As the car turns towards Ruka and the rugged fell range unfolds ahead, smiles start to spread across the whole family’s faces. Ruka-Kuusamo is a place where travelling with young children is genuinely easy – everything is close by, there’s plenty to do in any weather, and each day can be shaped to match your family’s own rhythm.
The perfect summer getaway for families in the Land of National Parks
Four unforgettable days in Ruka-Kuusamo
Day 1: The ease of arrival & an evening full of smiles
Arrival in the afternoon – check-in to your accommodation
Most accommodations offer check-in between 2 pm and 4 pm, so there’s no need to rush – a relaxed arrival is part of the holiday. In the Ruka-Kuusamo area, you’ll find a wide range of options for accommodation in Ruka village and Ruka Valley, as well as numerous holiday cottages for those seeking a cosy cabin atmosphere. Ski-Inn apartments are especially family-friendly thanks to their location and services, and some even feature a private outdoor hot tub – a guaranteed hit with the kids. Both Ruka village and Ruka Valley have playgrounds where families with toddlers will feel right at home.
Scenic lift & Ruka Summer Sled Track – the family’s first taste of fun
Once the bags are unpacked, the Village Express scenic lift takes the whole family effortlessly to the top of the fell – and that’s where the fun begins. A ride down the Ruka Summer Sled Track instantly sets the holiday mood. These experiences are also perfect for little thrill-seekers when accompanied by an adult.
What is a Ruka Fun Pass?
Here’s a tip that’s well worth remembering: the Ruka Fun Pass brings together the best experiences of the Land of National Parks and unlocks unlimited fun with a single wristband. With the pass, you can enjoy the Ruka Coaster, the Ruka Summer Sled Track, Ruka Rally hill carts, scenic lifts, and the thrilling zipline. It also includes mini golf, access to Ruka Bike Park, and free frisbee golf discs for two different courses.
The pass also gives you discounts on bike rentals and several other activities in the area. So if it feels like you might want to hop on the scenic lift or ride the family-friendly summer sled track again, it’s worth planning ahead and choosing the day when everyone gets their own wristband!
A relaxed dinner in Ruka village
After a day of travelling, the whole family will appreciate a quick and easy dinner in Ruka village.
Pizza and burgers
Finnish homestyle cooking
To end the day, a gentle walk around the village and an early night set the tone for tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 2: Fun in the fells – nature walks, playtime & splashing in the spa
Morning: Nature’s wonders at a child’s pace
The best-known sights of Oulanka National Park, such as a visit to Kiutaköngäs rapids, offer accessible and short trails where even little explorers can marvel at the rushing waters. Grilling sausages is part of the experience – good food always crowns a successful outing.
Afternoon: Water play at the beach or Kuusamo Tropiikki
For the youngest members of the family, the most suitable swimming spot in Ruka can be found at Lake Talvijärvi. The gently sloping (unofficial) sandy shore in front of Hotel & Restaurant Rukatonttu is perfect for toddlers to splash around and enjoy unhurried water play on a sunny summer day.
Official public beaches maintained by the city of Kuusamo are located in Käylä and in the Kuusamo city centre. The beach in Käylä makes for a refreshing stop on the way towards Oulanka. In the Kuusamo city centre, you’ll find the beaches of Pikku-Helilampi, Petäjälampi, and Tolpanniemi.
The spa services at Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki are an excellent choice for families with toddlers after a day of exploring – whatever the weather.
An alternative plan for a rainy day
If the skies open up first thing in the morning, head to Kuusamo Tropiikki and enjoy the fun of Angry Birds Activity Park before making your way to the spa area.
A relaxed atmosphere over good food
For dinner, head for example to Camp Kitchen in Ruka Valley, where families are a familiar sight and the service is spot on. If you’ve spent the afternoon at Kuusamo Tropiikki spa or the Angry Birds Activity Park, a natural choice for dining is O’Learys.
Day 3: Playgrounds, pump tracks and fell life – at your own pace
Morning: Playgrounds in Ruka village and Ruka Valley & pump track
The playground and pump track in Ruka Valley are a perfect way to start the day. Toddlers can try the pump track and the Family Park downhill track with a balance bike, while older kids can push their skills a bit faster. If needed, Ruka Bike School offers coaching and tips to develop cycling skills.
Afternoon: Plenty of experiences to choose from
By now, the whole Ruka Summer Resort will already feel familiar, so it’s easy for the whole family to decide what activities they’ve enjoyed the most. Ruka and the surrounding area offer plenty to see and do, and more ideas for memorable experiences can be found in the Ruka-Kuusamo summer weekly programme.
Day 4: A day trip to Hossa National Park
Morning: Boat trip on the Julma-Ölkky canyon lake
A boat trip through the dramatic gorge of Lake Julma-Ölkky is an easy and safe way for families with toddlers to experience the unique nature of Hossa. A boat ride along the narrow canyon lake offers plenty to marvel at – towering cliffs and peaceful silence create a memorable setting for even the youngest travellers.
Lunch can be enjoyed as a picnic or at the Hossa Visitor Centre, which serves a tasty buffet lunch.
Afternoon: Exploring Hossa National Park
In general, Hossa National Park is a true gem for families with toddlers. The area features exceptionally well-designed accessible trails, making it easy to get around even with a stroller. Wide paths, even surfaces, accessible toilets, and conveniently located campfire sites make hiking effortless and relaxed. In Hossa’s crystal-clear waters, you can also try your luck fishing – even with a simple rod.
Indulgences of the last day of the holiday
For dinner, you can return to Ruka village, where you may have already found a favourite restaurant for the whole family among the wide selection.
If you’re still in the mood for exploring – and especially if you’d like to enjoy dinner as sausages cooked over an open fire – head to the end of Juhannuskalliontie. From there, an accessible trail leads to a lean-to shelter near Kelorinne, where you can take in the fell scenery – even with a stroller. And if you haven’t yet spotted the reindeer that roam freely around Kuusamo, the slopes of Ruka are a great place to see them grazing.
In the same area, you’ll also find another family favourite: the Juhannuskallio day trail, a short and scenic route. For this one, it’s best to bring a child carrier for toddlers.
Campfire spots can be found all around the fell, marked with a fire or shelter icon on the summer trail map.
Evening: Pack and unwind
The final evening is best reserved for rest – packing, a gentle evening walk, and an early night before continuing your journey home or on to new adventures the next day.
The Land of the National Parks where families thrive
Ruka-Kuusamo is like a modern amusement park – except the fun is found in nature, on the fells, and in experiences designed for the whole family. National parks, scenic lifts, water parks and spas, playgrounds, and relaxed restaurants make for an effortless holiday. In Ruka-Kuusamo, joyful moments are always close by – whether it’s a sunny day full of adventure or a rainy day spent enjoying indoor activities.
Start planning your trip now: choose the accommodation that suits you best
Arriving to Kuusamo
Hiking and walking
Adventures for everybody
