Visiting Lapland had been on my bucket list for years, so when we finally planned our trip to Rovaniemi in March with the kids, it truly felt like a dream coming true. We were all incredibly excited — especially the children — because this is the official hometown of Santa Claus.
When we visited Rovaniemi in March, the first two days after our arrival on March 10 were beautiful with snow and that magical Lapland atmosphere. After that, the weather became warmer, it rained, and some snow melted. In March, Lapland weather can be unpredictable. Nevertheless from the moment we landed, the excitement started building: meeting Santa in person at Santa Claus Village, riding a traditional reindeer sleigh, and experiencing some of the most magical Rovaniemi winter activities for kids.
In this guide, I’ll share our perfect 3-day family itinerary in Rovaniemi, including the best family friendly activities in Rovaniemi that made our trip unforgettable.
Is Rovaniemi Good for Kids?
Rovaniemi is one of the most magical family destinations in Europe, especially in winter. There are countless family friendly activities in Rovaniemi, from meeting Santa to sledding, reindeer rides, and snow adventures.
Many attractions are designed specifically for families, making it easy to travel with children. Some of the most popular places to visit include:
- Santa Claus Village
- Arktikum
- Ranua Wildlife Park
These attractions are not only memorable but also combine fun with learning and nature, making them perfect Rovaniemi winter activities for kids.
How Many Days Do You Need in Rovaniemi?
For most families, 3 days in Rovaniemi is the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights without feeling rushed. We stayed 4 days and it was even better because there is so much to see and do. And when you travel with kids you don’t want to rush.
Is Santa Claus Village Free?
Yes — entering Santa Claus Village is completely free, which makes visiting Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village with kids very accessible. You can walk around the village, cross the Arctic Circle line, explore the shops, and enjoy the festive atmosphere without paying an entrance fee. Even meeting Santa Claus is free!
How to Get From the Airport to the City Centre
Rovaniemi Airport is only about 10–15 minutes from the city centre, which makes traveling with kids very easy.
Options include:
- Airport bus – affordable and timed with flights. We took it and it was good! Santa’s Express – €7 per adult, children pay half price. Regular bus – €3.50 per adult, children pay half price.
- Taxi – fastest option but will cot you around 50€
- Rental car – convenient if you plan to explore more family friendly activities in Rovaniemi
Interestingly, Santa Claus Village is located between the airport and the city, so many families stop there right after landing.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Rovaniemi With Kids?
Winter is the most magical time to visit. Snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and Christmas-themed attractions make it feel like stepping into a fairytale.
The beginning of March is a great month because there are less tourists and days are longer. Nevertheless you will never know if it’s not too warm and if the snow starts melting.
What Should You Pack for Lapland With Kids?
Lapland winters can be very cold, so proper clothing is essential.
Important items include:
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof snow suits
- Warm boots
- Wool socks
- Gloves, hats, and neck warmers
Where to Stay in Rovaniemi
For our family trip, we stayed at Haawe Boutique Apart Hotel, and it was perfect for traveling with kids. Communication with the hotel was very easy and helpful via email, which made planning our stay stress-free. Check-in was self-service, making arriving flexible and convenient, especially when traveling with children. Our apartment “Ruska” was modern and cozy, providing a comfortable space for the whole family. The kids could unwind by watching TV. We also enjoyed playing card games together in the evenings, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere after full days of exploring Lapland.
One of the highlights was the fridge, always filled with breakfast delicacies — from reindeer salami, salmon, eggs, and blueberry juice to many other daily surprises. It got replenished every day, making mornings delicious and stress-free, and perfect for preparing quick meals before heading out for Rovaniemi winter activities for kids or sightseeing. The apartments also feature amazing toiletries from Rituals and Bvlgari, adding a luxurious touch to the stay, and the beds were extremely comfortable, ensuring everyone slept well.
Overall, Haawe Boutique Apart Hotel is an ideal base in Rovaniemi for families — cozy, convenient, and thoughtfully equipped for travelers with children. It’s located in the city centre, close to Santa Claus Village, and other main attractions like Arktikum and Ranua Wildlife Park. So it’s easy to plan a full itinerary of family friendly activities in Rovaniemi.
Day 1: Santa Claus Village
The Arctic Circle Line
Start your adventure at the magical Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village with kids by visiting the Arctic Circle line. The Arctic Circle line marks the official start of the Arctic, where the sun doesn’t rise in winter or set in summer. Crossing this iconic line is a must-do experience in Rovaniemi and makes for great family photos.
Santa’s Reindeer Sleigh Ride
Next, we enjoyed Santa’s reindeer sleigh ride, a classic Lapland experience. The sleigh ride through snowy landscapes made us all very happy! We could interact with reindeers. Be sure to book in advance, especially with kids, to avoid queues and ensure a smooth experience. This is one of the most memorable family friendly activities in Rovaniemi.
Meeting Mrs Claus
Afterwards we went to the big house where the elves greeted us and led us to Mrs Claus. We all felt completely immersed in the magic of Christmas! The children were thrilled to see, her cozy home and ask her questions. Afterwards, there is a possibility to purchase photos with her to remember the visit. There’s also a café, where we enjoyed hot cocoa and sweet treats, making it a cozy and festive break before continuing our adventures. And remember to book online!
Lunch at Kotahovi Restaurant
After our morning adventures, we went to Kotahovi Restaurant for lunch. We tried traditional reindeer meat, delicious blueberry pie, while kids could enjoy the affordable kid’s menu, featuring favorites like chicken nuggets. The warm, cozy atmosphere, complete with a fireplace, makes it a relaxing break during a busy day in Lapland.
Santa’s Pets
In the afternoon, we visited Santa’s Pets, a small zoo where children can feed and play with animals. From alpacas, sheep, and reindeer to donkeys, rabbits, and chickens, there’s plenty to explore. Kids can enjoy slides, playgrounds, and snowy areas, making it one of the top Rovaniemi winter activities for kids.
Walking Around Santa Claus Village
Finish the day with a stroll around the village. Let the kids play in the snow and playgrounds while you take in the magical festive atmosphere. Walking around Santa Claus Village with kids allows you to soak in the scenery, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the winter charm — a perfect way to end a day full of family friendly activities in Rovaniemi.
Hunting the Northern Lights
Hunting for the Northern Lights is something you should definitely plan to do while in Lapland — it’s one of the most magical experiences you can have. We were so excited to try it, but unfortunately, the vision wasn’t good enough that evening because it was cloudy and rainy. On a clear night, finding a quiet spot away from city lights and watching the sky dance with colors is unforgettable and truly worth the effort. There are different price ranges and you can definitely find something that suits your wallet: Check out here!
Day 2: More Magic at Santa Claus Village
Meeting Santa in the Morning
We decided to start our second day at Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village with kids by visiting Santa Claus first thing in the morning. It’s the best time to go, because later in the day the queues can get very long! On the way to him, we walked through the area where the elves make presents and peeked through the door locks to see them at work — the kids were fascinated. Meeting Santa was truly unforgettable; the children were completely speechless. You can purchase digital videos and photos of the meet-and-greet, as well as physical pictures. There’s also a small shop where you can buy little gifts, but the coolest thing is sending a postcard from Santa Claus Village, which will arrive to your loved ones on Christmas!
Husky Meet and Greet
After seeing Santa, we headed to the husky meet and greet, where the kids could feed the dogs and learn more about them. You can also book a husky ride, which would be a thrilling experience, but even just meeting and interacting with the huskies was amazing for the children. It’s one of the most fun family friendly activities in Rovaniemi.
Gingerbread Day Cabins at Piparina
Next, we visited Piparina Day Cabins & Dining, a gingerbread village right in the heart of Santa Claus Village. There are 15 life-sized cabins designed for private daytime use, and next to them is a walk-in restaurant offering a taste of Lapland. We booked the Premium 3-course meal for adults and a 2-course meal for the kids. At Piparina, food is served in tasting-sized portions, letting us combine dishes into a meal we loved. The menu highlights local Lapland ingredients, such as reindeer, arctic fish, wild berries, and Finland’s squeaky cheese.
We could use the cabin for six hours to warm up, which was perfect after a snowy morning. There was also a campfire, where we roasted marshmallows — the kids absolutely loved it!
Snowman World
After Piparina, we headed to Snowman World, a true winter wonderland that kept the kids entertained for hours. There are snow slides of all sizes — some big enough to race down on donuts, and smaller ones perfect for little ones. My 8-year-old had so much fun ice skating there, and we also explored the ice labyrinth, which was tricky but exciting for the whole family.
Inside, the ice café is magical, with stunning ice sculptures all around — it felt like stepping into a frozen fairy tale. The kids could play and explore while we admired the artistry and warmed up with a drink. Snowman World is definitely one of the best Rovaniemi winter activities for kids!
Day 3: Arktikum: Arctic Science Center & Museum and Korundi
Arktikum: Arctic Science Center & Museum
On our third day, we visited the Arctic Science Center & Museum, which was a perfect indoor activity after a few busy days outside. The museum has interactive exhibits about Arctic wildlife, Sami culture, and the Northern Lights, making it fun and educational for us and the kids. They were especially fascinated by the Arctic animals, and it felt like a mini adventure without even stepping into the snow.
Tip: You can get Duo Pass for both museums.
Visiting the Korundi Museum
I visited the Korundi Museum of Art, which was a highlight for me personally. The museum is more suited for adults and older kids, rather than small children, but I completely fell in love with the exhibition of Eemil Karila — his art is stunning and full of emotion. Walking through the modern art galleries and cultural displays was inspiring, and it offered a completely different side of Rovaniemi beyond the snowy adventures.
Lunch or Dinner at Hesburger
After the museums, we went to Hesburger for lunch. It has an indoor playground, which was perfect for the kids to burn off energy while we relaxed. The combination of a quick meal and playtime made it an easy and stress-free stop for families exploring Rovaniemi.
Ranua Wildlife Park
As an alternative, especially if you prefer to spend more time outside, you can take a tour to Ranua Wildlife Park. It’s a great way to explore Lapland with kids, see Arctic animals up close, and enjoy the snowy outdoors.
