Planning a family trip to Lapland and wondering how to fill your days? Here’s a realistic, tried-and-tested 7-day itinerary for Rovaniemi that works beautifully with babies, toddlers, and older children alike.
This isn’t about cramming every possible activity into your schedule. It’s about slowing down, enjoying the Arctic magic, and giving your kids (and yourself) space to truly experience Lapland without burning out.
What You'll Find In This Post:
Day 1: Santa Claus Village & Arctic Circle Adventures
Morning: Meet Santa Claus
Start your Lapland adventure at the Santa Claus Office. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it can be crowded. But meeting Santa in his official hometown is still worth it, especially for little ones.
Arrive early to get your time slot, then be prepared for another queue inside—it can take up to an hour. Pack snacks, drinks, and maybe a small toy or book to keep everyone entertained.
Santa speaks a dozen languages, can greet kids in their native tongue (magical, really), and takes a few moments to chat. Some kids are star-struck; others might cry. Totally normal. The visit is free, but professional photos cost around €55 depending on your package, yes, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.
Our experience: We’ve been there twice. Once in January without a kid and once at the end of November with a 10-month-old toddler and a 2.5-year-old. There were not as many people in January as in November (pre-Christmas is the craziest), and while the wait can be excruciatingly long, it’s worth it. You only really get a couple of minutes with Santa before being rushed off by the elves again, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.
When we visited with the little one, they both started crying, so that’s also a consideration if your kids are too small to understand what’s happening. We also got the digital package afterwards (photo and recording of the meeting) both times, as it’s such a nice memento and also evidence that Santa exists when the kids grow up and start questioning it! 🙂
After Santa, you can walk around the village and take a few pictures of yourselves crossing the Arctic Circle (the line runs directly through the village).
You can also visit Santa’s official post office (a real working branch of the Finnish post) and send postcards with a stamp from the North Pole that will arrive on time for Christmas!
⚡ Pro Tip: A nice trick, if it gets too cold, is to go in and out of buildings. Get inside, stroll around and then get out again. Doing this, we were able to spend the whole morning in the village, even though it was -12 °C (10.4 °F) when we visited in January.
Lunch: Santa’s Salmon Place
After the excitement of meeting Santa and sending postcards home for Christmas, head to Santa’s Salmon Place right in Santa Claus Village. This traditional log cabin is not big at all and only serves grilled salmon cooked over an open fire, but it’s delicious, it’s warm, cozy, and the perfect spot to refuel. The atmosphere is relaxed and very family-friendly, so don’t worry if your kids need to move around a bit.
If you don’t eat fish, an alternative is Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi. It’s just behind Santa’s main office, and they offer more options. It’s usually full, but you shouldn’t have to wait too long for a table to become available.
Afternoon: Kids Snowmobiles
After lunch, head to the Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park, just a short walk from the restaurant. This is where kids aged 4-12 (max 150 cm height) can drive their own mini-snowmobiles around a dedicated track.
The staff will suit them up and give clear instructions. Parents stay nearby for support. Kids drive for 10 minutes and receive a snowmobile driving license at the end—a proud moment guaranteed!
The Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park also offers options for grown-ups if you ever wanted to try driving your own snowmobile on Lapland’s official snowmobile road system.
Late Afternoon: Santa’s Pets
Wind down the day at Santa’s Pets, a cozy petting zoo with alpacas, donkeys, sheep, goats, rabbits, birds, and reindeer. It’s compact, calm, and perfect for toddlers who might be getting tired by now.
Families can relax at the traditional Lapland hut (kota) and enjoy the campfire or barbecue area. Snacks and drinks are available at the elf’s store on site—perfect for an early dinner snack before heading back to your accommodation.
Getting there: Santa Claus Village is 10 minutes by car/taxi or 30–40 minutes by public transport from Rovaniemi center.
Day 2: Reindeer Safari Day
Morning/Midday: Reindeer Ride
Today’s all about slow, peaceful Arctic experiences. Book a reindeer safari at Santa Claus Reindeer, or venture slightly further to Raitola or Apukka Resort for more immersive family packages.
Reindeer rides are calm, scenic, and ideal for families with toddlers or even babies. The pace is slow, and you can cuddle up with your little one under warm blankets as you glide through snowy forest trails.
Raitola offers family day packages suitable for children from 4 years old. Apukka allows infants aged 0–3 to join for free, making it a great baby-friendly option. Both are easily reachable by rental car or shuttle service.
Our experience: We did the combo day at Raitola. Husky and reindeer rides. We also fed the reindeer and learnt how they live as a semi-wild animals. The place was cozy, the guide was super nice and informative and we even got lunch in their cafe – the traditional salmon soup. Overall it was a half a day really well spend!
These experiences usually include some time learning about reindeer herding and Sami culture, plus the actual sleigh ride through the forest. Plan for this to take most of your morning and early afternoon—it’s not something you want to rush.
Afternoon: Rest & Explore
After your safari, head back to your accommodation for some downtime. Lapland activities can be tiring for little ones (and parents!), so don’t feel guilty about a quiet afternoon. Let the kids nap, warm up with a hot beverage, and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.
If everyone’s feeling energetic later, take a casual walk around Rovaniemi city center or let the kids play in the snow near your hotel.
Day 3: Forest Skating & Winter Play
Morning/Lunch: Kotatieva Winter Leisure Park
Head to Kotatieva Winter Leisure Park. Give yourself the whole morning here—this place deserves it.
This stunning outdoor skating rink is set deep in the forest—one of the most unique and magical places to visit in Rovaniemi with children.
Even if your child isn’t ready to skate, they can still join in. Toddlers can ride on a kick-sledge or toboggan, and even buggies are allowed on the ice. Skates and support frames are available for rent.
Little ones will love the sledding hill, sleigh carousel, and snowy play areas. There’s something here for every age, and the forest setting makes it feel wonderfully peaceful despite the activity.
When it’s time to warm up, head to the cozy café for hot drinks and snacks. The family-friendly changing area makes it easy to get everyone sorted without stress.
Best of all, children under 3 get in for free.
✅ Book your tickets in advance HERE!
Afternoon: More Play or Rest
If your kids are still having fun, stay longer! The beauty of Kotatieva is that you can take it at your own pace, as you’re paying for a full-day ticket. If they’re tired, head back for an afternoon rest. Evening comes early in Lapland winter; it’s pitch dark by 4pm, so there’s no rush.
Getting there: Kotatieva is 15 minutes by car/taxi from Rovaniemi. They also offer free shuttles from Rovaniemi city center twice daily. You can find the current schedule here.
Day 4: Ranua Wildlife Park Day Trip
All Day: Arctic Animals in the Forest
Take a day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park, about 1 hour from Rovaniemi by car, bus, or private transfer.
Set in the heart of a tranquil forest, this walk-through wildlife park feels more like a nature trail than a typical zoo. It’s home to over 50 Arctic and subarctic species—including lynxes, wolves, arctic foxes, and Finland’s only polar bear.
What makes Ranua special is the thoughtful layout. In some sections, you even walk above the habitats of large carnivores, offering unique elevated perspectives that both kids and adults will love.
The entire trail is stroller-accessible, though the walk does take a few hours to complete at a family pace. There’s also a petting zoo (in summer) and playgrounds for kids to enjoy throughout the park. It’s a calm and engaging place that works well for toddlers and older kids alike.
There’s a restaurant on-site for lunch that offers an all-you-can-eat buffet, or you can pack sandwiches and snacks to eat at one of the sheltered rest areas along the trail.
Plan to spend the whole day here—dress warmly in layers, take your time exploring, and let the kids set the pace.
Our experience: We loved our day trip to Ranua. Even though our kid was just 10 months old and couldn’t really appreciate a lot of what we saw, it was still a magical experience. We enjoyed the thoughtful layout and the variety of animals to see (like the 9 different kinds of owls). It was not crowded even though we visited in high season. Walking above the wolf and lynx enclosures and observing these majestic animals go about their day was definitely one of highlights of our trip. We highly recommend it!
Getting there: Ranua is about an hour away from Rovaniemi by car. The road is well-maintained and there is not a lot of traffic. In fact, there were just two other cars that we encountered on our way there, so you take it easy and enjoy the drive.
Day 5: Pilke Science Centre & City Exploration
Morning: Pilke Science Centre
Give yourself a slower-paced day indoors. Start at Pilke Science Centre (Ounasjoentie 6), less than a 10-minute walk from the city center.
This is one of the most family-friendly museums we’ve ever been to. Focused on forests, nature, and sustainability, it’s incredibly engaging for kids of all ages—including toddlers.
Kids can build structures with wooden blocks, test their minds with hands-on logic puzzles, explore simple video games, and climb into a full-size logging machine—a thrill for little explorers!
Our experience: Pilke is a great place for younger and older kids (and grown-ups) alike. Both I and our toddler loved being in the cockpit of the full-size logging machine. There are also a ton of educational logic puzzles that keep everyone entertained for some time.
Every exhibit is thoughtfully designed to teach through play, making learning about forests and sustainability genuinely fun. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. No one will mind if your child runs around or gets a little loud.
Plan to spend 2-3 hours here. There’s enough to keep kids entertained without overwhelming them, and it’s warm and comfortable—a nice break from the cold.
Lunch & Shopping
Before you leave Pilke, check out their gift shop with beautiful, handcrafted local items—wooden cutting boards, jewelry, toys, and homeware. It’s the perfect spot for finding authentic Finnish souvenirs.
For lunch, head into Rovaniemi city center. There are plenty of family-friendly cafés and restaurants within walking distance where you can grab a warm meal and let the kids decompress.
We love going to Roka Bistro. They have nice lunch options with different sandwiches and has a street food vibe.
Afternoon: Free Time
Use the afternoon for whatever your family needs. Maybe explore more of the city center, let the kids play in a local park or visit the Angry Birds playground next to the river. Or simply head back to your accommodation for rest time. Sometimes the best travel moments happen when you’re not rushing between activities.
Day 6: Arktikum Museum & Relaxation
Morning/Lunch: Arktikum Museum
Today’s all about the Arktikum, and trust us—you’ll want to give this place proper time.
This museum is all about Arctic nature, science, and Sámi culture, with beautifully curated exhibits that draw you in. One of the highlights is a stunning short film showing how nature in the Arctic changes through the seasons. It’s super calming and really captivating—the kind of thing you could watch on repeat.
The museum isn’t super interactive compared to Pilke, so it’s better suited for kids who are a bit older and can appreciate the visual storytelling. That said, it’s still a peaceful, fascinating place to explore as a family. The building itself is architecturally beautiful, with a long glass corridor that’s particularly stunning when snow is falling outside.
The museum itself is split into two sections right down the middle – on the left side you have the science center with focus on the Arctic, and on the right the cultural part, where it’s all about the history of Rovaniemi and Sámi culture.
Plan to spend most of your day here. There’s a lot to see, and rushing through would mean missing some of the best parts.
Lunch at Arktikum Café
Don’t leave without trying the lunch buffet at Arktikum’s café. It’s one of the best meals in Rovaniemi—delicious, cozy, and only €15 per person. The food is fresh and flavorful, with both traditional Finnish options and kid-friendly choices. You also get unlimited coffee or tea refills. It’s the perfect way to warm up and recharge.
Our experience: We loved Arktikum’s café and went there again and again during our stay! It is just such a great value for money lunch option that you just don’t get anywhere else. The food was delicious, you get veggie options and something for meat lovers. Once, they had pulled pork that was to die for. The best part is that you don’t need a ticket for the Arktikum to get into the café, so you can go there for lunch on any day that you’re spending in the city.
Afternoon: Finish off at Arktikum and then rest or go into town
After spending most of your day at the museum, you can head to your accommodation if you’re feeling low on energy. Alternatively, hop into town and explore some of the shopping centers like Sampokeskus and Lordi Square. There is also a little ice rink for kids in front of Sampokeskus, next to the TV tower in Lordi Square.
Day 7: Winter Hiking Adventure
All Day: Family-Friendly Forest Trail
End your Lapland trip with a peaceful day in nature. Choose one of these family-friendly trails near Rovaniemi:
Ounasvaara Nature Trail (easiest option): Just 3 km from Rovaniemi’s center, this trail is super easy to get to and perfect for a half-day family outing. The route winds through short loops and forest paths, so you can let your toddler toddle along safely or pull them in a sled if the snow’s deep. It’s a simple, beautiful way to soak up Lapland’s winter vibes without venturing far from town.
Pikkurompa Trail (medium difficulty): This easy 4 km loop takes you through marshy wetlands and snowy forest at a relaxed pace. It’s a popular spot for both hikers and snowshoers, so you’ll likely bump into fellow nature lovers along the way. Best part? There’s a cozy hut halfway where you can warm up and have lunch by the fire, so pack some snacks and saussages.
King’s Lean-to at Santavaara Hill (most rewarding): This gentle uphill walk through peaceful forest trails is perfect for families. We spotted reindeer on our way up, which made it feel extra magical.
At the top, there’s a cozy lean-to shelter with a fire pit where you can grill sausages and soak in stunning views of the Ounasjoki River The best part? You can sled part of the way back down! A great mix of nature, fresh air, and winter magic.
Our experience: We did this hike together with our Airbnb host and her husky. I had our kid in the baby carrier on the way up. He felt so warm and cozy that even fell asleep completely out of nap schedule! It was 40 minutes or so hike to the shelter, where we enjoyed lunch over the open fire. On the way down, it was sledding time for Neva and the little one.
🎒 Gear tips: Bring normal baby carriers for infants, toddler hiking carriers for bigger kids, and sleds. Kids absolutely love being pulled through the snow, and it’s all part of the Arctic adventure. Pack snacks and a thermos of hot berry juice. Fresh air and wide-open spaces have a magical calming effect on kids (and parents!), so you’ll find everyone a bit more relaxed.
Dress warmly, keep it simple, and let Lapland’s wilderness work its magic on your little explorers.
Optional Add-On: Husky Safari
If you have older kids (4+) and want something more adventurous, consider swapping one of your rest afternoons for a husky safari. These rides are much faster than reindeer safaris and go deeper into the wilderness—they’re colder too, so not ideal for toddlers or babies. (though there are some companies that offer shorter ones, suitable for little kids).
Older children usually love the excitement and will remember it forever! The rides are fast-paced and thrilling, with the landscape flying by as a team of eager huskies pulls you through the snow.
Raitola and Apukka are top choices for family husky safaris, and both offer experiences designed with families in mind.
Our experience: We did the husky tour on our first visit, and it was hands down the best activity that we did, even though it was a crowded field. There is something truly special about going out into the forest with your team of huskies. Those are majestic animals that will make your experience unforgettable.
For younger siblings who can’t join the ride, there’s still fun to be had—they can stay warm indoors or enjoy watching the friendly huskies being prepared for the adventure. Many operators have cozy waiting areas where you can cuddle puppies or learn about the dogs.
Is Lapland Too Cold for Kids?
A valid concern, but the short answer is not at all, as long as they’re dressed right.
While winter temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F), most of the time it stays between 0°C (32°F) and -15°C (5°F). On both of our trips, it never got colder than -12°C (10°F), and we sometimes even felt too warm while hiking!
The key is proper winter gear: high-quality thermal base layers (we recommend merino wool), insulated outerwear, waterproof boots, gloves, and hats. Kids who move around a lot actually stay quite warm. And honestly, once they’re bundled up and playing in the snow, they rarely complain about the cold.
And let’s not forget—Lapland is home to thousands of local families. Babies are born here, toddlers play outside daily, and kids go to school in the Arctic winter. So no, Lapland is absolutely not too cold for kids—you just need to be well-prepared.
Final Thoughts
Lapland doesn’t need to be all adrenaline and midnight tours. Traveling to Rovaniemi with children means slowing down, enjoying small everyday moments, and seeing the magic of the Arctic through your child’s eyes.
From meeting Santa to watching polar bears, from gliding through forests on skates to cuddling goats at the petting zoo, from hiking peaceful trails to warming up by fires in forest huts—there is so much to do in Lapland that’s wonderful with small kids.
This 7-day itinerary gives you structure without rigidity. Some days are packed with adventure, others are quiet and slow. That’s exactly how family travel should be.
Let the snow slow you down. Plan less, embrace more. And don’t forget the snacks!
FAQ 7-Day Itinerary for a Family Trip to Lapland
Is Lapland too cold for kids in winter?
Not at all, as long as they’re dressed properly. Temperatures usually stay between 0°C and -15°C. With proper winter gear (thermal layers, insulated outerwear, waterproof boots, gloves, and hats), kids stay warm—especially when they’re moving around. Remember, thousands of local families live here year-round with their kids.
Can I do these activities with a baby or toddler?
Yes, we did them with a 10-month-old! Reindeer rides work perfectly with babies under warm blankets. Kotatieva allows buggies on the ice. Museums are stroller-accessible. For hiking, use baby carriers and sleds. Most activities in this itinerary are suitable for very young children. Husky safaris and kids snowmobiles require kids to be 4+.
Do I need to book activities in advance?
Book guided safaris (reindeer, husky) and animal forest walks in advance, especially during peak season. Santa Claus Office, Kotatieva, museums, Ranua Wildlife Park, and the petting zoo don’t require reservations—just show up.
What’s the best way to get around Rovaniemi with kids?
Renting a car is most convenient for families with gear and flexible timing. Santa Claus Village is accessible by public transport (30-40 min), and city museums are walkable. Some safari operators offer shuttle services.
How much time should I plan for each activity?
Santa: 1–2 hours. Kotatieva: 3–4 hours. Pilke: 2–3 hours. Arktikum: 4-5 hours including lunch. Ranua: full day (4–5 hours plus travel). Safaris: 2–4 hours. Hikes: 2–5 hours, depending on trail.
Is this itinerary suitable for older kids too?
Absolutely! Older kids (6-12+) can skate, drive snowmobiles, lead animals on walks, engage more with museums, and tackle longer hikes. Add a husky safari for extra thrills. The mix of animals, adventures, and hands-on activities appeals to all ages.
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