized at Gräsa Youth Handicraft Centre for people aged 15–23.

• Read more about the moped workshop.

In Finland, public libraries are open to all. You can come to the library and use many services even without a library card. 

You can get a library card for a year by showing your photo ID and giving your address in Finland.

At the city's libraries you can:

• borrow books, magazines and films
• participate in language cafes and reading circles
• use computers and printing services
• reserve facilities and equipment, such as a sewing machine
• participate in workshops and events

->  Find your nearest library and what services they offer here.

• Learn about the library's available facilities and equipment.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Check out the Espoo City Library's events.
   

At Espoo museums, you can spend time and familiarise yourself with the history and present of Espoo. The museums have various exhibitions, events and workshops. The exhibitions are suitable for children and adults. Children can do crafts, draw and play. Museum events have a lot to do for people of different ages, including adults.

EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art presents international contemporary art and design.

KAMU – Espoo City Museum tells the story of Espoo's history and people.

The WeeGee Exhibition Centre brings together several museums under one roof. Various family days and workshops are also organised there.

Museums usually have an admission fee. However, you can get free admission if

• you are under 18 years old,
• you have a Kaiku Card or
• you have a Museum Card.

Check the current entrance fees and opening hours on the museum's own website.

• Read more about Espoo's museums and exhibitions.

Espoo Adult Education Centre courses allow you to practice a variety of different art forms and crafts.

The courses are usually in Finnish, but sometimes the language of instruction is English. You can also choose a course where you learn Finnish by doing. The courses are open to everyone and are subject to a fee.

Check if you are eligible for a discount on the courses. For example, unemployed people can get a discount on many courses. You can ask Espoo Adult Education Centre customer service for more information, see contact details here.

• View the arts and craft courses and register on the Ilmonet website.(external link, opens in a new window)

Espoo offers a wide range of performing arts for all ages and language groups. You can enjoy music, dance and theatre in the city's cultural centres and theatres.

Espoo Theatre is Finland's international theatre. The programme is changing and experimental. The performances are multicultural and multilingual.

• Read more about Espoo Theatre and its programme.(external link, opens in a new window)

Espoo Cultural Centre, Sellosali and Kannusali are cultural centres where you can enjoy concerts, films and performances. The programme varies from classical music to world music and contemporary dance.

Children's Cultural Centre Aurora is a place for cultural experiences and events, especially for children and families.

• Read more about cultural centres.

Tapiola Sinfonietta is the Espoo City Orchestra, known for its high-quality concerts and bold renewal.

• Read more about Tapiola Sinfonietta.

Espoo Adult Education Centre offers a wide range of courses. You can practice music, such as playing instruments or singing and dancing. Espoo Adult Education Centre also offers theatre courses and performing arts courses. Espoo Adult Education Centre customer service can help you find a suitable course if necessary, see contact information here.

• Check out the Espoo Adult Education Centre’s theatre and performing arts, dance and music courses and register for them in the Ilmonet service.(external link, opens in a new window)

With Kaikukortti card, you can

• get free tickets for concerts, dance performances or theatre.
• get free film tickets for some Kino Tapiola movies on the same day.
• participate free of charge in a large proportion of the courses of the Espoo Adult Education Centre and Esbo Arbis.

Kaikukortti card is personal and free of charge. You will receive a Kaikukortti if you are a customer in, for example, social services, employment services or Koto-Espoo.

• Read more about who issues Kaikukorttis in Espoo.

Ask the staff of the services for your Kaikukortti card. The Kaikukortti card is intended for people with little money. You don't have to prove your income to get a card. The Kaikukortti card is valid for one year from the date you receive the card.

Espoo organizes many events, some of them free of charge. The programme includes music, theatre, films, dance performances and children’s events. 

-> You can find all free entry cultural events at cultureespoo.fi. 

You can find a new hobby in organisations, such as sports, music, culture or art. The organisation will provide you with information and peer support from others in the same situation, which can mean concerns related to illness, job search, integration or parenthood. You can help others in different ways by volunteering.

Organisations also provide advice and digital support.

Through an organisation, you can:

• meet nice people and make new friends.
• influence society by promoting causes that are important to you.
• gain good experience for working life.
• practise Finnish or Swedish.

Many organisations also offer internships or work try-outs.

The organisations maintain different meeting places in Espoo, read more.

At the library, volunteers can, for example, lead book clubs, organise a language café, guide a reading dog or organize craft and game clubs. You can also try out new ideas or organize activities in your own native language.

As a volunteer, you can share your expertise, learn new things and get to know people. The activities do not replace the work of library employees.

Here's how to get involved:

Contact your local library.

Other ways to get involved:

You can participate in events, organize your own event or give feedback. Follow the library's communications on the website and social media.

• Read more about the library's volunteer work on the Helmet website.(external link, opens in a new window)