No matter what the weather is like, we always have plenty of fun activities for the entire family. In addition to Ruka Slopes and Ruka village, the majority of the winter experiences available in the region are suitable for families with children.
Winter fun for families
Activities for kids in any weather!
Children’s slopes, sled slopes and wintry playgrounds
All the huts, campfire sites and sled slopes, with the exception of the Family Park services, are free of charge for all visitors.
Ski areas for kids
Ruka Ski Resort has been planned with the success of family holidays in mind. Located in Ruka East, the children’s slope and beginners’ area have magic carpet lifts, huts with toilets and relaxing areas and campfire sites.
Sled slopes and campfire sites
Sled slopes and campfire sites can be found in the vicinity of Mastorinne and Välirinne slopes in Ruka East and at the edge of Ruka village by the Kaltiolampi pond. These services are available for all guests for free. In addition, Rosa & Rudolf Family Park provides Snow Tubing and a nice hut for snacks (special fee).
Ruka Slope Map works as your guide
Village-2-Valley scenic gondola’s intermediate station in Saarua has a hut where you can enjoy your snacks. You don’t need skis to get up to the station as you can simply enjoy the ride on board the scenic gondola!
All of these services are marked on the Ruka Slope Map with symbols.
Playgrounds and ice skating rinks
Playgrounds and slides open in the winter can be found in Ruka village, Ruka school and in the Teletubbyland in Kuusamo centre. Kuusamo also has several ice skating rinks, marked on our page Sports centres.
Rosa & Rudolf Family Park
Finland’s largest and most fun-filled skiing area includes five magic carpet lifts and many other snow activities, such as snow tubing, a ski carousel and a winter playground with a zipline, a bird’s nest swing, a playground and a hut with toilets, a relaxing area and a campfire site that serves as the area’s landmark.
Activities with kids in the snow
Equipment matching the weather, trails selected according to the age and strength of participants and great snacks make for successful adventures.
Winter hiking trails for families
The Könkään keino Day Trip Trail (1 km) leading to Kiutaköngäs waterfall, the snow shoe and fatbike trail (6 km) leading to Lammintupa and the Konttaisen kuhaus Trail (1.5 km) running up on Konttainen are all suitable for the entire family. These trails are partially paved or so frequently used that you won’t need snowshoes, except after very heavy snowfall.
Sausages can be grilled on almost all trails of Oulanka, Riisitunturi, Hossa, and Salla national parks, as there are plenty of fireplaces available. Be prepared to chop firewood from the woodshed's offerings (tools can be found on site). Note that there is no fireplace at Konttainen's viewing spot.
Additionally, the rest stops on the Ruka slopes offer the possibility for grilling sausages. We recommend bringing your own foldable sausage sticks especially for the national park trails, as the condition and quantity of available sausage sticks may vary.
Cross country ski excursions
Hot tip: A stop with hot chocolate and a doughnut provides energy to go even further.
Fun encounters
Huskies, reindeer and horses are so adorable you simply have to pet them – and maybe hop on for a fun sleigh ride.
The thrill of speed
If you dream of snowmobiling, we have snowmobile sleigh rides and children’s snowmobiles.
