Pack some snacks and let’s go – this is how Kaarina and Tapio Salonen move with their grandchildren

Kaarina Salonen, a 60-year-old living in Espoo, has an active everyday life that includes many hobbies and voluntary work. Salonen’s daily schedule is also paced by the hobbies of her three grandchildren: 12-year-old Milana, 9-year-old Niklas and 7-year-old Miyoko.

“Me and my spouse Tapio take our grandchildren to their hobbies 2–3 times a week. At the same time, we can enjoy our hobbies, such as going for a swim or a walk,” says Salonen.

During the summer, when many hobbies are on a break, Kaarina and Tapio spend time outdoors at least once a week with their grandchildren.

“We might visit a nearby park and playground, walk to the Matinkylä shore or go for a bicycle ride. Once the weather gets warmer, we will also go swimming,” says Salonen.

Swimming is a favourite hobby shared by the grandchildren and Kaarina and Tapio Salonen. Depending on the season, they swim in swimming pools, outdoor swimming pools and natural waters, and they even go ice swimming.

“The children are all good swimmers and we all enjoy spending time in water”.

They often pack some food and snacks with them or stop for an ice cream.

“It’s up to the children to decide where to go. They usually have a place in mind, and sometimes we go wherever our mood takes us. Grandma and grandpa also have some ideas saved up, just in case”.

According to Kaarina Salonen, it is easy to live an active life with grandchildren in Espoo. Nature is close and there is plenty of free activities available.

“We are usually outdoors and do something that doesn't cost us anything. For example, we take walks in the central park and wonder about the animals, plants and everything else we see there”.

The main goal of the little trips the grandparents and their grandchildren do together is to spend time outdoors, as the children spend a lot of time indoors during school days.

“Sometimes we visit a museum, and in bad weather, we might go to an indoor activity park – but we always spend some time outdoors”.

Kaarina Salonen hopes that adults, not just parents and relatives, would spend time with children: take them for walks and offer them the joy of finding and wondering.

“These kind of activities and spending time together are important for both children and adults. It doesn’t have to be something super organised. Simply spending regular time together, such as playing with swings or at a sandbox. Children can think of things to do!”

Salonen’s favourite destinations in Espoo include the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, local residents’ parks, Espoo Central Park and the surroundings of the Matinkylä ice rink.

“When you start walking from behind the Matinkylä ice rink and towards the shore, there are many nice spots on the way. After that, you can stop at a beach kiosk for a hot chocolate”.

Text: Thea Ekholm

This article was also published in an Espoo liikkuu advertising supplement in the Länsiväylä newspaper on 22 April 2026.